An Actor Survives
This podcast digs deep into Australia's most creative minds, to uncover the tools you need to survive being an actor.
S4 E15 · Mon, December 23, 2024
Justine Clarke
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S4 E14 · Wed, December 18, 2024
Genevieve Hegney
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S4 E13 · Tue, November 26, 2024
Daniel Monks
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S4 E12 · Mon, November 11, 2024
Huw Higginson and Hannah Waterman
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S4 E11 · Mon, November 04, 2024
Drew Livingston
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S4 E10 · Mon, October 28, 2024
Sheanna Parker Russon
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S4 E9 · Mon, October 21, 2024
Sarah Furnari
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S4 E8 · Mon, October 07, 2024
Brandon McClelland
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S4 E7 · Mon, September 30, 2024
Darren Gilshenan
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S4 E6 · Mon, September 23, 2024
Lauren Jimmieson Craig & Anthony Craig
Send us a text Lauren Jimmieson Craig & Anthony Craig are two multi-talented Australian performers. Having first met when they studied together at the Queensland Conservatorium, both Lauren and Anthony have led successful careers both together and separately. Lauren has appeared on stage in the international tour of ‘Paw Patrol’, serving as both a performer and the Associate Choreographer - she was also recently seen onstage in the stage productions of 'Cinderella' and 'Elvis'. Anthony was recently seen on stage in mainstage productions of ‘Once’ and 'Elvis.' They have also created the children's performance group ‘Story Surprise’ which aims to provide an ongoing series of interactive, educational and stimulating videos and podcasts for children. In this conversation, this dynamic duo discussed the realities of being married to a fellow performer, the rewards and challenges of being children’s entertainers, and the importance of finding strategies to avoid burnout when creating your own work. Support the show
S4 E5 · Mon, September 16, 2024
Guy Edmonds
Send us a text Guy Edmonds is an Australian artist who is proof that life in the creative industry can take many different paths. As well as being a talented actor with over 50 credits on stage and screen, he is also an Emmy Award winning writer and director who has had two TV series commissioned by the ABC. In this chat Guy discusses the rollercoaster of triumphs and struggles that he has faced throughout his career. In doing so, he speaks about the importance of building life experience as an artist, making peace with the uncertainty within the creative life, and the process of creating your own work - from small-scale indie productions to TV series commissioned by Network TV channels. Support the show
S4 E4 · Mon, September 09, 2024
Wendi Lanham
Send us a text Wendi Lanham is an Australian creative with many talents. Starting young in her professional creative career as an actor and model, she later added presenting and producing to her professional skill set. A true advocate for helping others thrive in the creative industry, she now spends her time mixing her acting talent with business acumen as both a freelance performing artist and the General Manager at Creative Plus Business. In this chat, Wendi speaks about finding ways to control your career as an artist, the benefits of setting internal goals, and the importance of building multiple income streams. Support the show
S4 E3 · Mon, September 02, 2024
Carissa Lee
Send us a text Carissa Lee is a talented and multi-faceted Noongar actor based in Naarm, Melbourne. Since graduating from Flinders Drama Centre, she has made her mark across film, television and theatre. Most recently, she appeared as Principal Cruz in ABC’s ‘Planet Lulin’, and has also performed with Melbourne Theatre Company, the Malthouse Theatre, and State Theatre Company of South Australia. More than just an actor, however, she also completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne in which she focused on cultural safety and how to establish safe working environments between Mob and non-Indigenous arts practitioners in the performing arts. In this inspiring chat, Carissa spoke about the importance of genuine and meaningful cross-cultural collaboration in the arts, the journey of finding yourself as an artist after leaving drama school, the struggle of battling against imposter syndrome and the importance of community. Support the show
