Australian Actor Episodes

Two Unemployed Actors — Episode 110: Inside the Casting Room with Peter Rasmussen What happens when an Actor's formal training meets the raw reality of the casting room? In this episode, host Max Belmonte sits down with renowned Casting Director and Acting Coach Peter Rasmussen to bridge that exact gap. 📝 Episode Summary Peter brings a uniquely powerful dual perspective to the show. He began his journey as an Actor, graduating with an Acting degree in 1997, before transitioning behin...

Episode 105: The "Slasher" Life & Strategic Pivots In this episode, Max Belmonte returns from a hiatus to break down the reality of being a "slasher" in the Australian screen industry—balancing Acting, Producing, and corporate presenting & voice over work. He discusses the tactical decision to shift his TV pilot project into a short film proof-of-concept and shares a behind-the-scenes look at changing agents and staying "work fit." Episode Highlights [00:00:43] The Multi-Hyphenate Reality...

Episode 98: Elevating Your Character with Damien Strouthos What does it truly mean to bring a character to life? In this episode, Max Belmonte sits down with actor Damien Strouthos to discuss the bridge between the script and a standout performance. Damien shares his experiences working on major Australian sets and why he believes classical foundations are the secret weapon for the modern screen actor. In this episode, we discuss: The Power of the Ensemble: Damien reflects on the professi...

Show Notes: Episode 96 — Shane Withington In this episode, we are joined by Logie Award-winning actor Shane Withington. With over 40 years in the industry, Shane shares the wisdom gained from a career that spans iconic Australian dramas like A Country Practice and his long-standing role as John Palmer on Home and Away. Whether you're an aspiring actor or a fan of Australian TV, this conversation is packed with "boots-on-the-ground" advice about longevity, set etiquette, and the craft of actin...

Ever wondered what happens after the 'Not Bummer Summer'? ☀️ In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, we sit down with Jordana Beatty (Judy Moody herself!) to discuss her incredible journey from an 8-year-old breakout star to a seasoned professional in the industry. We dive deep into how her craft has evolved, the stark differences between high-pressure TV schedules and film sets, and the reality of navigating the acting world during a global pandemic. Whether you're an aspiring actor or a fan of her work, Jordana’s insights on being prepared and staying grounded are a masterclass in career longevity. What would she go back and tell her young Actor self???? Hit play to learn what it's really like to grow up on screen!

In this episode, we sit down with Darren Gilshenan, an award-winning actor and NIDA alumni whose career spans iconic Australian television, film, and a decade with the Bell Shakespeare company. Darren dives deep into the technical "cornerstones" of acting, the strategic complexity of comedy, and what it really takes to stay relevant in a competitive industry. Key Takeaways Building the Character Framework Darren shares the specific processes he uses to find a character’s headspace, especia...

Episode 76: The "Muppet Agency" Saga & Trusting Your Gut In this episode, Sam and Max dive deep into a series of on-set disasters that serve as a massive reminder for every actor: Always trust your gut. Max recounts a "comedy of errors" with a production company that lacked professionalism at every turn—from freezing casting calls to literal phone-snatching. Key Segments & Timestamps The Golden Rule: Why you should never ignore your instinct when a project feels "off." The 15-Minute Freez...

Episode 75: Dodging Scams and Standing Your Ground In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the "wild west" of the acting industry. From booking voiceover gigs while waiting in a vaccine queue to reporting a predator on StarNow, the boys cover the essential safety and business skills every actor needs. They also dive deep into the world of day rates, defending your project fee against lowballing clients, and the creative hustle of marketing an indie feature film. In This Episode, You’ll Lea...

Show Notes: Episode 74 – The Power of LinkedIn and the Return of In-Person Auditions In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the shifting dynamics of the acting industry, from the digital "Creator Mode" on LinkedIn to the high-stakes energy of an old-school, in-person audition room. Whether you’re trying to fix your skincare routine or write your first screenplay, there’s something in here for every artist "between projects." In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Actor’s Skincare Survival Guide...

Episode 72: High-Stakes Callbacks & Industry Insights In this episode, Max and Sam break down the essential "between projects" hustle. From securing major play callbacks to prepping for the influx of international productions in Australia, the boys discuss how to stay sharp, stay trained, and stay visible in a competitive industry. Inside This Episode • 00:00 – Introduction Max and Sam kick off the show with an overview of a busy week ahead, including audition updates and upcoming industry...

Episode 71: The Accent Grind & Cinema Catch-Up In this episode, Max and Sam dive into the practicalities of maintaining an acting career, from the technicalities of dialect coaching to the relief of finally finishing a personal website. They also break down a massive list of recent cinema releases and streaming hits. In This Episode: The Power of the U.S. Accent: Sam discusses his recent session with dialect coach Danielle Roffe. They explore why a flawless American accent is no longer a ...

Episode 70: Kung Fu, King Street, and the Post-Show Blues In this episode, Max and Sam celebrate a massive milestone 70 episodes of being "between projects!" The guys dive into the reality of wrapping a major production, from the high-energy chaos of a stage farce to the practical steps every actor should take when the curtain finally falls. Max shares the "behind-the-curtain" secrets of his recent run in the play Lipstick, including a hilarious (and slightly awkward) mission to King Stree...

