Thinking about moving back to NYC to pursue your career in theatre? Now that the pandemic has subsided, here's what you need to know. Also discussed on this weeks podcast is side jobs for actors (remote and hybrid), balancing your part time and full time gigs with acting, working towards financial stability outside of the arts, EPA's and ECCs, and …

The spookiest week of the year... and it's not Halloween (even though TJMAXX put out all their Halloween decorations already... can't we have one more month of summer?!) Going into a tech week of her own, host and actor Maggie Bera breaks down exactly what to expect walking into tech week for a musical. Buy the Fontus lozenges here. Have a topic su…

If you're not performing professionally on Broadway, on tour, or on a cruise ship, where might one find work? Regional theatre! In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera breaks down booking regional theatre jobs, packing and travel tips, Non-Equity vs Equity contracts, Equity Chorus contracts vs Equity Principal contracts, out-of-town actors vs…

From working your side job in the holding room, to playing the waiting game, to Equity audition rules (and unspoken rules), to running around NYC signing up before the audition closes, this episode literally has it all. 40 minutes of JAM-PACKED info you'll want to hear before your next audition. Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed …

You're scrolling through YouTube and you see yet another Broadway star performing a song at a fancy cabaret... chances are, they're singing at 54 Below!!! But did you know you don't necessarily need to be an established performer with an insane resume to perform there? Tune in to learn how you can get involved in your next show. Have a topic sugges…

When exactly should I join Equity? How will I know when the time is right for me? Is it worth it? Answering the NUMBER ONE question we get here to better help you understand how the union works... and what makes the most sense for YOU! Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected]. Visit actoraesth…

Have an audition coming up? Hadestown? Mean Girls? Six? Guess what... chances are you WON'T be singing a musical theatre song. These days, professional musicals are very heavily calling pop songs for their initial auditions. Why? Many of them are BASED in pop music! Hence... casting directors are now asking you to bring in a song off the radio. Hav…

Getting to do something you love every day? YES. Getting PAID to do something you love every day? HECK YES. Going months not knowing when your next acting job will be? Needing to work another job to sustain yourself in the meantime? Facing daily rejection? The what-ifs? Only defining your self-worth by how "successful" you think you are in the indu…

Ask your friends who moved to NYC which neighborhood they live in. Harlem? Hamilton Heights? Washington Heights? Or do they live out in Queens? Brooklyn? Maybe they live across the water in New Jersey... Hoboken? Weehawken? Jersey City? As a 2 year Hoboken resident, host Maggie Bera gives you her tips for moving to Manhattan, and why you may just w…

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER! In this episode, host Maggie Bera has the absolute honor of chatting with actress Spencer Martinez. You may know her from her platform, LimeLight - a community that has revisioned the industry by taking care of the masses. Spencer Martinez, a South Jersey native with a love for Musical Theatre, earned her BA at FDU, becomi…

HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL, MAGGIE? In this episode, host Maggie Bera recaps what could possibly be (or at least feels like) the longest week of her life. Lol. And if you're an actor in the city right now, you're probably going thru something very similar. Running back and forth between auditions, working a 9 to 5 in marketing and social media, learning …

Bella Coppola is California raised, Texas educated, and New York based. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University. She recently finished up playing Jane Seymour in Six on Broadway! She is currently in the pre-broadway workshop for SMASH. Coppola’s music is out on all main music platforms. Check out her popular singles “Forbi…

Whether this ain't your first audition season rodeo or you’re simply brand new to the city, this episode is packed with a few nuggets of wisdom for ya. Host Maggie Bera dishes her best advice for surviving NYC Audition Season, Equity Principal Auditions and Equity Chorus Calls, and how to work SMARTER and not HARDER as a non-union actor. It takes a…

Feeling absolutely BONKERS this "audition season?" (hate the term but you know what it is) You're not alone. This week we're talking EPAs and ECCs in NYC (all the acronyms, baby), asking for help, reaching out to your sphere, updating your reels and website, and more. Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@act…

Celebrating the hardest working people in the biz, chatting about college auditions and how to find peace within the process (trust me you CAN!!!!) and passing the time by learning new skills... (if my little hands can play piano, you can do anything!) Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].…

HAPPY 200 EPISODES!!!!!! Join host Maggie Bera as we talk about what you need to know about going viral online (the good AND bad) how to respond when someone asks you "what's next for you?!?!!?" and how we're going after what we want in 2024. LETS GET IT. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actorae…

Grab your favorite journal and get comfy because we're going BIG this year. What will 2024 look like for you? Whether you want to book your very first musical or make your Broadway debut, tune in and join host Maggie Bera as we set our goals for the new year. To learn more about Helen on 86th Street the musical, go to http://www.helenon86th.com/. V…

