The Actor's Instrument: Tools for the Long Game with Hassiem Muhammad

In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Darius Jordan Lee (Dexter: Resurrection, The Last OG, Power Book II, Will Trent, Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway) to talk about his incredible journey from the stage to the screen. Darius opens up about his breakout year, landing his recurring role as Lance Thomas on Showtime’s Dexter: Resurrection, his guest appearance on Hulu’s Will Trent, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From navigating the highs and lows of the industry, to staying grounded during strikes, to building the right team of agents and managers—this conversation is packed with insights for any artist pursuing longevity in their career. Follow Darius on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariusjordanlee/ Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice #dariusjordanlee

Should you get an MFA in acting—or not? 🎭 Actor Devin Kessler (Godfather of Harlem, A24’s Crystal Lake) joins host Hassiem Muhammad on The Actor’s Instrument to talk about her path from UNC School of the Arts to NYU’s MFA program, and how grad school shaped her career. Devin opens up about the value of training, navigating auditions, and what it means to be an “artistic citizen.” If you’ve ever wondered whether grad school is worth it—or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the actor’s journey—this episode is full of insight and inspiration. Follow Devin on Instagram: @devinelisekessler Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #devinkessler #mfa #actoradvice

In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Jason Thinger of the Jim Carnahan Casting Office — the powerhouse behind Broadway hits like Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Boulevard, Moulin Rouge, and more. Jason discusses winning back-to-back Tony Awards, how to avoid common pitfalls in musical theater auditions, insights into the rise of IP-driven theater, and the challenges and creativity behind revivals vs. new adaptations. Follow Jason Thinger on Instagram: @J.Thing Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #Broadway #TonyAwards #Casting #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips

What does it really take to be a successful producer in Hollywood? In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Mohammed sits down with studio film & TV producer Alec Chorches (FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International) for a deep dive into the world of producing. From overseeing post-production on CBS’s hit FBI franchise to collaborating with directors, casting teams, and visual effects artists, Alec shares the challenges, solutions, and mindset it takes to deliver hundreds of hours of top-tier television. Alec shares the traits that make actors stand out on set, as well as the qualities the #1 actor on the call sheet should possess Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit actorsinstrument.com Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #podcast #filmindustry #tvproducer #actorslife #fbi #AlecChorches #filmmaking #behindthescenes

Want to book more roles, grow your network, and work with top reps? Talent manager ChiChi Anyanwu shares insider tips on agents vs. managers, networking, and staying proactive so you can stand out in Broadway, film, and TV. In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with powerhouse talent manager ChiChi Anyanwu, founder of CHI Talent Management, whose clients have lit up Broadway (MJ the Musical, Hadestown, Wicked), film (Insidious: The Red Door), and TV (Daredevil: Born Again, The Equalizer). If you’re an actor looking to build lasting relationships, land auditions, and grow your career with intention, this conversation is packed with real, actionable advice. Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit actorsinstrument.com Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com  #ActorsInstrument #ActingCareer #TalentManager #Broadway #FilmAndTV #NetworkingForActors #EntertainmentIndustry

We’re kicking off Season 4 with a huge announcement: The Actor’s Instrument has officially joined the Next Chapter Podcasts network! Next Chapter is a theater-centric podcast platform with over 10 million downloads — and they’re now the co-producers and distributors of this show! This new partnership will help us reach a wider audience and give me more time to focus on what matters most: creating high-quality, impactful content for you. In this minisode, I share: What this deal means for the future of the podcast Why this is more than a name “change” — it’s a long-term mission How you can help shape what’s next for the show And a big thank you to our listeners and new producing partners The show remains free, but with your support — shares, follows, feedback — we’ll continue to grow this platform into something truly special for artists navigating the long game. 📣 Let me know: What topics or guests do you want to hear from this season? 🙏 Special thanks to the team at Next Chapter Podcasts: Michael Goodfriend, Jeremiah Tittle, Adam Bernard, Peter Musto, and Alex Schaffert. Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit actorsinstrument.com Inquiries: contact@actorsinstrument.com

Welcome back to another season of The Actor’s Instrument. In the season premiere, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with 2025 Tony Award winner Francis Jue (Yellow Face, Pacific Overtures, Thoroughly Modern Millie) for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. Francis discusses his emotional Tony win, the importance of representation & honoring Asian American pioneers in theater, and vulnerability as a superpower on stage. Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit actorsinstrument.com Inquiries: contact@actorsinstrument.com #FrancisJue #TheActorsInstrument #Broadway #TonyAwards #ActorLife #RepresentationMatters #TheaterPodcast

Before we launch into Season 4 with a brand-new interview and a major announcement (dropping next week!), we’re closing this chapter with one more look back at some of the most impactful insights ever shared on the show. This week’s compilation features 10 phenomenal performers, each offering a glimpse into the mindset, work ethic, and heart it takes to succeed in this industry. 🎭 Featuring: Stephen McKinley Henderson (Dune) – 1:11 Ana Yi Puig (Goosebumps) – 4:03 Jeorge Bennett Watson (The Wire) – 7:56 Luna Sofia Miranda (Anora) – 11:10 Matias De La Flor (Camelot on Broadway) – 12:52 Pepi Sonuga (The Six Triple Eight) – 15:33 Lana Young (The Blacklist) – 16:47 Josh Innerst (Audiobook Narrator) – 19:02 Kevin Kilner (Home Alone) – 20:56 Adrienne C. Moore (Juror #2) – 24:02 Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you've been with us since day one, this episode is packed with real talk, encouragement, and tools to level up your craft. 🎧 Timestamps included above if you'd like to skip around. 🎬 New season starts next week—don’t miss it.

