Keep Learning Year-Round With Backstage’s Digital Seminars + Interviews

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Photo Source: Caitlin Watkins

We’re not letting actors’ creativity and productivity stop in the face of coronavirus. While it’s of the utmost importance that everyone take care of themselves through this historic time, Backstage is still here as your trusted guide in all things casting, acting, creating, and more.

Our innovative digital and on-camera series details below features insights and direct feedback from casting directors, acting coaches, agents, actors, and creators. All conducted remotely during this period of COVID-19, we’re taking you directly to industry power players through live-learning webinars with casting directors and industry pros, celebrity Instagram Live interviews and takeover audience Q&As, and more.

Catch up on everything you need to know below, both with what’s coming and our video archives of what you might have missed. So stay safe, stay healthy, and stay active—we’re all in this together.

MONDAY, Nov. 15

Casey Wilson, Actor (“The Shrink Next Door”)
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m PT/8 p.m. UK
We can’t wait to speak with Casey Wilson! Starring alongside Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Kathryn Hahn, Wilson can next be seen in the Nov. 12 premiere of Apple TV+’s series “The Shrink Next Door.” A longtime performer perhaps best known for her work on “Saturday Night Live,” “Happy Endings,” and “Black Friday,” Wilson became a New York Times best-selling author earlier this year with her memoir “The Wreckage of My Presence,” and in 2019, made her directorial debut with “DADDIO.” Tune in to hear how she does it all.

THURSDAY, Nov. 18

Aisling Bea, Actor + Creator (“Home Sweet Home Alone,” “This Way Up”)
Instagram Live: 4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m PT/9:45 p.m. UK
Already a superstar multi-hyphenate across the pond, Irish actor, standup comedian, and creator Aisling Bea is best known for starring on and creating “This Way Up,” which premiered its second season on Hulu earlier this year to acclaim. Also known Stateside for Netflix’s “Living With Yourself” opposite Paul Rudd, Bea will next be seen starring in the anticipated Disney reboot of “Home Alone,” titled “Home Sweet Home Alone.” Don’t miss this craft and career chat with her and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to hear about all the ins and outs of making your own work.

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TUESDAY, Nov. 9

Devery Jacobs, Actor (“Reservation Dogs”)
Instagram Live: 10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m PT/3:30 p.m. UK
A Gotham Award nominee for her stellar performance on FX’s hit dramedy “Reservation Dogs,” Devery Jacobs is an actor who we can’t wait to see more of. Moving the needle for onscreen representation of diverse Indigenous stories is just one of the many reasons to fall in love with her budding résumé of work. Learn how she got her roots in the performing arts—and how you can, too—in this next installment of Backstage Live with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 10

Alexa Mansour, Actor (“The Walking Dead: World Beyond)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m PT/8 p.m. UK
Have you been loving “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” as much as we have? Currently starring as Hope Bennett in the zombie series’ second and final season, Alexa Mansour is ringing in the final episodes by taking over our Instagram account for an audience Q&A. She’ll be answering all your burning questions about the post-apocalyptic drama and how she got her start in the industry, from guest spots on series like “Law & Order: SVU” and “How to Get Away With Murder” and films like “Unfriended: Dark Web.” Be sure to write your questions in!

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TUESDAY, Oct. 26

Chord Overstreet Actor (“Acapulco”)
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m PT/8 p.m. UK
Best known for his role on Ryan Murphy’s Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe–winning series “Glee,” singer and actor Chord Overstreet makes his grand return to the small screen on Apple TV+’s bilingual comedy, “Acapulco.” To talk about his journey thus far in music and television (he has a hit song in “Hold On” and an album due early next year), he’s sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay on Tuesday, Oct. 26. Don’t miss it!

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 27

Joseph David-Jones, Actor (“The 4400)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m PT/9 p.m. UK
Joseph David-Jones will next be seen starring on the CW’s highly anticipated series “The 4400” as Jharrel, a compassionate social worker in Detroit working with immigrants and refugees who’s called in when a phenomenal event brings hundreds of people back from the past to the present day. Previously starring in films “Detroit,” “Roman J. Israel, Esq.,” and “The Divergent Series: Allegiant,” he’s now taking over our Instagram to offer his tips for breaking into the industry, building a character, landing a self-tape, and more.

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THURSDAY, Oct. 21

Lucy Hale, Actor (“Ragdoll”)
Instagram Live: 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m PT/7:45 p.m. UK
Lucy Hale is coming back to the small screen. Best known for her hit genre work in projects like “Pretty Little Liars,” “Truth or Dare,” and “Scream 4,” Hale is next starring on AMC+’s highly anticipated murder mystery “Ragdoll.” Playing DC Lake Edmunds, a new recruit at the London Metropolitan Police, she’s tasked in this gritty series from showrunner Freddy Syborn with untangling the case of the Ragdoll Killer. We can’t wait to sit with her to talk about it all—from how she got her start in biz, to tackling dark and spine-tingling material, to audition room advice, and more. Don’t miss it!

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MONDAY, Oct. 11

Danielle Pinnock, Actor + Creator (“Ghosts)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m PT/7 p.m. UK
Previously known for her work on “Young Sheldon,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Get Shorty,” Danielle Pinnock’s big moment is upon us. Next starring on CBS’s new comedy series “Ghosts” as Alberta, a deceased, Prohibition-era lounge singer who is trapped in a modern-day country estate recently inherited by two unsuspecting tenants, her work behind the camera is also on a roll. She’s in development on her adult-aimed animated TV series, “Unmentionables,” and her viral sketch series “Hashtag Booked.” To talk about it all, she’s taking over our Instagram account to answer all your burning questions about life in the arts.

TUESDAY, Oct. 12

Luke James, Actor + Singer (“Thoughts of a Colored Man”)
Instagram Live: 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m PT/10:30 p.m. UK
Actor and three-time Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Luke James has become one of the most watched multi-hyphenate talents in the entertainment industry today. He next stars on Broadway in the upcoming “Thoughts of a Colored Man” and can be seen on the small screen on “Genius: Aretha” and “The Chi.” Sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, we’re diving deep on the training, technique, and ambition that made him the multifaceted talent he is today.

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WEDNESDAY, Oct. 6

Mandeep Dhillon, Actor (“CSI: Vegas)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m PT/6 p.m. UK
British talent Mandeep Dhillon is ready to take the U.S. by storm, leading the new CSI: Vegas, premiering on CBS Oct. 6. Previously known best as the fan-favorite Sandy on the first two seasons of Ricky Gervais’ Netflix series After Life, the actor is now taking over our Instagram account to answer all your burning questions about getting started in the performing arts on either side of the pond.

THURSDAY, Oct. 7

Sierra Capri + Brett Gray, Actors (“On My Block”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m PT/6 p.m. UK
One of Netflix’s biggest shows is coming to an end—and its stars are ready to join us to talk about it all in this exclusive Backstage Live interview. “On My Block” breakouts Sierra Capri and Brett Gray have co-starred as half of the central foursome of this hit streaming series for three seasons strong. With Season 4 now out in the world, they pack their beloved characters Monse Finnie and Jamal Turner up and look to their next big thing. Join us Thursday for a walk down memory lane and a deep-dive on their acting process and career tips.

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THURSDAY, Sept. 30

Ana Villafañe, Actor (“Chicago”)
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m PT/5 p.m. UK
After her breakout, celebrated run as Gloria Estefan in Broadway’s “On Your Feet,” Ana Villafañe is returning to Broadway in the Tony-award winning, iconic production of “Chicago” for a limited engagement to take on the legendary role of Roxie Hart. Screen credits include NBC’s “Night Court” reboot, TV Land’s critically acclaimed Darren Star series “Younger,” and “New Amsterdam,” “Sunnyside,” and “History of Them.” To talk about it all, she’s joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for an exclusive Instagram Live interview.

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MONDAY, Sept. 20

Emma Kenney, Actor (“The Conners”)
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m PT/9 p.m. UK
Beloved for her roles on the long-running “Shameless” and now “The Conners” (previously “Roseanne”), Emma Kenney has been lighting up our screens since age 9 and has blossomed into a major young talent right before our eyes. She returns to “The Conners” fourth season on Sept. 22, and to talk through her time playing Harris Conner-Healy, her years in the industry, advice for others, and more, she’s sitting with us for an exclusive Backstage Live. Don’t miss it!

TUESDAY, Sept. 21

David Henrie & Lorenzo James Henrie, Actors (“This Is the Year”)
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m PT/7 p.m. UK
Brothers David Henrie (“How I Met Your Mother,” “Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Lorenzo James Henrie (“Fear the Walking Dead”) are swinging through an exclusive Backstage Live interview this week to talk about their new project, “This Is the Year,” in which they co-star. Better yet, David makes his feature film directorial debut on the teen rom-com! To talk through their respective careers both in front of and behind the camera, they’ll be in joint conversation with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay.

FRIDAY, Sept. 24

Stephanie J. Block, Actor
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m PT/6 p.m. UK
We here at Backstage are some of the biggest fans of previous cover star (and Cher-certified Tony winner!), Stephanie J. Block and are thrilled to have her join us for an Instagram takeover Q&A! Taking over our page for a full hour this Friday, she’ll be answering all your burning questions about her decorated career, tips for getting started, Broadway’s return, and more!

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THURSDAY, Sept. 16

Case Walker, Actor (“The Other Two”)
Instagram Live: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Not unlike his hilarious, YouTube-certified viral celebrity Chase Dubek, actor Case Walker shot to overnight fame after getting cast in Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider’s “The Other Two” on Comedy Central. With Season 2 just around the corner—and this time premiering on HBO Max—Walker is taking over our Instagram account to answer all your burning questions about working on the series with co-stars Drew Tarver, Helene Yorke, and Molly Shannon and to offer tips about how you, too, can follow in his footsteps to comedy glory.