S4 E2 · Mon, August 26, 2024
Charles Wu
Send us a text Charles Wu is an Australian actor, writer and musician who has been building a strong career for himself across both the stage and screen. Perhaps best known for his role on screen as Ken Liu in ‘Doctor Doctor’ Charles has also regularly treaded the boards with some of Australia’s most respected theatre companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Belvoir St. Theatre, and most recently the State Theatre Company of South Australia. In this chat, he talks about the many contradictions in the life of an artist. He also shares the lessons he has learned throughout his journey, including the importance of being comfortable in your own skin, the need to find joy within your work and the benefits of surrounding yourself with a supportive community. If you want to check Charles’ band ‘Earthquake Magnificent’ which was mentioned in the episode, you can find them on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/49iwn18kZ7DFCxAVJBsLjo?si=73f5YKv1RoGSeUZw8gf9jA Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/au/artist/earthquake-magnificent/1437397505 Bandcamp - https://earthquakemagnificent.bandcamp.com/album/dull-hill Support the show
S4 E1 · Mon, August 19, 2024
Alexandra Jensen
Send us a text Alexandra Jensen is an AACTA-nominated Australian actress who you may recognise from her television roles in ‘Talk To Me’, ‘Frayed’, ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘The Messenger’. In this chat, soon after her debut performance in a play in London play, she talks about learning on the job, navigating the highs and lows of acting, battling imposter syndrome, and the importance of asking questions when building a creative career. Support the show
S3 E6 · Tue, November 21, 2023
Rose Marel
Send us a text Introducing Rose Marel - an Aussie actor living and working in Canada! If you have ever wanted to give that move a go - listen to how Rose did (and is doing!) it. When in Sydney she produced a film company called Chimera Storm Productions, and starred in a play called 'Tick Tick Boom' with subtlenuance (and me!) and since moving to Canada she's done numerous jobs for screen, and recently featured in the play 'Time Stands Still' at the Nest Theatre Granville Island. If you want to check out her shout outs, they were: https://substack.com/@dariadae?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email and Throw in The Pal https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/throw-in-the-pal/id1662801586 Ps, The story I've told previously of me skipping an entire scene onstage when I forgot my lines... happened in the show with Rose, back in 2018! Support the show
S3 E5 · Mon, November 13, 2023
Jay James-Moody
Send us a text Jay James-Moody is an award-winning actor, director, writer and producer. Jay is the creator and Artistic Director of acclaimed boutique company Squabbalogic Independent Music Theatre - one of Australia’s premier producers of intimate musical theatre. In this chat he talks about how squabbalogic came about, and shares many thoughts and experiences from his ongoing, amazing career as an actor and a director. Support the show
S3 E4 · Mon, November 06, 2023
Darius Williams
Send us a text You’ve seen him in plays in Sydney and Melbourne, or maybe on you Tv in Home and Away, Transfusion, Deadloch, The Secret Kingdom or many others!? Now you’ve heard him on An Actor Survives! A star of stage and screen - and a genuinely lovely person- chatting with Darius was heaps of fun and really inspiring. Episode out now! Support the show
S3 E3 · Mon, October 30, 2023
Taia Favale
Send us a text It’s exciting to hear about the experiences from actors at all stages of their careers- and this episode absolutely rings true to that! Taia graduated from Actors Centre Australia in 2022, so is in her very first year out in the industry. In this episode she chats to Emily about her first experiences with a professional job, life at drama school during a pandemic and her thoughts about life as an actor - as well as her hopes and dreams for the future. Listen now! Support the show
S3 E2 · Mon, October 23, 2023
Julia Billington
