In this episode, we’re joined by the hilarious and insightful Adam Capriolo who has been performing since grade school, dreaming of the stage from as early as first grade. Together, we dive into the ever-changing comedy landscape, reflecting on how the lack of funding for writers and shifting industry trends have impacted the genre we all miss so much. From starting out as an actor at 18 to landing a role on The Bold Type and leveraging it for career-changing opportunities, Adam shares how small, unexpected projects often bring the most joy—proving that bigger doesn’t always mean better. He opens up about the unique challenges of acting: the uncertainty of long-term roles, the insecurity of waiting for the next call, and how it can feel like being in an “abusive relationship” with the industry. We also discuss the realities of modern streaming, the pros and cons of serial versus episodic TV, and what networks and streamers are looking for today. Through it all, Adam reminds us to focus on the craft, not the category or the prestige of the studio, and to find fulfillment in the work itself. ✨ Key Takeaways: Don’t take yourself—or the industry—too seriously. Your acting career is always evolving; show up with confidence because you belong there! Joy in your work comes from doing your best and letting go of unrealistic expectations. Inner peace is priceless, and leaving a legacy doesn’t require being Brad Pitt. This episode is a refreshing, grounded take on staying true to yourself in a business that can be unpredictable and overwhelming. Laugh with us, reflect with us, and leave feeling inspired to find joy in every step of your creative journey! GUEST: Adam Capriolo Haus of Marc: https://www.hausofmarc.com/adam-capriolo IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5924611/ Resurrection! at the Centaur Theatre: https://centaurtheatre.com/box-office/events/
Do you really need to know how to ski to land that Hallmark movie? Not necessarily! In this episode, we break down when special skills truly make a difference in booking a role. From leads in skiing-centric films (spoiler: it’s about your performance, not your slopes skills) to supporting roles in a gymnastics school scene where real ability is key, we’ll help you navigate how to market your talents. Tune in for insights on submitting smart, standing out, and understanding what casting directors prioritize when it comes to special skills.
In the room today, Suzanna and Jess talk all about getting kids into the business. Jess talks first hand how her nephew and niece got into acting and auditioning. Listen to hear tips and tricks and some insider info on how to get started and if you or your kids have the right personality for it
In this episode, we chat with Alba Gil, an amazing director and filmmaker whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. She shares how she moved to Canada from Mexico with a background in advertising and had to start from scratch in Montreal. From working as an assistant director to production manager to finally becoming a director, her story is all about resilience and determination. We talk about some of her big moments—like her directing debut while breastfeeding her five-month-old baby (with a super supportive team behind her!) and how a trip back to Mexico for a female directors’ panel changed everything. That trip reconnected her with her roots, and before she knew it, she was working on Netflix’s Triada. She also opens up about navigating a male-dominated industry, finding her authentic leadership style, and the internal work it took to trust herself, think big, and take bold chances. It’s a story of embracing who you are, breaking barriers, and carving your own path. Let's get into it! Alba Gil: https://www.alba-gil.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albagil/
In the room today, Suzanna and Jess bring us up to speed on how their year went. From Suzanna signing with a new agent and diving deeper with her students to Jess' projects (Karate Kid, Plan B Season 3 and Prophet of Ecstasy). Suzanna expresses the importance of timing when it comes to signing with a new agent and even booking a role on a series. Just because it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it isn't going to. Let's get into it
In the room today is Kenny Wong, an award-winning screen writer, actor and violinist. Kenny tells us about how he got into acting after a devastating diagnosis during his time at McGill University in the music performance program. He gets in to how he made that transition, the work he put in and the dedication he had to achieving his goals. Kenny also tells us how he turned his diagnosis in to a script, which went on to win many awards! We hear about how he signed with his first and current agents, his highs and lows, auditions and bookings. Kenny also tells us about his experience on NBC's Transplant where he played the recurring role of Arnold for 4 seasons! He also shares some great tips for actors. Kenny is charismatic, driven, talented and has an amazing work ethic. Let's get into it!
Suzanna and Jess talk about the realities of working on big projects that sound exciting to "non-actors" vs. working on smaller indie projects that are more fulfilling. We get into talking to your family who doesn't quite understand how the industry works about your work as an actor and what they mean. Let's get in to it!
