It's A Slate Of Mind

No better way to celebrate nearing our 100th episode than revisiting some of the best pieces of advice from a few of our former guests. If you need a quick pick-me-up pep talk in your acting career - you're in the right place. Casting directors Chad Darnell and Dana Bowling, Ozark actor Nelson Bonilla, and actor's psychotherapist Michelle Shlafman have the encouragement you need!  For more from these guests tune in to their full episodes: Chad Darnell: Episode 51 Michelle Shlafman: Episodes 60 and 90 Nelson Bonilla: Episode 63 Dana Bowling: Episode 41

It's here! The big 100! I'm taking you on a little trip through memory lane with a look back on where we were when the podcast started to now, the 8 biggest takeaways I have, and where we go from here. And a big THANK YOU to everyone who has been along for the journey! 

I'm giving you a sneak peek at my actor marketing checklist: from social media to websites to press kits to networking - I'm spilling it all and how I do it. Tune in for a little inspiration for yourself!

I know, I know, the title of the episode might be triggering to some...but...I promised to always keep it real with you guys, so sorry not sorry because I think this topic is SO important! We all have bad moments and bad seasons (myself included!) in this career...but when a bad day becomes a toxic actor behavior, it can have serious repercussions for your health, wellbeing, relationships, and career. To avoid this, I'm putting my big sister hat on and sharing 10 of the most common pitfalls for actors and advice for how to self-identify and pivot to a healthier path.

Avoid these 4 common actor traps that can keep you stuck in your career! Get all 9 over on the Beyond Acting Instagram @beyondacting.

When you start working young, you learn quickly what marks a true professional...and what doesn't. "Professional" doesn't mean you book the most, it's all about how you carry yourself and your standards of working with others. Today I'm sharing some of the lessons I've learned about building respect and trust when working in this business as an actor, and how it can set you apart to get more opportunities.  Connect with me: www.alisonhaselden.com @alison_haselden @beyondacting

Our favorite type of episode is back with even more amazing questions from working actors like you, answered by Beyond Acting co-founders, Alison and Alex! Get plugged in with Beyond Acting: https://www.alisonhaselden.com/learn IG: @beyondacting

Should you, or shouldn't you? Is it worth it? I get asked about actor websites almost weekly. They're not feasible for every actor at certain stages of their careers...but just because you don't have a website (or a website that's working for you) doesn't mean you're off the hook - all actors should have a home base for their marketing. In this episode, learn 3 options for actors who don't want a website and the key elements needed when creating your own landing page or EPK.

We all have those slow seasons in our acting careers. They can make us overthink, doubt ourselves, and just get plain frustrated. Some actors struggle to know what to do to fill the time, or struggle to find the motivation to be proactive when auditions and bookings are slow. So I made you a list of 12 activities that will benefit your acting career, and help you level up!  Connect with Me: AlisonHaselden.com IG: @alison_haselden IG: @beyondacting

We asked, you answered! Here are 26 ways that actors in our Beyond Acting community help themselves feel healthy, strong, and confident before and during a film or TV shoot. From physical and mental health, to skincare and beauty, to food and drinks, we've got you covered! For all the daily insight, check out our Instagram Stories over @BeyondActing ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/beyondacting/​ Or connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondActingCourses For all my actor marketing tips and hacks, head to ➡️ https://www.alisonhaselden.com/

Psychotherapist Michelle Shlafman is back on the podcast, talking about techniques specifically for actors to protect their mental health. In this episode, she chats with Alison and Alex on a Clubhouse session about: Is acting a poor career choice for a highly anxious being? At what line should an actor step away from acting if it harms their mental health? Is there and/or should there be a specific approach for actors to protect their mental health when tackling intense or trauma-oriented scenes? Especially for actors who have experienced trauma themselves in the past? What are some physical and mental practices actors can do to help process anxiety, difficult emotions or experiences? And How can actors create boundaries? Want to hear more from Michelle? Check out Episode 60: Tips for Actors with Anxiety For all the daily insight, check out our Instagram Stories over @BeyondActing ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/beyondacting/ Or connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondActingCourses For

When it comes to the casting process there are a few funky words and phrases that tend to appear, and they can get pretty confusing (especially because each casting director might use them a little differently!). We know you’re already on an emotional rollercoaster, so we wanted to help make the ride a little less bumpy and overwhelming by breaking down a few casting terms: Avail check, pin, first refusal, and holds. Connect on Instagram: @alison_haselden @beyondacting AlisonHaselden.com 

