🎬 How do you go from background extra to booking co-star roles on network TV, and what are most actors getting wrong when they try to land an agent?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, actor and founder of The Actor Advisor, Will Jefferson, joins Deaton Gabbard to talk about breaking into the industry, booking co-star roles, and helping more than 190 actors sign with agents and managers.

Will shares how he grew up on the South Side of Chicago dreaming of acting, spotted talent scams as a kid, and built a fanbase with the web series Juke: A Chicago Story. He explains how he broke in through background work by writing down everything he learned on set, and how he eventually booked co-star roles on Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Law & Order, RJ Decker and The 4400.

Hear the story of Will dropping his first agent and booking his first co-star role just two weeks later. The role was a voiceover self-tape for Chicago Fire, on the same show where he started as a background actor. Will also explains how he screens clients at The Actor Advisor, the questions actors should be asking instead of “Who’s a good agent?”, and why casting director workshops can help your career. Plus, Deaton shares what it was like filming a scene with Terrence Howard and how both of them handle imposter syndrome on set.

Whether you’re a new actor or a working professional, this conversation offers practical advice on getting representation, preparing for your first big booking, and building a career you’re proud of.

Topics include: Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Law & Order, The 4400, background work, getting an acting agent, switching agents, The Actor Advisor, self-tapes, voiceover auditions, casting director workshops, SAG-AFTRA Foundation, imposter syndrome, Terrence Howard, and acting career advice.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Will Jefferson Acting Reel (Go to YouTube to watch this!) 01:53 Podcast Intro 01:57 Meet Will Jefferson 02:55 How Will Got Started in Acting 03:57 Spotting Acting Scams as a Kid 04:56 Juke: A Chicago Story Hits 1 Million Views 05:51 Miles College & Studying Communications 06:21 Breaking In Through Background Work 07:03 What You Need Before Getting an Agent 08:05 How The Actor Advisor Started 08:57 Why So Many Actors Aren’t Serious 09:32 How Will Screens Actors Before Coaching 10:18 Why The Actor Advisor Is Referral-Only 11:01 The Wrong Way to Ask for Help 11:24 “Who Are You Training With?” 11:43 Free SAG-AFTRA Foundation Workshops 12:53 Casting Director Workshop Nerves 13:53 The Pay-to-Play Debate 14:44 Why Being Seen Matters 14:58 Deaton’s Move to Atlanta 15:39 Booking His First Co-Star: Chicago Fire 16:31 Dropping His Agent and Booking Two Weeks Later 17:36 The Voiceover Self-Tape That Became a Co-Star Role 18:11 Hearing “You Booked It” 18:57 Remembering Miss Paige 19:34 Behind the Scenes on Chicago Fire 20:33 Why Every Credit Counts 21:02 Booking The 4400 21:39 Why Indie Films Prepare You for Network TV 21:55 Beating Imposter Syndrome 23:12 Deaton’s Scene With Terrence Howard 25:05 “If It’s for You, It’s for You” 25:41 Quality Over Quantity 26:05 Where to Find Will Jefferson 26:47 The Actor Advisor: 190+ Actors Signed 27:41 Final Thoughts

🎭 Follow Will Jefferson on Instagram and reach out about The Actor Advisor: @willsomelse

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals about the craft and business of building a career in film and television. 🎙️

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and leave a rating or review!

Business & Guest Inquiries: podcastoftravelingactors@gmail.com

Co-hosted and produced by Deaton Gabbard and Brandon Wall.

Thanks for listening!

🎬 What does it really take to build a successful acting career—and why do so many talented actors struggle to turn their skills into consistent work?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, actor, stunt performer, and acting coach Alex Collins joins Deaton Gabbard and guest host Connor Holden to discuss more than 25 years in Hollywood, working with major stars, audition preparation, and the business of acting.

Alex shares how he left a corporate finance job to pursue acting, booked a national Chevy commercial, and moved to Hollywood. He takes us behind the scenes of The Accountant, starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal, and Apple TV+’s Manhunt, where he portrayed General Sherman.

Hear Alex’s story about rehearsing a fight scene with Jon Bernthal, the repeated slaps involved, and the question Jon asked him on set: “How can we make our scene better?” Plus, learn how Alex had just 20 minutes to learn General Sherman’s signature before filming.

