ActorSpeak with Austin Basis

This episode was recorded with my colleague, actor JOSH GRISETTI back in July of 2022. Unfortunately, Josh is no longer with us. I interviewed him for what I hoped would be the 2nd season of this podcast. While that never came to be, I wanted to honor Josh’s memory after his recent passing. So I went back and listened to our conversation. It immediately brought him back to life for me. In fact, it felt like he never left us. At least not in mind and spirit. So I decided to compile our discussion into a special ActorSpeak podcast episode in order to process his loss, but also to share this special moment with those who miss him and those who never knew him. I thought: what better way to honor Josh than with his own words… and laugh… and wisdom. We were filming the final season of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” together at the time and we connected pretty quickly on the ice at Rockefeller Center. We were both repped by the same agency; we were both living in California, but working in New York; we were both serious about our craft, but didn’t take ourselves too seriously; and we were both Jews from Brooklyn- me in real life and him on the stage! I was impressed by his extensive theatre experience, his dedication to his students and his knowledge, eloquence and sense of humor... Josh was a real mensch. I hope you find this conversation as thrilling as I did at the time and as nostalgic as I do now. We touched on so many things, some of which seem to hold more weight now that he’s gone.  Monday, July 27th, 2026 marks exactly 4 years since Josh and I had this conversation- the same day as his memorial in Los Angeles. We call that “bashert” in Judaism- a Yiddish word that means it was “meant to be.” I hope this podcast resonates with you and allows you to remember Josh as I do. For his bright shining talent; for his brilliant mind; for his impeccable timing; and for his indelible kindness. May his memory be a blessing for us all.  * * * * * If you or someone you know are ever in a dark place or are having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 and get help from the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There's no shame in needing help.

On this BONUS episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with his wife, actor and coach Colleen Basis. In Part 3, we chat about improv as a rehearsal technique, the chemistry of two willing & open actors, the key to villainous characters, her love of actors & the craft of acting, Claire Foy's breath-control in The Crown, how coaching is like bartending, putting yourself out there, and making an actor's journey a little bit easier.  Colleen Basis is a Los Angeles based Acting Teacher and Private Coach, and creator of the viral social media graphic "The Actor's Iceberg." She has worked with a long list of clients including Emmy Award Winner Kerry Washington, Nina Lisandrello from CW’s Beauty and the Beast, Agent Carter’s Reggie Austin, Rebekka Johnson from the hit Netflix show GLOW, Aria Song, Rachel Drummond, and many more recognizable Film & TV actors- along with a slew of up & coming talent around the world. Colleen started acting at the age of 8 and began teaching acting as a high school student. She graduated The George Washington University with a BA in Political Science & Theater. She began her career as a professional actor immediately upon graduating from GW, performing for The Olney Theatre’s National Players- traveling to over 25 states performing classical works and conducting acting workshops for high school & college students throughout the country. After moving to New York City, Colleen continued to act, study and teach. At the Michael Howard Studios, she created her own conservatory program, working with influential teachers Michael Howard, Patsy Rodenburg, Olympia Dukakis, and Larry Singer (now of Larry Singer Studios). Her acting career then took her to Los Angeles, where she shifted her focus to casting and private coaching. Her casting experience includes a number of feature films and pilots, working with & learning from veteran Casting Directors Paul Weber, Jeff Meshel and Tracy Lilienfield. Colleen’s wide variety of industry experience helps guide actors as they navigate the complexities of being a Professional Actor throughout their career. She believes an actor’s creative process and career trajectory isn’t “One Size Fit’s All." Instead, Colleen provides a personalized, comprehensive & functional approach that helps actors bridge their training, creativity and real world demands so that they can fully capitalize on the opportunities of being a working actor. Kerry Washington has said Colleen "is a phenomenal acting coach... working with her could change your life!" This is the first ActorSpeak episode with an acting teacher & coach.