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TUESDAY, Sept. 7

Ebony Obsidian, Actor (“Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” “Sistas”)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m PT/4 p.m. UK
It’s wild to think that just a few short years ago, Ebony Obsidian was getting cast through Backstage and contributing to our own #IGotCast series. Now, after performances in “If Beale Street Could Talk” and on “Master of None,” she’s starring on Tyler Perry’s BET hit “Sistas,” Amazon Prime Video’s “Hunters,” and Hulu’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” the second season of which premieres Sept. 8. Don’t miss this exclusive Instagram Takeover Q&A where she’ll be answering all your questions about carving your own path into Hollywood.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 8

Lesley-Ann Brandt, Actor (“Lucifer”)
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m PT/9 p.m. UK
Few people are as excited as we are for the highly anticipated sixth and final season of “Lucifer,” which hits Netflix on Sept. 10. To mark the occasion, yet another star of the beloved series is sitting with us for an exclusive Instagram Live interview: Lesley-Ann Brandt! Born and raised in South Africa, Brandt moved to New Zealand after graduating high school where she discovered her love for acting—and it’s just one of the many hats she wears today. A devoted mother, passionate philanthropist, fitness enthusiast, vegan chef, beauty expert, and more, we’ll be diving into her journey thus far and pick her brain for advice on how you, too, can follow in her footsteps.

THURSDAY, Sept. 9

Charlie Cox, Actor (“Kin”)
Instagram Live: 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m PT/4:30 p.m. UK
A longtime, long-loved star of the stage and screen, Charlie Cox is sitting with us for a Backstage Live interview to recount his hard-won acting journey in this industry, share his tips for others getting their start, and discuss his latest buzzy project, AMC+’s “Kin.” Don’t miss it!

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MONDAY, Aug. 23

Mädchen Amick, Actor + Director (“Riverdale”)
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m PT/9 p.m. UK
Mädchen Amick, lead of Greg Berlanti’s “Riverdale” on the CW, is joining us for an exclusive deep-dive interview to discuss her decades-spanning work onscreen (highlights include “Twin Peaks,” “American Horror Story,” “Damages,” “Californication,” and more) and her exciting new work behind the camera, directing episodes of “Riverdale” and celebrating her feature film directorial debut, “Reminisce,” with stars Bruce Dern and Julia Ormand. Don’t miss it!

THURSDAY, Aug. 26

Maddie Baillio, Actor (“Cinderella”)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 A.m PT/7:45 p.m. UK
Maddie Baillio next stars as one of the evil step-sisters to Camilla Cabello’s Cinderella and Idina Menzel’s step-mother in Kay Cannon’s “Cinderella”—and she’s sure to impress. A trained musical theater actress who first burst onto the scene as Tracy Turnblad in NBC’s “Hairspary Live!” after beating out thousands for the role, Baillio most recently starred in the Netflix film “Dumplin’ ” with Jennifer Aniston. Now, she’s taking over our Instagram for an exclusive audience Q&A to answer all your questions about hitting the musical theater audition room, acting alongside the greats, and navigating these exciting, early days of her career in the spotlight.

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THURSDAY, Aug. 19

Peyton Meyer, Actors (“He’s All That”)
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m PT/7 p.m. UK
Peyton Meyer is ready to kiss Disney goodbye, now co-starring in the upcoming gender swapped remake of “She’s All That,” aptly titled “He’s All That”! The actor best known for Disney’s “Girl Meets World” and ABC’s “American Housewife” is sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for this exclusive Instagram Live interview to talk about acting alongside Addison Rae and Tanner Buchanan in the anticipated Netflix release, his road to on-camera stardom, and tips for others who want to chart their own path in Hollywood.

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MONDAY, Aug. 2

Taylor Zakhar Perez, Actor (“The Kissing Booth 3”)
Instagram Live: 4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m PT/9:45 p.m. UK
A lifelong actor who began performing in Chicago’s musical theater circuit as a child, Taylor Zakhar Perez shot to wider fame and acclaim after co-starring opposite Joey King, Joel Courtney, and Jacob Elordi in Netflix’s “The Kissing Booth 2.” Next up, the hit franchise’s third and final installment has him reprising his role of heartthrob Marco Peña on Aug. 11. To talk about his process for playing the character, nailing it in the audition room, and finding his footing between markets like Chicago and Los Angeles, he’s sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for an exclusive Instagram Live interview!

TUESDAY, Aug. 3

Stephen Amell + Alexander Ludwig, Actors (“Heels”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m PT/6 p.m. UK
Two beloved small-screen heroes are coming together for Starz’s highly anticipated wrestling drama “Heels”—and they’re joining us in the lead-up for an exclusive Instagram Live interview this week! Stephen Amell (who for eight years starred on the CW’s DC Comics hit “Arrow”) and Alexander Ludwig (best known for portraying Bjorn Lothbrok on “Vikings” and Cato in “The Hunger Games”) are jointly sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about their respective careers, their latest project, and their advice for others who want to get in the ring of Hollywood.

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WEDNESDAY, July 21

Hailey Kilgore, Actor (“Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” “Respect”)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m PT/5 p.m. UK
Hailey Kilgore took our breath away as the young star of 2018’s Tony-winning revival of “Once on This Island.” Now, she’s stealing scenes onscreen in the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson, and on Starz’s highly anticipated spinoff series, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.” To answer all your questions about transferring her talents from stage to screen and how she got her start in the business—and how you can, too!—she’s taking over our Instagram this Wednesday. Don't miss it!

THURSDAY, July 22

Jason Gotay, Actor (“Gossip Girl”)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m PT/10 p.m. UK
Mr. Caparros will see you now! Jason Gotay, one of the many stars of the new HBO Max reboot of “Gossip Girl,” is taking over our Instagram to talk about his experience on Broadway (previously of “Bring It On,” “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” and “Evita”), screen (“Love Life,” also on HBO Max) and more. Plus, with so much to come on the streamer’s biggest hit yet, he’s sure to tease what’s in store for his steamy Constance Billard teacher character, Rafa Caparros, while also offering tips on how to transition from stage to screen and beyond.

FRIDAY, July 23

Aaron Tveit, Actor (“Schmigadoon!”, “American Horror ”)
Instagram Live: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m PT/4 p.m. UK
Performers don’t get much more magnetic than Aaron Tveit. The Tony nominee most recently seen starring in “Moulin Rouge!” on Broadway is lighting up the screen this summer on Apple TV+'s cheeky ode to the Great White Way, “Schmigadoon!”, and on Ryan Murphy’s buzzy anthology series, “American Horror Stories.” To talk about it all, he’s joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay next Friday on Instagram Live to dive into his process, career, training, and advice for others getting their start.

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MONDAY, July 12

Jaren Lewison, Actor (“Never Have I Ever”)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m PT/9:30 p.m. UK
“Never Have I Ever”—one of our favorite series of the last year from the mind of Mindy Kaling—returns with Season 2 to Netflix on July 15, and star Jaren Lewison is on deck to answer your questions! Taking over our Instagram account on Monday, July 12, the longtime actor will answer all your burning questions about working on the second season (we wonder what’s to come with his Maitreyi Ramakrishnan–led love triangle!), how he got his start in acting, how he stays booked and busy, and tips for following in his footsteps. He’s also a full-time student at USC, so he knows a thing or two about doing it all.

THURSDAY, July 15

Phillipa Soo, Actor (“Hamilton,” “The Stand-In”)
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m PT/5 p.m. UK
Phillipa Soo has conquered work on the stage (“Hamilton,” “Amélie,” “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”) and screen (“Smash,” “The Broken Hearts Gallery,” and, well, “Hamilton”). Her next stop? Audiobooks! After first flexing her voiceover prowess in Netflix’s “Over the Moon,” the multifaceted performer can soon be heard on Lily Chu’s Audible Original summer romance release, “The Stand-In,” debuting July 15. To talk us through her acclaimed career in the arts, her multi-medium talents, and tips for others to flex those same muscles, Soo is joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay via Instagram Live this Thursday!

FRIDAY, July 16

Sarah Levy, Actor (“Schitt’s Creek,” “SurrealEstate”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m PT/6 p.m. UK
With “Schitt’s Creek,” the Levy family proved that they can do just about anything. Now Sarah Levy (who starred on the series as fan-favorite Twyla Sands) leads Syfy’s upcoming drama series, “SurrealEstate,” which follows an elite team of real estate specialists who handle the cases that no one else can: haunted and possessed houses that scare would-be buyers away. To talk about it all, she’s joining us for an exclusive Backstage Live interview this Friday on Instagram!

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THURSDAY, July 8

Sonequa Martin-Green, Actor (“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “Star Trek: Discovery”)
Instagram Live: 2:25 p.m. ET/11:25 a.m PT/7:25 p.m. UK
Sonequa Martin-Green knows exactly how to get a fandom revved up—and then to deliver on that promise. The actor and producer best known for “The Walking Dead” and her leading turn on “Star Trek: Discovery” is next joining LeBron James in the highly anticipated sequel, “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” Sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay over Instagram Live, she’ll be talking about it all—from how she got her start to leading her own series to starring opposite one of our greatest living athletes, and more.

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TUESDAY, June 29

Taylor Hickson, Actor (“Motherland: Fort Salem”)
Instagram Live: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Let’s get witchy! Taylor Hickson, star of Freeform’s hit drama series “Motherland: Fort Salem,” is joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay via Instagram Live to chat about Season 2 (which premiered June 22), her acting career and training thus far, how she gets into character, advice to other actors wanted to lead a Freeform property, and more! Following three young women from basic training in combat magic into early deployment in a women-dominated world in which the U.S. ended persecution of witches 300 years ago after an agreement, the series stars Hickson as Raelle, a reluctant recruit with major authority issues that continues to navigate her relationship with fellow witch Scylla.

How to Turn Your Personality Into a Superpower and Land the Gig
Actor's Toolkit
Backstage Livestream: 5 p.m ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to turn your personality into a superpower and guarantee audition wins. An actor’s personality is 90% of the performance. Learn how to instantly win over any room the moment you enter by harnessing the power of what makes you unique. The audition doesn’t begin when you start acting—it begins the second you turn up. Joseph will show you why you should never “type” yourself, but rather create the “type,” because the journey to your best acting always starts with yourself. Stop trying to guess who “they” are looking for. Assume YOU are who they’re looking for, and bring your best self to every audition and performance.

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TUESDAY, June 22

Jennifer Nettles
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m PT/5 p.m. UK
American singer, songwriter, actress, and producer Jennifer Nettles is hopping on Instagram live with us to talk about her multifaceted, years-spanning career in country music and on screens big and small (“Harriet,” “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” “The Righteous Gemstones”). Next up, she’s celebrating the release of her new album, “Always Like New,” an American songbook/Broadway release and love letter to New York City and the Broadway community.

