An Actors Podcast

Douglas Taurel
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Performing Arts

Real conversations on the business and craft of acting, plus a few fun stories along the way. No script, just action. Voted one of the Top 60 podcasts for actors by Feedspot.

  1. Oct 15

    Why Actors Stop Taking Risks And How to Get Them Back - with Patricia Duran

    Why Actors Stop Taking Risks. And How to Get Them Back The longer we work as actors, the easier it can become to play it safe. We try to make the “right” choice, worry about what casting wants, and slowly lose trust in our instincts. In this episode of The Actors Podcast, Douglas Taurel sits down with award-winning actor, director, and acting teacher Patricia Duran for an honest conversation about getting out of your head, taking risks, trusting your instincts, and finding the freedom to make bold choices again. Patricia shares what she sees in actors today through her work as a teacher and why acting class should be a place to experiment, fail, make bold choices, and stop worrying about getting everything “right.” Douglas and Patricia also explore why actors need to create their own opportunities instead of waiting to be cast, why developing skills beyond acting can change your career, and how creating your own work can help you discover who you really are as an artist. In this episode: • Why trying to get a scene “right” can kill spontaneity • Taking risks and trusting your instincts • Why actors should create their own work • Separating your identity from your acting career • Surviving rejection and career droughts • Why Patricia believes actors shouldn't use unhealed trauma in their work • The difference between playing emotions and truthful acting • Why there is no moment when an actor finally “arrives” • Building an acting career through continual training • Memorization and Douglas's 20-monologue challenge • The best—and worst—acting advice they've received • Hilarious audition disasters • The teachers who leave “fingerprints on your life” ------------------------------ Chapters 00:00 Welcome Patricia Duran 03:00 Meet Patricia: Actor, Director & Teacher 04:34 Taking the Risk to Open an Acting Studio 12:23 What Today's Actors Are Looking For 15:14 Stop Waiting — Create Your Own Opportunities 21:16 What Kind of Work Do YOU Want to Make? 26:15 Why Actors Need to Stop Trying to Get It “Right” 29:45 The Work It Takes to Become a Better Actor 33:29 Taking Risks and Letting Go of Perfection 41:54 There Is No “Arrival” in Acting 44:28 When Acting Becomes Your Identity 47:44 What Patricia Would Tell Her Younger Self 52:12 The Worst Acting Advice We've Ever Received 55:49 Why Actors Shouldn't Use Unhealed Trauma 58:27 The Best Acting Advice We've Ever Received 01:02:19 Curtain Call Is for the Audience 01:06:34 The People Who Leave “Fingerprints on Your Life” 01:07:43 What Patricia Used to Get Wrong About Acting 01:17:19 Surviving the Drought Seasons 01:21:04 Memorization & My 20-Monologue Challenge 01:28:25 Worst Auditions Ever 01:32:02 My Alec Baldwin Audition Disaster 01:38:28 Patricia's Acting Studio 01:39:21 Memory Hacks for Actors 01:41:15 Final Thoughts About Patricia Duran Patricia Duran is an award-winning actor, director, voice artist, and acting teacher. She founded The Studio with Patricia Duran, where she helps actors develop their craft, take risks, and build stronger artistic foundations. @PatriciaDuranActor Website: www.patriciaduran.net

    Why Actors Stop Taking Risks And How to Get Them Back - with Patricia Duran

  2. Apr 21

    Laura Stotts: Forgotten Houses, WWII Letters, & What Abandonment Teaches Us. EP 19

    02:14 Payphone Nostalgia 05:05 How She Finds Houses 11:11 From Hobby to Community 17:15 Lessons on Mortality 35:26 World War II Letters 41:31 Pilot Down Over France 43:26 Mothers Trading War News 45:11 Widow’s Grief Letter 55:33 Reading Harold’s 1945 Letter 01:02:10 Full Circle at Wendover 01:12:44 Hard Work of Old Cabins 01:16:51 Lessons for Feeling Stuck 01:18:13 Sobriety 01:21:21 Healing Family History 01:39:39 Overcoming Any Challenge Follow Laura at: Websites: www.DiaryofAbandoment.com‪@diaryofabandonment‬ Follow Douglas at: www.DouglasTaurel.com‍ ‍www.theamericansoldiersoloshow.comwww.landinghomewebseries.com XInstagramFacebook Page

    Laura Stotts: Forgotten Houses, WWII Letters, & What Abandonment Teaches Us. EP 19

  3. Feb 14

    Catching Up with George Gallagher: The Changing of the Audition Game. Ep 18

    00:00 Catching Up with an Old Friend 00:04 The Atlanta Film Scene 05:44 Self-Taping Challenges and Techniques 10:39 Casting Insights and Strategies 15:18 Navigating the Audition Process 32:12 The Struggles of Booking Roles 32:20 Self-Taping Techniques and Tools 33:35 The Impact of Self-Taping on Auditions 38:48 The Importance of Taking Risks 46:06 The Future of Theater and Live Performances 54:47 The Rise of Micro Dramas 57:17 Reflections on Acting Training and Mentorship 01:05:33 Concluding Thoughts and Future PlansFollow George at: IMDB Coaching Instagram Follow me at: www.DouglasTaurel.com‍ ‍www.theamericansoldiersoloshow.com www.landinghomewebseries.com X Instagram Facebook Page