Whether you're a new actor or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical advice on building your craft and navigating the entertainment industry.

Topics include: Jon Bernthal, Ben Affleck, The Accountant, Manhunt, stunt work, audition coaching, acting career advice, audition preparation, acting business skills, accountability, rejection, and dealing with cut scenes.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Alex Collins Extended Reel (Go to YouTube to watch this!)
08:00 Podcast Intro
08:51 Meet Alex Collins
09:55 Alex’s 25-Year Acting Journey
11:21 From Soccer to Corporate Finance
11:43 Quitting His Job to Pursue Acting
11:59 The Chevy Commercial That Changed Everything
12:50 Joining SAG-AFTRA Too Early
14:35 Playing General Sherman in Manhunt
15:17 Learning Sherman’s Signature in 20 Minutes
17:14 Playing a Blind Superhero
19:15 Working With Jon Bernthal & Ben Affleck
20:38 The Accountant Fight Scene
22:22 Jon Bernthal’s Slaps During Rehearsal
23:11 Jon’s Unexpected Question on Set
24:17 Becoming an Acting Coach
28:23 Building an Acting Boot Camp
30:52 Why Actors Need Accountability
31:33 “Full-Time Results With Part-Time Effort”
34:13 Building an Acting Career Outside LA
37:06 Is Acting Too Saturated?
38:55 Why Getting a Callback Is a Win
39:19 The Danger of Social Media Comparisons
41:05 When Your Scene Gets Cut
42:03 The Sleepy Hollow Scene That Disappeared
43:30 Focus on the Work, Not the Edit
44:59 How Every Acting Job Can Lead to Another
46:14 Where to Find Alex Collins
46:41 Where to Find Connor Holden
47:25 Final Thoughts

🎭 Follow Alex Collins
Instagram: @AlexBCollins
Website: https://alexbcollins.com/

Follow Connor Holden: @ConnorIsHolden on Instagram.

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals about the craft and business of building a career in film and television. 🎙️

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and leave a rating or review!

Business & Guest Inquiries: podcastoftravelingactors@gmail.com

Co-hosted and produced by Deaton Gabbard and Brandon Wall.

Thanks for listening!

⭐ What are actors getting wrong in auditions—and what can you learn from the mistakes that cost performers opportunities?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, acting coaches Amber Bohac and Kimberly Crandall of Actorsite join Deaton Gabbard and guest host Chandler Letner to talk about audition preparation, self-tape technique, rejection, and the realities of building a career in Hollywood.

Amber and Kimberly share their journeys as actors and coaches, how they continued Actorsite’s legacy after the passing of founder Jack Turnbull, and why ongoing training matters at every stage of an acting career. They break down common audition mistakes, the importance of preparation and self-tape quality, and why actors should submit their auditions even when the circumstances aren't perfect.

They also discuss the difficult side of the industry, from losing scenes in the editing room to handling rejection and navigating unhelpful industry advice. Plus, hear some wild stories, including how an actor booked a national commercial with basketballs audible in the background and Amber’s unforgettable theater accident.

Whether you're a new actor, a working professional, or a parent supporting a young performer, this conversation offers practical advice for developing your craft, building confidence, and creating a sustainable acting career.

Topics include: Actorsite’s history and legacy, Amber Bohac and Kimberly Crandall’s acting journeys, becoming an acting coach, audition preparation, self-tape mistakes, audition extensions, booking roles, dealing with rejection, scenes getting cut from movies, navigating Hollywood managers, common mistakes actors make, choosing the right acting classes, and building independence as a performer.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Actorsite Intro
01:44 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
02:08 Meet Chandler Letner
02:51 Introducing Actorsite Coaches Amber & Kimberly
03:24 How They Got Started in Acting
03:53 Kimberly’s Journey Into Acting
04:53 Amber’s Unforgettable Start in Theater
06:46 How Kimberly Found Actorsite
07:16 What Is Actorsite?
09:21 Why Become an Acting Coach?
12:28 How Kimberly Built Her Coaching Career
14:18 The Reward of Helping Actors Book Jobs
17:36 The Best Advice for New Actors
18:28 Self-Tape Mistakes That Can Cost You Auditions
20:26 How Competitive Are Acting Auditions?
22:54 Should You Ask for an Audition Extension?
23:52 How a Messy Self-Tape Booked a National Commercial
26:31 The Hardest Part of the Acting Industry
28:47 When Your Scenes Get Cut From a Movie
32:40 Amber’s Wild Hollywood Manager Story
36:47 A Real-Life Theater Horror Story
38:41 Where to Find Amber & Kimberly
39:26 The Story Behind Actorsite’s Online Classes
40:33 Common Mistakes New Actors Make
41:00 Why You Need to Know Your Lines
43:06 Who Takes Classes at Actorsite?
44:27 Giving Actors the Tools to Work Independently
45:02 Which Actorsite Class Should You Take First?
45:43 Get $15 Off an Actorsite Class or Intensive
46:14 Thanks for Listening!