Show Notes: Episode 69 – The Chaos of Being "Between Projects" In this episode, Max and Sam prove that being "unemployed" is actually a full-time job. The guys dive deep into the contrasting worlds of independent film sets and the high-octane pressure of live theatre tech runs. From hostel living and lighting setups to stage moustaches and missed cues, it’s a candid look at the grit behind the glamour. Key Highlights The Feature Film Grind: Sam updates us on his current feature shoot near...

Show Notes: Episode 68 – The Hustle and the Harmony In this episode, Max and Sam discuss the relentless "between projects" lifestyle, balancing the physical demands of theatre with the technical grind of voiceovers and self-tapes. From navigating the logistics of independent theatre props to geeking out over LinkedIn connections with industry legends, they cover the full spectrum of the modern actor’s journey. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Reality of Indie Theatre: Max shares his exp...

Episode 67: Jim Carrey’s Method Madness, Feature Film Life, and Unexpected Auditions In this episode, Max and Sam catch up on a whirlwind week of production, rehearsals, and industry deep dives. From the stage in Sydney to film sets in Newcastle, the guys explore what it means to truly live with a character and how the most unexpected opportunities (like an Italian animation audition) can land in your inbox out of nowhere. Key Segments & Discussions The Return of Live Theatre: Max provide...

Two Unemployed Actors – Episode 66: Social Media Strategy for Actors Max goes solo this week to tackle one of the most requested topics from workshops, DMs, and emails: Social Media Strategy. If you’re an up-and-coming actor, it’s time to stop treating your social profiles like a casual personal diary and start viewing your online presence as a crucial extension of your professional brand. In this episode, Max breaks down the common pitfalls actors face online, how to navigate the major platf...

Episode 65: From Cannes to Chris Pratt: Navigating the On-Set Grind Juggling survival jobs, celebrating major creative wins, and staying grounded when the industry gets chaotic. this week Max and Sam dive deep into the messy, exciting reality of being a working actor. From short films heading overseas to masterclasses in set etiquette and a surreal celebrity encounter at a Sydney bar, this episode is packed with honest advice, laughs, and unfiltered industry insights. In This Episode...

Two Unemployed Actors — Episode 64: Set Disasters, New Ventures, & Homegrown Hits Happy New Year! Max and Sam kick off their first episode of 2021 by hitting the ground running. In this episode, the boys catch up on a massive couple of weeks filled with indie feature film night shoots, chaotic corporate gigs, the launch of a new business, and some major wins for the Australian screen industry. From a truck taking out a roller door mid-take to a dachshund refusing to be upstaged at play rehear...

Episode 63: The Intersection of Acting and Psychology with Simon Ward With Sam busy on set, Max Belmonte sits down with actor and registered psychologist Simon Ward. Having trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London while balancing a career in psychology, Simon brings a unique dual perspective to the podcast. In this episode, Max and Simon unpack the intense psychological landscape of being a modern creative, from the toxic traps of social media algorithms to navigating the striking stat...

Show Notes: Episode 62 – Navigating the Business of Acting (Solo with Max) Welcome to Year 3 of Two Unemployed Actors! Sam has the ultimate pass this week because he’s actually busy on set, leaving Max to hold down the studio solo. Kicking off the year in style, Max reflects on his busiest year in the industry since transitioning from corporate life and dives deep into the crucial business boundaries every actor needs to set. From spotting sneaky contract upgrades to busting the myths of the ...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 61 In the final episode of the year, Max and Sam catch up on a chaotic end-of-year rush of auditions, corporate gigs, and play rehearsals. From navigating malfunctioning set tech to breaking down the legal realities of firearms and stunt safety, the boys dive deep into what it really takes to survive and thrive on a modern film set. Key Takeaways from the Episode Residual Heat Memorisation: When the tech fails, the Actors process takes over. Max breaks down...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 60: On-Set Intensity, Audition Secrets, and Showreel Essentials What does it really take to film an intense, emotional drama under strict on-set restrictions? In this episode, Max and Sam catch up on a busy wave of end-of-year projects, breaking down the exact mechanics of their latest film shoots, upcoming theatre rehearsals, and the vital tools every Actor needs to stay bookable. Max dives deep into his experience filming the AFTRS short Water Under the Br...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 59 Show Notes Episode Summary In this episode, Max and Sam give you a raw, honest, and hilarious look into the realities of life as a working Actor in Australia. Max takes us behind the scenes of his multi-day shoot for a major MG / CarSales commercial—complete with drones, sound stages, and a brutally public parallel parking fail. Meanwhile, Sam celebrates wrapping up his massive 10-month journey with Spring Awakening, diving headfirst into the post-show withdraw...

Two Unemployed Actors | Episode 58 After a short hiatus, Max and Sam are back to chat about a massively busy few weeks. From corporate DIY shoots and intense short films to feature film callbacks and big premieres, the boys dive deep into what it actually takes to survive and thrive on set. They also break down the business side of the industry, navigating the new Casting Networks layout, and how to manage usage fees so you don't get ripped off. What We Cover This Episode: Juggling the Gi...