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MONDAY, June 14

Michelle Buteau; Actor, Comedian + Host
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m PT/5 p.m. UK
Is there anything Michelle Buteau can’t do? The longtime comic and actor has been popping up across film and TV for years as scene-stealing supporting roles, but finally broke into the mainstream co-leading BET’s “First Wives Club,” hosting Netflix’s hit reality competition series “The Circle,” and—best of all—her first hour-long Netflix standup special, “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia,” which recently won a 2021 Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Special. Don’t miss this sit-down with her and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, where they’ll be talking shop on her career, her latest projects, and what it’s like getting back onstage post-pandemic.

Andrew Barth Feldman, Actor (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”)
Instagram Takeover Q&A: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m PT/7 p.m. UK
There’s no doubt that Andrew Barth Feldman—best known for winning the 2018 National High School Musical Theatre Award (aka the Jimmy Award) and then starring in “Dear Evan Hansen” on Broadway—is one of musical theater’s best and brightest newcomers. Now, he’s putting his musical muscles to use on Season 2 of Disney+’s hit, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” Barth Feldman is taking over Backstage’s Instagram page for an exclusive audience Q&A—so be sure to write in, tune in, and get the chance to chat with him about it all!

TUESDAY, June 15

LGBTQIA+ Creators Pride Panel
Zoom Webinar: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m PT/6 p.m. UK
Seven prominent LGBTQIA+ creators across film, television, and theater are joining Backstage for this special panel discussion in recognition of Pride month. Steven Canals (“Pose”), Adam Goldman ("Hot White Heist"), Brandon Kyle Goodman (“Big Mouth,” “The Latrell Show”), Leslye Headland (“The Acolyte,” “Russian Doll”), Trace Lysette (“Trans in Trumpland,” “Transparent”), and Daniel and Zelda Barnz (“Generation”) will sit with Managing Editor Benjamin Lindsay to discuss their respective careers, how their work is moving the needle for their community, the work still to be done, and the advice they’d offer other creators who want to leave their mark onstage and onscreen.

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TUESDAY, June 8

Mason Gooding, Actor (“Love, Victor”)
Instagram Takeover: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m PT/8 p.m. UK
Mason Gooding has proven to have a knack for playing the high school jock–type with layers. His characters in “Booksmart” and on “Love, Victor” have tendencies to bully, sure, but they’ve still got heart and learn and grow along the way. Even more growth is in store when Season 2 of “Love, Victor” premieres on Hulu Friday, June 11. To commemorate the occasion, Gooding is taking over our Instagram to answer all your burning questions about the high school–set hit, what’s next for his Andrew, and his tips for how to follow in his footsteps onscreen.

THURSDAY, June 10

Jessica Barden, Actor (“Holler,” “The End of the F***ing World”)
Instagram Live: 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m PT/10:30 p.m. UK
Jessica Barden—the buzzy English actor best known for Netflix hit “The End of the F***ing World”—turns in a stunningly raw and versatile performance in the upcoming indie “Holler” from filmmaker Nicole Riegel. Barden stars alongside Pamela Adlon (who she’s previously worked with on FX’s “Better Things”) as Ruth, a young woman who joins a dangerous scrap metal crew in hopes of paying for her education and making a better life for herself. Join her and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay as they talk about her process and how she builds a memorable performance across genres and mediums.

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TUESDAY, June 1

DB Woodside, Actor (“Lucifer”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m PT/6 p.m. UK
“Lucifer” star DB Woodside, who over this long weekend celebrated the premiere of Season 5B, is joining us via Instagram Live to talk about his years playing Amenadiel, his work prior to “Lucifer” over the last 25 years like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Parenthood,” and “Suits,” his training at the Yale School of Drama, and his first time directing on Season 6 of the hit Netflix series.

FRIDAY, June 4

Jessica Sula, Actor (“Panic”)
Instagram Takeover: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m PT/7 p.m. UK
Born in Wales, U.K. actor Jessica Sula first broke out on the popular E4 series “Skins” and went on to co-star in the 2017 blockbuster film “Split” with James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy as well as the Emmy-winning limited series “Godless” from “Queen’s Gambit” creator Scott Frank. Next up, she’s starring on Amazon Prime’s highly anticipated YA series, “Panic.” She’s taking over our Instagram page on June 4 to answer your audience questions live on camera, to discuss her role as Natalie on the series, and to offer advice to other up-and-comers on breaking out in the U.K. and U.S.

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MONDAY, May 17

Audition Insider With Casting Director Scott Wojick
Backstage Livestream: 4 p.m ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Learn to participate in and create a collaborative, comfortable, and sophisticated audition experience. This Audition Insider session with casting director Scott Wojcik will help you take stock of your mental prep to manifest a better audition, make an impression in the room, and get cast. We’ll be analyzing actors’ materials to determine their most cast-able qualities before diving into how they—and you—can best bring those qualities to the forefront, precisely when you need them.

WEDNESDAY, May 19

Matthias Schweighöfer, Actor (“Army of the Dead”)
Instagram Live: 11 a.m ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
One of Germany’s biggest movie stars is joining us for an exclusive Backstage Live interview on May 19. Matthias Schweighöfer stars as Ludwig Dieter in Zack Snyder and Netflix’s upcoming feature “Army of the Dead,” positioning him for a major international breakout. Not only that, but he’s slated to star in and direct the film’s spinoff “Army of Thieves.” In his native Germany, the Grime Award winner’s last 10 films have all reached No. 1 at the box office; he’s led the German-language Amazon Prime series “You Are Wanted” as producer, director, and star; and there’s only more to come via his Pantaleon Films. Join he and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay in conversation about it all!

THURSDAY, May 20

Winning a BAFTA With Your Student Film
Zoom Webinar: 2 p.m. UK/9 a.m ET/6 a.m. PT
Imagine finishing your film course and winning a BAFTA with you graduating film. What a way to introduce yourself to the industry! Thats exactly what filmmaker Lowri Roberts did. Join her and Backstage's casting specialist Hannah Williams for an in-depth session where we break down the filmmaking process for 'Girl,' how to market and distribute your student film, and how to navigate the industry when you graduate.

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MONDAY, May 10

Queering Casting + Authentic Representation
Zoom Webinar: 4 p.m ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Please join us for Queering Casting and Authentic Representation, a panel about inclusion and diversity led by queer and trans writers, producers, casting and actors. Moderated By Kevin Kantor (they/them) and Emily Tarquin (they/them) Featuring Panelists: Charlie Hano (he/him), TS Hawkins, (they/them) Miss Hazel Jade (she/her), Josephine Kearns (she/her), Sushma Saha (she/they/xe/he), Michelle Mary Schaefer (she/her) and Christine McKenna-Tirella (she/her).

WEDNESDAY, May 12

Bresha Webb, Actor (“Run the World”)
Instagram Live: 12 p.m ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
"Run the World" is the story of a group of Black women–vibrant, fiercely loyal best friends–who work, live and play in Harlem. Styled by Emmy-award winning Patricia Field, it is an unapologetically female show about friendship and not only surviving together, but thriving. Bresha Webb takes on the star-making role of Renee, the bold, comedic relief of the group whose charisma shines through the screen. With Lionsgate’s “The House Next Door" and Fox's animated project "Housebroken" also in the pipeline, 2021 is shaping up to be a banner year for the actor! She's sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about it all in this exclusive Instagram Live interview.

THURSDAY, May 13

Actor's Toolkit: Commercial Copy
Backstage Livestream: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Learn to put your personal spin on commercial copy with Actor’s Equity actor, singer, and commercial coach Emily Nash! From infusing it with humor and one’s natural speaking patterns, to carving out peaks and valleys to make for a more compelling read, this webinar will teach you to make your commercial copy reads engaging and relatable for casting directors. Select Backstage actors will be provided with commercial copy prior to the session for a hands-on approach to applying Nash’s techniques.

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FRIDAY, May 7

Leslie Bibb, Actor (“Jupiter’s Legacy”)
Instagram Live: 6 p.m ET/3 p.m. PT/11 p.m. UK
Leslie Bibb will be joining us for an exclusive Backstage Live interview with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk all about her high-flying new superhero Netflix series, “Jupiter’s Legacy,” based on the comic book series by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely. She stars alongside Josh Duhamel as Grace Sampson—a.k.a. Lady Liberty, one of the most powerful heroes on the planet. With a résumé filled with leading roles and scene-stealing supporters across genres (among them “Popular,” “Talladega Nights,” and “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2”), the multifaceted performer will have plenty of career insight and advice to relay from her 25 years in the biz. Don’t miss it, live via Instagram!

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MONDAY, April 26

Alice Braga, Actor (“Queen of the South”)
Instagram Live: 2 p.m ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
“Queen of the South” star (and your favorite queenpin) Alice Braga is joining us for an exclusive Backstage Live interview! In addition to the final season of USA Network and creators M.A. Fortin and Joshua John Miller, Braga has starred this year on HBO and Luca Guadagnino’s “We Are Who We Are,” Marvel’s “The New Mutants,” and voiced a character in Disney’s Oscar-nominated “Soul.” Tune in with host and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay as she chats about it all and offers advice for how to follow in her footsteps.

TUESDAY, April 27

Actor's Toolkit: Demo Reels
Backstage Livestream: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Backstage continues our free virtual workshop session to help actors build their digital toolkits, land more auditions, and book more jobs. This month, Actors Toolkit is diving into demo reels and showreels with a deep-dive, step-by-step audit! What are the industry standards? What should your reel include? How can you improve what you have to help you get cast?

WEDNESDAY, April 28

Diego Boneta, Actor (“Luis Miguel: The Series”)
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
One of Netflix’s biggest international series ever is making its way back for Season 2, and “Luis Miguel: The Series” star and executive producer Diego Boneta is joining Backstage to deep-dive into it all. From showrunner Carla González Vargas, the acclaimed biographical series charts the life and music of Mexican superstar Luis Miguel, and Boneta—previously of “Monster Hunter,” “Scream Queens,” and “Terminator: Dark Fate”—delivers a rousing, true-to-life performance as its leading man. Bringing humanity and texture to the larger-than-life figure we think we know, Boneta will be sitting with editor-in-chief Briana Rodriguez to talk about his process as an actor playing a Latino cultural icon, what goes into his role as executive producer, how he got his start in the business, his advice to others, and more. And be sure to write in your burning questions beforehand for a chance to have Boneta answer them live on-camera!

THURSDAY, April 29

Casting and Working With Influencer Talent
Zoom Webinar: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
How does influencer casting work? Where do people usually go to find influencers? What are the rules about sharing influencer content? Who owns what? What are the requirements for influencers creating content? Join us for this webinar on all about casting and working with influencer talent hosted by Backstage’s Resident Casting Director, Christine Mckenna-Tirella to demystify influencer casting! She’ll be joined by influencer specialists Tami Nealy (Find Your Influence), Lindsay Glickstein (Staricility PR), Social Media Strategist Breanna Thomas, and Creative Director Jasmin Toutounchi (Fighthouse Media).

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MONDAY, April 19

Corinne Foxx, Actor (“Dad Stop Embarrassing Me”)
Instagram Live: 2 p.m ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK

Corinne Foxx—star of “Safety” on Disney+ and now a first-time producer behind Netflix’s No. 1 comedy “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me”—is joining us for an exclusive Backstage Live interview to talk shop on producing her first series, working with her Oscar-winning dad Jamie Foxx, advice to others to get their start, and more. Don’t miss it!

WEDNESDAY, April 21

Chiara Aurelia, Actor (“Cruel Summer”)
Instagram Q&A: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Chiara Aurelia, star of the Jessica Biel–produced Freeform series “Cruel Summer,” is taking over our Instagram account to answer all your burning audience questions about the show, playing an awkward and shy teen who becomes the most popular girl in school and then the most despised person in America, how she got her start in the industry, and how you can, too! Be sure to write your questions in for a chance to have them answered live on-camera.

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MONDAY, April 12

Elaine Del Valle, Casting Professional
Audition Insider: 4 p.m ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Never enter an audition room looking like an amateur ever again. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to navigate audition room etiquette, terms, and successes like a pro. As a multi-hyphenate casting director, director, producer, writer, and actor, Elaine Del Valle is well-versed on audition room myths from all sides of the figurative table. She’s here to answer all of those questions you might have been too afraid to ask—until now! What does it mean when a CD asks you to do it again? Or “throw it away?” It’s all fair game! Send all your questions for Elaine to editorial@backstage.com.

THURSDAY, April 15

Jonathan Tucker, Actor (“Debris”)
Instagram Live: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Jonathan Tucker starred on the acclaimed drama series “Kingdom” (currently streaming on Netflix) after which he transitioned into HBO’s Emmy-nominated “Westworld,” and reunited with his “Justified” writers for FX’s “Snowfall.”  Throw into the mix Showtime’s “City on a Hill,” Hulu’s “Monsterland,” Elizabeth Banks’ “Charlie’s Angels” reboot, and now the lead role on NBC’s sci-fi hit “Debris,” and there seems to be no slowing him down! Tucker is sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about his stellar turn on his latest series from J.H. Wyman, his career in the performing arts, and his advice for others to get their start on the small screen.

FRIDAY, April 16

Tiana Le, Actor (“Big Shot”)
Instagram Q&A: 1 p.m ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Eighteen-year-old Tiana Le is making her series regular debut as Destiny Winters in Disney+’s “Big Shot,” the David E. Kelly series about a recently fired college basketball coach (John Stamos) who finds that his only viable career option after a very public tantrum is coaching at an all-girls private high school. With credits over her five-year acting career including HBO’s “Insecure,” Amazon Prime’s “Just Add Magic,” and Netflix’s “No Good Nick,” she’s truly on her way to leaving her mark on the screen! Don’t miss it when she takes over Backstage’s Instagram account to answer all your burning audience questions live on-camera.

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MONDAY, April 5

Clayton Cardenas, Actor (“Mayans MC”)
Instagram Live: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Angel Reyes himself is joining us for an Instagram Live interview on Monday, April 5. For three seasons strong, Clayton Cardenas has been stunning us on this acclaimed “Sons of Anarchy” spinoff series set on the California-Mexico border. Outside of the series, Cardenas is a painter and spoken word poet with additional television credits including “American Crime,” “New York Undercover,” “Snowfall,” and “S.W.A.T.” He’ll be talking about it all and offering his best tips for getting started.

WEDNESDAY, April 7

Shahadi Wright Joseph, Actor (“Them: Covenant”)
Instagram Q&A: 12 p.m ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
This Friday, Shahadi Wright Joseph can be seen starring as Ruby Emory on Amazon Prime’s horror anthology series, “Them: Covenant.” Set in 1953, the series follows a Black couple who moves their family from North Carolina to an all-white, tree lined seemingly idyllic Los Angeles neighborhood. There, the family’s west coast dream turns into a nightmare plagued by malevolent forces that are both real, and supernatural. Previously the star of Jordan Peele’s “Us” and Broadway’s “The Lion King,” this official Backstage 2021 Emerging Talent to watch is taking over our Instagram on Wednesday to answer audience questions about her career, her latest projects, and her advice for others wanting to break in.

Topher Grace, Actor
Instagram Live: 2:15 p.m ET/11:15 a.m. PT/7:15 p.m. UK
Since dropping out of USC to play Eric Foreman on Fox’s long-running sitcom “That ’70s Show,” Emmy, SAG- and NBR Award–winning actor Topher Grace has spent the last 22 years diversifying his résumé with both award-winning and blockbuster films. Next up is a return to the small screen on ABC’s “Home Economics,” on which he’s also executive producer. Sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, Grace is slated for Backstage Live interview on our Instagram page to dive into his years-spanning career, his latest projects, and what he’s learned along the way.

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TUESDAY, March 30

Kevin Quinn, Actor (“A Week Away”)
Instagram Live: 2 p.m ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Kevin Quinn, star of Netflix’s new musical hit “A Week Away” (which comes from the minds behind “High School Musical”), is joining Backstage’s managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for an Instagram Live interview. The actor and recording artist will be diving into what it was like making the musical film, combining his talents as a singer and actor, his training, and his advice to others in the field. Don’t miss it!

FRIDAY, April 2

Carey Mulligan, Actor (“Promising Young Woman”)
Zoom Webinar: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Carey Mulligan has once again filed one of the year’s most memorable and breathtaking performances, this time as the lead anti-heroine in Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman.” The Focus Features release—which follows Cassandra (Mulligan), a woman who in the aftermath of a friend’s assault seeks revenge—is now nominated for five Academy Awards, including best actress for Mulligan, best picture, and historically, best original screenplay and best director for Fennell. In this exclusive sit-down for Backstage members, Mulligan is joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for a craft-and-career deep-dive on her roots as a performer, how she builds a character like Cassandra, the impact of “Promising Young Woman,” her advice for others in the field, and more. Be sure to write in your questions beforehand for a chance to have them answered live on air!

Sarah Natochenny, Actor (“Pokémon”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Sarah Natochenny currently voices one of the most iconic animated characters of all time: Ash Ketchum from the beloved, timeless “Pokémon” franchise. Just how does she do it? Well, we’re about to find out! Join her and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay as they discuss the ins and outs of a voiceover acting career, how she got her start, how she prepares a new role, demo reel, and advice to others wanting to follow in her footsteps.

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TUESDAY, March 23

Actor’s Toolkit With Acting Coach Joseph Pearlman
Backstage Live Stream: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he takes you inside the mindset of successful actors who consistently get cast. He’ll be touching on how to cultivate bravery in both your career and acting choices, why you must stop trying to people-please, and how to trigger an avalanche of career momentum and booking work by embodying the highest, most confident, version of yourself to book work.

WEDNESDAY, March 24

Harrison Osterfield, Actor (Netflix’s “The Irregulars”)
Instagram Q&A: 1 p.m ET/10 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Though he’s already banked minor credits in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and blockbusters like this year’s Tom Holland–starrer “Chaos Walking,” U.K. talent Harrison Osterfiled is gearing up for his big breakout on Netflix’s dark and edgy Sherlock Holmes spinoff, “The Irregulars.” Tune in on Wednesday, March 24, when the 24-year-old actor takes over our Instagram to talk about his latest projects, his experience in the industry (including being assistant to Holland through his early days as Spider-Man), training at the esteemed BRIT School as a teen, his advice to others in the business, and more.

THURSDAY, March 25

Chelsea Handler
Instagram Live: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Chelsea Handler is a comedy veteran who’s never been afraid to say what everyone’s thinking but won’t say. Her latest special with HBO Max, “Chelsea Handler: Evolution,” takes the practice and turns it inward, forcing the acclaimed comic to bravely take the stage to face herself in front of everyone. Join her as she sits with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk candidly about her career in comedy, the work that goes into writing her own material (whether a special, a book, or a television series), and the advice she’d give to other young comics wanting to follow in her footsteps.

FRIDAY, March 26

Ben Falcone, writer + director (“Thunder Force”)
Zoom Webinar: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
For years now, Ben Falcone has been one of the most reliable men in comedy. From “Tammy,” to “The Boss,” to “Life of the Party,” and now to Netflix’s highly anticipated superhero comedy “Thunder Force,” he’s written and directed powerhouse starring vehicles for his partner in life and Hollywood, Melissa McCarthy, to industry-wide success and acclaim. Now, he’s joining Backstage’s managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to give a peek into his creative process, how he got his start in the industry, his advice for other comedy writers and directors looking to follow in his footsteps, and more. Don’t miss out on what’s sure to be an enlightening creators lesson from one of the best in the biz. And be sure to write in your questions for Falcone beforehand for a chance to have them answered live on-air.

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WEDNESDAY, March 17

National Youth Theatre seminar
Backstage Webinar: 12 p.m ET/9 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
During this hour-long session, Backstage is partnering with the world renowned talent incubator, National Youth Theatre. Here, we will be breaking down the process of applying and auditioning remotely for your drama school or course from the team who will be selecting this years cohort for NYT. National Youth Theatre is a charity which has been supporting and championing young people onstage and off since 1956. Each year, they begin courses for young people to mould their talents and build their careers in drama and theater. Previous NYT students include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colin Firth, Rosamund Pike, Matt Lucas and Zawe Ashton.

