Actor Aesthetic

Latest Episodes:

College Auditions: Resources, Training + Scholarships with Founder Ellen Lettrich (TFCA) Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

Ellen Lettrich has been working with young musical theatre and acting performers for almost 29 years, first as a high school classroom teacher and theatre director and, after receiving her MS in Speech-Language Pathology, as a medical voice therapist.

Her diverse teaching experiences led her to found Musical Theatre College Auditions (MTCA), a college theatre audition preparation company. Ellen built MTCA’s team of actively working teaching artists who themselves are grads of rigorous theatre training programs such as Juilliard, Yale School of Drama, Carnegie Mellon, the University of Michigan, the Boston Conservatory, and NYU Tisch.

Over the past 20 years, MTCA has prepared hundreds of students for college theatre auditions and yielded exceptional success rates. Through her work with MTCA, Ellen saw how difficult it can be for low-income students and those from underrepresented communities to access the information and financial resources needed to be competitive in the audition process for college-level acting and musical theatre programs.

Ellen founded The Fund for College Auditions to bridge this information and financial gap: to support the expenses that are part of college auditions, to provide fair compensation to experienced, innovative, student-centered teaching artists who can help these students excel artistically, and to subsidize college audition information workshops for underserved high schools and theatre groups.

In episode 90, NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera chats with Ellen about her inspiration behind The Fund For College Auditions, why representation in the arts is so important, and how low-income students can take advantage of free resources and scholarships.

The Fund For College Auditions - https://thefundforcollegeauditions.org

MTCA - http://mtcollegeauditions.com

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Instagram: @actoraesthetic

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Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Leading With Love In The Face Of Racism with Marshall W. Mabry IV (TEDx Broadway) Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

Marshall W. Mabry IV is an activist, playwright, and performer from Atlanta, Ga. He’s an incoming freshman majoring in Musical Theatre at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Marshall strives to leave every room brighter than he found it especially for the young artists of color coming after him.

In this episode, NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera chats with Marshall about racial stereotypes in theatre, accessibility, "colorblind" vs. "color-conscious" casting, and leading with love in the face of racism.

Watch Marshall's TEDx Broadway talk on "The Intersectionality Of Black Boys and Shakespeare" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq4dXOW2cwU

MWMIV Speaks - https://www.mwmivspeaks.com

Follow Marshall on Instagram - @marshallwmabryiv

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

How To Be A Better Ally To BIPOC in the Theatre Industry Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

Effective allyship is an active, conscious choice to advocate for a marginalized person or group of people. And right now, the BIPOC* community needs as many allies as possible.

Join NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera to learn how to be a better ally to People of Color in the theatre industry.

*BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)

#BlackLivesMatter

Sign A Petition, Donate, Call, Email and more here.

Have a conversation with you family members about social injustice here.

Join the Artists for Anti-Racist Accountability (AFAR) Facebook group here.

Report Racist Theatre here.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

National Tours, MFA Programs + Booking Without Representation with Jennifer Apple (The Band's Visit National Tour) Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

Jennifer Apple is a multi-hyphenated artist who hails from NYC and is a huge fan of new work & truthful storytelling. She currently plays the role of Anna in "The Band's Visit" tour and has performed at regional theaters like Chautauqua Theater Company, ACT, Goodspeed Musicals, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. She has appeared on TV in "New Amsterdam" and holds an MFA in Acting from The American Conservatory Theater. Jennifer is also an acting coach specializing in: BFA/MFA auditions; finding new monologues specifically for you; acting the song/monologue coaching; Shakespeare & scene study. Feel free to check out more on her website at www.JenniferApple.net or follow along her personal journey on IG @JenniferApple_

In this episode, Jennifer chats with NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera about her inspiration behind going back to school for an MFA in Acting, how she earned her Equity card, how she landed an audition appointment for The Band's Visit (special shoutout to the folks at Tara Rubin Casting!), the importance of self-care for actors, her previous survival jobs, and her best advice for actors pursuing a career in the theatre industry.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Tribe on Facebook, click here.

Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more information.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

How to Embrace Movement In Quarantine with Elise Melendez (Motivated Movers) May 25, 2020

Show notes

Elise Melendez is a Chicago-based arts manager, dance educator and nonprofit marketer with a strong commitment to fostering community. Beyond her work with Motivated Movers, Elise continues her commitment to the dance community as managing director of Denman Theatre & Dance Co, a New York based company dedicated to developing hybrid theatrical works using movement/dance as a primary storytelling device.

With a bachelor’s in American Dance Pedagogy from Oklahoma City University and a master’s in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago, Elise has over a decade of experience in arts education and management.

Off the dance floor Elise also serves as marketing manager for the American Marketing Association, the world’s largest community-based marketing association. Her past roles include casting director and assistant to the artistic director at Hangar Theatre; client services account executive for Prevail Strategic Marketing & Communications; strategic planning consultant for NPH USA, Chicago Woman magazine and World Future Society; and development consultant for Chicago Youth Shakespeare. Elise has also been a guest teaching artist/choreographer for arts organizations and educational institutions such as Hangar Theatre, Palace Theatre New Hampshire, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Applause, St. Norbert College and Oklahoma City University.