🎭 Ready to work on your craft?

Explore acting classes, audition training, and intensives at Actorsite. Use code POTA at checkout for $15 off a class or intensive.

Visit: https://www.actorsite.com/

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with working actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals about the craft, the business, and the realities of building a career in film and television. 🎙️

🎬 Are stand-in jobs worth it for actors?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we break down the realities of stand-in work, working on film and television sets, networking, and building a career in the entertainment industry.

Deaton Gabbard and Brandon Wall share their personal experiences working as stand-ins, including standing in for major actors like Mel Gibson, Garrett Hedlund, Ryan Hurst, and others. They explain what a stand-in actually does, how stand-ins help productions set lighting and camera positions, and what it's like to spend an entire production working closely with directors, cinematographers, actors, and crew.

They also discuss the networking opportunities that can come from stand-in work, including making friendships and professional connections that can continue long after a production wraps. From reading scenes with actors on set to auditioning while working as a stand-in, they share some of the unexpected opportunities that can come from simply being present and doing the job well.

The conversation also explores whether stand-in work is still worthwhile as an actor progresses in their career. Deaton and Brandon discuss the differences between stand-in work and background acting, why newer actors can benefit from spending time on set, and how learning set terminology, blocking, etiquette, and the production process can give actors a better understanding of how a professional film set operates.

They also share stories about working with different actors, the reality that every production experience can be different, and why actors should consider their current career goals before deciding which opportunities are worth pursuing.

Topics include: stand-in work for actors, what a stand-in actor does, working on film and television sets, standing in for major actors, Mel Gibson, Garrett Hedlund, Ryan Hurst, networking on set, reading scenes with actors, auditioning while working on set, background acting, learning film set terminology, set etiquette, blocking, working with directors and cinematographers, PA work, gaining production experience, career growth, and deciding whether stand-in work is right for you.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
01:50 Talking Movies, TV & Different Storytelling Styles
04:48 Why We're Talking About Stand-In Work
06:07 What Is a Stand-In Actor?
07:02 Standing In for Major Actors
08:22 Is Stand-In Work Worth It for Actors?
09:37 Networking Opportunities on Set
10:23 Auditioning While Working as a Stand-In
12:08 Reading Scenes With Actors
13:13 Does Stand-In Work Help Your Acting Career?
14:30 When Stand-Ins Shouldn't Act Out the Scene
15:32 Working as a PA & Finding Unexpected Opportunities
18:08 Working With Famous Actors
20:07 The Reality of Different Set Experiences
21:57 Should Actors Try Stand-In Work?
22:05 Why New Actors Should Start With Background
22:24 Learning Film Set Terminology & Set Etiquette
24:51 Why Set Experience Matters
25:10 Final Thoughts & Advice for Actors
25:24 Thanks for Listening!

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with working actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals, and never miss a new episode. 🎙️

🎃 How does a kid from rural Kentucky go from wanting to be an actor to creating one of the most recognizable horror franchises of all time?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with writer, filmmaker, director, and creator of the Final Destination franchise Jeffrey Reddick to talk about screenwriting, filmmaking, horror, and the realities of building a career in the entertainment industry.

Jeffrey shares his journey from acting and studying at Berea College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to becoming a screenwriter, including how being told there weren't many roles for someone who looked like him pushed him to start creating his own material.

He also tells the story behind Final Destination, including the real-life inspiration for the original concept and how the infamous log truck sequence in Final Destination 2 came from an actual experience on the road. Jeffrey breaks down how he sold the original film to New Line Cinema, how James Wong and Glen Morgan helped shape the concept, and why the movie became a word-of-mouth hit.