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this BONUS episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with his wife, actor and coach Colleen Basis.  In Part 2, we discuss "The Actor's Iceberg," mind-body connection, actable words & actions, the actor as an instrument, her love of TV, what an actor's "wheelhouse" is, the path of least resistance, speaking to each actor differently, cultivating & developing objectivity, loving rehearsal, and doing the best you can in the time you have with a self-tape.  Colleen Basis is a Los Angeles based Acting Teacher and Private Coach, and creator of the viral social media graphic "The Actor's Iceberg." She has worked with a long list of clients including Emmy Award Winner Kerry Washington, Nina Lisandrello from CW’s Beauty and the Beast, Agent Carter’s Reggie Austin, Rebekka Johnson from the hit Netflix show GLOW, Aria Song, Rachel Drummond, and many more recognizable Film & TV actors- along with a slew of up & coming talent around the world. Colleen started acting at the age of 8 and began teaching acting as a high school student. She graduated The George Washington University with a BA in Political Science & Theater. She began her career as a professional actor immediately upon graduating from GW, performing for The Olney Theatre’s National Players- traveling to over 25 states performing classical works and conducting acting workshops for high school & college students throughout the country. After moving to New York City, Colleen continued to act, study and teach. At the Michael Howard Studios, she created her own conservatory program, working with influential teachers Michael Howard, Patsy Rodenburg, Olympia Dukakis, and Larry Singer (now of Larry Singer Studios). Her acting career then took her to Los Angeles, where she shifted her focus to casting and private coaching. Her casting experience includes a number of feature films and pilots, working with and learning from veteran Casting Directors Paul Weber, Jeff Meshel & Tracy Lilienfield. Colleen’s wide variety of industry experience helps guide actors as they navigate the complexities of being a Professional Actor throughout their career. She believes an actor’s creative process and career trajectory isn’t “One Size Fit’s All." Instead, Colleen provides a personalized, comprehensive & functional approach that helps actors bridge their training, creativity and real world demands so that they can fully capitalize on the opportunities of being a working actor. Kerry Washington has said Colleen "is a phenomenal acting coach... working with her could change your life!" This is the first ActorSpeak episode with an acting teacher & coach.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this BONUS episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with his wife, actor and coach Colleen Basis.  In Part 1, we talk about Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh & Shirley MacLaine, growing up a shy kid, playing Jocasta in Oedipus, being both a participant & an observer, attending GW, touring with The Olney Theatre, the conservatory program at the Michael Howard Studios, her technique tool-belt, dramaturgy, running a business, and studying with Harriet Worrell, Alan Wade & Larry Singer.  Colleen Basis is a Los Angeles based Acting Teacher and Private Coach, and creator of the viral social media graphic "The Actor's Iceberg." She has worked with a long list of clients including Emmy Award Winner Kerry Washington, Nina Lisandrello from CW’s Beauty and the Beast, Agent Carter’s Reggie Austin, Rebekka Johnson from the hit Netflix show GLOW, Aria Song, Rachel Drummond, and many more recognizable Film & TV actors- along with a slew of up & coming talent around the world. Colleen started acting at the age of 8 and began teaching acting as a high school student. She graduated The George Washington University with a BA in Political Science & Theater. She began her career as a professional actor immediately upon graduating from GW, performing for The Olney Theatre’s National Players- traveling to over 25 states performing classical works and conducting acting workshops for high school & college students throughout the country. After moving to New York City, Colleen continued to act, study and teach. At the Michael Howard Studios, she created her own conservatory program, working with influential teachers Michael Howard, Patsy Rodenburg, Olympia Dukakis, and Larry Singer (now of Larry Singer Studios). Her acting career then took her to Los Angeles, where she shifted her focus to casting and private coaching. Her casting experience includes a number of feature films and pilots, working