I’ll be honest, the first time a casting director asked me for three takes in the same vibe, my brain short-circuited. The first one felt okay. The second? I made it louder. The third? I whispered and hoped for divine intervention.

Sound familiar? If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. No one really teaches us how to do this. We just… guess.

But over the years, I’ve learned that “three takes” doesn’t have to be torture. It’s actually an opportunity to show range, subtlety, and intention — if you know where to focus.

Here’s what I rely on:

1. Change the environment. Close your eyes and imagine where you are. A noisy coffee shop shifts your energy in a completely different way than a quiet office.

2. Add human sounds. We don’t speak like robots. A breath, a chuckle, a little “mm-hmm” makes your read feel alive.

3. Play with pauses. I love a pause. It can create tension, warmth, or surprise. Same words, totally different rhythm.

4. Change your listener. Who am I talking to? A best friend feels different than a five-year-old. A stranger feels different than a coworker.

5. Shift your motivation. This one’s huge. Maybe I’m trying to inspire. Maybe I’m trying to tease. Same emotion, new motivation — and suddenly the take has layers.

These adjustments keep me from falling into the “loud-soft-whisper” trap. Instead, each take feels intentional.

Here’s the secret I wish someone had told me sooner: improv isn’t about being funny. It’s about being present.

When a casting director says, “Make it feel more natural,” what they really mean is, “Stop performing and start reacting.” Improv trains me to do that. It helps me:

• Make stronger choices quickly

• Stay grounded when I mess up

• React honestly instead of overthinking

• Give multiple takes that feel genuinely different

As Kristen Wiig said, “Improv is about listening and not trying to be funny. It’s about being honest.” I’ve found that to be absolutely true.

I know improv scares people. It used to terrify me. My brain would scream, “Don’t mess this up. Don’t look stupid.”

But here’s what shifted everything: fear means I care. Fear tells me I’m right at the edge of something interesting. If I can use it, not run from it, that’s where the magic happens.

Now, I remind myself: I don’t have to be clever. I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to be available. And ironically, that’s when my best work happens.

If you’ve been frustrated by the 1-2-3 take request, know this: it’s not about pleasing the casting gods. It’s about showing them you can be flexible, creative, and real.

With these five tools and an improv mindset, you’ll stop guessing. You’ll start delivering takes that feel grounded and alive — and most importantly, like you.

If you want help practicing this, I’d love to work with you. I offer free 15-minute consults, and I’m always excited to help actors build confidence in the booth and on the mic.

👉 Book your free consult here

Most actors treat their careers like a guessing game.
Send a few emails. Hope someone notices. Post on Instagram. Cross your fingers.

But what if you could know what’s working?
What if you had the exact information to make better choices, save time, and book more work?

That is what tracking data does for you, and yes, it is way less boring than it sounds.

A lot of actors shy away from anything that feels “too business.”
They think tracking numbers will suck the artistry out of what they do.

But here is the thing: you are your own product.
If you are selling anything, you need to know what is resonating and what is falling flat.

Data is not about turning you into a robot.
It is more like a script you did not know you needed. It tells you what is landing, what is missing the mark, and where to put your energy next.

You do not need fancy software to start. A simple spreadsheet can change the game.
Write down who you contacted and when, the subject line you used, whether they opened it, clicked, replied, or ignored it.

Tools like MailTrack, Boomerang, or Yesware will do the tracking for you. Open rates tell you if your subject line was compelling. Click-through rates tell you if your reel or website got attention.

Want to level it up? Try sending two slightly different versions of the same email, maybe just the subject line changes, and see which one gets better results. That is A/B testing. It is not complicated, and it tells you exactly what works.

Installing Google Analytics (it is free) can show you how many people visit, where they came from, how long they stay, and what they click. You might even notice patterns, like everyone skipping your résumé PDF but clicking on your behind-the-scenes video. That is information you can use.

Heatmap tools like Hotjar take it further by showing where people actually click. If your most-visited link is your dog’s Instagram, maybe rethink what you are putting front and center.

Social media works the same way.
It is not about likes, it is about patterns. Which posts get saved the most? Which videos are watched to the end? Does posting at 9 a.m. get more engagement than 9 p.m.? Use those answers to repeat what is working and retire what is not.

Once a week, set aside time to check:

• Emails sent, opened, clicked, and replied to

• Social media reach, saves, and comments

• Website traffic and bounce rate

• Auditions requested and booked

• Optional but useful: moments you felt completely burned out

It does not have to take long, but it will change the way you approach your career. Data without action is just a sad spreadsheet.