A lot of actors have this idea that, "If I JUST book a series regular role on a TV show, all my problems will be solved!" -- but have you ever actually done the math on how much you'd be making, how much you'd have to spend, and how much you'd actually end up with in the bank by the end of the day? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, Alison breaks down the numbers so that you can make informed decisions now before you become a series regular. Instagram: @alison_haselden @beyondacting @itsaslateofmind

In the pursuit of a career as an actor, there are very few things in your control. You can't control bookings, or how a project is edited, etc. In fact, an actor can only truly control three things in their career: Their materials, their training, and their attitude. In this episode, we're going to do a quick refresher on the materials. The resume, the headshots, the demo reel footage/clips, and how they come together on an actor's Actors Access page. Beyond Acting's The Actor's Toolbox: https://beyondacting.teachable.com/p/the-actor-s-toolbox  Instagram: @alison_haselden @beyondacting @itsaslateofmind

Networking events can be intimidating to many actors...and even more so in this unique period of history where we are transitioning out of a long period of isolation. We have to learn how to network again in-person, while also mitigating risks and other people's varying comfort levels. It can be overwhelming! In this episode, recorded from a live Clubhouse session, Alison and Alex Collins provide tips and tricks for actors to re-enter the networking scene with success!  Marketing for Creatives 101: https://www.alisonhaselden.com/marketing101 The Social Media Script: https://www.alisonhaselden.com/social-media-script Connect: Instagram: @BeyondActing @Alison_Haselden @AlexBCollins

We've all had those days where social media feels draining, frustrating, disheartening, or just plain toxic...and yet, we need to use it for our acting careers! What's the solution?! In this episode, Alison breaks down the main reasons why social media tends to get unhealthy and 7 specific ways to combat the burnout - from both a social media strategy perspective, and several mental and emotional health shifts.  The Social Media Script: https://www.alisonhaselden.com/social-media-script  Stay Connected: Instagram: @Alison_Haselden or @BeyondActing

Video content on social media is one of the most powerful tools as our disposal to market ourselves as actors...and yet, despite being uniquely trained to succeed in front of the camera, so many actors haven't even attempted this strategy at all. In this episode, Alison breaks down the 3 biggest excuses actors make when it comes to video content, teaches you how to flip your mentality around it, and outlines the key rules to follow for social media video content. She also gives an overview of the best types of social media videos to make and shares how to get started! You don't want to miss it!  PLUS! Don't miss out on the Reels challenge to get free social media coaching from Alison... Join the Instagram Reels FREE Challenge: Go to Instagram @Beyond_Acting and Click the Link In Bio to sign up! https://www.instagram.com/beyondacting/  Connect: @Alison_Haselden @ItsaSlateofMind @BeyondActing

The first of a 3-part social media series for actors! Learn the top social media traps actors fall into that wastes serious time & money (that could be much better spent elsewhere) AND how to fix them. Alison breaks down why these traps are so tempting but also can quickly backfire, and provides specific examples of more strategic ways to set yourself up for marketing success online.  PLUS! Don't miss out on the Reels challenge to get free social media coaching from Alison... Join the Instagram Reels FREE Challenge: Go to Instagram @Beyond_Acting and Click the Link In Bio to sign up! https://www.instagram.com/beyondacting/  Connect: @Alison_Haselden @ItsaSlateofMind @BeyondActing

Self tapes have been the norm in the Southeast for years now - and in 2021 they’ve now become a staple part of auditioning for actors in every single market in the world. Self tape auditions are here to stay, so it’s time to school up! We’re brining you a few key technical self taping tips from acting coach and co-founder of Beyond Acting, Alex Collins. Learn about how to best utilize your frame, entrances and exits on self tapes, how to hint at genre and type in your tapes, and how to create your own closeup in a self tape audition. Book a consult with Alex Collins: alexbcollins.com Follow him on Instagram: @alexbcollins Get plugged in with our Beyond Acting community: @beyondacting AND alisonhaselden.com/learn Get connected with me!  @alison_haselden on IG and Twitter! 

In this episode, Alison shares a recorded Beyond Acting Clubhouse session with Alex Collins and the stories of a few BA students all about actors making money...from other jobs. The days of being a starving artist are officially over, and in this episode you'll learn a few of the flexible job options actors have held and how to navigate the tricky aspects of having a dual career. Alex, Alison, and the BA students share what they've learned, tips and tricks, and how they manage the busy schedule of a dual-career actor.