Offstage Acting

Todd Kramer and Jay Reum are joined by the brilliant Pippa Winslow — actor, singer, voice artist, teacher, and all-around force of nature — for a joyful, insight-packed conversation with someone who has truly lived the actor’s life.With a career spanning four decades, Pippa trained in the U.S. at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, worked extensively in New York, and has since made London her home for many years. Today, she’s still very much in the game — currently appearing in Paranormal Activity in the West End — and bringing the same curiosity, courage, and craft that have defined her career from the start.Pippa shares stories from a lifetime onstage and onscreen, along with practical, hard-won advice for actors at every stage: training, resilience, longevity, community, and how to stay creatively alive in a profession that constantly tests you. Beyond the credits, what really stands out is her generosity — her commitment to supporting actors, building community, and openly sharing the knowledge she’s gathered along the way.Jay and Todd had an absolute blast with her, and you can hear it. Funny, honest, deeply encouraging, and packed with real-world wisdom — this episode is a gift to aspiring actors and seasoned pros alike.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome & introducing Pippa Winslow03:40 – Training in San Francisco and finding her footing09:10 – Early work in New York15:30 – Making the move to London21:50 – Building a long-term acting life28:20 – Theatre, voice work, and versatility34:40 – What four decades in the business teaches you41:10 – Supporting actors and building community47:30 – Staying curious and creatively alive54:00 – Advice for aspiring actors1:00:10 – Longevity, resilience, and perspective1:06:30 – Why the work still matters1:12:40 – Final thoughts & wrap-up💬 Join the ConversationWhat advice from Pippa hit home for you?How do you think about longevity and community in your own acting journey?Drop a comment and let’s talk about staying in the game — and helping each other do the same.🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW🎧 Podcast & more: https://offstageacting.com/podcast📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/offstageacting❌ X: https://x.com/OffstageActing📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/offstageacting🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@offstageacting🌐 Todd’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer🌐 Jay’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jayreum#️⃣ HASHTAGS#acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #actorslife #WorkingActor #ActorTraining #TheatreActor #WestEnd #Longevity #PippaWinslow #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

Effie T. Brown is one of those names in Hollywood that carries weight—and for good reason. With decades of experience as a producer, showrunner, and CEO, Effie is a true force in the industry.In this episode, Todd and Jay sit down with their longtime friend for a rich, deeply honest conversation about what it really means to lead with heart in Hollywood. From early producing jobs on groundbreaking indie films (Real Women Have Curves, But I’m a Cheerleader) to her trailblazing leadership at Gamechanger Films and her outspoken advocacy for inclusion in entertainment, Effie doesn’t pull punches.We talk about her love of actors, how she learned to lead, the importance of staying authentic in a cutthroat business, and the joy (and stress) of building projects with purpose.This one is personal, powerful, and packed with truth.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome Effie T. Brown01:45 – What producers really do06:10 – Real Women Have Curves and launching a legacy09:35 – But I’m a Cheerleader, and not pulling punches13:50 – Starting out and surviving in the business17:15 – Project Greenlight and the Matt Damon moment23:30 – Building Gamechanger Films27:00 – Fighting for equity in entertainment30:45 – Why she loves actors33:10 – The emotional labor of leadership37:50 – Effie on working with directors and trust41:25 – Keeping it real (and still getting paid)46:00 – Mentorship and creating space for others51:30 – Reflections on being a Black woman in Hollywood56:40 – Advice for actors and future producers1:00:30 – “No one can do you better than you”1:04:00 – Wrapping up: legacy, purpose, and moving forward💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWe love hearing from you!Tag us, message us, or shout us out if something in this episode hit home.🎧 https://offstageacting.com/podcast📩 https://linktr.ee/toddkramer📩 https://linktr.ee/jayreum🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW📸 Instagram: @offstageacting❌ X: @OffstageActing📘 Facebook: Offstage Acting🎥 YouTube: Offstage Acting📣 HASHTAGSHashtag style:#acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing#EffieTBrown #HollywoodProducer #BlackWomenInFilm #WomenInFilm #InclusiveStorytelling #RealWomenHaveCurves #ButImACheerleader #GamechangerFilms #ProjectGreenlight This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

