Secrets to Career Longevity in Acting

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to career longevity in acting? 🎭 Join me, Lydia Nicole, as I sit down with the incredible Wren T. Brown, a renowned actor, artistic director, and co-founder of the Ebony Repertory Theater—the first black professional theater in Los Angeles operating under an equity contract. With four generations of artistry in his family, Wren shares invaluable acting tips, Hollywood insights, and the power of preparation, purpose, and community in carving out a lasting career in the performing arts.  Whether you're just starting out or looking to leave your mark in Hollywood, this conversation is for YOU. From the lessons learned on iconic sets like "Hollywood Shuffle" to the importance of finding your purpose and cultivating genuine relationships, Ren’s wisdom will inspire and guide you in your acting journey. We also explore the importance of mentorship, maintaining authenticity, and creating a lasting legacy that extends beyond the stage.  If you're an actor, creator, or dreamer looking for actionable advice and motivation, don’t miss this empowering discussion. Let’s celebrate black excellence, embrace vulnerability, and nurture the arts together. 💡  👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with your acting community! And if you’re in Los Angeles, check out the Ebony Repertory Theater or visit ebonyrep.org to support their mission. Together, we can keep the arts thriving!  #actingtips #actingcareer #Hollywoodinsights #actingclasses #CommonSenseMamita #LydiaNicole #WrenTBrown #LosAngeles #EbonyRepertoryTheater Support the show

Are you an actor waiting for your big break? Learn how YOU can turn your creativity into cash with Shopify today! In this inspiring episode of Acting Smarter, I sit down with the incredible Shopify guru, Vero Lopez, to share actionable tips on building a thriving side hustle. Whether you're selling unique crafts, creating digital downloads, or offering acting classes, this video is packed with insights to help you succeed.As actors, we've all faced the struggle of balancing auditions with making a living. But here's the truth: your creative talents can pay the bills AND build your brand! Vero guides us step-by-step on how to use Shopify to create a personalized online store, connect with your audience, and monetize your creativity. From crafting a customer avatar to leveraging print-on-demand, we cover everything you need to start today.You'll also hear how I transformed my own hustle, from selling my book on Shopify to creating a successful store with Vero's guidance. Plus, discover how top artists like Zendaya, Jennifer Aniston, and Tyler Perry use platforms like Shopify to sell their merch and grow their brands. This isn't about quick fixes—it's about putting in the work, learning the tools, and watching your side hustle grow into something powerful. Ready to take the leap? Watch now for insider tips on building your acting career, creating passive income, and making your wallet happy!Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with your fellow actors. Let’s build success together! #ActingCareer #ShopifyForActors #CreativeSideHustles #CommonSenseMamita#shopify #shopifydropshipping #shopifytutorial #affiliatemarketingforbeginners #earnmoneyonline Support the show

Discover how Vincent Paterson found hope in Hollywood's darkest moments and reclaimed his sense of self-worth when everything seemed lost. In this candid conversation, Vincent opens up about confronting personal struggles, overcoming a deep mental health crisis, and rediscovering purpose through creativity. Hear about the turning point that saved his life, how faith and humor played a role, and the lessons he learned about resilience in the entertainment industry.Whether you're navigating your own challenges or seeking inspiration for your acting career, this video shares raw insights into the pitfalls of fame, the power of visualization, and the importance of mindset in achieving career success. From acting tips to manifesting breakthroughs, I share how I rebuilt my life and embraced new creative paths, from opera to groundbreaking collaborations.If you've ever felt like giving up, this is your reminder that hope is always within reach. Join me on this journey, and let’s inspire each other to keep going. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Hollywood insights and acting career advice. Together, we can face the challenges of the creative world with courage and purpose. #actingcareer #HollywoodInsights #CommonSenseMamitaSupport the show