The conversation also explores the realities of working in Hollywood, the importance of patience and honing your craft, creating your own opportunities, independent filmmaking, Kentucky's growing film community, and why artists should focus on creating rather than chasing fame.

Topics include: Jeffrey Reddick's acting and writing journey, growing up in rural Kentucky, the inspiration behind Final Destination, the Final Destination 2 log truck sequence, selling a screenplay, New Line Cinema, James Wong and Glen Morgan, building a writing career, Hollywood's changing business model, independent filmmaking, creating your own opportunities, returning to acting, producing, Kentucky's film industry, arts programs, and “doing the damn thing.”

Episode Chapters:

00:53 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
01:39 Meet Jeffrey Reddick
02:18 How Jeffrey Inspired Deaton’s Career
03:14 From Acting to Screenwriting
05:45 Why Jeffrey Started Writing His Own Roles
07:32 The Idea Behind Final Destination
07:45 The Real-Life Inspiration for Final Destination 2
10:20 Jeffrey’s First Paid Screenplay
12:44 How Jeffrey Sold Final Destination
17:03 How James Wong & Glen Morgan Shaped the Movie
18:03 Creating Final Destination’s Iconic Deaths
20:50 The Making of Final Destination 2
22:52 Designing the Iconic Log Truck Sequence
23:45 The Reality of Building a Writing Career
29:29 How Hollywood Has Changed
30:32 There Is No Magic Formula for Success
33:28 Why You Should Create Your Own Work
36:15 Jeffrey’s Return to Acting & Producing
40:20 Building Kentucky’s Film Community
43:45 “Just Do the Damn Thing”
44:27 Deaton Talks Final Destination
45:22 Did Brandon Fall Asleep? 😂
46:06 Thanks for Watching!

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with working actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals, and never miss a new episode. 🎙️

🎭 What happens when you stop trying to figure out what everyone else wants and start trusting what makes you unique?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with actress, acting coach, and casting director Sarah East from The Audition Room to talk about the realities of acting, auditions, casting, and building a career in the entertainment industry.

Sarah shares her journey from discovering acting through theater and Full House to studying at AMDA in New York, working in sketch comedy and children's theater, and eventually returning to Louisville. She also talks about the unexpected anxiety and panic attacks she experienced after leaving the structure of acting school and how those experiences shaped her perspective on the industry.

Sarah opens up about the pressure actors put on themselves to achieve quickly, the importance of embracing the “weird bits” that make you unique, and why letting go of the need to control an outcome can lead to stronger work. She also discusses the importance of being present, truly listening to your scene partner, and learning how to stop showing the audience every “tool in your toolbox.”

The conversation also explores some of the biggest traps newer actors face, including worrying about making mistakes, trying to figure out exactly what casting wants, and treating audition advice as a set of universal rules. Sarah explains why different casting directors can have completely different opinions and why booking or not booking one audition doesn't necessarily tell you how well you performed.

Sarah also breaks down the differences between commercial and theatrical auditions, including the value of improv, giving casting multiple options, understanding specific focal points, and staying open to opportunities that may lead somewhere unexpected.

Topics include: Sarah East's acting journey, AMDA, moving from New York to Louisville, anxiety and the pressure to succeed, finding confidence in your individuality, being present and listening, acting naturally on camera, avoiding tension and desperation, common traps for new actors, audition “rules,” casting opinions, booking the room, letting go of audition outcomes, commercial vs. theatrical auditions, improv training, staying curious, auditioning for opportunities, and building a career in the entertainment industry.

Episode Chapters:
01:41 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
02:13 Meet Sarah East
03:20 Sarah's Acting Journey
04:30 Studying at AMDA & Living in New York
05:39 From Acting to Casting & Coaching
06:42 Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Leaving New York
07:58 The Pressure to Succeed as an Actor
08:22 Why Being Yourself Matters
09:25 Letting Go & Being Present
10:05 The Importance of Listening
10:34 “I Can See Every Tool in Your Toolbox”
11:31 Why Less Is More on Camera
12:42 Common Traps for New Actors
13:00 Being Afraid to Make Mistakes
14:06 Are There Really Rules to Auditioning?
14:29 Why One Audition Doesn't Define You
15:23 “Book the Room”
15:39 Embracing What Makes You Unique
16:09 Breaking Through Your Own Blocks
16:39 Making Auditioning Your Safe Space
18:18 Auditioning Is the Job
19:11 Commercial vs. Theatrical Auditions
19:38 What Matters in a Commercial Audition
20:45 Why Actors Should Take Improv
21:25 Staying Curious & Open to Opportunities
23:37 Audition for Everything
23:58 The Peanut Butter Costume
24:40 Final Thoughts