with and learning from veteran Casting Directors Paul Weber, Jeff Meshel & Tracy Lilienfield. Colleen’s wide variety of industry experience helps guide actors as they navigate the complexities of being a Professional Actor throughout their career. She believes an actor’s creative process and career trajectory isn’t “One Size Fit’s All." Instead, Colleen provides a personalized, comprehensive & functional approach that helps actors bridge their training, creativity and real world demands so that they can fully capitalize on the opportunities of being a working actor. Kerry Washington has said Colleen "is a phenomenal acting coach... working with her could change your life!" This is the first ActorSpeak episode with an acting teacher & coach.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor Goya Robles (Get Shorty, POWER Book III: Raising Kanan, 11:55, Brut Force, Rattled!)  In Part 2, we discuss the crossroads of abuse and trauma, his mentor Ellen Burstyn, not being killed off on Get Shorty, working with director Adam Arkin, his self-critical nature, rehearsing more to reduce the "noise," working with Javier Molina, chemistry as a willingness to receive, experiencing truth, going towards the uncomfortable, LatinX buying power and representation, humanizing "villains," feeding his acting compulsion, and his dream of opening an acting school for inner city youth.  A Stamford, CT native, Goya Robles is a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio and holds an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in New York. A Latino actor of Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian descent, his portrayal of heartbreaking, volatile, vulnerable characters have become a stamp in all of his work. Goya is most recognized for his breakout role as Yago in the critically acclaimed series Get Shorty on EPIX, working alongside Ray Romano and Chris O’Dowd. He has starred in numerous independent films, including a supporting lead role as Teyo in the film 11:55, starring John Leguizamo, David Zayas, and Julia Stiles. He's also executive produced the short film WONDER, which won over 20 national and international film festival awards, including the HBO Shorts Competition at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and the Audience Award at Urbanworld. Most recently, he produced and created the art film Who Am I? - a spoken word piece about race and responsibility. You can see him in the upcoming films Brut Force, Rattled! and High Ceilings, and the TV series POWER Book III: Raising Kanan on Starz. Goya’s theater credits include The Actors Studio West production of THE MOTHERF*CKER WITH THE HAT by Stephen Adly Guirgis in LA, EXTREMITIES by William Mastrosimone, and CRYSTAL CLEAR by Phil Young, both at Dance New Amsterdam Theater in NYC. He also starred in the LAByrinth Theater Barn Series of Mark Borkowski’s play, VALENTINO’S WING, starring Michael Shannon, Annabella Sciorra, and directed by Ellen Burstyn. Goya is also the creator of Paint The Mic, a performing and visual arts collaboration which brings attention to local organizations whose mission is to support under-served communities. As a spoken word artist himself, Goya created a way for artists of diverse disciplines to use their craft as a way to directly impact communities in need. Goya also taught slam poetry at The Lee Strasberg Institute in West Hollywood and his first compilation of poems was called Spit My Soul and released at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. What strikes me most about Goya’s work besides his talent are his heart and authenticity. But it’s his artistry that really shines through in everything he does- whether on stage, on screen or as a poet and producer. As both an actor and an advocate he is able to speak the truth, taking his pain and perspective and channeling them into his art. That’s what The Actors Studio is all about, and Goya is one of the members that best exemplifies that.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Goya Robles (Get Shorty, POWER Book III: Raising Kanan, 11:55, Brut Force, Rattled!).  In Part 1, we talk about Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman, hip hop, Def Jam Poetry, studying with Elizabeth Kemp, the core wound, shadow work playing Raul in Extremities, almost leaving school, using animal work, making urgent choices, the importance of therapy, the Idiot Workshop, working too hard, living his truth, always learning new things, being in the question, the "fuck it" stage, and his epic audition for Get Shorty.  