Nico Santos, Actor
Instagram Live: 1 p.m ET/10 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
As NBC’s “Superstore” comes to a close later this spring, so, too, does one of network TV’s funniest and most timely characters: Mateo Liwanag. Played by Nico Santos, the story of an undocumented, queer, Filipino character—particularly in the setting of a network sitcom—has never been more relevant or impactful. Santos, also best-known for his breakout, scene-stealing film role in “Crazy Rich Asians,” is sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to bid Mateo adieu, reflect on his early days in the business doing open mics and working in fashion, and offer advice he has for other performers to make inroads in the industry and to find their creative voice.

FRIDAY, March 19

“Wolfwalkers” Filmmakers Tomm Moore + Ross Stewart, Voiceover Seminar
Backstage Webinar: 1 p.m ET/10 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Oscar-nominated filmmakers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart (their “Wolfwalkers” is nominated this year for best animated feature film; previous credits include “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea”) are sitting with Backstage for a film animation career deep-dive on how they got started in the field and how actors at all stages in their career can get started in voiceover work. What are best practices in voiceover? What makes a great voice performance? How do they best work with their actors (among them “Wolfwalkers” star and “Game of Thrones” vet Sean Bean)? Join our managing editor Benjamin Lindsay as they discuss one of the year’s most acclaimed films—and be sure to write in your questions for the filmmakers beforehand for a chance to have them answered live on air.

Women's Leadership: Film + TV Panel
Backstage Webinar: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Featuring Netflix executive producer Elle Johnson (“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madame C.J. Walker”), HBO director Pippa Bianco (“Euphoria”), and Peggy Rajski, the dean of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, Backstage is sponsoring this conversation in collaboration with IN CREATIVE COMPANY. This hour-long panel will delve into the experiences of women directors, showrunners, and behind-the-scenes leaders as they discuss the steps they took to get to where they are today. The panelists will speak to changes that can and must be made in order for women to reach parity in Hollywood. The discussion will end with a Q+A portion.

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MONDAY, March 8

Maria Bakalova, Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
As Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen takes no prisoners in his dedication to comedy performance; the fact that 24-year-old Bulgarian actor Bakalova not only holds her own but elevates the material is a testament to just how special a performer she is. Now, the Golden Globe nominee is eyeying Oscar gold. She’s sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about her journey to the film, what these whirlwind last few months have been like, her training, transition to Hollywood, and more!

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WEDNESDAY, March 3

Jermaine Fowler, Actor
Instagram Live: 4:30 p.m ET/1:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. UK
Jermaine Fowler is going from a rising comedic actor (previously known for projects like CBS’ “Superior Donuts” and Boots Riley’s “Sorry to Bother You”) to bonafide leading man opposite Eddie Murphy in the highly anticipated “Coming 2 America.” A sequel over 20 years in the making, Fowler stars as Murphy’s estranged son in Queens, New York, who, once reconnected, returns with him to their African kingdom to inherit the thrown. Comedy, of course, ensues. He’s joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay live via Instagram to talk about building a career as an actor-writer-producer, working alongside Murphy, his advice to other artists in the field, and more!

FRIDAY, March 5

Erica Hart, Audition Insider + Casting Director
Backstage Webinar: 7 p.m ET/4 p.m. PT/12 a.m. UK
Are you interested in getting actionable tips on making bold choices in the audition room from a professional casting director? You’re in luck! Casting director Erica Hart will be leading a live session on how to make successful audition choices, and she'll be giving constructive feedback all actors can apply to their own materials. Hart’s résumé includes work on Showtime, Freeform, BET, and WeTV, and she's also a member of the Casting Society of America.

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TUESDAY, Feb. 23

Sarah Stiles, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 3 p.m ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Two-time Tony Award nominee Sarah Stiles (“Tootsie,” “Hand to God”) is taking over our Instagram to answer all your questions about the life of a Broadway—and now thanks to Netflix’s “The Crew” opposite Kevin James and Freddie Stroma, television—star. Plus, earlier this year she released her debut EP, “You Can Ukulele With Me.” The joyful, inspiring collection of songs are perfect for a listen during trying times like these. So to learn how you, too, can build a career in the arts straight from a multihyphenate industry pro, be sure to tune in, send Stiles your questions, and watch her answer them live on air.

THURSDAY, Feb. 25

Samantha Logan, Actor
Instagram Live: 2 p.m ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
From “Teen Wolf” to “The Fosters” to “13 Reasons Why” and now to the CW’s runaway hit “All American” (now in its third season), multihyphenate performer Samantha Logan knows how to deliver in everything she does. Now, she’s helping pass some hard-won life and industry insight down to others with her new podcast “We Got You,” a weekly advice podcast where teens answer the biggest questions from middle schoolers across the country on life, loneliness, and an uncertain future. Get to know her in conversation with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay with this exclusive Instagram Live interview!

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TUESDAY, Feb. 16

Olly Alexander, Actor + Musician
Instagram Live: 11 a.m ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Olly Alexander took a pause from his pop stardom as frontman of Years & Years to return to his acting roots on Russell T Davies’ “It’s a Sin.” The U.K.’s acclaimed limited series soon makes its U.S. premiere on HBO Max, and Alexander is joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about bringing his character Ritchie—a gay actor living in London through the height of the 1980s’ AIDS crisis—to life, his advice for others in the arts, and more.

THURSDAY, Feb. 18

Actor's Toolkit Ep. 2: Getting Cast in 2021
Zoom Webinar: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Backstage continues its free virtual workshop session to help actors build their digital toolkits, land more auditions, and book more jobs. This month, Actors Toolkit is diving into casting trends for 2021, and how to translate those trends so you get more auditions and get hired and paid for your dream career from anywhere in the world.

Frank Grillo, Actor
Instagram Live: 4:30 p.m ET/1:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. UK
A physical performer as well as a real actor’s actor, Frank Grillo has carved out a niche as a Hollywood action hero across blockbusters and indies alike, from “Captain America” and “The Purge” to “Donnybrook” and more. Next up is Hulu’s anticipated action-comedy “Boss Level,” which he also produced. Join managing editor Benjamin Lindsay as he talks shop with this one of a kind performer about just how to build a lasting career—and a résumé of over 40 films—in Hollywood.

FRIDAY, Feb. 19

Lena Hall, Actor
Instagram Live: 1 p.m ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
It was only a matter of time for Lena Hall to transcend her New York theater roots to bring her talent to screens big and small. That the “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” Tony winner’s screen breakout is alongside Daveed Diggs and Jennifer Connelly on TNT’s sci-fi action hit “Snowpiercer” just sweetens the deal! Join her and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay in conversation about the series and her performance as Miss Audrey, lessons learned through her storied career, and her advice to others looking to make the transition from stage to screen.

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TUESDAY, Feb. 9

Josh Lucas, Actor
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Josh Lucas is always an actor you remember. An indelible presence onscreen and onstage, the performer’s been at work since breaking out in NYC’s theater scene nearly 25 years ago in Terrence McNally’s “Corpus Christi.” The years since have seen him starring in films like “American Psycho,” “Glory Road,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” and last year’s “Ford v. Ferrari”; television series like “Yellowstone” and “The Mysteries of Laura”; and on Broadway in “The Parisian Woman” opposite Uma Thurman and in “The Glass Menagerie” with Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange. He’s joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about his career, training, advice to others, and latest thrilling film project, “Murderous Trance.”

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10

Hayley Orrantia, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 2 p.m ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
From starring on hit television series to releasing chart-topping singles, Hayley Orrantia has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most exciting multi-hyphenate talents in the entertainment industry today. Currently seen co-starring on ABC’s hit comedy “The Goldbergs,” she’s taking over our Instagram to answer all your burning questions about her work, balancing music and acting, tips and tricks for making it in Hollywood, and more! Tune in to write in and have your question answered live on-camera.

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FRIDAY Feb. 5

Rupert Grint, “Servant”
Zoom Webinar: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Rupert Grint is one of those rare talents that literally grew up onscreen thanks for the “Harry Potter” franchise, but he continues to better himself as a performer with each new project. That much is certainly true for Apple TV+’s psychological horror hit “Servant,” on which he co-stars with Lauren Ambrose, Nell Tiger Free, and Toby Kebbell. Join him in this exclusive craft-and-career Zoom webinar where we’ll be discussing Season 2 of the series, his process for getting into character, and what he’s learned from his years in the industry. Register and write in your questions beforehand for a chance to have them answered live on camera!

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MONDAY Jan. 25

Sacha Baron Cohen + Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
Zoom Webinar
Don’t miss this deep-dive conversation with Sacha Baron Cohen and his “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” breakout costar Maria Bakalova. Truly one of the most dynamic performers working today, Baron Cohen digs deep into the mechanics of building a memorable character onscreen, the incredible challenges of getting some of the film’s biggest scenes to come together, the politics behind his work, his advice for other artists looking to leave their mark, and in the case of Bulgaria’s Bakalova, the wild ride it’s been since blasting onto the scene as a major awards contender this year. In conversation with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, this pre-recorded session is available today on backstage.com/magazine.

TUESDAY Jan. 26

Nicole Kidman, “The Undoing” 
Zoom Webinar: 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT/11 p.m. UK
While she’s an actor who needs no introduction, we’re especially thrilled to be giving her one! Nicole Kidman will be joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for a live Zoom webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 26, to discuss all things craft and career. We’ll be deep-diving into the Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award winner’s most iconic roles (including her latest, Grace Fraser on HBO’s mega-hit “The Undoing”); the technique, training, and character work that brought them to life; and the tips and tricks she has for others in the industry to put in their best work across screens big and small. As a registered audience member, be sure to write in your questions beforehand for a chance to have them answered live on air! (Please note: This webinar will cap at 1,000 participants on a first come, first serve basis; registration does not guarantee entry. If you miss the live session, the full video will be live on YouTube on Wednesday, Jan. 27.)

THURSDAY Jan. 28

The Cast of “One Night in Miami”
Zoom Webinar
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, Eli Goree as Cassius Clay, Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown, and Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke together give four of the year’s best performances in Amazon Studios’ acclaimed historical drama, “One Night in Miami.” From Oscar-winning actor Regina King, who here makes her feature film directorial debut, the film examines race relations in an America that finds itself at a civil rights crossroads. Sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay in a pre-recorded session, now live on backstage.com/magazine, the four actors discuss building their performances of these iconic men and contemporary heroes, the resonance the film’s story has today, and the advice they’d offer other actors looking to marry their politics with their craft. 

