The Working Actor NYC

If self-tapes feel like punishment, there’s a good chance you’re approaching them completely wrong. Self-tapes didn’t kill auditions. They just changed the rules.Self-tape auditions are now the standard for film, TV, and many theatre projects — but many actors still treat self tapes like a chore instead of a creative opportunity. In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood share practical self-tape audition tips, discuss how to approach acting self tapes creatively, and talk about what actually helps actors stand out on camera.Self-tapes have completely changed the way actors audition — and a lot of actors still treat them like a chore.In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood unpack the mindset shift that can make self-taping not just tolerable… but actually creative and empowering.Yes, many actors miss the energy of being in the room with casting directors. But the self-tape era has also opened up new opportunities: more control over your performance, the ability to collaborate with your own community of readers, and a chance to approach the audition like a miniature piece of storytelling.We talk about:• Why self-tapes feel isolating — and why that might be a myth • How building a circle of readers can actually strengthen your acting community • Whether props help or hurt your audition • Why overproducing your self-tape can backfire • The difference between playing it safe and making specific choices • How to start thinking of self-tapes as a creative opportunity instead of a burdenBecause here’s the truth: the rules of the industry have changed. And the actors who adapt fastest are the ones who keep working.If you’re still treating self-tapes like something you have to get through, this conversation might help you start using them to your advantage.

A conversation about longevity, identity, and staying alive to the work.Acting careers don’t follow straight lines — they move through seasons.In this episode, we explore the reality every long-term actor eventually faces: the transition from one chapter of work to another. Roles evolve, identities shift, and the challenge becomes not holding onto what once worked, but staying responsive to what the work is asking of you now.We discuss:The emotional reality of aging into new casting territoryLetting go of roles that defined earlier chaptersWhy some actors struggle during transitionsHow curiosity sustains longevity in the professionPractical ways to recognize where your career is heading nextThis conversation isn’t about surviving change. It’s about remaining artistically alive as your career evolves.Because longevity in acting isn’t about holding on — it’s about knowing when to release.

A BFA doesn't make you a working actor.What’s the difference between foundational training and ongoing training as a professional actor?In this episode, we unpack the distinction between degree-based programs (BFA/MFA) and the kind of training actors pursue once they’re working in the industry.Neither of us came up through conservatory programs — but we’re both deeply committed to ongoing training. Benjamin talks about the classes that shaped him at HB Studio in New York. Patrick reflects on the private studio in Hollywood that transformed his craft. In both cases, the work demanded imagination, truth, and personal responsibility — not just trying to impress a teacher.We explore:The strengths of foundational programsThe pitfalls of thinking a degree means you’re “done”Why some actors struggle to transition from student to professionalHow class can become a shield from the marketplaceAnd why community and continued growth matter at every levelTraining doesn’t end when school does. And the actors who last are the ones who keep sharpening the tool.If you’re navigating your own path — whether in school, out of school, or years into your career — this conversation will help you think about training in a more strategic way.

Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood are back with Season 2 of The Working Actor NYC Podcast — and they’re starting 2026 with an honest conversation about goals, momentum, and what’s actually changing in the acting industry.In this episode, they talk about:Why traditional goal-setting doesn’t always serve actorsThe difference between chasing moments and building momentumIndustry shifts they’re already noticing in 2026How working actors can orient themselves without burning out or clinging to outdated ideasThis isn’t about resolutions or hype. It’s about clarity, adaptability, and staying awake to the work as it evolves.Whether you’re resetting after a tough year or looking ahead with intention, this episode is about starting the season grounded, curious, and connected.