Send us a text Season 3 episode 2 featuring Julia Billington. We chat about acting of course, but also religion, experience as a student and they share their love of yoga, of community, their dog (who you might hear chatting with my cat in the background!) and all the ways they are contributing to the world as a wonderful creative artist. I was also (as I often am) very much fan girling - Julia is an incredible actor- whom you may have seen in recent Bell Shakespeare productions. SO thrilled to have them on the pod! This episode is sponsored by Actors Centre Australia. Support the show
S3 E1 · Mon, October 16, 2023
Patrick Brammall
Send us a text Season 3 is finally here!! And what an absolute thrill to start it off with incredible Aussie actor- Patrick Brammall. You’ve likely seen him on your screen - offspring anyone? Colin from Accounts? (Of which he also wrote with his wife Harriet Dyer!) And, now you get to hear him chat with Emily about what life as an actor is like for him- and hear his top tips for surviving a career in the arts. This episode is sponsored by Actors Centre Australia. Each episode of season three has BONUS CONTENT available, head to buymeacoffee.com/anactorsurvives to find out how to access Patrick’s bonus content. Support the show
S2 E20 · Mon, February 27, 2023
Lauren Grimson
Send us a text What an exciting end to season two of An Actor Survives - an episode featuring Lauren Grimson. If you are a horror fan, you might know her from: The Osiris Child (2016), The Legend of Ben Hall (2017), Water Horse (2020), and The Possessed (2021). Emily hasn't watched much horror... and was beyond thrilled to chat to someone with so much knowledge acting in the genre. Lauren shares lots about her experience, and offers useful advice for all actors. Support the show
S2 E19 · Mon, February 13, 2023
Anthony Brandon Wong
Send us a text Actor, acting coach, pop singer, and all-round lovely person - Anthony Brandon Wong is this week's guest. Anthony shares stories, advice and experiences from his career and he and Emily discuss all sorts of things from music, to acting styles to cats! This was a hard episode to edit... there was so much good stuff, I am sure you will agree it was worth it to keep it a bit longer! Support the show
S2 E18 · Mon, January 30, 2023
Nikita Waldron
Send us a text This week on An Actor Survives, Emily chats to the incredible Nikita Waldron - having seen her onstage at Sydney Theatre Company the night before! If you are Sydney based, it's likely you have seen her on our stages, or know her from her recent Rebel Wilson Scholarship at ATYP. Support the show
S2 E17 · Mon, January 23, 2023
Jade Fuda
Send us a text Jade Fuda and Emily worked together last year with Sport For Jove Theatre Company - having both dreamed of one day working for them. Jade's continued working with them throughout 2022 (and already 2023!) She's been seen on our stages by young and old - also regularly working with children's theatre company CDP. She shares her experiences on this episode- and is open and honest about dealing with nerves, as well as the transition into life as a (regularly) working actor. Support the show
S2 E16 · Mon, January 16, 2023
Linda Nicholls-Gidley
Send us a text Linda is a freelance voice, accents and dialect coach, an actor and a writer based in Sydney, Australia. Many in the theatre industry in Australia are likely to have worked with her in some capacity: as their teacher at drama school, as an accent coach on a play, a fellow actor, or indeed have discovered her through 'Accent Olympics' - a brilliant online accent coaching class she ran to help actors keep training in lockdown. Her story of working in the arts industry in Australia is fascinating - filled with much knowledge and experience of it from many different angles. Support the show
S2 E15 · Mon, January 09, 2023
John Bell
Send us a text It's been one year since the podcast started! To celebrate, this episode features Australia's National Living Treasure, John Bell. Known best for running Bell Shakespeare Company for 25 years and for his incredible contribution to theatre in Australia. Emily recently had the opportunity to work with him at Ensemble Theatre, and they sat down to talk about John's life and work and how best to 'survive' as an actor. Support the show
S2 E14 · Mon, November 14, 2022
Deborah An
Send us a text Deborah An actually HAS been on Home and Away - so she can say that to uber drivers! She's also a regular on our stages and screens and has very refreshing insights about these experiences. We also discuss being an introvert in foyers, not always knowing famous actors names and of course, dogs! Support the show