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with working actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals, and never miss a new episode. 🎙️

📖 What happens when the life you thought you wanted changes in an instant? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with Brian Ziegler, whose incredible story of surviving paralysis became the inspiration for the book and film A Paralyzing Redemption. Brian shares his journey from dreaming of playing Division I basketball to struggling with addiction, experiencing a devastating accident at 21 years old, and being paralyzed from the neck down.

Brian opens up about his recovery, learning to walk again, finding a new sense of purpose, and how faith played a major role in transforming his life. He also explains how personal journaling eventually became A Paralyzing Redemption, leading to a book, a screenplay, and ultimately a feature film based on his life.

Deaton Gabbard also discusses what it was like to portray Brian in the film, including researching his story, working directly with him on set, recreating some of the most emotional moments of his life, and the challenge of portraying a real person whose story he had studied so closely. The conversation also covers the unexpected on-set injury Deaton suffered while filming a basketball scene, which forced production to be postponed.

Today, Brian is a pastor, author, and speaker who travels around the country sharing his story with students and others going through difficult seasons. His goal is to use his experiences to encourage people who may be struggling and remind them that they aren't alone.

Topics include: Brian Ziegler's journey from basketball to addiction, surviving paralysis, recovering from a devastating accident, faith and finding purpose, writing A Paralyzing Redemption, turning a true story into a movie, portraying a real person on screen, the emotional challenges of playing Brian, recreating the accident and recovery, Deaton's on-set injury, postponing production, Brian's work as a pastor and speaker, and using your story to help others.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 A Paralyzing Redemption
01:11 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
02:48 Meet Brian Ziegler
04:10 Brian's Basketball Dreams
05:32 Addiction & the Accident
06:14 Paralyzed From the Neck Down
06:53 Learning to Walk Again
08:31 Finding Purpose Through Tragedy
09:32 How A Paralyzing Redemption Became a Book
14:19 Turning the Book Into a Movie
16:02 Watching Your Life Become a Movie
17:30 Deaton Gabbard Portrays Brian
18:50 The Emotional Challenges of the Role
20:48 Writing the Book 15 Years Later
22:44 Deaton's Most Challenging Scene
24:19 The On-Set Accident
27:18 The Injury That Stopped Production
31:41 Brian's Life Today
34:36 The Purpose Behind the Story
36:14 Final Thoughts

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with working actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals, and never miss a new episode. 🎙️

S02.5 BONUS EPISODE Confirmed Guests and How YOU Can Be a Part of Season Three, All about KickstarterThanks for tuning in to Podcast of Traveling Actors! In this BONUS episode, you get a sneak peak at the new studio setup for Season Three at OHD Studios, details about our confirmed guests for the first session of Season Three (shooting June 9th) and all the information about the Kickstarter, where we are inviting YOU to be a part of the next season! There are still 4 more episodes of Season Two releasing over the course of the next couple of months so be sure to subscirbe to the channel and follow us on your favorite platform to listen to podcasts for all the newest episodes! New episodes Thursdays at 7PM EST!Credits: Podcast of Traveling Actors is co-hosted and produced by Deaton Gabbard & Brandon Wall. Studio setup provided by OHD Studios in Louisville, Kentucky.In-Studio recording, Post Production color-grading, and audio-mixing by Tommy Shafer.Follow us on social media!JUST THE PODCAST Facebook: Podcast of Traveling ActorsPERSONAL ACCOUNTSFacebook: Deaton Gabbard Brandon WallInstagram: @deatonegabbard @b_wall93Twitter: @deatonegabbard Tik Tok: @deatongabbard @brandonjameswall4Want to let us know how we're doing? Email us directly at podcastoftravelingactors@gmail.com! Let us know if there are any topics you want us to discuss, anything you'd like to see added to the podcast, etc.