Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 45! This is a monster episode, so get ready because class is in session.  This week, Actor, union leader, educator Shaan Sharma wrapped Season 6 of the worldwide hit "The Chosen" where he plays "Shmuel" and is currently running for re-election for Los Angeles SAG-Aftra Board right now (ballots are due this week!). It's a miracle he had time to join the show this week. 

You probably know Shaan's record of service for the union, programs he founded, or classes he taught, but you'll hear how his journey in the arts started and how he went from being the skinny Indian kid that was picked on to starring in musicals and playing in bands, and eventually making his way to Los Angeles where he helped transform the local acting community and Los Angeles branch of the union. (List of some programs Shaan has founded below.)

Shaan shares how he got an edge early in his career by soaking up information wherever he could, primarily working for casting directors and eventually became one of the top session directors in the city. With that knowledge, he has taught actors throughout the city at the SAG Conservatory and his own studio.  He also discusses why many drama schools fail to prepare their students on how to work on camera for film and tv and what he teaches to his acting students. 

Through diligence, resourcefulness, and providing value for others, Shaan became an indispensable asset which eventually got the attention of the union. He gives E-Kan and Rían a brief and turbulent history lesson of the union, and breaks down what are the union's biggest obstacles, and what he hopes for the union in the future. 

Shaan also talks about what it was like being on the Negotiating Committee during the Strike, being the only leader who said NO to the contract, and the fallout that happened afterwards. Was there a huge opportunity for the actors missed? There are many lessons learned here, and keep in mind, the contract will be up for renegotiation next year... 

And last but not least, they talk about how Shaan's hit The Table Read Podcast came about, how they just won a Webby, and how it may have manifested his goal of becoming a series regular.  There's so much covered in this episode and so many hidden gems-  this is a must listen for actors. 

(Shaan has founded The Storytellers Conservatory, an on-camera acting studio, Adjunct Professor for PACE University's School of Drama, and Solidarity, a grassroots SAG-AFTRA education group.)

New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media. 

@ekansoong @ríansheehykelly

Shaan Sharma @shaan_sharma

SAG Conservatory - https://www.sagaftra.org/los-angeles/local-programs/los-angeles-conservatory

Solidarity Meeting Zoom - SolidarityMeeting.com

Table Read Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/table-read/id1673590083

Watch “The Chosen” - https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us

Shaan's book - "Commercial Acting in LA: A Session Director's Guide" - PDF - http://bit.ly/1I2tpSM

Hidden Gems:

Diary of CEO w/ Mr. Beast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjrJ2DJN_pA

Mark Rober's "Mario Effect" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vJRopau0g0&t=2s

Jordan Peterson video “How to Gain Self-Respect” - https://youtu.be/I5y19Vapk1A

Bread Head - @breadheadla

Delmonico's Steak - https://www.theoriginaldelmonicos.com/

Time stamps: 

(0:00 ) Intro

(2:51 ) You can disagree with people you like

(05:10 ) How arts saved Shaan as a kid

(13:10 ) Being one of the top session directors in the city

(15:25 ) The power of the Union

(18:15 ) Having a savvy business mind

(21:44 ) How to be indispensable

(29:30 ) The cup of success never runs out

(35:35 ) How Shaan eventually got involved in the Union

(37:00 ) You need to have a goal as an actor

(39:00 ) How did the Table Read Podcast happen

(54:30 ) Table Read tips

(58:50 ) How the union works

(01:03:35 ) What we can learn from Mr. Beast

(01:05:02 ) A history lesson of the Union

(01:18:20 ) The fallout after the strike

(01:26:30 ) The Chosen and how it’s changed his life

(01:34:55 ) Shaan’s biggest struggles

(01:40:05 ) Hidden Gems