S2 E13 · Tue, November 01, 2022
Hannah Raven
Send us a text Hannah Raven: Actor. Burlesque Artist. Edgar Allan Poe Aficionado. Hannah shares with us her experiences about all of the above in this episode - and how she navigates creating work and combining all her skills in her many varying roles. Currently seen in The Great Gatsby in Brisbane - don't miss her incredible performance! Support the show
S2 E12 · Tue, October 25, 2022
Sandy Greenwood
Send us a text Multi award winning First Nations artist, Sandy Greenwood has worked professionally across stage and screen as an actor, voice artist, cultural consultant and writer for over 20 years. In this episode she shares her journey creating her one-woman show, Matriarch, how her life experiences influence her artistry, and how much she continues to learn and grow as her career flourishes. Support the show
S2 E11 · Mon, October 17, 2022
Andrew Hearle
Send us a text Andrew Hearle is an actor and acting coach. He is the founder of StageMilk.com, one of the world's largest acting resources, and has trained thousands of actors over the last 10 years. He graduated WAAPA in 2012, and has worked professionally across film, TV and Theatre. As you can imagine, with all of the above, he has a lot of interesting thoughts and experiences about ‘surviving’ as an actor! Support the show
S2 E10 · Mon, October 10, 2022
Monica Sayers
Send us a text Monica Sayers is an Actor, Yoga Teacher and DJ - who has worked extensively in different performance mediums over the past 15 years in Australia, the UK and Ireland. In this episode she shares about many of these experiences. Support the show
S2 E9 · Mon, October 03, 2022
Emma Wright
Send us a text If you are in the industry in Sydney, you have probably come across Emma Wright in some capacity. She wears multiple hats - actor, writer, producer - and co-founder of Eye Contact Theatre Company. She manages to be outstanding at all of the above, (aswell as be a very good human) and in this episode she offers her insights into how to juggle all that, and her experiences managing said juggle. Support the show
S2 E8 · Mon, September 19, 2022
Christopher Tomkinson
Send us a text Christopher Tomkinson (AKA: CT!) has worked as an actor, director, producer and writer in theatre, radio, TV & film. This chat originally went for over 2hrs and was hard to cut - CT has many a story to share about his experiences - and this ep even has a BONUS five survival tips. You can find the Dylan Alcott speech referenced here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-26/dylan-alcott-australian-of-the-year-speech-in-full/100783308 Support the show
S2 E7 · Mon, September 12, 2022
Maddison Burridge
Send us a text Maddison Burridge is a Meanjin/Brisbane actor, who is currently understudying the main role in shake&stir’s national touring production of Jane Eyre. She’s also one of Emily’s best friends - they met when touring Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand with Poetry In Action in 2017. In this chat, they discuss navigating a career as a freelance actor, what it’s like working as an understudy, importance of support networks and the transition of craft from university to employment. Support the show
S2 E6 · Mon, September 05, 2022
Shan-Ree Tan
Send us a text If you live in Sydney, you would definitely have seen Shan-Ree onstage. He has hopped from stage to stage for the last few years - performing in many different roles, and winning a Sydney Theatre Award in the process! Emily and Shan worked together in Sport For Jove's 'As You Like it' over summer, and in this episode they discuss that experience, juggling multiple careers and a great audition mindset. Support the show
S2 E5 · Mon, August 29, 2022
Sarah Bartolo
Send us a text Sarah Bartolo is an actor, writer and singer based in Naarm/Melbourne. She is also... an instagram 'influencer.' Well, Emily was 'influenced' by her - Sarah posts hilarious characters and satirical sketches on her page, which Emily discovered during the pandemic lockdowns. In this ep that chat about Sarah's experience as an actor in New York (in comparison to Australia), creating the instagram characters and the ways to survive the times when the work is few and far between. The book referenced is called: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Support the show