Being intentional with auditions. Investing in my physical health. Making financial literacy COOL. Host Maggie Bera is sharing alllllllll the things that helped her build a strong foundation to inch closer to her goals this year. It takes a village :') Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesth…

As an actor, your life is a whirlwind of auditions, rehearsals, performances, and possibly even a day job to pay the bills. During the pandemic, host Maggie Bera began working a full time job in addition to auditioning and performing to keep up with the lifestyle she wants to live. Managing your time effectively is crucial to make the most of your …

Ever been there? It's the morning of the big cast list reveal, and you're practically sprinting to see if your name made the cut. Auditioning for your school musical, whether you’re in high school or college, is not for the weak. But with a strong work ethic, a positive mindset and mentors that can guide you, you’ll get through the process just fin…

Join Actor Aesthetic host Maggie Bera as she travels back in time with her handy-dandy Audition Journal from the year 2017. From the anxiety of initial auditions to the excitement of callbacks and finally booking her dream contract that gave her an Equity card, Maggie shares the raw, unfiltered experiences and invaluable insights gained during this…

SPOOKY SEASON CALLS FOR AUDITION HORROR STORIES!!! In this episode host Maggie Bera chats about auditions that didn't go quite as planned... and how we can eventually learn and overcome them! Have an audition horror story you'd like to share? Email [email protected] or DM @actoraesthetic on Instagram. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.…

Equity Principal Auditions in NYC are whatever you make of them. In this episode, host Maggie Bera chats about the unspoken rules of this type of audition, how to prepare for the day (whether you're a member of Equity or not), and valuable insights for making a lasting impression in the audition room. Plus, learn how to overcome post-audition doubt…

Guess who's baaaaaaaaack. Trevor James is a bi-coastal actor currently living in Los Angeles. Theatre credits include: Tony in the international production of West Side Story in Tokyo, Japan, Jack in Into the Woods at The Guthrie, Sunday in the Park with George at Pasadena Playhouse, Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys at Theatre Aspen, the pre-Broadway W…

Wondering how exactly to find an agent in NYC? In this episode, actor and host Maggie Bera dishes the story of how she first met her now agents, 3 different ways you can get in front of representation in NYC, senior showcases, the importance of trust in an actor-agent relationship, and the unspoken rules of engaging with potential agents. Visit act…

Join actor and host Maggie Bera for a deep dive into the changing social media terrain for actors. Learn practical strategies to harness authenticity, engage with the latest online trends, and elevate your digital profile. Stay informed, stay relevant. Perfect for actors serious about enhancing their online presence. Read more about the stage union…

Breaking down the 3 ways to join Actors Equity Association: Open Access, Equity Contract, and the 4 A's. Read more about the stage union at actorsequity.org. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/ Email: [email protected]…

Did someone say TWODOSHAY???!?!?!?! In this episode of the Actor Aesthetic podcast, we dive into the art of conquering the challenging world of two-show days. Join host and actress Maggie Bera as she dishes her strategies to help actors not only survive but thrive. Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to the stage, you'll hear valuable tips o…

By Maggie Bera

It's OFFICIALLY 5 o clock somewhere! Maggie's making her Engeman Theater debut as Tammy in Jimmy Buffet’s Escape To Margaritaville.... and we opened this week! Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of professional theatre and discover the challenges and triumphs that come with a quick rehearsal process for an Equity regional theatre production. Th…

Fins up!!! Maggie's making her Engeman Theater debut as Tammy in Jimmy Buffet’s Escape To Margaritaville.... and rehearsals started this week. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the theatrical journey and discover the challenges and triumphs that come with a quick rehearsal process for an Equity regional theatre production. This episode is a…

Theatre is all about storytelling. We step onto the stage, under the lights, and we tell a story. But there's another story, one that isn't told enough - the story of the life of the performer off-stage. The hard truth about being an actor in NYC. Actor Aesthetic unplugged ;) Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor A…

Whether you're a non-equity actor going to your first Equity audition, or a young actor curious about the biz, this episode is for you. Join host Maggie Bera and special guest Jessica Junqua as we unravel what really goes on behind the scenes at Broadway auditions in NYC... especially for non-equity actors. Jessica Junqua (she/her/hers) is a theatr…

Did you know there is more than one place to find work as a musical theatre actor in the United States? In fact... there are many! Special guest Ashley Vankirk shares her insights into the theatre community of Orlando, where she now calls home! Originally from California, Ashley got her BFA in Musical Theatre from AMDA in 2018 then moved to Orlando…