In episode 86, NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera chats with Elise about the inspiration behind Motivated Movers, how they are continuing to serve dancers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her best advice to performers looking to start their own business.

https://www.instagram.com/elise.melendez/?hl=en

https://www.motivatedmoversnyc.com/about

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Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more information.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Broadway Debuts, National Tours + Advice For Young Performers with Tyler McKenzie (Hamilton) May 18, 2020

Show notes

Tyler McKenzie (performer, director, choreographer, and educator) was last seen in Hamilton. He is a Long Island native with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University, where he studied with three-time Tony Award nominee Terrence Mann, former WCU Phillips Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre, and Charlotte d’Amboise, Mann’s wife and a two-time Tony nominee.He has since performed regionally and in the Broadway & National Tour productions of Mamma Mia, Matilda, and Hamilton. In 2019, Tyler received the Western Carolina University Young Alumni Award celebrating his attaining a level of distinction in his chosen field of work, demonstrating a commitment to the service of others, and showing potential for future leadership/distinction. He also recently received honorary acknowledgement and membership from the National Society of Leadership and Success. Tyler has a major passion for education and has worked with young artists all over the country and online.

In episode 85, NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera chats with Tyler about auditioning for college, training with Terrence Mann and Charlotte d’Amboise, touring the world with Mamma Mia, how he made his Broadway debut, his audition process for Hamilton, living in NYC, survival jobs, Equity contracts, saving money, working on cruise ships, and the importance of an actor's online presence.

Website: http://www.tylermckenzie.net

Studio: https://www.tmcreativestudio.com

Instagram: @tylrmckenzie

To join the Actor Aesthetic Tribe on Facebook, click here.

Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more information.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Create Your Own Destiny with Director/Choreographer Natalie Malotke May 11, 2020

Show notes

Natalie Malotke is a director, choreographer, independent producer, and teaching artist living in New York City. Most recently, Natalie worked with Joshua Bergasse on the choreography team for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She frequently works with Artistic Director, Karen Azenberg at Pioneer Theatre Company (associate on Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof, and Sweet Charity). She also assisted Susan Stroman on the NYC Workshop of Little Dancer, after serving as the SDC Observer on The Dancer Project at Lincoln Center Theatre. Regional artistic work includes productions at Paper Mill Playhouse, Music Theatre of Wichita, TexARTS, Wagon Wheel Theatre, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, NYMF, and Fringe Festivals. Natalie has served as the resident Director/Choreographer for Nickelodeon on board Norwegian Cruise Line, and she has created shows for Story Land theme park. She teaches at Broadway Dance Center, MTCA, The American Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts. Natalie holds a degree from the University of Michigan. She sits on the artistic advisory board for the Encore’s Off-Center series at City Center and has worked as a producer at N+N Productions, and also at Clear Talent Group in the dance, commercial, and choreography departments.

On episode 84, NYC-based actress and Actor Aesthetic host Maggie Bera chats with Natalie about her untraditional path in the theatre industry, her dance inspirations, what creative teams are looking for in auditions, and the importance of being a GOOD HUMAN!

www.nataliemalotke.com

Follow Natalie on Instagram - @nataliemalotke

To join the Actor Aesthetic Tribe on Facebook, click here.

Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more information.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Behind The Scenes with 8-Time Broadway Vet Bret Shuford (Wicked) May 04, 2020

Show notes

Hailing from Texas, Bret Shuford has been living deep in the heart of the acting world since he moved to New York City in 1999. A veteran of 8 Broadway shows, several feature films, network television, and webseries, Shuford has sung, danced, and acted on stages and screens across the country. His best collaboration has been with ballet dancer, actor, and husband, Stephen Hanna. Shuford hopes to continue working as an actor on Broadway and in television/film while helping other actors reach their goals.

On episode 83, NYC-based actress and Actor Aesthetic host Maggie Bera chats with Bret about his transition from small-town Texas to the Big Apple, his journey to Broadway, survival jobs, having a family as a performer, and how he was inspired to create his own business, Broadway Life Coach!

https://www.bretshuford.com

Follow Bret on Instagram - @bretshuford

Follow Bret on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bret.shuford/

The Broadway Life Coach Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2005407233080311

The Secure Actor Project - https://www.bretshuford.com/secure-actor-project

To join the Actor Aesthetic Tribe on Facebook, click here.

Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more information.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

6 Reasons Why Every Actor Should Convert Their Instagram Account To A Business Profile Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

NYC-based actress and Actor Aesthetic creator, Maggie Bera, dishes her 6 reasons why every actor should convert their personal Instagram account to a business profile.

Ready to make the switch? Setting up an Instagram business profile is easy!

Here’s how to do it:

Go to your profile and tap the “gear” icon on the top right.
Tap “Settings.”
Tap “Account.”
Tap “Switch to Professional Account.”
You’ll have two options - business or creator. Tap “Business.”
When switching to a business profile, you’ll be able to select the category of your business profile, add your contact information, and connect to a Facebook page.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Tribe on Facebook, click here.

Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more information.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

The Most Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Instagram (And How Actors Can Take Advantage) Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

NYC-based actress and Actor Aesthetic creator, Maggie Bera, gives her nerdiest podcast yet... featuring the most surprising facts you didn't know about Instagram (and how actors can take advantage!) We're talking cold, hard facts and the numbers behind why Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms on the planet.

Learn about how to increase engagement on Instagram through filters, geotags, hashtags, Instagram stories, business accounts and more.

Links Used For Research:

https://help.instagram.com/502981923235522

https://embedsocial.com/blog/instagram-stories-analytics/

https://www.smperth.com/resources/instagram/2020-instagram-statistics/

https://embedsocial.com/blog/instagram-stories-analytics/

To join the Actor Aesthetic Tribe on Facebook, click here.

Spread the love and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more information.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

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