S2 E4 · Mon, August 22, 2022
Catherine Văn-Davies
Send us a text In this episode, Emily and Catherine discuss a lot of BIG topics in the industry (and indeed society!) Catherine shares a lot of insight and wisdom about how she got to where she is now - a regular on our stages, our TVs (currently on The Twelve and Barons) as well as the Co-Artistic Director of Redline at the Old Fitz theatre in Sydney. Support the show
S2 E3 · Mon, August 15, 2022
Simon Ward
Send us a text Simon Ward is an Actor, Singer, Psychologist, Director, Teacher and.. a guest on this episode! Emily and Simon discuss the importance of emotions - especially when coupled with stressful situations ( ie auditions) aswell as the many ups and downs of the industry. Lots of laughs and lots of practical tips in this ep - check it out! Support the show
S2 E2 · Mon, August 08, 2022
Billy McPherson
Send us a text Billy's first Belvoir Theatre show was 1993... and he just performed in one in 2021. He's an incredible indigenous actor, writer and voice over artist, who tells many a story and offers some of the best advice I've ever had in this ep. It's a must-listen, right to the end! Support the show
S2 E1 · Mon, August 01, 2022
Emily Joy
Send us a text An Actor Survives season two is here!! This episode features actor and acting coach: Emily Joy. In this chat, the two Emilys discuss what it's like to be a 'jobbing' actor - in theatre AND film, and how to manage (and reframe) the challenges that that can present. Emily Joy has extensive experience working with actors and has a lot of insights from her own career and that of constantly meeting at talking with other actors. Support the show
S1 E20 · Mon, May 23, 2022
Alec Steedman
Send us a text Alec is an actor, singer, composer, violinist, musical director extraordinaire. They have worked extensively for theatres around Australia. Emily was lucky enough to play some of Alec's music on flute earlier this year, and tread the boards alongside them in Sport for Jove's As You Like it. In this episode they discuss having a multi-faceted career, the problems of social media, creativity, and much, much more. Support the show
S1 E19 · Mon, May 16, 2022
Sean O'Shea
Send us a text Sean O'Shea has been treading the boards for over 30 years - and at least 20 of those were with the Bell Shakespeare company. Emily grew up going to Bell shows with her Gran, and getting to meet and chat with Sean for this episode was particularly special. They chat about theatre, teaching acting and the ups and downs of the industry. Support the show
S1 E18 · Mon, May 09, 2022
Abbie-Lee Lewis
Send us a text Abbie-lee Lewis is a Kalkadoon woman from WA, who has a flourishing career in acting and directing. In this chat she reflects on her artistry, identity and how the word 'poop' remains hilarious. Explicit content: Swearing Support the show
S1 E17 · Mon, May 02, 2022
Blazey Best
Send us a text Blazey is one of Sydney’s best known actors with over ten years experience in theatre, film and television. In this chat, she shares openly and honestly about how she has survived as an actor in Australia. Disclaimer: One of the mics stopped working, so please excuse slightly dodgy sound quality! Thanks Adam Buncher (our editor) for making it even sound this good! CW: Discussion about drug addiction, swearing Support the show
S1 E16 · Mon, April 25, 2022
Mansoor Noor
Send us a text Emily and Mansoor went to drama school together. They have many similarities in their worth ethic and drive to be actors in the industry. This chat reflects that - and contains some invaluable advice from Mansoor from his years of experience. Support the show
S1 E15 · Mon, April 18, 2022
Gabrielle Scawthorn
Send us a text Gabrielle and Emily had this chat on zoom just before lockdown 2021 as Gab was working with Bell Shakespeare on a Midsummer Night's Dream. She talks about what it's like to work with this company, what it's like to make your way as an actor in the UK and the scary moments on stage too! Her 5 survival tips are VERY useful. Support the show
S1 E14 · Mon, April 11, 2022
Shauntelle Benjamin
Send us a text From surviving a touring musical show, to the ups and downs of being in lockdown - Shauntelle has lots of insight - particularly about being as creative as possible! This episode is also an example of how networking works!! Support the show
S1 E13 · Mon, April 04, 2022
Wendy Strehlow