Today's guests are Rob and Helen Bee — voiceover professionals, podcast hosts, and community builders behind The VO Social, a UK-wide grassroots movement that's changing how voice artists connect and grow. Rob and Helen talk with Todd Kramer and Jay Reum about the loneliness of the VO life and how they've worked to combat it — not just with their podcast, but with real-world meetups, business services, and grassroots support. They share their journey from working VO professionals to running a creative services company tailored specifically for voice artists, helping them with tech, websites, branding, and community. We talk about what makes The VO Social different, how to turn freelancing into a sustainable business, and why connection is the secret sauce to surviving the isolation of the booth. 00:00 – Opening 02:12 – The loneliness of voiceover 05:50 – Why they started The VO Social 08:34 – Building grassroots VO connections 11:16 – Moving beyond isolation 14:00 – Turning community into action 17:44 – How the VO Social grew across the UK 21:29 – What voice actors actually need 24:05 – Rob and Helen's transition to business owners 27:48 – Building websites and branding for VOs 31:33 – Common struggles voice artists face 34:22 – Keeping the VO Social accessible 38:16 – What freelancers misunderstand about business 41:12 – Helping artists run things sustainably 44:05 – Freelancing myths and realities 47:18 – Gatekeeping vs. sharing knowledge 50:01 – What works better in-person 53:42 – Mistakes voice artists keep repeating 56:20 – Learning to say no 59:08 – The real value of showing up 1:02:20 – Why VO success isn't about the mic 1:05:45 – What's next for The Bees 1:09:30 – Final thoughts and outro 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Rob and Helen's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 The Bees: Website: https://b-double-e.co.uk Podcast: https://www.thevosocial.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/thevosocial 💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

Today's guest is Kenneth Jay, a seasoned Canadian actor with decades of experience across theatre, film, and television. Known for his dedication to craft and his deep respect for storytelling, Kenneth has built a career that bridges continents and philosophies. In this inspiring and laughter-filled episode, hosts Todd Kramer and Jay Reum chat with Kenneth about the unique discipline of being an understudy, the art of preparation without certainty, and why truth is always at the center of performance. Kenneth shares his journey from Ottawa to Ryerson Theatre School, his surprising connection to Stanislavski's lineage, and how collaboration, language, and identity shape the actor's path. This conversation is both thoughtful and funny — weaving in the joys, struggles, and revelations of a life lived for the stage. Actors will find wisdom, humor, and a reminder of why we do what we do. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 04:20 – Strapless workouts and silliness 07:00 – PunchTrack: a DAW for narrators 11:00 – Introducing Kenneth Jay 13:00 – Kenneth's showreel and career highlights 16:40 – Growing up in Ottawa, moving to Toronto 18:20 – Ryerson Theatre School and Stanislavski connection 23:30 – Why Kenneth chose theatre over academics 27:00 – The first spark: Robin Hood in grade school 30:00 – Falling in love with Shakespeare 35:10 – The joy and craft of understudying 41:00 – Personal truth inside every performance 47:20 – Collaboration, colleagues, and connection 52:00 – Longevity in the acting industry 57:00 – The gift of language and expression 01:01:30 – Identity and performance 01:05:00 – Laughs, stories, and lessons learned 01:10:00 – Advice for young actors 01:15:00 – Closing thoughts with Kenneth 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Kenneth's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Kenneth Jay IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0419612/  💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum 📣 Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #KennethJay #Stanislavski #understudy #theatre #actorsjourney #truthinacting This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