Are you considering pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in musical theatre? A BA in theatre? Or any college degree in the arts? Host and NYC-based actress Maggie Bera shares 10 things she wishes she knew before getting her BFA in musical theatre. From the importance of networking to the challenges of navigating contracts and negotiations, Maggie…

In the era of COVID-19, self-tape auditions have become more common than ever. But even beyond the pandemic, more and more casting directors are turning to self-tapes as a way to streamline the audition process. That's why it's more important than ever to master the art of self-taping. In this episode, host Maggie Bera shares all the tips and techn…

What's the number one thing you might be missing from your auditions? Spontaneity. In this episode of the Actor Aesthetic podcast, host Maggie Bera shares tips and advice on how to find spontaneity in your auditions. Being spontaneous in auditions can help you stand out in a crowded field of actors and showcase your unique talents. Maggie discusses…

Auditioning for a musical theatre production can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, actors can enter the audition room feeling confident and ready to shine. In this episode, we explore the essential steps to prepare for a musical theatre audition, from doing research on the show and character to selecting the right audition material…

Broadway goes... pop? In this episode, we explore how pop music has transformed the world of musical theatre, from the 1960s to today. Host Maggie Bera discusses the shows that first began to incorporate pop music into their scores, and how this new sound created a fresh and exciting experience for audiences. We also dive into the shows that have c…

In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera dishes the details on v v v v busy day in her life going to not one, not two, but THREE auditions in NYC, work in NJ, and then film a self tape. lol. Get your copy of the Actor Aesthetic Audition Journal Template: www.actoraesthetic.com/journal. Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe…

Wake up, work, audition, REPEAT! It's getting busy over here y'all. In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera dishes the details on a day in her life during the busiest time of audition season right in the heart of NYC. Get your copy of the Actor Aesthetic Audition Journal Template: www.actoraesthetic.com/journal. Spread love and don't forget t…

You know that musical theatre song everyone was singing on TikTok in 2020? "Little Miss Perfect?" That's all Joriah Kwamé. And believe it or not, it wasn't part of a musical. In fact, it was written for a competition helmed by Mean Girls star Taylor Louderman. In this episode, host and actor Maggie Bera chats with Joriah about how Little Miss Perfe…

A lot has changed for our industry over the past few years. Especially Actors' Equity Association. In this episode, NYC actress and host Maggie Bera breaks down the recent pivots made by the union, how they've affected auditions, and what you need to know to put your best foot forward (whether you're an Equity member or not!) Other Relevant Podcast…

A bluegrass musical? Say MORE! In this episode, actress + host Maggie Bera sits down with husband and wife duo Douglas Waterbury-Tieman and Annabelle Fox to chat about their exciting new musical, Johnny and the Devil's Box. Johnny and the Devil's Box Show Synopsis Johnny Baker is the best fiddler in Georgia, and he aims to prove it. But his boastin…

Let's destroy the "starving artist" trope once and for all ;) It's possible!!!!!! In this episode, NYC based actress and Actor Aesthetic host Maggie Bera discusses exactly how she balances her 9 to 5 job in marketing and social media with auditioning, rehearsing, and performing professionally. To get the Marketing 101 For Actors Ebook, go to www.ac…

Bringing it home with YOUR best advice (yeah, I said YOUR!) for actors heading into 2023. I held a poll on my instagram and it got deep. Let's get into it. 2023 is our year, baby. To get the Marketing 101 For Actors Ebook, go to www.actoraesthetic.com/marketing. Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podca…

Self worth + pursuing a professional career in the theatre industry... what could possibly go wrong? Let's get into it. 2023 is our year, baby. To get the Marketing 101 For Actors Ebook, go to www.actoraesthetic.com/marketing. Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Vis…

Friend groups, dream roles, and social media... oh, my! Bro there's no way 2022 is almost over. As we finish out the greatest year of all time (is it 2015 again?) let's make a pact to make next year the best one yet. To get the Marketing 101 For Actors Ebook, go to www.actoraesthetic.com/marketing. Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and s…

Didn't book the lead as a freshman? Didn't land that summer stock job? Here's my best advice for making the most of your high school and college experience as a young actor! Shout out to my cousins Abby and Lizzie! To get the Marketing 101 For Actors Ebook, go to www.actoraesthetic.com/marketing. Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and sub…

Yeah you can sing, dance and act. But do you know what it takes to sustain an actual career in the entertainment industry? Here are the top ten skills every actor should master... besides acting. To get the Marketing 101 For Actors Ebook, go to www.actoraesthetic.com/marketing. Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor…