Behind the Curtain: Acting, Auditions & The Entertainment Industry

Actors, casting directors, and entertainment industry insiders are finally having the honest conversations the industry has always avoided, and Behind the Curtain is where those conversations live. Host Anastasia Pioro sits down with working actors, casting directors, voice coaches, headshot photographers, filmmakers, and producers across Canada and the US to talk about what it looks like to build a creative career. Every episode goes beyond the highlight reel to uncover the personal journeys, the rejection, the resilience, and the real stories that shape people who choose this path. Honest conversations around questions like: How do I become an actor with no experience?How do actors deal with rejection?What do casting directors actually look for?Is acting school worth it?How do I get a talent agent as an actor?What is it really like to be a working actor?How do actors build confidence for auditions?What is the acting industry like in Canada? Whether you're an emerging actor figuring out your first steps, a working creative navigating what comes next, or simply someone who wants an honest look at the entertainment industry from the people who live it, Behind the Curtain is THE acting podcast that tells you what the industry won't. New episodes every two weeks. Follow so you never miss a conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 9h ago ·  Video

    TIFF 2026: How Actors Can Use TIFF to Build Their Careers

    Think TIFF is just red carpets, celebrities and movie premieres? Think again. For Canadian actors and creatives, the Toronto International Film Festival can be an opportunity to learn, connect, build relationships and better understand the industry—but knowing how to actually use TIFF to your advantage is a different story. In this solo episode of Behind the Curtain, I break down what TIFF is, why it matters to Canadian creatives, and how you can approach the festival strategically—even if you’re new to the industry and wondering whether you have any reason to be there. I talk about networking, meeting industry professionals, finding opportunities, making genuine connections and getting more out of TIFF than simply watching movies or hoping to spot a celebrity. I also break down TIFF: The Market, the new official content market launching in 2026, and what it could mean for Canadian filmmakers, actors and other screen-industry creatives as TIFF expands its role in the business side of the industry. Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, emerging creative, or simply trying to figure out how to navigate the Canadian entertainment industry, this episode will help you look at TIFF through a different lens—and hopefully make the festival feel a little more accessible. If you found this episode helpful, follow Behind the Curtain and share it with another Canadian creative who should know how to make the most of TIFF. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    TIFF 2026: How Actors Can Use TIFF to Build Their Careers

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Actors, casting directors, and entertainment industry insiders are finally having the honest conversations the industry has always avoided, and Behind the Curtain is where those conversations live. Host Anastasia Pioro sits down with working actors, casting directors, voice coaches, headshot photographers, filmmakers, and producers across Canada and the US to talk about what it looks like to build a creative career. Every episode goes beyond the highlight reel to uncover the personal journeys, the rejection, the resilience, and the real stories that shape people who choose this path. Honest conversations around questions like: How do I become an actor with no experience?How do actors deal with rejection?What do casting directors actually look for?Is acting school worth it?How do I get a talent agent as an actor?What is it really like to be a working actor?How do actors build confidence for auditions?What is the acting industry like in Canada? Whether you're an emerging actor figuring out your first steps, a working creative navigating what comes next, or simply someone who wants an honest look at the entertainment industry from the people who live it, Behind the Curtain is THE acting podcast that tells you what the industry won't. New episodes every two weeks. Follow so you never miss a conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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