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TUESDAY Jan. 19

Alan Tudyk, Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Alan Tudyk has long been giving us some of the most memorable character work in the biz, from “A Knight’s Tale” to “Firefly” to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and voiceover performances to match, from “Harley Quinn” to “Robot Chicken” to “Big Hero 6.” Syfy’s new adaptation of the comic book of the same name, “Resident Alien” (premiering Jan. 27), is more of what we love! He stars as Harry Vanderspeigle, a crash-landed alien named Harry who takes on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor. Join him in conversation with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay.

THURSDAY Jan. 21

Phoebe Dynevor, Actor
Instagram Live: 11:15 a.m. ET/8:15 a.m. PT/4:15 p.m. UK
Phoebe Dynevor’s breakout role on “Bridgerton” has more than just Lady Whistledown a-chatter. She and the series’ standout ensemble has had the internet ablaze since Christmas thanks to high drama, steamy romances, and some of the best small-screen performances so far this year. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear about it all from Dynevor herself when she sits with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to discuss her acting process and more.

FRIDAY Jan. 22

Tanner Buchanan, Actor
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
You better get to know the name Tanner Buchanan! Hot off of the No. 1 ranked third season of “Cobra Kai,” he also just wrapped production on an updated “She’s All That” remake, aptly titled “He’s All That,” and is going into “Cobra Kai” Season 4 production this month. Starring on that hit Netflix series as Robby Keene, the estranged son of Johnny Lawrence, this most recent season showcased villainous new shades to the beloved character that we can’t wait to dig into with Buchanan. Talking craft, career, stunts, and more with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, tune in to get some tips on how to make it in young Hollywood.

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TUESDAY Jan. 11

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
It’s a new year! That means it’s resolution time again and, for many actors, that means it’s time to finally get serious about improving your social media and using it to accelerate your acting career. In this YouTube Live social media for actors expert Heidi Dean will give you 5 ways to finally rock your social media in 2021.

WEDNESDAY Jan. 12

Gina Torres, Actor
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Somebody call 911—star of the screen Gina Torres is back and better than ever! Starring opposite Rob Lowe on “9-1-1: Lone Star” Season 2, which returns to Fox on Monday, Jan. 18, the longtime actor most recently seen on series like “Westworld” and starring on “Suits” spinoff “Pearson” is joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about the new gig, her storied career, and advice she has for others looking to follow in her footsteps.

Jodie Foster + Tahar Rahim, “The Mauritanian” actors
Zoom Webinar: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Telling the devastating real-life story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian citizen arrested for alleged connections to the 9/11 terror attacks, “The Mauritanian” from Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald (“The Last King of Scotland”) is officially heating up awards season with an ensemble led by two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Shailene Woodley, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Zachary Levi. On Jan. 13, Backstage is lucky enough to be joined by Foster and Rahim to learn just how this true story came to the screen, the challenges of bringing these characters to life (Rahim as Slahi and Foster as criminal defense lawyer Nancy Hollander), their character building process, advice to other actors, and more. Register now for their deep-dive conversation with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, and send your audience questions in beforehand for a chance to have them answered live on-camera.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
It’s a virtual world now, and voiceover is growing in it. Actor, host, singer, and voiceover actor Laurie Burke is here to break down how you can become a successful voiceover actor in the digital and increasingly remote age.

THURSDAY Jan. 13

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you why online acting training is awesome and gives you a competitive advantage over in-person training.

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TUESDAY Jan. 5

Skylar Astin, Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
We love seeing Skylar Astin put his triple-threat capabilities to use in everything he does, from the original Broadway cast of "Spring Awakening" to the "Pitch Perfect" franchise to "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and now to NBC's "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist." He's sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk us through just how he does it all on the day of "Zoey's" Season 2 premiere, Jan. 5. Don't miss it!

FRIDAY Jan. 8

Javicia Leslie, Actor
Instagram Live: 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT/4:30 p.m. UK
Javicia Leslie ("God Friended Me," "Always a Bridesmaid") is making history on Season 2 of the CW's hit "Batwoman." "I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television," she's said, "and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community." We can't wait to speak with her about it all, from how she prepared to take on the role to her tips for auditioning for such a large property to advice on how to stay level-headed when thrust into the spotlight. Join her and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for a deep-dive morning chat.

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MONDAY Dec. 28

Bret Shuford, Life Coach
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Believe it or not 2021 is right around the corner. Life coach and actor Bret Shuford is here to help you get ready for it with 7 key mindsets to adopt for the coming year. Coined "the Broadway Life Coach," Shuford's stage credits include "Wicked," "Paramour," and "Beauty and the Beast." His mission is to help actors find fulfillment no matter where they are on their path.

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MONDAY Dec. 14

Abigail Cowen, Actor
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Leading lady on-the-rise Abigail Cowen is taking the magic that brought her to the Netflix spotlight on "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" to the streamer's next hit series, "Fate: The Winx Saga." Starring in this live-action reimagining Nickelodeon's "Winx Club" as Bloom, we can't wait to see what she does with the beloved fairy warrior role when it hits our screens in the new year. She'll be talking about it all with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay while also offering tips for other actors looking to make their way to Netflix and more.

TUESDAY Dec. 15

BenDeLaCreme, Actor/Director/Drag Queen
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Our favorite holiday special of 2020 is coming from none other than "Drag Race" superstars BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon, aptly titled "The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Special." As twisted as it is charming, the hour-long event is now available to rent at www.jinkxanddela.com—and we're catching up with the star, co-writer, and director herself, BenDeLaCreme, to learn what goes into producing an indie special during the pandemic, what inspires her as a drag performer, advice she has for other creatives in the field, and so much more.

Marcus Scribner, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT/11 p.m. UK
Marcus Scribner landed his first series regular role at the age of 13 on ABC's hit comedy "Black-ish,” starring as ‘Andre Jr.’ opposite Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross.  As Season 5 currently airs, the actor can also be seen in the feature film "Farewell Amor," which premiered at Sundance and won the 2020 Sundance Institute Producer’s Award. Today, the actor is taking a break from filming to take over our Instagram and answer all your questions about working on a long-running sitcom, breaking into indie film, and more. Tune in to have your questions answered live on air!

WEDNESDAY Dec. 16

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Social media is an effective free tool that can help actors accelerate their careers. But without a plan, it can also be confusing and time consuming. If you've ever asked "How do I get started on social media as an actor" this video is for you. This YouTube live with social media expert for actors Heidi Dean will give you 10 steps to take to get started on social media for your acting career.

THURSDAY Dec. 17

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to reignite your love affair with acting.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Has your voiceover career not taken off like you thought it would? Actor, host, singer, and voiceover actor Laurie Burke has had the definition of a successful voiceover career and is here to breakdown what might be holding you back from having your own successful voiceover career.

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THURSDAY Dec. 3

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you why you must kick away your technique to create a truly great performance.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Voiceover, acting and singing...oh my! How do you balance it all when you’re a multi-creative? Actor, host, singer, and voiceover actor Laurie Burke is an expert on doing just that and is going to give you 3 key ways to balance it all when you’re a multihyphenate.

FRIDAY Dec. 4

Harry Shum Jr., Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Cutting his teeth as a professional dancer and touring with some of the biggest pop acts in the world, Harry Shum Jr.'s acting breakout came with Ryan Murphy’s “Glee,” on which he starred as Mike Chang. In the years since came Freeform’s Shadowhunters (for which he won the People’s Choice Awards Male TV Star in 2018), “Crazy Rich Asians” and more. Next, her stars as the male lead of Universal’s romantic drama “All My Life,” following a couple whose wedding plans are thrown off course when the groom (Harry Shum Jr.) is diagnosed with liver cancer. Co-starring Jay Pharoah, Keala Settle, Jessica Rothe, and Josh Brener, we suggest you bring your tissues! He’ll be talking about it all with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay.

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MONDAY Nov. 23

Kiera Allen, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
As the first-ever wheelchair user cast in a lead role for a studio film, Kiera Allen is revolutionary while starring opposite Sarah Paulson in "Run." The psychological thriller from filmmaker Aneesh Chaganty premieres Nov. 20 on Hulu, and in the lead up to her anticipated feature film debut, Allen is taking over our Instagram to answer your questions! From what it was like to work with Paulson to navigating the industry and pushing representational boundaries as a newcomer, Allen will be answering it all. Don't miss it!

The Atlantic Theater Co. Acting School: Introduction to Practical Aesthetics
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
The Atlantic Acting Technique, Practical Aesthetics, provides a disciplined approach to script analysis, working truthfully moment-to-moment, and bringing these competencies together in performance of selected material. In this introductory scene study class, Atlantic Acting School Faculty member Sam Gonzalez will take you through the building blocks of Practical Aesthetics as outlined in A Practical Handbook for The Actor. Here you’ll develop basic technique, learning to articulate your understanding of text through compelling, playable actions. We will also leave plenty of time for Q&A!

TUESDAY Nov. 24

Camilla Luddington, Actor (“Grey’s Anatomy”)
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Starring as Dr. Jo Karev (aka Dr. Jo Wilson) on ABC’s hit, long-running medical drama series "Grey’s Anatomy," Camilla Luddington has become a fan-favorite for all the right reasons. Sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, she'll talk about her journey to the beloved series, her process for getting into character, and her advice for others in the field.

WEDNESDAY Nov. 25

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Social media can sometimes feel like a place to just talk about yourself and your acting career, instead of a place to celebrate others. In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the holiday season this YouTube Live with social media expert for actors Heidi Dean will focus on 10 ways we can express gratitude toward others and spread love and gratitude using social media.

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TUESDAY Nov. 17

Daryl Eisenberg, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT/4:30 p.m. UK
Looking to sharpen your self-taping skills? Want personalized feedback from a professional casting director on your self-tape? Look no further: Backstage is hosting Daryl Eisenberg, casting director and managing partner at Eisenberg/Beans Casting, for a webinar on self-tape success.

Jason Sudeikis + Brendan Hunt ("Ted Lasso"), Actors/Writers/Producers
Zoom Webinar: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT/1 a.m. UK
In a time when we needed it most, “Ted Lasso” may be our favorite comfort binge of the pandemic era. Jason Sudeikis serves as co-creator, executive producer, and star on the hit Apple TV+ series about a championship-winning NFL coach who's recruited by the English Premier League to coach the OTHER kind of football across the pond. Its fish-out-of-water premise comes with a lot of heart and high-stakes sports drama to match. Want to know how it strikes that perfect tone with its unforgettable cast of ensemble players? We're sitting with Sudeikis and co-star, writer, and producer Brendan Hunt to chat about how it all came together.

