Offstage Acting

Todd Kramer
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Two actors, Todd Kramer and Jay Reum, talk with other actors and discuss "everything acting!" offstageacting.substack.com

  1. 22 JAN

    🎙️058 | Effie T. Brown: Producing with Purpose, Leading with Heart

    Effie T. Brown is one of those names in Hollywood that carries weight—and for good reason. With decades of experience as a producer, showrunner, and CEO, Effie is a true force in the industry. In this episode, Todd and Jay sit down with their longtime friend for a rich, deeply honest conversation about what it really means to lead with heart in Hollywood. From early producing jobs on groundbreaking indie films (Real Women Have Curves, But I’m a Cheerleader) to her trailblazing leadership at Gamechanger Films and her outspoken advocacy for inclusion in entertainment, Effie doesn’t pull punches. We talk about her love of actors, how she learned to lead, the importance of staying authentic in a cutthroat business, and the joy (and stress) of building projects with purpose. This one is personal, powerful, and packed with truth. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome Effie T. Brown01:45 – What producers really do06:10 – Real Women Have Curves and launching a legacy09:35 – But I’m a Cheerleader, and not pulling punches13:50 – Starting out and surviving in the business17:15 – Project Greenlight and the Matt Damon moment23:30 – Building Gamechanger Films27:00 – Fighting for equity in entertainment30:45 – Why she loves actors33:10 – The emotional labor of leadership37:50 – Effie on working with directors and trust41:25 – Keeping it real (and still getting paid)46:00 – Mentorship and creating space for others51:30 – Reflections on being a Black woman in Hollywood56:40 – Advice for actors and future producers1:00:30 – “No one can do you better than you”1:04:00 – Wrapping up: legacy, purpose, and moving forward 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION We love hearing from you!Tag us, message us, or shout us out if something in this episode hit home. 🎧 https://offstageacting.com/podcast📩 https://linktr.ee/toddkramer📩 https://linktr.ee/jayreum 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 📸 Instagram: @offstageacting❌ X: @OffstageActing📘 Facebook: Offstage Acting🎥 YouTube: Offstage Acting 📣 HASHTAGS Hashtag style:#acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing#EffieTBrown #HollywoodProducer #BlackWomenInFilm #WomenInFilm #InclusiveStorytelling #RealWomenHaveCurves #ButImACheerleader #GamechangerFilms #ProjectGreenlight This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

    1h 52m

  2. 14/10/2025

    🎙️057 | Rob & Helen Bee: From Solo Booths to Social Buzz

    Today's guests are Rob and Helen Bee — voiceover professionals, podcast hosts, and community builders behind The VO Social, a UK-wide grassroots movement that's changing how voice artists connect and grow. Rob and Helen talk with Todd Kramer and Jay Reum about the loneliness of the VO life and how they've worked to combat it — not just with their podcast, but with real-world meetups, business services, and grassroots support. They share their journey from working VO professionals to running a creative services company tailored specifically for voice artists, helping them with tech, websites, branding, and community. We talk about what makes The VO Social different, how to turn freelancing into a sustainable business, and why connection is the secret sauce to surviving the isolation of the booth. 00:00 – Opening 02:12 – The loneliness of voiceover 05:50 – Why they started The VO Social 08:34 – Building grassroots VO connections 11:16 – Moving beyond isolation 14:00 – Turning community into action 17:44 – How the VO Social grew across the UK 21:29 – What voice actors actually need 24:05 – Rob and Helen's transition to business owners 27:48 – Building websites and branding for VOs 31:33 – Common struggles voice artists face 34:22 – Keeping the VO Social accessible 38:16 – What freelancers misunderstand about business 41:12 – Helping artists run things sustainably 44:05 – Freelancing myths and realities 47:18 – Gatekeeping vs. sharing knowledge 50:01 – What works better in-person 53:42 – Mistakes voice artists keep repeating 56:20 – Learning to say no 59:08 – The real value of showing up 1:02:20 – Why VO success isn't about the mic 1:05:45 – What's next for The Bees 1:09:30 – Final thoughts and outro 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Rob and Helen's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 The Bees: Website: https://b-double-e.co.uk Podcast: https://www.thevosocial.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/thevosocial 💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