Today's guest is Kym Jackson — Aussie actor, author, and co-founder of the Secret Actor Society. Kym's journey spans continents and platforms: she launched her career onstage in Australia, made the leap to Hollywood, and hasn't stopped working since. You've seen her on Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA, This Is Us, and SWAT — or in films like Snitch, Iron Sky, and We Bury the Dead. But acting is just one facet of her creative powerhouse. In this episode, Kym opens up about navigating the business with grace and grit — from managing self-tapes and raising a family to launching an actor-focused education platform. She talks coaching, casting, demo reels (the good, the bad, and the too-long), and how she landed a dream pilot that never made it past COVID. It's a goldmine of insight for any working actor. FREE CLASS AT SAS: https://secretactor.com/pages/free-journey-4b ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 02:45 – Todd & Jay intro banter: heatwaves and actor gigs 07:00 – Welcome Kym Jackson: Aussie beginnings 11:20 – Big credits and global acting career 15:30 – Life in Atlanta with husband Andrew Steele 18:15 – Acting with a kid: family-work balance 22:00 – Demo reel critiques: what works and what's too much 27:40 – Secret Actor Society: the backstory 32:00 – Coaching actors through pandemic pivots 37:15 – Casting insights: reel length, slates, and self-tapes 42:10 – Building a searchable video knowledge base 47:20 – "The pilot that got COVID-canceled" 51:40 – How to brand yourself as an actor 56:10 – Real talk: career dry spells and mental health 1:01:00 – Keeping up with changing industry norms 1:06:30 – Working with agents & managers 1:10:00 – Tips for international actors in LA 1:14:50 – The value of video coaching and templates 1:19:30 – Rapid-fire questions: auditions, fails & lessons 1:25:10 – Reflecting on Secret Actor Society's growth 1:29:45 – Todd's nerd-out moment: structured actor tools 1:34:00 – Jay's favorite rants & actor myths 1:39:10 – Kym on future dreams and helping actors 1:44:20 – Jay & Todd wind down the convo 1:47:10 – Final takeaways and gratitude 1:50:20 – Outro and what's next 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Kym's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Kim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekymjackson 🌍 Secret Actor Society: https://secretactorsociety.com 💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum 📣 Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #SecretActorSociety #selftapes #demoReels #actingcoach #castingdirectors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

Today's episode is a little different — it's just Todd and Jay, mic'd up and mood-swinging their way through one of those actor chats that starts with "I'm not feeling it" and ends with "okay, I've got a little fire back." In this candid bonus conversation, Todd and Jay explore the ebb and flow of motivation in an actor's life — why it disappears, how to rediscover it, and the tools they've each developed to stay (or get back) on track. From inner drive to outer community, yoga hacks to time-blocking, and even the occasional black hole of self-doubt, this is a brutally honest and refreshingly funny reflection on the ups and downs of creative energy. Whether you're smashing auditions or stuck in the "meh," this episode is for every actor who's ever felt a little lost in the grind. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 01:40 – "I'm just not feeling it today" 03:00 – Losing motivation and why it happens 05:15 – Why actors need inner motivation 07:40 – Jay's "bliss-based" discipline hack 10:30 – Todd on how the body seeks pleasure 13:20 – No money, no validation — just love of the work 15:45 – The unpredictable nature of actor life 17:30 – Yoga, chakras, and the motivation pyramid 20:10 – Balancing survival with creative readiness 22:30 – The curse of missed opportunities 24:00 – Todd's big casting miss while abroad 26:00 – Community as a motivator 28:00 – Why Todd got active in the union 29:40 – Surround yourself with other actors 31:00 – Jay's take: finding inner motivation 33:10 – Community vs. discipline — which drives you? 35:30 – Creating purpose from within 38:00 – Tangible tips for everyday motivation 40:00 – Rebuilding your tribe post-pandemic 42:00 – Inner food vs. outer support 44:30 – Why actors need both solo and ensemble energy 46:00 – Wrap-up and final thoughts 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in this BONUSODE? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum 📣 Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #motivation #innerdrive #actorcommunity #selfdiscipline #creativeblock This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

Today's guest is the brilliant Brendan McNamara — actor, former child star, and founder of Beach Casting, a casting agency making waves across the UK and Ireland. From appearing in films like Angela's Ashes and War of the Buttons to launching one of the most actor-friendly casting studios in the game, Brendan shares his uniquely personal journey through both sides of the audition table. We talk candidly about the transition from actor to casting director, the kind of performers he loves to work with, the shifting landscape of self-tapes, and why kindness and professionalism still matter. A must-listen for actors, agents, and anyone curious about what makes a great casting experience — both behind and in front of the camera. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – A Very Irish Opening 05:01 – Todd returns from Derry 10:02 – Brendan's life as a child actor 15:04 – Transitioning into casting 20:06 – What makes an actor stand out 25:03 – Self-tapes: love, hate, and hope 30:00 – Building Beach Casting 35:01 – Advice for actors (and humans) 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Brendan's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Brendan's Agency: https://beach-casting.com 📣 Hashtags #BrendanMcNamara #BeachCasting #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #childactor #castingdirector #filmindustry #selftapes #irishfilm This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