A Stamford, CT native, Goya Robles is a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio and holds an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in New York. A Latino actor of Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian descent, his portrayal of heartbreaking, volatile, vulnerable characters have become a stamp in all of his work. Goya is most recognized for his breakout role as Yago in the critically acclaimed series Get Shorty on EPIX, working alongside Ray Romano and Chris O’Dowd. He has starred in numerous independent films, including a supporting lead role as Teyo in the film 11:55, starring John Leguizamo, David Zayas, and Julia Stiles. He's also executive produced the short film WONDER, which won over 20 national and international film festival awards, including the HBO Shorts Competition at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and the Audience Award at Urbanworld. Most recently, he produced and created the art film Who Am I? - a spoken word piece about race and responsibility. You can see him in the upcoming films Brut Force, Rattled! and High Ceilings, and the TV series POWER Book III: Raising Kanan on Starz. Goya’s theater credits include The Actors Studio West production of THE MOTHERF*CKER WITH THE HAT by Stephen Adly Guirgis in LA, EXTREMITIES by William Mastrosimone, and CRYSTAL CLEAR by Phil Young, both at Dance New Amsterdam Theater in NYC. He also starred in the LAByrinth Theater Barn Series of Mark Borkowski’s play, VALENTINO’S WING, starring Michael Shannon, Annabella Sciorra, and directed by Ellen Burstyn. Goya is also the creator of Paint The Mic, a performing and visual arts collaboration which brings attention to local organizations whose mission is to support under-served communities. As a spoken word artist himself, Goya created a way for artists of diverse disciplines to use their craft as a way to directly impact communities in need. Goya also taught slam poetry at The Lee Strasberg Institute in West Hollywood and his first compilation of poems was called Spit My Soul and released at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. What strikes me most about Goya’s work besides his talent are his heart and authenticity. But it’s his artistry that really shines through in everything he does- whether on stage, on screen or as a poet and producer. As both an actor and an advocate he is able to speak the truth, taking his pain and perspective and channeling them into his art. That’s what The Actors Studio is all about, and Goya is one of the members that best exemplifies that.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor Polly Lee (The Americans, The Blacklist, Law  Order: SVU, Gotham, Nurse Jackie, Chicago Med, The Looming Tower, Younger).  In Part 2, we discuss the fundaments, audiobooks, being stranded on stage in her underwear, hating seeing herself, teasing out the humanity of a scene, serving new plays, missing human randomness, character as the actor's domain, perfection vs. progress, faking chemistry, being positively judgmental, the exact right amount of intimacy, and wanting a universal basic income for artists.  Polly Lee is an award-winning actress who has dedicated her career to new plays and, as such, has performed in over 20 world premieres, both in New York City and across the country. Her New York theatre credits include Lincoln Center Theatre, Clubbed Thumb, Ensemble Studio Theatre, New Georges and Little Lord Theatre- among many others. Regionally she has worked at A.R.T., Yale Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Humana Festival @ATL, McCarter Theatre, Wilma Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and many many more. Polly’s Film & TV credits include The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Gotham, Butterflies of Bill Baker, Nurse Jackie, Chicago Med, The Looming Tower and recurring roles on Younger and The Americans. Polly has narrated over 200 audiobooks and is a proud member of Ensemble Studio Theatre, Actors Equity and an affiliated artist at Clubbed Thumb. Her upcoming films include Things Heard and Seen and Give and Take. Polly went to school for Theatre Studies at Royal Holloway at the University of London and attended the Actors Studio Drama School at New School University. Her kind eyes, warm smile, big heart, and cheeky sense of humor have endeared audiences all over the country and now I get to talk to her about her process, craft & all things acting related.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Polly Lee (The Americans, The Blacklist, Law  Order: SVU, Gotham, Nurse Jackie, Chicago Med, The Looming Tower, Younger).  In Part 1, we talk about The Sound of Music, playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, her novelist mum and vicar dad, being a princess, observing the human condition, studying with Barbara Poitier and Gene Lasko, her one weeping eye, giving fear a name, playing worried moms, having your own personal comic timing, the given circumstances, Fiona Shaw in Medea, and the subjective art of acting.  