Are you prepared to revolutionize your acting career? Learn how colors can significantly impact your acting career! Join Lydia Nicole and top Hollywood color consultant Jill Kersh as they share invaluable acting tips and Hollywood insights on how the right colors can impact auditions, headshots, self-tapes, and even your confidence. From understanding jewel tones to choosing wardrobe pieces that make your face, eyes, and smile pop, this video is packed with actionable advice for actors looking to stand out in any room. Learn how to align your branding with your unique energy, enhance your presence with the perfect hues, and avoid the pitfalls of wearing the wrong colors. Whether you’re just starting out, a seasoned actor over 40, or navigating a new phase in your career, these tips will equip you to shine both on and off the screen. 💡 Jill shares personal stories, like helping actors nail auditions by tweaking their wardrobe choices, and provides a behind-the-scenes look into her proven color techniques. You'll also hear how Lydia embraced these lessons to elevate her own career. 👉 Don’t miss this empowering episode that can redefine how you see yourself as an actor. Like, comment, and share with fellow creatives who need this boost! Subscribe for more #actingcareer wisdom and follow for updates on #CommonSenseMamita. Let’s make your colors work for YOU! 🌟#imageconsultants #imageconsultant #truespring #trueautumn #truewinter#personalbranding #personalbra Support the show

What does it take to land your big break in Hollywood? Join Skye Townsend as she shares her inspiring journey through 600 auditions to her breakthrough role on "A Black Lady Sketch Show." In this heartfelt interview, we dive into her unwavering determination, the lessons she learned from her iconic father, Robert Townsend, and how she embraced her own path in comedy and acting. Skye opens up about balancing integrity with career goals, overcoming rejection, and finding joy in her craft. From starting as a fearless 13-year-old uploading sketches on YouTube to becoming a recognized comedic force, Skye shares actionable acting tips, Hollywood insights, and the mindset needed to succeed in the entertainment industry. Whether you're an aspiring actor, creator, or just someone chasing a dream, this episode will leave you motivated to keep going, no matter the odds.Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories and acting career advice straight from the heart of Los Angeles. Let’s get smarter together, one inspiring conversation at a time. #ActingTips #HollywoodInsights #CommonSenseMamita #SkyeTownsend #ActingClasses #entertainmentnews #blackwomen #skyetownsendinterview #comedy  Support the show

Still think acting after 40 is impossible? It’s TIME for your COMEBACK! 💥 Whether you’re returning to the industry or just starting over, this video is packed with game-changing acting tips, career advice, and Hollywood insights to reignite your journey. Age is not a limitation—it's your superpower! From tackling ageism to rebranding your acting career, I’ll guide you step by step on how to sharpen your craft, rediscover your passion, and own your narrative.Learn how to update your skills, master self-taping, build a supportive community, and even create your own work. I’ve seen actors transform their careers at every stage of life, and now it’s YOUR turn! Whether you're looking to join acting classes in Los Angeles, reconnect with the industry, or embrace the wisdom life has given you, this is the video you need to watch. ✨ Join the movement: Rewrite your story, step into your legacy, and embrace your second act. You haven’t missed your shot—it’s waiting for you! Let’s do this together. 💪 🎭 Ready to reignite your acting career? Tap "Like" if this inspired you, share it with someone who needs a boost, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and encouragement on your acting journey. #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #hollywoodinsights #actingafter40#overcomingageism #agediscrimination #overcomingageisminacting #marketingforactors #agebias Support the show

Are you ready to transform your acting career today? 🎭 In this value-packed episode, I sit down with rising Hollywood actress Dominique Stango to uncover how mastering Canva can elevate your acting brand and help you stand out. Whether you're creating professional headshots, storyboards for your shorts, or crafting a pitch that wows agents and casting directors, Canva is the ultimate tool for actors! We dive into actionable acting tips, from building an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) to designing postcards that leave a lasting impression. Dominique shares her insider secrets on using Canva for storyboarding filmmaking projects, creating a cohesive brand kit, and even preparing stunning resumes tailored for Hollywood's competitive industry. Plus, learn how to organize your goals with vision boards, enhance your social media presence, and leverage Canva’s AI features to create content that pops!This episode is all about giving you the tools to market yourself like a pro and take control of your acting journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your approach, these Hollywood insights will inspire and empower you to take action. Don’t forget to share your own Canva tricks or acting career tips in the comments—I’d love to shout you out in my next video! ✨ Let’s build your dream career together. Like, subscribe, and join the #CommonSenseMamita community for more acting career advice and creative tools! 🚀 #actingcareer #Canvatips #actingclasses #Hollywoodsuccess