Today's guest is not only a brilliant actor, but one of the loudest, clearest voices advocating for honesty and safety in the industry. Alexa Morden is best known as the co-creator and co-host of The 98% Podcast — a refreshingly unfiltered look at life for the vast majority of actors who don't earn their full living from acting. She's also an award-winning performer in her own right, with credits in Skins, Fresh Meat, The Great Train Robbery, and the indie feature The Colour of Spring, which earned her over 25 Best Actress awards on the festival circuit. In this episode, Alexa opens up about her own career journey, the mission behind The 98%, and her recent role in exposing the Bodhi Talent scandal — a shocking case where a UK agent scammed dozens of actors with fake auditions and unpaid work. Alexa helped connect victims, raise public awareness, and start a bigger conversation about ethics and accountability in actor representation. It's a powerful chat about community, truth-telling, and what it really means to stand up for the people who keep this industry running. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 02:30 – Fierce advocate for actors & self-tape strategy 05:00 – From indie film to global Netflix releases 07:30 – Casting classically and breaking rules 10:00 – The craft of acting: what never goes out of style 12:30 – Tips for managing audition anxiety 15:00 – Alex on finding your edge in self-tapes 17:30 – Why he created "Let's Talk Acting" 20:00 – Acting as activism and industry mental health 22:30 – How to stand out when everyone's good 25:00 – Todd on the UK vs. US actor struggle 27:30 – Resilience, burnout, and holding the line 30:00 – Favorite roles and the characters who stuck 32:30 – Jay's chaotic energy and actor mythbusting 35:00 – The real deal with acting reels 37:30 – Coaches, gurus, and navigating bad advice 40:00 – Teaching with honesty and humour 42:30 – Wrapping up: gratitude and future goals 💬 Join the Conversation What was your experience with agents starting out? Have you ever felt misled or manipulated in the name of getting work? Drop us a comment below — we'd love to hear your story. 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and more: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 📸 Follow Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa_morden 🎙️ The 98% Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DjMU7Di7fWYCFd82U4jSC 🔖 Hashtags #acting #actorlife #AlexaMorden #The98PercentPodcast #BodhiTalent #OffstageActing #actingpodcast #actorcommunity #ToddKramer #JayReum #scamalert #actingcareer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

This week on Offstage Acting, Todd Kramer welcomes the brilliant Kezia Burrows — a Welsh actor whose career spans classical theatre, television drama, and the high-stakes world of motion capture and video game performance. Born in Neath and raised in the seaside village of New Quay, Kezia trained at RADA and now voices and embodies characters in some of the most acclaimed games out there. You might know her as Amanda Ripley in Alien: Isolation, Dr. Emma Fisher in Observation, or from Cyberpunk 2077, CrossfireX, Hellblade, and more. We dive into: 🎭 Her classical training and transition to screen and digital media 🎮 The art of performance capture and voice acting for video games 🧠 What it means to build a career across mediums — without losing yourself 😂 Funny moments, real talk, and the beauty of creative discipline If you're a gamer, an actor, or just a curious human — this one's for you. Let's get into it with Kezia (Kez to her friends — but not you!) Burrows. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 07:32 – "Is that the guest?" Jay jumps the gun 10:01 – Kezia's big entry and Todd's RADA memories 17:31 – On being ready when the work finally lands 22:32 – From Neath to the National Youth Theatre 27:31 – Hallmark movies and ocean filming 30:00 – Discovering voiceover through casting agents 34:30 – "What's in a name?" – Keziah vs. Kezia 39:00 – Laughing through auditions and self-tapes 42:30 – Drama school stories and rediscovering joy 45:00 – Losing her mum and acting through grief 48:00 – What theatre gives that screen doesn't 51:00 – Her first video game experience: nerves & lessons 54:00 – Todd on why acting in games is tougher than it looks 57:00 – The new podcast and why actors need community 1:00:00 – Family life, rural balance, and creative reset 1:03:00 – Jay's game obsessions and nerdy voice questions 1:06:00 – Baroness Jamie: intense prep and mental pacing 1:09:00 – "There are no breaks" – parenting as a performer 1:12:00 – Shifting gears: what's next for Kezia 1:15:00 – Wrap-up, reflection, and future projects 💬 Join the Conversation Are you a motion capture nerd? A classically trained actor with a digital side hustle? Or just someone who loves a good alien invasion? Drop a comment — let's talk performance, pixels, and posh accents. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

This week we are celebrating our 50th episode! Hurray. Jay and I talk about where we've been where we are and were going. We catch up with Jay after his month long yoga retreat to India. My experience doing amateur dramatics. And we dive into a few other fun topics all in celebration of the good times we've had so far and the good times yet to come. So here's to the first and the next 50 episodes of the offstage acting podcast!   #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com