Equity Foundation Podcast

IMDBpro.com is relied upon by top executives throughout the film & TV industry. It is an incredibly useful tool for finding representation, keeping your resume updated, researching projects, and finding industry contacts you’d like to connect with. Kym Jackson (S.W.A.T., N.C.I.S.) is an Aussie actress credited with 70+ feature films & TV episodes. Her 2026/2027 releases include We Bury The Dead opposite Daisy Ridley, Born To Lose with Sarah Pidgeon and Dylan Arnold, The Cryptid opposite Emmy winner Charlie Adler, and Wild Card with David Arquette. A member of MENSA, Kym is the author of the Amazon best selling textbook, The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors. As a regular speaker for organizations including SAG-AFTRA, MEAA, WIFT, Spotlight, Kym has taught thousands of actors to successfully pursue a career acting professionally in the film & TV industry. She is the founder of the Secret Actor Society app and membership site, which connects actors worldwide with casting directors, provides a supportive com

This is a rare chance to hear from leading actor and theatre director Effie Nkrumah (who’s acclaimed career has spanned directing MJ the Musical and acting in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) to join interviewer Helen Dallimore and get a behind the scenes look at the creative process, how stage productions are cast, the actor/director relationship, how to have the best chance of a successful stage career, what you need to know about the industry and the steps that theatre directors take to get a production up and running. Effie Nkrumah is a multi-hyphenate creative and cultural leader of Ghanaian descent. A contributor to Maxine Beneba Clarke’s Growing Up African in Australia anthology, Effie holds an MA in Arts Politics from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she further defined her creative practice. Effie creates and champions work that is entertaining, aesthetically compelling and thought-provoking. Her acting credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenne

Receiving a script is only the beginning. What happens next? How do we transform words on a page into a truthful, compelling performance? And how can you step seamlessly from yourself into the life of the character? In this 90 minute session, Miranda will take participants through her approach to script analysis and character preparation, sharing the practical tools she uses to unlock a script and build a performance from the inside out. She will discuss finding and trusting the tiny adjustments embedded in the script and story, about pathways to finding the beats and about the nature of character versus self. Miranda Harcourt Globally renowned as a performance-pilot, not only does Miranda support stars at the highest level, but also guides emerging talents into stellar careers. Her clients have won and been nominated for Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, BAFTAs and AAFTAs. She has lifted up countless careers for actors and emerging directors through her work at labs and schools like TIFF, NYU Tisch, the Londo

Whether you prepare your own tax return or work with an accountant, this practical workshop will help you better understand the financial side of being a working artist. Tim will cover the fundamentals of tax for creative practitioners, (performers, crew and musicians) including how to work effectively with your accountant and the questions you should be asking. The session will also explore strategies for managing irregular income, planning for the future through savings and term deposits, and building greater financial confidence in a profession where income can fluctuate from job to job. Designed specifically for artists, this workshop will provide practical knowledge to help you make informed financial decisions throughout the year—not just at tax time. Tim has been working in Theatre and the Arts since graduating as an actor in 2005. His professional artistic work has included being an actor, fight director, movement consultant and producer. Seeing a separation between the Arts world and finance, he h

Actors live and work in an environment that asks a lot of them. Auditions, rejections, financial uncertainty, intense rehearsal periods, performance anxiety, public scrutiny, relationship dynamics, creative vulnerability, and the challenge of sustaining a career in a highly competitive industry all place unique demands on actors. As a psychologist who works with artists and performers, I’ve often noticed that the framework we hold for performers has a specific difference. When people outside the performing arts experience stress, they’re often encouraged to step back, do less, or find fulfilment elsewhere. But performers rarely want to care less about their craft. They want to keep creating, keep striving, and keep showing up for the work they love. The question becomes: how do we develop the skills to manage high levels of stress sustainably? In this conversation, we’ll explore the psychological realities of life as an actor. We’ll discuss the thoughts that can undermine confidence, the emotions that come