    1h 12m

  3. 26/08/2025

    🎙️056 | Kenneth Jay: From Backstage Patience to Onstage Presence

    Today's guest is Kenneth Jay, a seasoned Canadian actor with decades of experience across theatre, film, and television. Known for his dedication to craft and his deep respect for storytelling, Kenneth has built a career that bridges continents and philosophies. In this inspiring and laughter-filled episode, hosts Todd Kramer and Jay Reum chat with Kenneth about the unique discipline of being an understudy, the art of preparation without certainty, and why truth is always at the center of performance. Kenneth shares his journey from Ottawa to Ryerson Theatre School, his surprising connection to Stanislavski's lineage, and how collaboration, language, and identity shape the actor's path. This conversation is both thoughtful and funny — weaving in the joys, struggles, and revelations of a life lived for the stage. Actors will find wisdom, humor, and a reminder of why we do what we do. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 04:20 – Strapless workouts and silliness 07:00 – PunchTrack: a DAW for narrators 11:00 – Introducing Kenneth Jay 13:00 – Kenneth's showreel and career highlights 16:40 – Growing up in Ottawa, moving to Toronto 18:20 – Ryerson Theatre School and Stanislavski connection 23:30 – Why Kenneth chose theatre over academics 27:00 – The first spark: Robin Hood in grade school 30:00 – Falling in love with Shakespeare 35:10 – The joy and craft of understudying 41:00 – Personal truth inside every performance 47:20 – Collaboration, colleagues, and connection 52:00 – Longevity in the acting industry 57:00 – The gift of language and expression 01:01:30 – Identity and performance 01:05:00 – Laughs, stories, and lessons learned 01:10:00 – Advice for young actors 01:15:00 – Closing thoughts with Kenneth 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Kenneth's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Kenneth Jay IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0419612/  💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum 📣 Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #KennethJay #Stanislavski #understudy #theatre #actorsjourney #truthinacting This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

    1h 38m

  4. 15/07/2025

    🎙️055 | Kym Jackson: How To Hustle Into Hollywood and The Secret Actor Society

    Today's guest is Kym Jackson — Aussie actor, author, and co-founder of the Secret Actor Society. Kym's journey spans continents and platforms: she launched her career onstage in Australia, made the leap to Hollywood, and hasn't stopped working since. You've seen her on Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA, This Is Us, and SWAT — or in films like Snitch, Iron Sky, and We Bury the Dead. But acting is just one facet of her creative powerhouse. In this episode, Kym opens up about navigating the business with grace and grit — from managing self-tapes and raising a family to launching an actor-focused education platform. She talks coaching, casting, demo reels (the good, the bad, and the too-long), and how she landed a dream pilot that never made it past COVID. It's a goldmine of insight for any working actor. FREE CLASS AT SAS: https://secretactor.com/pages/free-journey-4b ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 02:45 – Todd & Jay intro banter: heatwaves and actor gigs 07:00 – Welcome Kym Jackson: Aussie beginnings 11:20 – Big credits and global acting career 15:30 – Life in Atlanta with husband Andrew Steele 18:15 – Acting with a kid: family-work balance 22:00 – Demo reel critiques: what works and what's too much 27:40 – Secret Actor Society: the backstory 32:00 – Coaching actors through pandemic pivots 37:15 – Casting insights: reel length, slates, and self-tapes 42:10 – Building a searchable video knowledge base 47:20 – "The pilot that got COVID-canceled" 51:40 – How to brand yourself as an actor 56:10 – Real talk: career dry spells and mental health 1:01:00 – Keeping up with changing industry norms 1:06:30 – Working with agents & managers 1:10:00 – Tips for international actors in LA 1:14:50 – The value of video coaching and templates 1:19:30 – Rapid-fire questions: auditions, fails & lessons 1:25:10 – Reflecting on Secret Actor Society's growth 1:29:45 – Todd's nerd-out moment: structured actor tools 1:34:00 – Jay's favorite rants & actor myths 1:39:10 – Kym on future dreams and helping actors 1:44:20 – Jay & Todd wind down the convo 1:47:10 – Final takeaways and gratitude 1:50:20 – Outro and what's next 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Kym's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Kim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekymjackson 🌍 Secret Actor Society: https://secretactorsociety.com 💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum 📣 Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #SecretActorSociety #selftapes #demoReels #actingcoach #castingdirectors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

