The Working Actor NYC

A conversation about longevity, identity, and staying alive to the work.

Acting careers don’t follow straight lines — they move through seasons.

In this episode, we explore the reality every long-term actor eventually faces: the transition from one chapter of work to another. Roles evolve, identities shift, and the challenge becomes not holding onto what once worked, but staying responsive to what the work is asking of you now.

We discuss:

• The emotional reality of aging into new casting territory
• Letting go of roles that defined earlier chapters
• Why some actors struggle during transitions
• How curiosity sustains longevity in the profession
• Practical ways to recognize where your career is heading next

This conversation isn’t about surviving change. It’s about remaining artistically alive as your career evolves.

Because longevity in acting isn’t about holding on — it’s about knowing when to release.

A BFA doesn't make you a working actor.

What’s the difference between foundational training and ongoing training as a professional actor?

In this episode, we unpack the distinction between degree-based programs (BFA/MFA) and the kind of training actors pursue once they’re working in the industry.

Neither of us came up through conservatory programs — but we’re both deeply committed to ongoing training. Benjamin talks about the classes that shaped him at HB Studio in New York. Patrick reflects on the private studio in Hollywood that transformed his craft. In both cases, the work demanded imagination, truth, and personal responsibility — not just trying to impress a teacher.

We explore:

• The strengths of foundational programs
• The pitfalls of thinking a degree means you’re “done”
• Why some actors struggle to transition from student to professional
• How class can become a shield from the marketplace
• And why community and continued growth matter at every level

Training doesn’t end when school does. And the actors who last are the ones who keep sharpening the tool.

If you’re navigating your own path — whether in school, out of school, or years into your career — this conversation will help you think about training in a more strategic way.

Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood are back with Season 2 of The Working Actor NYC Podcast — and they’re starting 2026 with an honest conversation about goals, momentum, and what’s actually changing in the acting industry.

In this episode, they talk about:

• Why traditional goal-setting doesn’t always serve actors
• The difference between chasing moments and building momentum
• Industry shifts they’re already noticing in 2026
• How working actors can orient themselves without burning out or clinging to outdated ideas

This isn’t about resolutions or hype. It’s about clarity, adaptability, and staying awake to the work as it evolves.

Whether you’re resetting after a tough year or looking ahead with intention, this episode is about starting the season grounded, curious, and connected.