A terrific opportunity to hear from Australian actor Shabana Azeez as she prepares to begin filming Season 3 of The Pitt in the US. Equity member Kat Hoyos sits down with Shabana to explore her journey from starting out in Adelaide to working on one of the most talked-about TV series today. Widely regarded as one of the most popular shows of the moment, The Pitt has captured global attention with its gripping storytelling and distinctive style. This a great opportunity to hear firsthand about the experiences, influences, and stories that continue to shape her work. They discuss how she has navigated the industry, developed her craft, and embraced the opportunities and challenges of an international career. Shabana Azeez has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting actors to watch with her undeniable talent and magnetic screen presence.  As a breakout star of HBO Max’s Emmy-winning hit series, THE PITT, she can be seen reprising her role as “Victoria Javadi” in the second season which is cur

Dean Drieberg is an acclaimed creative with almost three decades’ experience in theatre, advertising and events. He recently directed Nine for NIDA and Dial M For Murder for Smoke&Mirrors Productions. Dean is Resident Director for Disney's The Lion King and was Resident Director of Hamilton for the Australian, New Zealand and International tours from 2021 to 2025. He directed Promises, Promises at Hayes Theatre, the Australian Premiere of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (nominated for Best Musical in the TimeOut Sydney Arts & Culture Awards and 3 Sydney Theatre Awards) for Darlinghurst Theatre Company, the Australian Premiere of Passing Strange (nominated for 5 Green Room Awards including Production of the Year) for Antipodes Theatre Company, co-directed Colour And Light: The Art of Sondheim (winning 2 Green Room Awards) and Sunday In The Park George (Green Room Award nominee for Best Direction and Best Multimedia Design) for Watch This - Australia's Sondheim repertory company for whom he is Co-Arti

The actors you love to watch aren’t just talented — they’re prepared. Every nuanced choice, every layered moment, every scene that pulls you in and won’t let go? That comes from the work they do before the camera rolls. There’s no single “right” way to prepare. Every actor is different. Every role demands something different. What separates the good from the unforgettable is having a full toolkit — and knowing which tool to reach for. In this class, Kym Jackson walks you through proven methods for breaking down a scene, building a character from the ground up, locking in your lines, and showing up to your next film & TV audition or shoot fully prepared and ready to deliver. Kym Jackson (S.W.A.T., N.C.I.S.) is an Aussie actress credited with 70+ feature films & TV episodes. Her 2026/2027 releases include We Bury The Dead opposite Daisy Ridley, Born To Lose with Sarah Pidgeon and Dylan Arnold, The Cryptid opposite Emmy winner Charlie Adler, and Wild Card with David Arquette.A member of MENSA, Kym is the auth

Beyond the Gun – Creative Partnerships There’s a distinct difference between being cast as an actor in a theatre production and working as a creative collaborator and developing your own work. This session examines how actors can step into producing and move into the developmental life of a project—contributing ideas, shaping the script, and influencing the work as it develops. Actors such as Ngoc Phan, Nicholas Brown, Julia Robertson, Amy Ingram, and Cameron Hurry have expanded their work into producing, writing and directing. This conversation explores how actors can evolve their practice, build a reputation for meaningful creative input, and become initiators and collaborators whose contributions extend beyond performance into the heart of the work itself. Amy is a multi-award-winning actor and theatre-maker based in Brisbane, later this year she will appear in the return season of Pride And Prejudice at QTC and the World Premiere of Suzie Miller’s Strong Is The New Pretty touring Nationally. Ngọc is

During this livestream session US dialect coach Charley Layton will offer a comprehensive accent study for those actors looking to improve their skill with the non-regional US dialect (and a bit of UK), which is highly sought after for auditions, self-tapes, voiceover work and more. Charley will give advice and feedback to participants as well as insight into the linguistics and physiology involved. Charley Layton is a NYC-based dialect coach and faculty member of the Atlantic Acting School. Recent credits include: Tommy the Musical on Broadway (Nederlander Theatre): Beetlejuice (Regional Tour), Jersey Boys (New World Stages), Awake and Sing! (Public Theater), Travels With My Aunt (Clurman Theater), Sense of an Ending (59E59 Theaters), Film /TV: “Humor Me” (Shout! Studios) & Showtime’s “Billions”BFA Drama NYUBA Linguistics Brooklyn College www.charleylayton.com