Polly Lee is an award-winning actress who has dedicated her career to new plays and, as such, has performed in over 20 world premieres, both in New York City and across the country. Her New York theatre credits include Lincoln Center Theatre, Clubbed Thumb, Ensemble Studio Theatre, New Georges and Little Lord Theatre- among many others. Regionally she has worked at A.R.T., Yale Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Humana Festival @ATL, McCarter Theatre, Wilma Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and many many more. Polly’s Film & TV credits include The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Gotham, Butterflies of Bill Baker, Nurse Jackie, Chicago Med, The Looming Tower and recurring roles on Younger and The Americans. Polly has narrated over 200 audiobooks and is a proud member of Ensemble Studio Theatre, Actors Equity and an affiliated artist at Clubbed Thumb. Her upcoming films include Things Heard and Seen and Give and Take. Polly went to school for Theatre Studies at Royal Holloway at the University of London and attended the Actors Studio Drama School at New School University. Her kind eyes, warm smile, big heart, and cheeky sense of humor have endeared audiences all over the country and now I get to talk to her about her process, craft & all things acting related.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor Gabe Fazio (I Know This Much is True, The Place Beyond the Pines, A Star is Born, Homeland, The Path to 9/11).  In Part 2, we discuss evolving as a person and an actor, rehearsal as the 1st take, insecurities, nerves working with friend Bradley Cooper, going blank playing Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Anthony Hopkins in The Father, truth without judgement, Mrs. Doubtfire, peanut butter and unrequited love.  Actor Gabe Fazio attended Suffolk Community College before being accepted at The Actors Studio Drama School, where he received an MFA. His Off and Off-Off Broadway experience includes the New York City premieres of Spring Storm by Tennessee Williams and Sins of the Mother by Israel Horovitz; and the World Premieres of Free Gift Inside by Edward Allen Baker and First Born by Lyle Kessler. Among his notable TV appearances are Homeland, The Path to 9/11 where he starred opposite Harvey Keitel, and most recently, I Know This Much is True - in which Gabe played Mark Ruffalo’s characters’ twin brother in every scene that both twins were in, serving as an essential scene partner that helped Ruffalo achieve his award-winning performance. His film credits include: The Place Beyond the Pines, A Star is Born, Giants Being Lonely, and many independent films in which his performance garnered Best Actor Awards throughout the festival circuit. Gabe is also a writer & has directed several short films. Like myself, he’s a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio and one of the most talented actors I know.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Gabe Fazio (I Know This Much is True, The Place Beyond the Pines, A Star is Born, Homeland, The Path to 9/11).  In Part 1, we talk about Room Service, the Fringe Festival, Joe Isuzu, being a "caveman," Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke, studying with Geraldine Barron, statue exercises, asking questions, digging for gold, using yourself, letting it go, chemistry with Michael Aronov, and how tinnitus helped him prepare for working with Mark Ruffalo and Derek Cianfrance.  Actor Gabe Fazio attended Suffolk Community College before being accepted at The Actors Studio Drama School, where he received an MFA. His Off and Off-Off Broadway experience includes the New York City premieres of Spring Storm by Tennessee Williams and Sins of the Mother by Israel Horovitz; and the World Premieres of Free Gift Inside by Edward Allen Baker and First Born by Lyle Kessler. Among his notable TV appearances are Homeland, The Path to 9/11 where he starred opposite Harvey Keitel, and most recently, I Know This Much is True - in which Gabe played Mark Ruffalo’s characters’ twin brother in every scene that both twins were in, serving as an essential scene partner that helped Ruffalo achieve his award-winning performance. His film credits include: The Place Beyond the Pines, A Star is Born, Giants Being Lonely, and many independent films in which his performance garnered Best Actor Awards throughout the festival circuit. Gabe is also a writer & has directed several short films. Like myself, he’s a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio and one of the most talented actors I know.  WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com