Tracking does not make you less creative, it makes you more strategic.
It gives you the freedom to spend your energy where it matters most.

Start small. Track your emails, your socials, your auditions. Let the numbers guide your next move instead of just hoping you are on the right path.

And if you want one-on-one coaching to help you track, strategize, and grow your acting career, reach out to hello@actingbusinessbootcamp.com. Let us build your career with purpose, not guesswork.

In this solo episode, Peter gets deeply personal about a challenging week—and the powerful mindset shift that came from it.

After getting emotionally “twisted,” Peter turned to her most trusted tools: journaling, meditation, and coaching. What started as a spiral led to a breakthrough realization:

Your mind is your world. And your world is your mind.

When you’re in your fear-based thought system, everything feels like a problem. But when you shift into a more loving, conscious mindset, you begin to see challenges as opportunities.

Peter shares how unconscious thinking patterns can create unnecessary suffering, and how awareness, honesty, and a willingness to feel your feelings can shift your entire experience.

Whether you’ve had a tough week yourself or you’re just ready for a new perspective, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate reminder of how much power lives in your mindset.

• The difference between fear thoughts and love-based thoughts

• What Peter does when she feels overwhelmed or triggered

• How to use stream-of-consciousness journaling to uncover what’s really going on

• Why it’s okay to “suffer a little” before you’re ready to shift

• A practical way to reset your emotions when you’re feeling stuck

• Free Time Management Workshop – Click here for details

• Book a free consultation with Peter Pamela Rose

• Stephen Ridley episode – Listen here

Want more support?
If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to take the next step, whether that’s with time management, mindset, or your acting career, I invite you to book a free consultation.

Click here to schedule your session.

And as always… stay safe and treat yourself real well. You don’t have to be perfect.

If you're a creative who rolls their eyes every time someone says, “You should be on TikTok,” I get it.

I did too.

But I’ve also seen firsthand how a free platform with a low barrier to entry can quietly change your entire business.

Not overnight. But steadily. Strategically. Without becoming someone you’re not.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I use TikTok to stay visible, book clients, and build trust—without filters, dances, or pretending to be an influencer.

I never expected to like it. I don’t love being on camera. I don’t enjoy over-polishing or oversharing.

But I do love showing up for my community. I love talking shop. And I really love when a new client says,
“I found you on TikTok… I just felt like you got it.”

They didn’t care about my résumé. They didn’t go through my website.
They watched a few videos, got curious, and reached out.

That’s the power of visibility.

I set a personal goal of 30,000 followers. Not for vanity.
Because I’ve seen how perception changes with scale.

At that number, people stop wondering if you're legit. They start assuming you are.

It’s wild, but true: I’ve had actors tell me they didn’t book the job because they “didn’t have a big enough following.”

So while I don’t love the rule... I’m learning to play the game.

I post just once a day, Monday through Friday. No weekends. That’s it.

My content rotates through three categories:

Not dancing. Not chasing virality.
Just using trending audio or formats to talk about life as a voice actor. Red flags. Weird specs. Behind-the-scenes stress. Stuff people relate to.

This is where I share warmups, workflow tips, gear recs, or things I wish I knew when I started out.
The more specific, the better.

No life-overhauls or tearful confessions.
Just honest stories from inside the booth: bombing auditions, almost quitting, learning the hard way.
Those posts? They connect deeply.

If you want to try it out, here’s a simple structure:

• Monday – A trend or audio reworked for your niche

• Tuesday – Respond to a question or comment

• Wednesday – Share a personal or client story

• Thursday – A POV sketch or observation

• Friday – Tips or encouragement for beginners

Repeat. Tweak. Evolve based on what’s resonating.

TikTok gives you free data.
Look at what people are watching all the way through, saving, or sharing—and lean into that.

Kill what’s not working. Keep what is. Don’t overthink it.

This isn’t about being viral. It’s about being valuable.

You don’t need a perfect feed. But your profile should make sense to someone new:

• Clean, recognizable photo (not necessarily a headshot)

• Bio that says what you do and what kind of content you make

• Link to your site or lead magnet

• Keep your vibe real. Show up as yourself.

Don’t hide your mic. Don’t over-filter. You’re not selling a brand. You’re being a person.

That’s totally fine.

But then ask yourself: Where are your future clients going to find you?