Actor and Equity member Monica Sayers will chat to Australian casting director Kirsty McGregor about discuss auditions, castings and the actor/casting director relationship. Kirsty McGregor’s journey from performer to an influential casting director working across Australia and internationally has had a significant impact on film and television. She is the recipient of three AACTA Awards and seventeen Casting Guild of Australia Awards, and has also received three nominations from the Casting Society of Americas well as an Emmy nomination. A long-time advocate for the craft of casting, Kirsty has been a leading voice within the Casting Guild of Australia, championing the recognition of casting as a key creative department. Her work has helped shape some of the most acclaimed Australian productions of recent years, including Lion, Animal Kingdom, Babyteeth, Colin from Accounts, Top Of The Lake, The Twelve, Apple Cider Vinegar and Bump. Her work continues to shape and elevate talent both in Australia and inter

A chance to hear from Equity’s National Industrial Officers Tess Chappell and Miles Hunt on performers’ employment contracts, usage payments and residuals. This will be of particular interest for new members and a refresher for established members. The discussion will cover the following topics: • Contract basics, how to negotiate an employment contract before signing and how to use your contract during your employment. • Usage – upfront buyouts and the curse of in perpetuity. • Residuals – backend payments and where they come from; • Agreements – how usage and residuals work in film, TV and streaming; • MEAA negotiations and payments for performers; • Commercials and rollovers • The difficulty with streamers; and • International Perspective – SAG and other jurisdictions and Q and A

Equity's Live Stream Program continues with esteemed casting director Lauren Wiley talking with Equity member Helen Dallimore about all things auditions, musicals, casting, current and past projects, the actor/casting director relationship and answering all your questions. Lauren Wiley is one of Australia’s most accomplished Casting Directors, bringing more than two decades of experience. She is currently the Casting Director for the forthcoming Australian premiere of A Beautiful Noise – The Neil Diamond Musical (TEG Dainty/Ken Davenport). Her extensive credits include MJ The Musical (Michael Cassel Group), Gaslight (Newtheatricals/Queensland Theatre), Hamilton (International Tour) and Hamilton (Australia) (Michael Cassel Group), Come From Away (Junkyard Dog/Newtheatricals), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Michael Cassel Group), and Kinky Boots (Michael Cassel Group). Lauren also served as Consulting Casting Director for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (TEG Dainty/Stage Entertainment) and was Casting Adm

Join professional voice artist Alexandra Lopez for an essential introduction to the voice over industry, designed specifically for acting graduates ready to expand their career opportunities. Represented by Scout Management and specialising in coaching beginners, Alexandra will guide you through the unique skills and techniques that set voice work apart from stage and screen acting. You'll learn who to connect with in the industry, what equipment and training you'll need to be audition-ready, and how to stay productive and sharp between jobs. Whether you're curious about voice over or ready to dive in, this session will give you the practical knowledge and insider perspective to confidently navigate this exciting avenue of your acting career. Alexandra Lopez is the CEO of Alexandra Lopez Studios and the founder of Voice Over Collective. Represented by Scout Management, Alexandra has over 20 years of experience as a professional voice artist. She has voiced campaigns for brands including the SA Government, S

How to make money playing the role you were born to play: yourself. Or in other words: learn that the skills you have gained as an actor are of value beyond the script. A deep dive into what skills you have as a performer that can be monetized in other ways including corporate work as an MC, hosting children's shows, game shows and light entertainment with ongoing high profile warm up audience work. Michael worked as an actor on both stage and screen for several years. 1984 was a turning point as he began an on-air career as a television presenter, hosting children’s shows, game shows and light entertainment. What followed was a decade of profile building which opened opportunities in the corporate space as host and emcee of Award Nights, conferences, product launches and the like. Work that he continues to this day. 1990 saw another sideways turn as audience warm-up for Blind Date. More shows followed and Michael soon became the go-to-guy for audience warm-up for everything from The Voice, Australia’s Got