In the room today is Hannah Antaki, casting associate and director. She has worked with different casting directors in Toronto and she is here to debunk all of the myths of the Toronto casting process. HINT - we are the same! We get into everything from submissions to selections, from prep to wardrobe and from agents to networking. We also get to hear a bit about the latest project she's working on, Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Hannah answers a lot of your burning questions. She's realistic, honest, nice and approachable! Let's get into it :) LINKS Suzanna's online course: https://www.udemy.com/course/on-camera-acting-with-suzanna-lenir/?couponCode=BACKTOACTING FOLLOW US YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@booktheroompodcast/videos Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/booktheroompodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089225750910
Suzanna and Jess get into different approaches to casting after having spoken to Toronto Casting Director, Hannah Antaki (episode out Nov. 23). We talk about the pros and cons of Zoom and self-tape auditions, reiterate that the auditions are auditions and NOT workshops and if you do decide to expand to Toronto, understand how competitive it is - but don't be deterred! Let's get into it! Suzanna's online course: https://www.udemy.com/course/on-camera-acting-with-suzanna-lenir/?couponCode=BACKTOACTING FOLLOW US YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@booktheroompodcast/videos Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/booktheroompodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089225750910
Suzanna and Jess talk about the stress and realities of being a day player on a series. We give you tips on how to prepare and ease the nerves a bit. We also preview Thursdays episode with the great Anik Matern, actor, coach, healer! Let's get into it! FOLLOW US YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@booktheroompodcast/videos Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/booktheroompodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089225750910 Suzanna's online course: https://www.udemy.com/course/on-camera-acting-with-suzanna-lenir/?couponCode=BACKTOACTING
Suzanna and Jess talk about the realities of local casting and how it doesn't always go to locals! So if it doesn't go to locals, what's stopping YOU from auditioning for projects that are out of your city? Let's get into it. Suzanna and Jess talk about the realities of local casting and how it doesn't always go to locals! So if it doesn't go to locals, what's stopping YOU from auditioning for projects that are out of your city? Let's get into it.Suzanna's class:https://www.udemy.com/course/on-camera-acting-with-suzanna-lenir/?couponCode=BACKTOACTING FOLLOW US!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@booktheroompodcast/videos Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/booktheroompodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089225750910
Suzanna and Jess talk about the importance of being aware of your physicalities in a scene. Are you aware of tiks you have? Suzanna gives tips on how to overcome them, and to take the down time to rehearse and become critical of those ticks
In the room today is Montreal's Talent Agent, Tania Giampetrone. She has been working with Reisler Talent for over 20 years...so she's seen A LOT and knows a thing or two! A recurring theme that came up was the partnership between an actor and agent. She bases her relationships on trust, honesty and respect and communication is #1. We get into how it's important to adapt to be successful, networking, and giving your agent the best tools so they can promote you, oh and did we day communication? Tania covers so much and gives us such great tips, advice and information. Let's get into it!
Suzanna and Jess talk about the importance of growing and maintaining good relationships in the industry. We talk about what works and what doesn't and the difference between networking, the business of acting and PR. Can anything guarantee you the role? Let's get into it! LINKS Suzanna's online course: https://www.udemy.com/course/on-camera-acting-with-suzanna-lenir/?couponCode=BACKTOACTING FOLLOW US YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@booktheroompodcast/videos Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/booktheroompodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089225750910
In the room today are actors and sought-after writing duo; Erica Deutschman and Katy Breier! We discuss their start into acting; the real struggle of taking a bus to and from Toronto for in person auditions (before self-tapes), living in a house full of actors and the cost of booking as a local. We then get into how they've become so successful as a writing duo, selling 11 scripts, how they became writing partners and where they are headed. They give amazing acting, writing and life advice. They are charming and funny - let's get into it!
Suzanna and Jess preface this weeks later episode with Erica and Katy. They are actresses and a sought-after writing duo. When they recount their journey, all seems to be quite easy and flowy but we are here to recount some of their struggles that we spoke about after recording! Not everything is as easy as it seems, there is no such thing as an overnight success and things take time, and experience! Let's get into it!
In the room today is Holly Gauthier-Frankel who is an actor, singer, burlesque dancer and award-winning voice actor and director working in this industry for 30 years! Holly is a brave artist who has self-funded and self-generated so many projects. She's taken the leap and taken lots of risks, pushed through insecurities throughout her entire career. She has diversified, and is very candid with her ups and downs, mistakes she's made but has always come out on top! She is very inspiring. Let's get into it!
Suzanna and Jess talk about their own experience with imposter syndrome and how they overcame it.
In the room today is one of Canada's most renowned voice directors and actors, Richard M. Dumont. He has director over 500 projects; from top rated video games such as Avatar and Assassin's Creed Origins, to hit animation shows such as Miramax's, "Little Twins" and Gwen Stefani's "KuuKuu Harajuku". We learn about his past and how he got into this industry. What is very inspiring is his positive attitude, how he found opportunity everywhere and his love of work. Let's get into it!
In the room today, Suzanna and Jess discuss some big points that this weeks guest, Richard M. Dumont brings up. We dive into being optimistic, seeing opportunity everywhere and that it's OK to self-promote! Let's get into it :)