    Catching Up with George Gallagher: The Changing of the Audition Game. Ep 18

  4. 03/26/2025

    Janet Shea: Wisdom & Passion from the First Lady of New Orleans Theater. Ep 17

    00:00 Introduction to the Legendary Actress 01:00 A Memorable Note and Connection 02:30 Passion for Theater and Film 04:02 The Journey of a Theater Actress 11:05 Early Life and Family Influences 14:18 First Steps in Acting 17:36 Theater Scene in New Orleans 24:05 Challenges and Changes in Modern Theater 31:37 Approaching a Role as an Actress 39:01 Memorable Acting Exercises 41:13 Using Personal History in Acting 42:54 The Influence of Music on Acting 43:49 Early Acting Experiences and Mentors 46:56 Creating a Military Show Inspired by 9/11 54:39 Directing and Working with Actors 01:02:58 Challenges and Lessons in Acting 01:12:23 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

    Janet Shea: Wisdom & Passion from the First Lady of New Orleans Theater. Ep 17

  5. 02/20/2025

    Creating Animated Series & Navigating our new Entertainment Industry in the Digital Age. EP 16

    Behind the Scenes with Independent Producers, actors, and writers Laura Darrell and Marc Brener Insights and Challenges In this episode, we explore the creation of an animated project, discussing the process of finding animators on Upwork, the collaborative relationship developed, and the challenges faced along the way. We also explore the production dynamics, the complexities of animation, and how balancing budget and vision played a key role. The conversation also explores the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of these artists, the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, and the rise of technology like AI in content creation. Additionally, the artists share insights on their personal projects, including a Jewish musical and a touching play about end-of-life care. The discussion underscores the importance of producing your own work, building a community, and staying persistent in the ever-evolving world of arts and entertainment. 00:00 Laura Darell Interview 00:48 Introduction to the Play and Production Company 00:48 Creating an Animated Project 03:08 Challenges and Changes in Animation 05:57 Funding and Financial Strategies 22:58 The Impact of COVID on the Industry 26:46 Navigating the Modern Acting Landscape 27:34 Building a Creative Community 29:50 Challenges in the Theater Industry 31:39 The Cyclical Nature of Entertainment 39:17 Creating a Jewish Musical 49:04 Advice for Aspiring Actors 52:19 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Anything Animated Series: https://www.youtube.com/@AnythingAnimatedSeries Laura Darrell: https://www.lauradarrell.com Marc Brener: https://alljewishtheatre.org/members/marc-brener

    Creating Animated Series & Navigating our new Entertainment Industry in the Digital Age. EP 16

  6. 08/26/2023

    Interview with Short Film Producer and Writer. Ep 15

    In this insightful interview, I reconnect with a dear friend and the creative mind behind "Hot Angry Moms," Mel House. We delve into the intricacies of filmmaking, our friendship back to the early years in New York, where we studied acting and direction under Carl Forsman. Mel shares valuable insights into her artistic process, the challenges she faced while producing and shooting the film during COVID, and the unique ways she sourced funding for the project. Follow Mel at: www.hotangrymom.comwww.instagram.com/hotangrymom/https://twitter.com/hotangrymom Follow me at: www.DouglasTaurel.com www.theamericansoldiersoloshow.comwww.landinghomewebseries.comXFacebookInstagram

    Interview with Short Film Producer and Writer. Ep 15

  7. 02/21/2023

    Interview with Independent Web Series Director and Producer. EP 14

    The interview is with independent film producer Vanessa Evans about her project "Green Girl Diaries," a modern-day adaptation of the musical "Wicked" centered around the college experiences of the characters. The project was inspired by the merchandise her then-boyfriend gave her and her love for the character Elphaba. Evans talks about how the idea had been percolating since 2018, and after dealing with delays due to the pandemic, the project was finally completed in mid-2021. Vanessa discusses how she didn't have a fixed budget and took it day by day, finding or purchasing what was needed. The film was shot by a team from Gargoyle Media, and Evans talks about the importance of finding a team that trusts and respects each other. She encourages young artists to create their own projects and to not be afraid to shoot on their phone. The interview ends with advice for directors to storyboard their films and to respect and inspire their teams to get them to buy into their vision. The project is planned for release on YouTube, and Evans can be found on social media as Nessa Rose 4199. Vanessa Evans is an independent film producer and director who film the Web Series Green Girl Diaries. We talked about her budget, the biggest lessons in filming, directing, and producing the project, and how she took action to make it happen. Follow Vanessa Evans at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenGirlDia... Twitter: https://twitter.com/nessa_creates __ Follow me at: www.DouglasTaurel.com Solo Show: www.theamericansoldiersoloshow.comTV Series: www.landinghomewebseries.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/douglastaurel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasTaurel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglastaurel/

    Interview with Independent Web Series Director and Producer. EP 14

  8. 02/22/2022

    Interview with Purple Heart Recipient, Sgt. V. EP 13

    I met Seargent V after my Granbury performance of my solo show, "The American Soldier." She is an amazing woman, a HERO, Purple Heart recipient, and an amazing poet! It is my honor and privilege to be allowed to listen to her family’s story, her story, and her transition out of the military.

    Interview with Purple Heart Recipient, Sgt. V. EP 13
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About

Real conversations on the business and craft of acting, plus a few fun stories along the way. No script, just action. Voted one of the Top 60 podcasts for actors by Feedspot.

Information

  • Creator
    Douglas Taurel
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Douglas Taurel
  • Show Website
    An Actors Podcast