Acclaimed acting coach Miranda Harcourt will discuss how actors can craft a journey through their material, how verbatim text can help us achieve naturalism and how our thoughts translate through the lens. As she did in her last livestream, Miranda will bring case studies and research about the ways psychology and neuroscience supports your performance. Last time she discussed how you can achieve unselfconsciousness, inner life and responsiveness by balancing your vista, connection and internal landscape. This time she will push beyond those core craft skills into new material. Miranda will spend half the time respond directly to your questions about acting and directing on stage and screen. Globally renowned as a performance-pilot, not only does Miranda support stars at the highest level, but also guides emerging talents into stellar careers. Her clients have won and been nominated for multiple Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, BAFTAs and AAFTAs. She has lifted up countless careers through her work at labs and

Join David John Clark, aka The Late Bloomer Actor for some insights into acting as a late bloomer. The how’s, what’s, where’s and why’s of acting in your ‘later’ years, whether it’s a new endeavour for you, or returning to fulfil your younger self’s dreams, before career, family and everything got in the way. Learn what you can do to propel yourself forward and to treat your journey as a business but maintain it as an exciting opportunity. And you don’t need to be a late bloomer either to benefit from this discussion, as we look into all the little things you need to do to keep the momentum going. David John Clark is an actor and podcaster. He is the host of the popular podcast "The Late Bloomer Actor"'. David got his first taste of acting as an extra in the booming movie industry in Sydney during the 1990's, including a small role in Star Wars 'Attack Of The Clones' of which he personally received direction from the great George Lucas. Little did he know then, that 20 years later this would be his calling.

Meg Morman, award winning US Casting Director will talk to QLD Equity Vice President, Sophia Emberson-Bain about the US casting process, the actor/casting director relationship, her advice for actors and what she has learnt along the way. There will be plenty of time for audience questions. Meg Morman, CSA is an award-winning casting director and a partner at Morman Boling Casting. Previously a manager of casting in the Feature Film Department at 20th Century Fox, she also spent four years as an associate and then casting director at Walken/Jaffe Casting. In 2004, Meg cast the acclaimed films Me and You and Everyone We Know (Sundance & Cannes 2005) and Steal Me (Sundance 2005), and soon after, she launched her company with partner Sunday Boling Kennedy. Since then, she has cast over 100 films, including Omaha (Sundance 2025), Green and Gold, Waitress, Hello, My Name is Doris, Aporia, The Ballad of Lefty Brown and Suze. Her television and streaming credits include The Baxters, Sneakerheads, Ish Hashuv Meod,

Relocating to any "major" film & TV market is a vital step to pursue your acting career. While self tapes have enabled established actors to remain remote, it's important for developmental talent to be where the COMMUNITY is. This enables you to attend in-person networking, educational, and social events on a regular basis to build trust, contacts, and become part of the 'tribe'. In this class, you'll learn how to choose the best market, the steps to prepare in the months leading up to your move, and what to do once you arrive. Kym Jackson (This Is Us, S.W.A.T., N.C.I.S., The Secrets She Keeps) is an actress credited with 60+ feature films & TV episodes and is the author of the Amazon best selling textbook, The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors, a comprehensive 300+ page guide to navigating the entertainment industry. She is the founder of the Secret Actor Society app and website, which boasts over 3000 classes and Q&A’s, with 50+ industry experts and casting directors, that reveal strategies best use

How do you not just succeed once, but keep delivering for a lifetime? In this 90-minute session, Damien Strouthos - actor, coach and founder of The Resilient Actor shares the 5 essentials to perform at your best, stay resilient, and thrive in one of the toughest industries in the world. Drawing on high-performance principles and years of professional experience, Damien offers practical tools and strategies that help actors align craft, career and well-being for long-term success. Damien Strouthos is an award-winning actor, best known for his work in the Foxtel series The Twelve and HBO Max/BBC’s The Tourist, with a career spanning film, television, and theatre. On screen, he’s appeared in Heartbreak High(Netflix), One Night (Paramount+), Last King of the Cross (Paramount+), Home and Away, and Pieces of Her (Netflix). His feature film credits include Transfusion, directed by Matt Nable, I Am Woman, and Peter Rabbit 1 and; 2. Damien is also an accomplished theatre performer, having worked with Sydney Theatre C