Send us a text Wendy Stehlow is an Australian actor well known for her many years on the Aussie soap 'A Country Practice' - and her many appearances on Australian stages. In this episode she discusses her love of Judi Dench, Shakespeare.. and whales! Support the show
S1 E12 · Mon, March 28, 2022
Kenneth Moraleda
Send us a text Kenneth Moraleda is an actor/writer/director/creative producer of Filipino descent. He trained at NIDA graduating in 1995. Kenneth is a part of the STC/CAAP Directing Initiative and was recently Assistant Director to Kip Williams on Playing Beatie Bow by Kate Mulvany (Sydney Theatre Company). In this chat he shares many valuable insights to working as a creative for so long in the industry in Australia. Support the show
S1 E11 · Mon, March 21, 2022
Jessie Lancaster
Send us a text Jessie shares her insights into life as an actor in Australia. In fact, this episode was recorded while she was touring the country with Poetry in Action - her first full time professional acting job- that she maintained even in the midst of the pandemic. Support the show
S1 E10 · Mon, March 14, 2022
Doug Hansell
Send us a text Doug has recently had a starring role in Come From Away, Sydney. In this episode, he talks about managing a career in both Sydney and London, working with his mentor, a quote that continues to inspire him and his struggles with (and triumphs over) his mental health. Support the show
S1 E9 · Mon, March 07, 2022
Deanna Cooney
Send us a text Deanna Cooney is a 20+ year veteran of the acting and voice over world and an educator living in Perth, WA. Emily met her during lockdown by taking part in her online VO bootcamp. Deanna is an exciting and inspirational person - and this shines through in this discussion. Lots of wisdom on how to survive as an actor and a voice over actor. Support the show
Mon, February 28, 2022
Jay Laga'aia
Send us a text Jay has been in multiple mainstage productions, tv shows and films - of all different genres. From play school to Star Wars. All that, plus 8 children, he has a lot of advice on how to 'survive' as an actor. Support the show
S1 E7 · Mon, February 21, 2022
Fiona Press
Send us a text Fiona Press and Emily discuss the nitty-gritty of navigating the acting industry as a woman with an expressive face (!), the importance of being part of the union and the challenges of 'surviving' when there are not many auditions. Enjoy this in-depth chat with this incredible award-winning actor. Support the show
S1 E6 · Mon, February 14, 2022
Shy Magsalin
Send us a text Shy is the creative director of Ninefold - a theatre company based in Sydney and specialising in Suzuki practice. We had this chat during the lockdown in Sydney in 2021 which was a great time to reflect on the wonders and the struggles of being an artist - particularly at this time and place in the world. Support the show
S1 E5 · Mon, February 07, 2022
James Peter Fraser
Send us a text James made his acting debut in 2007 opposite Daniel Radcliffe in 'December Boys' and recently was seen on our stages with Sydney Theatre Company. In this episode he talks about his process, his LA experience, his non-acting work - and offers some great tips on how to 'survive' as an actor. Support the show
S1 E4 · Mon, January 31, 2022
Mandela Mathia
Send us a text If you are Sydney-based you have likely seen Mandela grace our stages - with recent appearances with Sport for Jove and Belvoir. An exceptional actor and storyteller, offering great insight about how he survives as an actor in this latest episode. Support the show
S1 E3 · Mon, January 24, 2022
Annie Maynard
Send us a text In this episode, Annie Maynard and Emily we talk all things 'actor life' - family, therapy, multiple other jobs, juggling agents and other people's opinions about actors and the industry. Support the show
S1 E2 · Sun, January 16, 2022
Damien Ryan
Send us a text Damien Ryan is the artistic director of Sport for Jove , a Sydney based theatre company with a focus on Shakespeare and classical text. In this episode he shares his insights and experiences about surviving the arts industry as a director, actor, writer and all round creative. Support the show
S1 E1 · Wed, January 05, 2022
Kate Mulvany
Send us a text Kate Mulvany schools us on how to pronounce her name correctly, chats about working with Al Pacino, and discusses the time she dressed as a giant bilby. Support the show
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