This is our Christmas week episode — and a look back at a year that changed everything.In this conversation, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood reflect on 2025: the growth, the surprises, and the evolution of The Working Actor NYC.What started as an audio-only podcast recorded at a dining table became: • a video podcast • a full YouTube channel • daily short-form content • weekly long-form episodes • and, unexpectedly, a coaching practice serving actors around the worldWe talk about: – the origin story of The Working Actor NYC – our most popular and favorite podcast episodes – what content resonated most this year – how coaching grew out of the work organically – and the community that made all of it possibleMostly, this episode is about gratitude. For the listeners. For the viewers. And for each other.Thank you for being here. Truly.🎄

Every working actor knows the feeling: watching a truly top-level performer and thinking… “How do they do that every day?”In this episode, Patrick Richwood and Benjamin Howes break down the real habits, routines, and rituals we’ve seen in the pros — the ones that keep them consistent, resilient, and ready, even when life throws curveballs.We talk about things like: 🎭 Would you still show up to the theatre every day if an injury kept you offstage? Some performers do — to stay connected to the show, keep their body in therapy, listen from the wings, and remain a part of the company. That level of commitment is a habit, not an accident.🔥 Mindset that keeps you from spiraling 🥗 Diet, hydration, and fuel that actually support performing 💪 Warm-ups and physical routines Broadway actors swear by 😂 And yes — plenty of the usual chaos and jokes you expect when Patrick and Benjamin get togetherThese habits aren’t about perfection. They’re about the tiny choices that keep you grounded, prepared, and professional — whether you’re on Broadway, on tour, or building momentum in your hometown.

It’s the holidays, and that means one thing: people everywhere are trying to figure out what on earth to buy the actor in their life. So in this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Patrick and I put together the ultimate gift guide — featuring 20 actor gifts that range from genuinely helpful… to deeply questionable… to what fever dream did this Etsy creator wake up from? We’ve got everything from: 🎭 A website promising “How To Get A Restaurant Job With Zero Experience” 🕯️ A “Smells Like World’s Best Actor” candle 🎖️ A Tony Award replica (tell me you don’t want one…) 🛋️ Your own face on street furniture (yes, really) 🔪 A Sweeney Todd straight razor (please don’t give this to method actors) 🧣 A Shakespeare throw blanket for the drama queen in your life 🧑‍🎨 And… The Working Actor NYC Merch Table, obviously. (Truly the perfect gift. I don’t make the rules.) Some gifts are sweet. Some are ridiculous. Some are surprisingly awesome. And one of them is literally a bus stop bench with your headshot on it. But honestly? The best gift for your actor might just be what we talk about at the end: love, support, and a soft place to land when the industry gets loud. Happy holidays from The Working Actor NYC — now go get your theatre kid something magical.

From Broadway to birthday clowns — we’re talking every acting job out there, and why they all count.In this episode, we take a wild ride through every corner of the acting world — from Broadway and Off-Broadway stages to national tours, regional houses, and community theatre. We break down film and TV work, commercials, and the surprising ways acting shows up in the corporate world — training videos, industrials, even tech demos and gaming voiceovers.And of course, we couldn’t resist diving into the weird acting jobs: children’s party clown, escape-room characters, historical re-enactors, Santa stand-ins… plus a few of our own stories you’ll have to hear to believe.Whether you’re a new actor figuring out your lane or a seasoned pro remembering your roots, this episode proves one thing: there are so many ways to make a life in this industry.

Spot the monster in your cast before opening night. Every actor has faced them — the narcissists, the laugh snatchers, the egomaniacs who turn rehearsals into nightmares. In this Halloween-inspired episode, Benjamin Howes sits down with actor Patrick Richwood to cast these toxic colleagues as monsters of the stage and set. Whether you’ve dealt with a Narcissactor, an Ego-Saurus Rex, or just a desperate Laugh Snatcher, this episode will help you keep your sanity, protect your craft, and remember: their monster is not your monster. 🎭 Hosted by Benjamin Howes & Patrick Richwood The Working Actor NYC is your go-to resource for honest, real-world insight into building a career in acting. Every other Monday, catch our co-hosted Podcast episodes — packed with candid stories and laughs — and on alternating Mondays, dig into our Practical series: tactical solo episodes full of actionable tips and tools to help you work smarter, stay inspired, and build the acting career you actually want. Visit us at https://theworkingactornyc.com/ 🎭 Hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with insider intel, actor tools, and behind-the-scenes truths from the heart of the industry. You got this. Keep going!