WEDNESDAY Nov. 18

Sophie Kingston Smith + Jessica Straker, Casting Directors
Zoom Webinar: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
In partnership with AMPLIFY!, Backstage brings you this casting conversation with two U.K. casting associates and directors, Sophie Kingston Smith ("Homeland," "Genius: Picasso," "The Great") and Jessica Straker ("Rocks," "Small Axe"). We will be diving into different approaches to casting, casting regionally, and workshopping talent to create the best performance. Join Hannah, Sophie and Jessica’s chat to discover how their varied experiences helps them create the right casts for their projects.

Nicholas Pinnock, Actor ("For Life")
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Nicholas Pinnock has been seen across theater, television, and film for over 30 years. Next up, he's returning as the lead in ABC's top-rated drama series, “For Life" (produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson). The longtime working actor has just the advice you need to get your career back on track—and as the star of the first NYC series to go back into production during COVID-19, he knows a thing or two about making it work no matter the circumstances. Join him and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay in what's sure to be a great interview!

THURSDAY Nov. 19

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you the first key steps to nail your next audition.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Do you need to get a voiceover agent? And if so, when should you get a voiceover agent? Experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke is here to answer those questions and explain how to know if it’s time for you to get a voiceover agent.

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TUESDAY Nov. 10

Midori Francis, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Coming to you live from her current production in South Africa, Netflix’s “Dash & Lily” star Midori Francis is taking over our Instagram to answer all your questions about the series (adapted from the hit novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan), her early career roots, and life as an actor. Tune in at the start time, leave a question on the sticker, and have your burning q’s answered live on-camera from a pro on-the-rise! (And be sure to watch “Dash & Lily,” on Netflix Nov. 10!)

Kate Mara, Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
You can never go wrong with Kate Mara—and we can’t wait to pick her brain to learn just how she does it all. Next up is FX’s sex scandal drama “A Teacher,” and it just might be her best screen performance to date. Don’t miss her talk about it all in this on-camera interview with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay.

WEDNESDAY Nov. 11

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Social media can be a great tool for actors to promote their acting projects if they know how to spread the word correctly. In this YouTube Live, social media expert for actors Heidi Dean will help you fix the biggest social media self-promotion mistakes that actors make everyday.

THURSDAY Nov. 12

Brennan Clost, Actor + Dancer
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Keep an eye on Brennan Clost, who'll be lighting up our screens next month on Netflix's hotly anticipated dance drama, "Tiny Pretty Things," which follows the rise and fall of the elite dancers at the competitive Archer School of Ballet. The Juilliard grad has been a professional dancer since childhood; now with this Netflix series and his popular YouTube channel, Clost is exploring his talents as a performer in new and exciting ways. Learn how he does it all in this tell-all interview with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay!

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THURSDAY Nov. 6

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you simple and effective tips to have fun and stay motivated when things get intense.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Actor, host, singer, and voiceover actor Laurie Burke is a voiceover expert. In this YouTube Live she’ll explain and bust the 5 biggest voiceover myths.

Susan Kelechi Watson, Actor
Instagram Live: 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT/11:30 p.m. UK
Susan Kelechi Watson is coming by our Instagram page to talk all thing "This Is Us," her new HBO multimedia documentary "Between the World and Me" (based in part on Ta-Nehisi Coates' book of the same name), her career, training, advice for others, and so much more. Got a question for the fan-favorite performer? Write into editorial@backstage.com for your chance to have it asked live on air.

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TUESDAY Oct. 27

Thomas Middleditch, Actor
Instagram Live: 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT/12 a.m. UK
“Silicon Valley” Emmy nominee is back on the small screen with CBS’ highly anticipated “B Positive” from producer Chuck Lorre. He stars alongside Annaleigh Ashford as a man who, in need of a kidney, forms an unlikely bond with his organ donar. The longtime performer will be talking us through his career—from Chicago to Hollywood—and offering tips for others looking to carve their own path in the world of comedy. Don’t miss it!

WEDNESDAY Oct. 28

Russell Tovey, Actor
Instagram Live: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Join Backstage and Russell Tovey to learn about his journey into acting and the casting process and production of U.K. classics like "Him & Her," "The History Boys," and "Years and Years." We will also be diving into his new thriller, "The Sister," which starts next Monday. Hear Russell's tips for creating authentic performance, preparing for a role and creating well rounded characters throughout differing genres.

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THURSDAY Oct. 22

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to level-up your branding game to launch your career faster, with less effort.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Actor, host, singer, and voiceover actor Laurie Burke has plenty of experience in the industry and has learned how to best deal with criticism. In this YouTube Live she’ll teach you how to deal with and learn from criticism in your career.

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MONDAY Oct. 12

Fin Argus, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Hollywood up-and-comer Fin Argus is taking over Backstage’s Instagram to answer YOUR questions. Next seen starring in Disney+’s new feature, “Clouds,” he’s also known for “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Total Eclipse,” and more! Check out our Instagram at 4 p.m. ET to write into Fin all the acting advice queries you can muster.

TUESDAY Oct. 13

Justin Baldoni, Actor
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Director, producer, actor, and filmmaker Justin Baldoni is joining us on Instagram Live to talk about his new feature film drama, “Clouds,” which his Disney+ Oct. 16, 2020. Plus, we’ll be discussing how his company Wayfarer Studios launched The Six Feet Apart experiment to give filmmakers funds and access to create films during this unprecedented time in Hollywood. Don’t miss it!

WEDNESDAY Oct. 14

Aisha Bywaters, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Join Backstage's Hannah and U.K. casting director Aisha Bywaters for this interactive discussion around the role of a CD, how to work collaboratively and openly to achieve authenticity, and how the decisions we make onscreen can broaden society’s perceptions. Joining an incredible list of uprising talent, Bywaters has recently been named as Screen International's Screen Star of Tomorrow 2020. Her credits include "Cyberbully" (starring Maisie Williams), "The Watchmen" (starring Stephen Graham) and "The Last Tree," for which she was nominated for a BIFA for Best Casting. Please send your questions ahead of time to hannah.williams@backstage.com.

Doug Jones, Actor
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
There’s no question Doug Jones is one of the most acclaimed and versatile actors working today—but you may not even recognize him. That’s because he’s best known for his embodiment of non-human creatures, usually via heavy make-up and visual effects, like in “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “The Shape of Water,” and now starring as Saru on CBS All Access’ “Star Trek: Discovery.” Sitting with Backstage, he’ll be talking about it all!

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MONDAY Oct. 5

Jessica Rothe, Actor
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Jessica Rothe of "Happy Death Day" fame is joining us for an Instagram Live, which she'll chat about her latest shocking performance on Amazon Prime Video's excellent "Utopia" (spoiler-y territory ahead, folks!), the beginnings of her acting training and career, how's she's been staying busy during the pandemic, and more!

Bret Shuford, Life Coach
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Are you looking to get an agent in a new market? Join a chat with life coach and actor Bret Shuford as he breaks down exactly how to approach it. Coined "the Broadway Life Coach," Shuford's stage credits include "Wicked," "Paramour," and "Beauty and the Beast." His mission is to help actors find fulfillment no matter where they are on their path.

TUESDAY Oct. 6

Margaret Cho, Actor
Instagram Live: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Margaret Cho is a comedy legend, period! Don't miss her Instagram Live interview with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, where she'll be discussing her new indie film "Faith Based" (fresh off some rave reviews on the festival circuit and coming to VOD and digital platforms Oct. 9), her storied comedy career on stage and screen, her advice for others looking to get their start in the business, and more.

Jessica Straker, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Join us for this exciting casting discussion where we'll be breaking down the process of street casting, casting aftercare, and workshopping performers with U.K. casting director, writer, and script researcher Jessica Straker. Starting her career as an associate on Sarah Gavron's "Rocks," she went on to help cast upcoming anthology series "Small Axe." She is currently working on a TV series for Duck Soup Films, co-writing a TV pilot in development with CBBC, and she co-founded BRIDGE, a collective focused on providing sustained aftercare and transitional support into the industry for emerging talent from underrepresented communities. This session is a must for actors and filmmakers alike. Send your questions ahead of time to hannah.williams@backstage.com.

WEDNESDAY Oct. 7

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Having an engaged Instagram following can definitely help advance your acting career. But how do you actually get more followers on Instagram as an actor? In this YouTube Live, Instagram expert for actors, Heidi Dean will give you 5 pro tips to help you grow your Instagram following for your acting career.

THURSDAY Oct. 8

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to turn your personality into a superpower.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Want to be a voiceover actor? Here’s one sentence that will change your life forever. It changed actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke’s life forever and she’s excited to explain why in this YouTube Live.

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MONDAY Sept. 28

Lauren Cohan, Actor
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
"The Walking Dead" fan-favorite Lauren Cohan is making her grand return to the franchise in Oct. 4's highly anticipated Season 10 finale! In the lead-up, she's sitting with Backstage's managing editor Benjamin Linday to talk about it all—plus all the craft and career tidbits you've come to love with our live interviews. Don't miss it!

TUESDAY Sept. 29

Andrew Rannells, Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
A beloved actor of the screen and stage, Andrew Rannells is a knockout in Ryan Murphy's latest Netflix project, "The Boys in the Band," a reunion of sorts with his buzzy 2018 Broadway ensemble and director Joe Mantello. Join he and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay as they talk about the new project and how he got his start in this bizz the first place. (Hint: It's in part thanks to Backstage!)

THURSDAY Oct. 1

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Do you need to live in a major market to be successful as a voiceover actor? Actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke is here to answer that question for you. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel where she’ll talk about navigating markets as a voiceover actor.

FRIDAY Oct. 2

Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Oliver Jackson-Cohen is continuing to spook us with Netflix's new "The Haunting of Bly Manor," the anthological follow-up to the spine-tingling hit, "The Haunting of Hill House." Just how does he handle such scary material? What special skills does it require of an actor? Find out when he sits with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about it all.