She couldn't find a Stage, So She Bought One. Can you imagine a poet wanting to have a place to perform, so she ends up buying a theater to have a space for her and her fellow artists to perform. That is precisely what this one artist, Stephanie Weisman, did.  I got to sit down with the incredible Stephanie Weisman, owner and artistic director of the legendary Marsh Theaters in Northern California, a hub for solo performers for over 35 years. She is a total badass. She not only shares her journey, but she breaks down the essential steps every artist needs to know to bring their one-person show to life.From nailing your script and auditioning for opportunities like Marsh Rising to learning how to build an audience and market your show, Stephanie shares invaluable acting tips and career insights. Discover why developing a solo show takes a team, how to think like a producer, and the importance of rewriting and refining your story. Stephanie’s inspiring journey as a fearless trailblazer in the performing arts world proves that with passion, perseverance, and a strong business mindset, anything is possible.Whether you're an emerging artist or a veteran performer, this conversation is packed with wisdom to fuel your creative dreams. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the industry's most accomplished leaders. Hit that like button, subscribe for more inspiring interviews, and share this video with anyone chasing their acting goals! Let's keep the art alive and thriving—together. #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingtips #soloartist #theaterlife #MarshTheater #onepersonshow #creativejourney #ydiaNicole #ActingSmarterNow#stagemanagement #performingartstips #performingartsguide #productionmanager #onepersonshowCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:37 - When to Approach for Show Mounting04:56 - Actor-Theater Partnership Dynamics08:52 - Development Process at The Marsh12:47 - Getting Started in Theater18:54 - The Marsh Performance Initiative Overview27:46 - Understanding How The Marsh Operates28:30 - Importance of Stage Time for Actors30:16 - Performing for Small Audiences32:20 - The Origins of The Marsh34:10 - Spalding Gray's Influence38:30 - Expansion of The Marsh40:25 - Reasons for Purchasing a Building47:24 - Empowerment: You Are a Badass50:35 - Affirmation: You Are a Winner52:55 - Coping with Cancer58:55 - Creating a Show on Grief and Loss01:02:48 - Importance of Proper Training01:04:44 - Meaning of Performance Today01:10:46 - Mortality's Impact on Artistic Expression01:12:10 - Reigniting Artistic Passion01:17:19 - Kdramas: An Exploration01:24:40 - Emotional Impact of K-dramas01:28:00 - Favorite K-dramas Discussion01:30:30 - Discovering New Actors on Viki01:33:50 - Love for Kdramas Explained01:38:55 - The Allure of Kdramas01:41:13 - Stephanie's Journey as an Artist

Acting Collaborations Gone Wrong - Avoid These Mistakes! Are you ready to protect your creative dreams? In this video, I  share essential acting tips and Hollywood insights to help actors like YOU avoid the most common collaboration pitfalls that could derail your career or damage relationships. Whether you're starting your acting journey or you've been working in the industry for years, this advice is for you!From personal experiences in comedy groups like Funny Ladies of Color and Hot and Spicy Mamas to lessons learned the hard way in Hollywood, I break down the questions every actor needs to ask before diving into a collaboration. Learn how to define project goals, set clear roles, protect your ideas, and avoid the heartbreak of creative disputes. Collaboration can be magical—but only when you approach it with the right tools and mindset. 💡 **Key lessons include**:- How to protect your intellectual property.- The importance of written agreements from day one.- Who should have final creative control—and why it matters.- How to navigate finances and credit distribution seamlessly.🎭 Want tailored support to level up your acting career? Join my Acting Smarter Support Circle! Together, we’ll tackle legal agreements, branding, and mindset with weekly check-ins and expert advice. Remember, smart actors don’t dream—they protect their dreams. Let's make YOUR acting career unstoppable! 💪#actingcareer #actingtips #HollywoodInsights #CommonSenseMamita #actingclasses #LosAngeles #actorlife 

Are you an actor wondering why your career isn’t progressing or why you’re not booking roles? In this video, I break down the 10 reasons actors fail—and more importantly, how YOU can succeed. As someone who has been in the acting industry for years, I’ve seen it all: from inconsistent efforts to the fear of visibility, these self-sabotaging habits can hold even the most talented actors back. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you move forward with actionable tips, personal stories, and real-world insights.Discover the power of consistency, the importance of branding, and why building authentic relationships can transform your acting career. I’ll also share personal anecdotes, like what I learned from creating my own work and working alongside industry legends like Robert Townsend and Eric Estrada. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned actor, these proven strategies will set you on the path to success.Ready to take control of your acting journey? Watch now, and let’s turn those failures into stepping stones for a thriving career! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with your fellow actors. You’ve got this, superstar! #ActingCareer #HollywoodInsights #ActingTips #CommonSenseMamita #LosAngeles #ActingClasses