OPENING DOORS: The Young Actor Workspace Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Anne Henry Oct 31, 2024

Lisa and David welcome Anne Henry, co-founder of BizParentz, the nation's foremost non-profit organization serving professional young performers and their families, for an invaluable conversation about ways to stay safe while pursuing an entertainment career, how to avoid scams, the importance of trusting one’s instincts, navigating social media, and much more.

Lisa and David address this week’s mailbag question: “What are some tips for directing your young actor if you have no acting/directing experience?”

ANNE HENRY

Anne Henry is the mother of 3 former young performers, all of which had successful careers. In her life prior to showbiz, she had a 15-year career as a city administrator where her responsibilities included managing parks and recreation departments, special events, social services, and legislation and public policy. She currently works as an administrator at a private school. Anne served as a parent advisor to the Screen Actors Guild National Young Performers Committee and is the co-founder of BizParentz Foundation (www.bizparentz.org), the nation's foremost non-profit organization serving professional young performers and their families.

About BizParentz 

BizParentz Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization serving families in the entertainment industry through education and advocacy. Since its founding in 2004 by Paula Dorn and Anne Henry, BizParentz representatives have provided personal assistance at no charge to thousands of families. They have presented seminars on Coogan Accounts, Parenting Young Performers, Child Actor Taxes, Incorporation/Emancipation, and Predators and Performer Safety. Anne and Paula have become sought after media and legislative experts on the subject of young performers and have written or sponsored 12 laws protecting children across the country, including the 2012 California Child Performer Protection Act, which for the first time, required fingerprint clearance for adults working with children in the entertainment industry. Anne and Paula were honored for their contributions to the entertainment industry with a formal Commendation from the City of Los Angeles in 2011.   BizParentz is recognized as the leading organization serving families in the entertainment industry, and the organization has partnered with actors and legislators across the United States to develop safe standards for children in the industry. The articles on the BizParentz website have been translated into more than 10 languages, and Paula and Anne have contributed to multiple national publications, web-based venues, and television shows in the US, Canada, the UK, and Brazil. Recent appearances include NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s Inside Edition, Dr. Drew, Entertainment Tonight, and multiple appearances on CNN. They have been quoted in Vanity Fair, The New York Times, LA Times, The Boston Globe, and Backstage. A feature film, AN OPEN SECRET, documents some of their work and was released to critical acclaim in 2015.

Website: www.bizparentz.org

Facebook: @bizparentz

THE YOUNG ACTOR WORKSPACE was born out of a single request — a mom who was looking for help with an audition for her son. At the time, the young actor was doing a play with Lisa Picotte and David Kaufman. They were both happy to share their personal insight and advice on how to approach the particularly difficult audition material. He booked the job. Word of mouth ensued and a studio was born. In the past 20 years, Lisa and David have worked with hundreds of young actors, both in weekly classes and private coaching. Some of the young actors who have studied and coached with them have gone on to tremendous success — Millie Bobby Brown, Taylor Lautner, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Grace Kaufman, Tanner Buchanan, Haley Ramm, Brenna D’Amico, Bobby Soto, just to name a few. While these young actors’ success is a point of pride for Lisa and David, they are just as proud of the many other young actors who are also working regularly, or simply gaining the skills to go out into the world feeling confident in their ability to speak in front of and honestly engage with others in whatever paths they eventually choose. While the studio continues to thrive, Lisa is now a sought-after set coach for young actors. She has worked for ABC, CBS, Showtime, Apple TV Plus and Disneyamong others.

Instagram: @lisapicotteworkspace

Facebook: @lisapicotteworkspace

Website: www.youngactorworkspace.com

Pedro Tapia Oct 24, 2024

Lisa and David speak with CESD’s PEDRO TAPIA, one of Los Angeles’ top agents for youth performers, about the actor-agent relationship, including how to get an agent, how to handle slow work periods, the transition from child to young adult performer, the importance of enjoying the process, and much more.

Lisa and David address this week’s mailbag question: “How do I know if the relationship with an agent or manager is not working?”