There's a fine line between blowing off steam - and burning the whole cast.Every actor vents — it’s practically part of the job description. But when does a little healthy release turn into full-on toxic dumping that drags down the energy in the room? In this episode, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood dig into the fine line between blowing off steam and becoming the person everyone avoids at rehearsal. Inspired by a listener’s real-life question about a castmate who wouldn’t stop badmouthing their own show, we talk about why we vent, how it bonds us, and what happens when it starts to poison the atmosphere instead of clearing it.With humor, empathy, and a lot of first-hand experience, Benjamin and Patrick share tools that help you stay on the healthy side of that line — from time-limiting your rants to signaling when you just need a minute to unload. They also explore how your emotional energy shapes your reputation in this small industry, and how to keep your venting productive, professional, and human. Whether you’re mid-rehearsal, mid-tour, or mid-meltdown, this episode will help you turn frustration into fuel — and remind you that venting clears the air, but dumping just clouds it.

From baby face to “dad bod” roles — the actor’s aging curve.Getting older in the acting industry comes with its own set of challenges — and some unexpected advantages. In this episode, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood unpack the realities of aging on stage and screen: the shifting dynamics of age in a cast, whether age brings respect or obsolescence, and how actors navigate playing older or younger than they really are.With humor, honesty, and a lot of lived experience, we tackle the lies actors are told about age, the truths we’ve learned along the way, and why the conversation matters now more than ever. Whether you’re fresh out of school or decades into your career, this episode will make you laugh, think, and hopefully feel a little less alone in the climb.

Your type gets you in the room. Your wheelhouse books it.Want to land more acting roles? It’s not just about “knowing your type.” In this episode of The Working Actor NYC Podcast, Benjamin and Patrick break down the secret edge that helps actors actually book the room: your wheelhouse. You’ll learn what casting type really means, how it differs from your wheelhouse, and why understanding both is essential for building a consistent, hireable brand as an actor.We share personal examples, practical tools to discover your own type and wheelhouse, and how to strategically use them in auditions, headshots, reels, and networking. Whether you’re a student actor or a seasoned professional, this conversation will help you audition with confidence, stand out in crowded casting offices, and ultimately land more roles.Join our community at TheWorkingActorNYC.com and let us know how we're doing!

Rejection isn’t the end — it’s part of the job. Actors face rejection constantly — but what does it really mean, and how do you keep going when it hurts? In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, hosts Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood break down the truth about rejection: why it feels so personal, why it’s not a verdict on your talent or your worth, and how to shift your mindset so it doesn’t derail your career. You’ll learn 8 practical strategies for handling rejection as an actor, from building resilience and reframing the “no,” to protecting your mental health and staying motivated between auditions. Whether you’re a working actor in NYC, a student actor just starting out, or a performer looking to book more work, this episode will give you the tools to survive rejection and thrive in your acting career. The Working Actor NYC is your go-to resource for honest, real-world insight into building a career in acting. Every other Monday, catch our co-hosted Podcast episodes — packed with candid stories and laughs — and on alternating Mondays, dig into our Practical series: tactical solo episodes full of actionable tips and tools to help you work smarter, stay inspired, and build the acting career you actually want. 🎭 Hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with insider intel, actor tools, and behind-the-scenes truths from the heart of the industry. You got this. Keep going!

Stop guessing. Start submitting smart. Want a legit acting agent? Here's how to actually get one — and keep them. In this Part 2 deep dive of The Working Actor NYC Podcast, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood break down what really works when it comes to landing great representation in today’s industry. Now that your materials are ready (headshot, resumé, reel, website), what’s next? We walk you through the submission process — how to get your work in front of the right agents, at the right time, in the right way. No more sending your career into the void. Plus: how to maintain a great relationship with your rep once you’ve signed, and how to recognize the red flags that might mean it’s time to move on. 🎭 The Working Actor NYC is your go-to resource for honest, real-world insight into building a career in acting. Every other Monday, catch our co-hosted Podcast episodes — packed with candid stories and laughs — and on alternating Mondays, dig into our Practical series: tactical solo episodes full of actionable tips and tools to help you work smarter, stay inspired, and build the acting career you actually want. 🎭 Hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with insider intel, actor tools, and behind-the-scenes truths from the heart of the industry. You got this. Keep going!

