🎭 What IS a big break, really?

In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, seasoned performers Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood dive deep into the elusive concept of the “big break” in an actor’s career. From getting discovered by legendary director Garry Marshall to navigating showcase contracts and life-changing auditions, this conversation is packed with hilarious, heartfelt, and honest insights every working actor, acting student, and aspiring star needs to hear. Whether you're grinding in regional theatre, hustling in NYC, or aiming for your first TV role, this episode is a must-listen for actors in film, television, and theatre who want to book more jobs, build lasting careers, and raise their profile in the industry. 🎬✨

🎭 How do I use Social Media to help me build my acting career, without burning out? How Does “Type” Differ from “Personal Brand” for Actors? In this candid and insightful conversation, seasoned New York City actors Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood unpack some of the most pressing questions for today’s working actors: how does your “type” differ from your personal brand — and how does that impact casting in film, television, and theatre? This episode is a must-watch for actors at all levels who are trying to navigate social media without ending up under the bed, book more work, and increase their visibility with casting directors. With decades of Hollywood, Broadway, theatre, and screen experience between them, Patrick and Benjamin explore how branding, consistency, and self-expression intersect with modern-day casting decisions. If you're a working actor, studying acting, or ready to level up your profile and get in more rooms, this video offers real talk, personal strategies, and a whole lot of laughs. ❤️🎬

Coming Soon

In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, veteran actors Patrick Richwood and Benjamin Howes delve into the evolving world of self-tapes and how they’ve become an essential part of booking more work, particularly in TV, film, and theater. They share personal insights, including how self-tapes have shaped their careers, how they manage tight turnaround times, and tips for ensuring your self-tape stands out. The conversation explores the challenges of virtual auditions, the importance of being adaptable with your performance, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of booking roles from self-tapes. If you're an actor looking to improve your self-taping process and book more roles that elevate your profile, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and real-world experiences. Tune in to discover how you can master the art of self-tapes and increase your chances of landing more high-profile work in the competitive world of acting.

Name Checked: Jim Parsons, John Doyle, Lisa Birnbaum, Martin Short, Barbara Stanwyck, Susan Blackwell.

Working away from home and living out of a suitcase. Or two. And a backpack. Plus some boxes of stuff. Patrick and Benjamin discuss finding your place in a new town, what to pack, what to send ahead, and some survival strategies for long term away-from-home life.

Name checked: Raymond J. Lee, Cameron Adams, Julia Cameron, Howard McGillin, Sal Mistretta, Angela Lansbury, George Hearn.

You still have to make money between acting jobs, so what do you do?

• - ACTUAL hustlers!
• - High school jobs
• - Can you do a show AND have a job?
• - Restaurant escapades
• - Mimes arent' scary!
• - Working for a world famous director
• - Teaching & coaching
• - Property princes & organizers

Name checked: Mike Nichols

Don't go stale, stay moist and tender.

• - Performing with talented friends
• - Stirring the energy soup
• - You're in charge Marjorie!
• - Get a hobby
• - Why do we do what we do?
• - Energy mindset
• - Doing it ugly until it's good
• - Ethel Merman. Just because .

Name checked: Annabeth Gish, Colman Domingo, Ethel Merman

Getting to grips with Casting Directors!

• - Memories like elephants, for better or worse
• - Casting Directors can be good directors AND good eggs!
• - Building a relationship with Casting Directors
• - The importance of type
• - Television casting
• - The value of the open call/EPA/chorus call
• - Pay for play
• - Your old friend, mindset

Name checked: Tara Rubin, Mel Brooks, Susan Stroman, Merri Sugarman, Bernie Telsey, Paul Hardt, Jay Binder, Gayle Seay, Scott Wojcik, Austin Pendleton, Rock Hudson