PEDRO TAPIA

Born and raised in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Mexico, Pedro Tapia grew up with a deep appreciation for both his heritage and the opportunities around him. Living in the heart of the entertainment industry, he felt inspired to pursue a career in that world and landed his first studio position at Paramount Pictures. It was during his time at Abrams Artists that he discovered his true passion: talent representation. In 2008, he was invited to join the team at CESD Talent Agency, where he has continued to thrive and grow professionally ever since.

Instagram: @cesdtalent

Facebook: @cesdtalent

Instagram: @lisapicotteworkspace

Facebook: @lisapicotteworkspace

Website: www.youngactorworkspace.com

Krisha Bullock Oct 17, 2024

Lisa and David welcome award-winning Casting Director KRISHA BULLOCK (iCarly, Victorious, Henry Danger, more) for a wide-ranging discussion covering the importance of studying consistently, “speaking in your own voice” when auditioning, fully embracing your choices, and the most important thing about self-tapes.

Lisa and David discuss this week’s mailbag question: “How do you know if your child has talent?”

KRISHA BULLOCK

Krisha Bullock is half of the amazing casting duo of Bullock & Snow Casting. An LA based Casting Director, Krisha is one of the most influential, multi award-winning casting directors in the industry today. She specializes in youth casting, from hit children’s television shows on kid-friendly networks to feature films and commercials. Krisha Bullock’s impressive credits include DANGER FORCE, SIDE HUSTLE, HENRY DANGER, GAME SHAKERS, iCARLY, VICTORIOUS, and more!

Most recently Krisha was awarded the Seymour Heller Award for Youth Television Casting Director(s) of the Year by the Talent Manager's Association which honors "those in the industry who operate with dedication and the highest of ethics and standards".

Krisha is so grateful to spend most of her days laughing and working hard to find the best talent for every role. Krisha prides herself on maintaining an inviting and actor-friendly atmosphere with an emphasis on keeping the casting office a youthful and fun place to be creative in.

Outside of casting, Krisha is a mom, an avid yogi, and lover of the outdoors. Additionally, she has been a mentor and teacher to thousands of hopeful young people, helping them break into the industry and navigating them toward a professional career.

“Performers love her fun, informative, educational workshops. You can tell she loves what she does in the world of children's casting, because it radiates through in her feedback and critiques in class.”

Instagram: @bullockandsnowcasting

Website: www.bullockandsnowcasting.com

Instagram: @lisapicotteworkspace

Facebook: @lisapicotteworkspace

Website: www.youngactorworkspace.com

Brenna D'Amico Oct 04, 2024

Lisa and David talk with Disney "Descendants" star Brenna D'Amico about the importance of creating your supportive community, her relationship with social media, not letting others define you, and her friendship with the late Cameron Boyce and her other co-stars.

From the mailbag, Lisa and David discuss when an actor should and should not work for free.

The Cameron Boyce Foundation honors the legacy of Cameron Boyce by aiming to cure epilepsy through funding research, education and awareness campaigns while still supporting causes that were important to Cameron. For more information and to donate go to The Cameron Boyce Foundation.

BRENNA D’AMICO

Brenna D’Amico is an up-and-coming actress who has amassed a body of work that encompasses both television and film.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Brenna grew up on stage, performing in a variety of musicals and theatrical productions. Brenna would land her breakout role playing JANE in the Disney Channel movie franchise DESCENDANTS, directed and choreographed by Kenny Ortega.

Following DESCENDANTS, Brenna landed guest-starring roles in the hit ABC comedy series THE MIDDLE and in the medical drama CODE BLACK.

Brenna can also be seen in the following independent feature films: DALLY & SPANKY, SATURDAY AT THE STARLIGHT, THE NEVER LIST, and NIGHT, NIGHT, all streaming on networks like Apple TV, Amazon Prime, etc. Brenna also starred as a lead in the comedic coming of age film, CRUSHED, on Tubi.

In 2024, Brenna will be filming a psychological thriller as well as a coming-of-age film.

In addition to acting, Brenna has a passion for music; she sings and plays piano and guitar.

Instagram: @brennadamico

TikTok: @brennie88

Instagram: @lisapicotteworkspace

Facebook: @lisapicotteworkspace

Website: www.youngactorworkspace.com