Getting a good agent isn't luck - it's strategy.In this first half of our two-part deep dive, we're breaking down what it really takes to land a legit agent—and what you need to know before you even hit "send" on that email.We’re covering:What agents can and can’t do for your careerPatrick’s real-life stories from both Hollywood and New YorkThe exact materials you’ll need to stand out: headshots, resumés, reels, and websitesWhether you're just starting out or need a serious materials refresh, this episode has you covered—with Benjamin and Patrick’s signature humor and honesty.📌 Part 2 drops August 18th, where we’ll tackle the science of submissions: how to get your materials in front of the right people at the right time, build strong relationships with your rep, and know when it’s time to walk away.Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

Ever walked out of an audition sweating bullets and replaying every word in your head? Same. Let’s fix that.In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood break down the real, messy, very human anxiety that comes with being a working actor—and what we actually do about it.We cover 14 practical coping strategies that have helped us (and countless friends) navigate: 🎭 Post-audition silence and uncertainty 💰 Financial instability when your next gig isn’t lined up 🔍 The endless, soul-crushing comparison game …and all the other wild curveballs that make actor life both amazing and anxiety-inducing.With honesty, humor, and a few decades of collective experience, we share how to keep your sanity, stay creative, and keep moving forward—even on the hard days.If you’ve ever thought, “Is it just me?”—spoiler: it’s not. And you don’t have to white-knuckle it alone.

Feeling stuck? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood dive into procrastination and perfectionism — the two sneaky career killers actors face every day. 🎭We share why it happens, what it looks like specifically for actors today, and real strategies to break the cycle: accountability buddies, “schedule over mood,” and more.We’ve been there. We get it. And we’re here to help you get unstuck.🎙 Subscribe for honest, funny and practical talk about making it as a working actor in NYC and beyond.

Watching the Tonys as an actor: Here's what hit us.What do the 2025 Tony Awards have to teach working actors who are… not currently at Radio City? In this episode, Patrick Richwood and Benjamin Howes talk about everything from the incredible diversity of this year’s winners to the emotional rollercoaster of watching your friends sing live on national TV while you’re eating leftovers in sweatpants. 💁‍♂️We dig into how representation really does matter, how comparison can sneak in if you’re not careful, and why seeing your peers succeed can actually be fuel—not failure. Spoiler: no one is immune to the occasional spiral, but there are ways through it.If you've ever watched the Tonys and thought, “Why not me?”—this one’s for you. 💥

Booked a Broadway show… by writing it himself. What if the thing that books you next isn’t another audition—but something you create yourself?In this episode, I sit down with Tony-nominated actor and writer Hunter Bell, whose self-created musical [title of show] made it all the way to Broadway—and earned him a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical.But this conversation isn’t just about musicals. It’s about how creating your own work—at any scale—can unlock your career. A scene with friends. A self-tape you write. A skit. A social media post. A short film. A web series. You don’t need permission to get started—you just need to start.Hunter shares first-hand advice on taking creative control, building something from scratch, and what it means to make your own space in the industry. And since we’ve been friends for 19 years (I was Hunter’s understudy on [title of show]!), you’ll also get some laughs, some real talk, and a ton of insight.✨ Whether you're a working actor, a student, or someone hustling to level up—this episode will leave you inspired to make something today.🔗 Subscribe to The Working Actor NYC for more interviews, insights, and industry motivation.

Okay—real talk. How many times have you been told, 'You’ve gotta network!'... and immediately felt your soul leave your body?I know it’s not just me, because some of you responded on our TikTok and Instagram pages that you feel the same way.Whether you're on set, in the rehearsal room, or grabbing a drink after class—there’s this pressure, this low-key panic that says, 'Be likable. Be remembered. Make a connection!'But here’s the thing: most of us are going about it totally wrong.Networking doesn’t have to be awkward, fake, or cringe. In fact, if it feels like networking… you’re probably not doing it right.In this episode, we’re flipping the script. We are sharing real, honest ways to connect—with casting, crew, directors, even other actors—without ever feeling like you’re selling yourself.This is for the actor who wants real relationships, not just contacts in their phone.