Theatre 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 107: International Casting Secrets, "Verticals," and AI with Helene Rousse In this episode, Max Belmonte dives deep into the shifting world of international casting with Helene Rousse, a powerhouse Montreal-based Casting Director and founder of Total Casting. With over 35 years of experience spanning talent agent work, acting, and world-class casting, Helene shares the "Formula 1" approach to navigating today’s digital industry. From the surprising explosion of "Vertical" series to th...

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...

Unlock the secrets behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic performances in this deep-dive interview with legendary acting coach Terry Knickerbocker. In this episode of Two Unemployed Actors, host Max explores the craft, discipline, and mindset required to sustain a high-level career in the entertainment industry. The interview with acting coach Terry Knickerbocker highlights several foundational principles for building a sustainable and professional acting career. Here are the key takeaways...

Episode 97: Harriet Gordon-Anderson on Resilience, Shakespeare, and the Art of Being Yourself In this episode, Max Belmonte sits down with the incredibly versatile Harriet Gordon-Anderson. From the prestigious halls of WAAPA to the iconic stage of Bell Shakespeare, Harriet’s journey is a masterclass in artistic resilience. We dive deep into her three-year odyssey playing the title role in Hamlet—a production that faced the unprecedented challenge of being shut down twice by the pandemic. H...

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 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...

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...

- Max talks through Covid on set this week - Why is Sam going to the gym? - What is Max watching that makes him want to be a Cowboy? Support the show Send us a text

Episode 39: John Bell’s Wisdom, Rehearsal Debates, and What We’re Watching 📝 Episode Summary In this episode, Max and Sam navigate the highs and lows of the Acting industry, from learning at the feet of an Australian legend to the practical realities of self-taping in your living room. 💡 Key Takeaways from this Episode Learning from a Legend: Max recaps an exclusive masterclass with John Bell, founder of Bell Shakespeare. We discuss his career, his take on the "mumbling" trend in mo...