    1h 53m
  5. 🎙️054 | Todd & Jay: Motivation for When You've Got None

    01/07/2025

    🎙️054 | Todd & Jay: Motivation for When You've Got None

    Today's episode is a little different — it's just Todd and Jay, mic'd up and mood-swinging their way through one of those actor chats that starts with "I'm not feeling it" and ends with "okay, I've got a little fire back." In this candid bonus conversation, Todd and Jay explore the ebb and flow of motivation in an actor's life — why it disappears, how to rediscover it, and the tools they've each developed to stay (or get back) on track. From inner drive to outer community, yoga hacks to time-blocking, and even the occasional black hole of self-doubt, this is a brutally honest and refreshingly funny reflection on the ups and downs of creative energy. Whether you're smashing auditions or stuck in the "meh," this episode is for every actor who's ever felt a little lost in the grind. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 01:40 – "I'm just not feeling it today" 03:00 – Losing motivation and why it happens 05:15 – Why actors need inner motivation 07:40 – Jay's "bliss-based" discipline hack 10:30 – Todd on how the body seeks pleasure 13:20 – No money, no validation — just love of the work 15:45 – The unpredictable nature of actor life 17:30 – Yoga, chakras, and the motivation pyramid 20:10 – Balancing survival with creative readiness 22:30 – The curse of missed opportunities 24:00 – Todd's big casting miss while abroad 26:00 – Community as a motivator 28:00 – Why Todd got active in the union 29:40 – Surround yourself with other actors 31:00 – Jay's take: finding inner motivation 33:10 – Community vs. discipline — which drives you? 35:30 – Creating purpose from within 38:00 – Tangible tips for everyday motivation 40:00 – Rebuilding your tribe post-pandemic 42:00 – Inner food vs. outer support 44:30 – Why actors need both solo and ensemble energy 46:00 – Wrap-up and final thoughts 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in this BONUSODE? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum 📣 Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #motivation #innerdrive #actorcommunity #selfdiscipline #creativeblock This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

    54 min

  6. 10/06/2025

    🎙️053 | Brendan McNamara: From Child Roles to Casting Roles

    Today's guest is the brilliant Brendan McNamara — actor, former child star, and founder of Beach Casting, a casting agency making waves across the UK and Ireland. From appearing in films like Angela's Ashes and War of the Buttons to launching one of the most actor-friendly casting studios in the game, Brendan shares his uniquely personal journey through both sides of the audition table. We talk candidly about the transition from actor to casting director, the kind of performers he loves to work with, the shifting landscape of self-tapes, and why kindness and professionalism still matter. A must-listen for actors, agents, and anyone curious about what makes a great casting experience — both behind and in front of the camera. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – A Very Irish Opening 05:01 – Todd returns from Derry 10:02 – Brendan's life as a child actor 15:04 – Transitioning into casting 20:06 – What makes an actor stand out 25:03 – Self-tapes: love, hate, and hope 30:00 – Building Beach Casting 35:01 – Advice for actors (and humans) 💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Brendan's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways! 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Brendan's Agency: https://beach-casting.com 📣 Hashtags #BrendanMcNamara #BeachCasting #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #childactor #castingdirector #filmindustry #selftapes #irishfilm

