This episode (first half of a two-part conversation) explores how actors can adapt to rapid industry changes, especially the rise of vertical shorts, and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and confidence in auditions.

Leslie and Jonathan discuss practical tips for working on fast-paced vertical productions, boundary-setting around roles or brand endorsements, and share real-world stories about negotiating pay and making personal choices about representation.

Part two of the episode covers vacation and recharging after the holidays, how to avoid burnout, and simple ways to decompress.

We share practical self-tape tips for dealing with awkward or over-the-top audition instructions, including shortcut strategies (use reels, show competence without staging full scenes) and why casting sometimes requests front/back hand shots or full-body framing.

We wrap up with examples, personal stories, and reminder to set boundaries on elaborate self-tapes, and an invitation to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Leslie and Jonathan discuss vacation plans, casting experiences, and why actors should embrace typecasting. They share practical tips on discovering your type, setting boundaries, and using your unique traits to get hired.

Leslie adds personal anecdotes from commercial work and UGC, while Jonathan expands on how casting directors think and why clarity wins in auditions.

Leslie and Jonathan discuss using AI to create a theme, how actors can harness AI to become one-person production teams, tips for memorization (RehearseNow.ai, PromptSmart), teleprompter technique, UGC and TikTok monetization, contract renewals, and building daily rehearsal routines to stay professional and ready.