As we gear up for some exciting changes to the show (announcement coming in just two weeks!), we’re continuing our anniversary celebration with another powerful compilation episode—this time focused on self-promotion and content creation. In this episode, we revisit standout moments from three creatives who’ve built major platforms by owning their voice online: 📱 Kalissa Persaud (Google Pixel Brand Partner) — [1:02–11:30] 🎭 DaMya Gurley (A Black Lady Sketch Show) — [11:31–20:46] 🎬 Ace Anderson (Godfather of Harlem) — [20:47–26:14] Together, these guests share insights on building authentic presence, navigating the algorithm without losing your artistry, and how content creation can open doors in the industry. Collectively, they’ve amassed over 1 million followers across social media — and in this episode, they break down how you can take steps toward the same. 📌 Skip to your favorite moment with the timestamps above — and stay tuned for what’s coming next.

What separates working actors from the rest? In this powerful compilation episode, we dive into the 10 key traits that consistently show up in the journeys of some of today’s most inspiring performers. Featuring candid clips and career gems from past interviews, you’ll hear directly from: Brandon Michael Hall (Poker Face) 1:09-4:22 Siddiq Saunderson (Wu-Tang: An American Saga) 4:23-5:37 Charlotte McKee (Terrifier 3) 5:38-8:49 Luis Quintero (Drama Desk Award Winner) 8:50-10:19 DaMya Gurley (A Black Lady Sketch Show) 10:20-13:24 Louis Cancelmi (The Penguin) 13:25-14:26 Jarrett Austin Brown (Smile 2) 14:27-16:33 Kylie Edwards (FBI) 16:34-18:27 Lizzy Brooks (Macbeth on Broadway) 18:28-20:44 Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Ain’t Too Proud) 20:45-23:33 From grit and humility to craft and community, these actors reveal what it really takes to thrive in this industry — and how you can cultivate the same qualities in your own career.

To celebrate two incredible years of The Actor’s Instrument, we’ve curated a special episode featuring the most insightful, inspiring, and actionable moments from five of our most popular casting director interviews. In this compilation, you'll hear wisdom from: Erica Hart (00:51-4:19) on navigating auditions with confidence Tiffany Little Canfield (4:20-11:05) on competition in the industry Erica Jensen (11:06-16:31) on building relationships with casting professionals Tara Rubin (16:32-25:41) on the value of open call auditions Alaine Alldaffer (25:42-30:04) on embracing your uniqueness as an artist Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is packed with timeless guidance every actor should hear.

We’re celebrating two years of The Actor’s Instrument with a very special anniversary episode—and this time, the script gets flipped. Acclaimed actor Lana Young (Bull, WandaVision) takes over the mic to interview our very own host, Hassiem Muhammad.In this raw and revealing conversation, Hassiem opens up about his journey from reenacting cartoons in a crowded South Carolina living room to becoming a multi-hyphenate artist in New York City. He reflects on the formative moments that shaped his career, including his time at a performing arts boarding school, getting rejected by Juilliard (and everything that came after), and how he rediscovered the confidence and rawness that first sparked his love of acting.From chasing dreams with nothing but a shoebox full of savings to earning a full ride to one of the top drama schools in the world, Hassiem shares the lessons, heartbreaks, and wins that have made him the artist he is today.Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been riding with us since day one, this anniversary special is a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the power of staying true to yourself.🎧 Press play and get to know the voice behind the mic like never before.

Less than 1% of aspiring actors will ever land a speaking role on television—and today’s guest is in that elite club 20 times over. Actress and educator McKenna Kerrigan joins host Hassiem Muhammad to share her hard-won insights into building a sustainable, fulfilling TV career—without losing the joy. From the challenges of crafting compelling self-tapes to embracing the “short film” mindset, McKenna breaks down her audition prep process step by step. She opens up about her time in New York, LA, and now Philly, and explains why staying grounded, finding community, and keeping the work fun is just as important as booking the job. This conversation is a must-listen for any actor navigating the early stages of a TV career—or anyone wondering how to stay creative in a career full of uncertainty. 🎧 Plus: prop acting, late-night taping, the “glasses moment,” and why co-star roles deserve way more respect.

In this soul-stirring episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, model, and creative entrepreneur Andrew D. Manning (Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) for a candid conversation about resilience in the face of rejection, reinvention during dry spells, and staying grounded when the industry gets loud. Andrew opens up about: How losing major agency representation (A3) led to a “divine pivot” in his career Why all of his TV credits—including Madam Secretary—were guest stars (even with just two lines!) His approach to storytelling in acting and fashion with his brand A Dangerous Mind (ADM) The struggle to stay motivated between bookings—and what finally gave him peace Why embracing other creative identities (like modeling and directing) made him a better actor This episode is a masterclass in moving with intention, betting on yourself, and redefining what success really looks like in your 30s. If you’ve ever questioned your path, this one’s for you. If you've read this far-please consider liking this episode and giving us a follow!

What really happens behind the scenes of your favorite shows? In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Sienna Lorraine, a writer’s assistant at Lionsgate who has worked on Netflix’s No Good Deed, The Upshaws, Survival of the Thickest, and STARZ’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Currently working on Origins—a spinoff of a spinoff in the Power universe—Sienna gives us an unfiltered, inside look into the world of Hollywood writers’ rooms. Together, they discuss: What a writer’s room actually is (and why it's such a magical space) The real-life trajectory of a writer in Hollywood Whether assistants get creative input (and how Sienna’s jokes made it to air) Why actors don’t always get the full script for auditions The increasing value of multi-hyphenate artists (writer-actors, actor-producers) How collaboration and respect between departments make better art Whether you’re an actor curious about how sides are created, or a storyteller looking to break into TV writing, this candid conversation is full of insight, laughs, and inspiration. 📌 Bonus: Sienna shares her dream of leaving a legacy for other Black creatives—and how she’s actively working toward it.