    1h 41m

  7. 20/05/2025

    🎙️052 | Alexa Morden: Actor, Advocate & Voice of the 98%

    Today's guest is not only a brilliant actor, but one of the loudest, clearest voices advocating for honesty and safety in the industry. Alexa Morden is best known as the co-creator and co-host of The 98% Podcast — a refreshingly unfiltered look at life for the vast majority of actors who don't earn their full living from acting. She's also an award-winning performer in her own right, with credits in Skins, Fresh Meat, The Great Train Robbery, and the indie feature The Colour of Spring, which earned her over 25 Best Actress awards on the festival circuit. In this episode, Alexa opens up about her own career journey, the mission behind The 98%, and her recent role in exposing the Bodhi Talent scandal — a shocking case where a UK agent scammed dozens of actors with fake auditions and unpaid work. Alexa helped connect victims, raise public awareness, and start a bigger conversation about ethics and accountability in actor representation. It's a powerful chat about community, truth-telling, and what it really means to stand up for the people who keep this industry running. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 02:30 – Fierce advocate for actors & self-tape strategy 05:00 – From indie film to global Netflix releases 07:30 – Casting classically and breaking rules 10:00 – The craft of acting: what never goes out of style 12:30 – Tips for managing audition anxiety 15:00 – Alex on finding your edge in self-tapes 17:30 – Why he created "Let's Talk Acting" 20:00 – Acting as activism and industry mental health 22:30 – How to stand out when everyone's good 25:00 – Todd on the UK vs. US actor struggle 27:30 – Resilience, burnout, and holding the line 30:00 – Favorite roles and the characters who stuck 32:30 – Jay's chaotic energy and actor mythbusting 35:00 – The real deal with acting reels 37:30 – Coaches, gurus, and navigating bad advice 40:00 – Teaching with honesty and humour 42:30 – Wrapping up: gratitude and future goals 💬 Join the Conversation What was your experience with agents starting out? Have you ever felt misled or manipulated in the name of getting work? Drop us a comment below — we'd love to hear your story. 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and more: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 📸 Follow Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa_morden 🎙️ The 98% Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DjMU7Di7fWYCFd82U4jSC 🔖 Hashtags #acting #actorlife #AlexaMorden #The98PercentPodcast #BodhiTalent #OffstageActing #actingpodcast #actorcommunity #ToddKramer #JayReum #scamalert #actingcareer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

    1h 55m

  8. 22/04/2025

    🎙️051 | Kezia Burrows: Welsh-Born, RADA-Trained, Game-Changing Actor

    This week on Offstage Acting, Todd Kramer welcomes the brilliant Kezia Burrows — a Welsh actor whose career spans classical theatre, television drama, and the high-stakes world of motion capture and video game performance. Born in Neath and raised in the seaside village of New Quay, Kezia trained at RADA and now voices and embodies characters in some of the most acclaimed games out there. You might know her as Amanda Ripley in Alien: Isolation, Dr. Emma Fisher in Observation, or from Cyberpunk 2077, CrossfireX, Hellblade, and more. We dive into: 🎭 Her classical training and transition to screen and digital media 🎮 The art of performance capture and voice acting for video games 🧠 What it means to build a career across mediums — without losing yourself 😂 Funny moments, real talk, and the beauty of creative discipline If you're a gamer, an actor, or just a curious human — this one's for you. Let's get into it with Kezia (Kez to her friends — but not you!) Burrows. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 07:32 – "Is that the guest?" Jay jumps the gun 10:01 – Kezia's big entry and Todd's RADA memories 17:31 – On being ready when the work finally lands 22:32 – From Neath to the National Youth Theatre 27:31 – Hallmark movies and ocean filming 30:00 – Discovering voiceover through casting agents 34:30 – "What's in a name?" – Keziah vs. Kezia 39:00 – Laughing through auditions and self-tapes 42:30 – Drama school stories and rediscovering joy 45:00 – Losing her mum and acting through grief 48:00 – What theatre gives that screen doesn't 51:00 – Her first video game experience: nerves & lessons 54:00 – Todd on why acting in games is tougher than it looks 57:00 – The new podcast and why actors need community 1:00:00 – Family life, rural balance, and creative reset 1:03:00 – Jay's game obsessions and nerdy voice questions 1:06:00 – Baroness Jamie: intense prep and mental pacing 1:09:00 – "There are no breaks" – parenting as a performer 1:12:00 – Shifting gears: what's next for Kezia 1:15:00 – Wrap-up, reflection, and future projects 💬 Join the Conversation Are you a motion capture nerd? A classically trained actor with a digital side hustle? Or just someone who loves a good alien invasion? Drop a comment — let's talk performance, pixels, and posh accents. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offstageacting.substack.com

    1h 36m
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About

Two actors, Todd Kramer and Jay Reum, talk with other actors and discuss "everything acting!" offstageacting.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Kramer
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Todd Kramer
  • Show Website
    Offstage Acting