Instagram? YouTube? Discord? Email?
Wherever you plan to show up, you need a strategy.

And if you’re not going to show up at all? Then you need a different kind of strategy.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck about how to grow your VO presence online—let’s talk.

You can always reach me through mandy@actingbusinessbootcamp.com, or DM me on TikTok at @astoriaredhead.

I’d love to see what you’re creating.

Because we’re not just growing followers.
We’re growing careers.

Let’s talk about something most coaches won’t say out loud:
Just because you love something doesn’t mean you’re great at it.

I know. It stings. But it’s important.

In this episode, I’m digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) gap between interest and aptitude—especially in voiceover. Because if you're frustrated that you're not booking in your dream genre, you might be ignoring the thing you're actually great at.

• Why passion doesn’t always equal potential

• How to spot the areas where you naturally shine

• Why ignoring your strengths can slow your career

• What to do when your “boring” voice actually books

• How to balance income work with creative fulfillment

• The difference between fantasy reels and real-world needs

Interest is loud. It’s shiny. It gets excited.
But aptitude? Aptitude is quiet. It’s efficient. It gets the job done with less effort.

That’s your edge.

If you're constantly trying to “break into” animation but clients keep calling you back for corporate narration... maybe it's time to listen.

You don’t have to love every dish at the buffet. But you do need to eat.
Some genres feed your wallet. Others feed your soul. Both matter.
But the key is building a career that includes both—without starving either.

Ask yourself:

1. What do I love to do in VO?

2. What do I actually book?

3. Where do I get the most consistent positive feedback?

If those answers aren’t lining up, that’s your cue to rework your business plan.
Not to quit. To recalibrate.

You can still create that weird fantasy assassin rabbit character (I mean, please do).
Just don’t expect it to pay your rent. Yet.

Instead, learn how to work your income genres well. Use them to build your skills, connections, and freedom. Let them support your creativity instead of crush it.

If you’re feeling stuck between what you want and what’s working, let’s talk. Seriously.

• On-camera actor? Peter’s your person: peter@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

• Voiceover artist? That’s me: mandy@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

We love helping actors figure this stuff out. It’s what we do.

Thanks for being here, and if this episode hit home, share it with a fellow actor who needs to hear it too.

In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most important and misunderstood parts of an actor's journey: confidence.

Without confidence, you're benched. Without humility, you're a liability. Confidence is essential in the entertainment industry, but it has to be real—not performative, not overblown, and definitely not hubris.

I break down how to build real, grounded confidence that will keep you moving forward in your voiceover or acting career, using neuroscience-backed tools and personal experience from over two decades in the industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why confidence is essential, and why too much of it (aka hubris) can end your career

• The underrated power of self-awareness and how to cultivate it

• "Talent blindness" and why some actors can’t see where they’re falling short

• Real talk on imposter syndrome and how it rewires your brain

• The difference between self-trust and self-delusion

Three Neuroscience-Backed Tips to Build Confidence:

1. Focus on Small Wins

   • Create a "brag file" with positive feedback, wins, compliments, and proud moments

   • Celebrate progress, not perfection, and let your brain build new confidence loops

2. Use Visualization

   • Imagine your future success in vivid detail to activate the same brain networks as real achievement

   • Rehearse emotionally grounded wins before you step up to the mic or camera

3. Interrupt the Cortisol Cycle

   • Practice intentional breathing to calm your nervous system and stay present

   • Use 4-4-6 breath work to reset stress levels before auditions or sessions

7-Day Confidence Challenge (Free Prompt Series):

• Day 1: Write down 5 wins or moments you felt proud as an actor

• Day 2: Visualize a successful performance, using all five senses

• Day 3: Record and review a short piece of work

• Day 4: Practice calming breath work for 2 minutes

• Day 5: Take a risk with your craft (bold choice, new tone, character)

• Day 6: Write and say 3 affirmations aloud

• Day 7: Journal your growth and what you noticed about trusting yourself

Final Takeaway: Confidence is not just mindset. It's a habit. A neurological pattern. A cycle of self-trust, built one decision at a time.

If you're struggling with imposter syndrome or feel like your confidence disappears when it matters most, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Try the challenge. Start small. And keep going.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• My TikTok: @astoryredhead

• Actors Index Substack

• Email: mandy@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

Want More? Check out our Monthly Gyms and Weekly Classes at Acting Business Boot Camp for ongoing training, coaching, and confidence tools.