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MONDAY Sept. 21

Grant Gustin, Actor
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Get ready, folks—the Flash himself is joining us on Instagram! Actor Grant Gustin, who’s starred on the CW’s “The Flash” for six seasons and counting, is sitting with our managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about his accomplished television career (other credits include “Glee,” “CSI: Miami,” “90210,” and, of course, crossover episodes on “Arrow," "Legends of Tomorrow," and "Supergirl”) and how you, too, can leave your mark on screens big and small.

WEDNESDAY Sept. 23

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Instagram Reels can be a fantastic way for an actor to showcase their acting talents, increase their engagement and grow their following. In this YouTube Live social media expert Heidi Dean will show you the best practices for using Instagram Reels, how to create a Reel and specific ways actors can utilize this new feature.

THURSDAY Sept. 24

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to guarantee an audition win every time by applying one simple but enormously powerful tool.

FRIDAY Sept. 25

Shane Paul McGhie, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Shane Paul McGhie ("Greenleaf," "Unbelievable") is taking over our Instagram to answer YOUR questions! From what it was like to star in the new indie drama "Foster Boy" from executive producer Shaquille O’Neal to how in just 4 years out of USC he's found such success in Young Hollywood (other upcoming projects include "The Last Shift" and "After We Collide"), he'll be talking about it all on Backstage.

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TUESDAY Sept. 15

Susan Wokoma, Actor
Zoom Webinar: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Susan Wokoma's gift for comedy was recognized early, leading her to train with great British institutions, NYT, and RADA. Since then, Wokoma's career has gone from strength to strength, working in breakout roles in the BAFTA-winning "Chewing Gum" and Netflix's "Crazy Head," she is now a highly sought after comedy actor and writer. Coming up, Wokoma stars opposite Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on "Truth Seekers" on Amazon Prime and with Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill in Netflix's "Enola Holmes." We are sitting down with Wokoma to discuss her training, how writing has helped her acting career, and how she prepares for a comedy role. Got a question? Send it in beforehand to hear it live on air!

Bret Shuford, Life Coach
YouTube Live: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Now might be the perfect time to start getting to work on that solo show you’ve always dreamed of. Join a chat with life coach and actor Bret Shuford as he breaks down the four steps you need to take to create your own solo show. Coined "the Broadway Life Coach," Shuford's stage credits include "Wicked," "Paramour," and "Beauty and the Beast." His mission is to help actors find fulfillment no matter where they are on their path.

THURSDAY Sept. 17

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
It’s important for voiceover actors everywhere to speak the same language as the people hiring them. Actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke is here to translate for you. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel where she’ll breakdown the key terms every voiceover actor needs to know communicate in the industry.

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TUESDAY Sept. 8

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Knowing how to market yourself is important to your success as an actor. To be competitive, an actor should have a ‘marketing toolkit’. This includes your acting résumé, headshots, cover letters, and business cards. But the digital age has expanded what’s needed in the toolkit to include a website, reel, online casting profiles (like Backstage), and, of course, social media. In this YouTube Live, marketing expert for actors Heidi Dean will show you 5 ways to improve your actor marketing.

WEDNESDAY Sept. 9

Tommy Bracco, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Tommy Bracco will be taking over our Instagram to answer all your questions! He’s most known for competing on CBS’s 'Big Brother' as well as originating roles in Broadway’s 'Pretty Woman' and Disney’s 'Newsies'. He is the co-founder of Lion Arts, a theater company that amplifies confidence and works with aspiring young performers. He’s traveled around the country teaching workshops with many companies, including Inside Broadway, and takes pride in making a difference in students lives!

THURSDAY Sept. 10

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to get the fun and joy back in both your acting and career.

Grant Gustin, Actor ***POSTPONED TO MONDAY, SEPT. 21***
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Get ready, folks—the Flash himself is joining us on Instagram! Actor Grant Gustin, who’s starred on the CW’s “The Flash” for six seasons and counting, is sitting with our managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about his accomplished television career (other credits include “Glee,” “CSI: Miami,” “90210,” and, of course, crossover episodes on “Arrow," "Legends of Tomorrow," and "Supergirl”) and how you, too, can leave your mark on screens big and small.

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Tuesday Sept. 1

Niamh Algar, Actor
Zoom Webinar: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Niamh Algar is a rapidly rising star, highlighted by Screen International as a Star of Tomorrow and by BAFTA as one of their Breakthrough Brits. Niamh's first role was in Shane Meadows stunning show "The Virtues," going on to highly acclaimed British shows "Pure" and "The Bisexual," along with the incredible film "Calm With Horses." Coming up, Niamh is starring on Ridley Scott's first TV series, "Raised By Wolves" on HBO Max this September. We'll be talking to Niamh about her incredible career so far, her hopes for the future, and getting her first big break.

THURSDAY Sept. 3

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke knows what it takes to succeed in a voiceover career and keep your voice healthy. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel where she’ll share her vocal health tips.

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TUESDAY August 25

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Don’t know what to put in your social media bio? In this YouTube Live Heidi Dean, social media expert for actors, teach you how to write a bio for social media—tailored specifically to actors.

Hannah Gadsby **UPDATE: This interview has been pushed 1-hour later than originally scheduled**
Zoom Webinar: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT/2 a.m. UK/11 a.m. AU
Hannah Gadsby became the toast of the comedy world virtually overnight with her hit, Emmy-winning Netflix special “Nanette” two years ago. Now, she’s again twice-nominated for her follow-up special with the streamer, “Douglas,” which continued to push boundaries in new and exciting ways. She’s sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about her career, offer her insight on writing your own material, and more. Got a question? Send it to us! We’ll be taking audience questions live on-camera.

WEDNESDAY August 26

Tasha Smith, Actor/Director/Acting Coach
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Veteran actor, director, and celebrity acting coach Tasha Smith has worked with numerous top-tier talent such as Angela Bassett, Mary J. Blige (for her Oscar nominated performance in “Mudbound”), Brandy, Lee Daniels, Andra Day, and many others. Now, in the lead-up to her actor’s workshop, TSAW, launching virtually on Aug. 31—she’s sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk shop, offer her insight and support during this unprecedented time, and more. Got a question? Send it to us! We’ll be taking audience questions live on-camera.

THURSDAY August 27

Nicola Bolton + Bryony Pulizzi of Nicola Bolton Management
Zoom Webinar: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Does all UK casting have to be London-centric? With an increasing amount of filming and touring happening around the rest of the UK, this session will highlight how casting and talent management works regionally, and how to get the most opportunities for yourself outside of London. Join Backstage's Hannah along with Nicola & Bryony of Nicola Bolton Management for this Zoom webinar all about Nicola's North England based agency, how she works with her clients, sources new talent and moulds their careers.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you why you must never obey character descriptions and stage directions. Joseph will show you why this is one of the most common myths that leads to actors getting stuck playing the obvious choices—the ones that don't stand out and win the role.

Travis Fimmel, Actor
Zoom Webinar: 5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT/10:40 p.m. UK/7:40 a.m. AU
Travis Fimmel is following up his breakout, fan-favorite role on “Vikings” with Ridley Scott’s new HBO Max series, “Raised By Wolves”—and he’s sitting with Backstage to talk about it all! The Australian-born Fimmel first began acting in 2003 and has been impressing on screens big and small ever since. Join him and Backstage’s managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to find out how he did it in this deep-dive interview. Got a question? Send it to us after registering for a chance to get it answered live on-air!

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MONDAY August 17

Sherry Thomas + Russell Scott, Casting Directors
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Thomas and Scott are double Emmy nominated with fellow CD Sharon Bialy for their work on Netflix's "Dead to Me" and Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale," and their team has cast some of the most memorable television of the 21st century in comedy and drama. They'll join Backstage to talk about their Emmy nominated work and share advice, as well as answer questions from viewers.

Peter Facinelli, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
With a myriad of credits under his belt, Peter Facinelli is likely most recognized for his starring role as Doctor Carlisle Cullen in the blockbuster “Twilight” franchise along with his roles in “Supergirl,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Can’t Hardly Wait,” and more. This week he’ll be answering your questions about acting, directing, writing, and more on our Instagram! After the Q&A beside to catch Facinelli is the film “Countdown” as well as the feature “The Vanished,” which he wrote and directed.

TUESDAY August 18

Michael Rainey Jr., Actor
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Starring as Tariq St. Patrick on Starz’s “Power,” Michael Rainey Jr. has gone from one of the show’s most hated characters to the lead of the 50 Cent– and Courtney A. Kemp–produced spinoff. We sit with the young talent to talk all things “Power Book II: Ghost,” understand how he tackles craft and career, and get more on what fans can expect next from Tariq and the series, which also features Naturi Naughton, Mary J. Blige, Method Man, and more.

WEDNESDAY August 19

Frankie Fearis, Casting Assistant (Sophie Holland Casting)
Zoom Webinar: 8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT/1 p.m. UK
What does auditioning for a major TV series look like right now? Frankie Fearis, casting assistant to Sophie Holland on Netflix’s "The Witcher," is currently in the throes of digital sessions for the second season. We'll learn from Fearis how casting is looking now that things are heating back up again, her tips for making an impression through a screen, and how to best work with with a casting assistant in the room, physically or digitally. Fearis is also the principle of Yourstage Drama School and organizing her second event for mental health charity, CALM, so other topics will include mental health in the arts and getting your child into acting!

Jodi Angstrich, Kate Caldwell + Melissa Kostenbauder, Casting Directors (“Unbelievable”)
Zoom Webinar: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
The Emmy-nominated team behind Netflix's "Unbelievable" joins Backstage in a discussion about casting the powerful miniseries, how they work as a team, and casting advice for actors. Plus, Jodi Angstraich, Kate Caldwell, and Melissa Kostenbauder will answer your questions live!

THURSDAY August 20

Laurie Burke, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke knows how to hone your voiceover skills. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel where she’ll give her tips on how practice voiceover skills so you’re ready to nail your next audition.

FRIDAY August 21

Dylan McDermott, Actor
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Twenty years after his first Emmy nomination for his breakout on "The Practice," Dylan McDermott is deservedly recognized again this year for his latest Ryan Murphy collab, "Hollywood." Sitting with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay, he'll talk about his years-spanning work, how he gets into character, his advice for others getting their start, and more!

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MONDAY August 10

Bret Shuford, Life Coach
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Self-tapes are more important than ever—even for musical theatre actors. Join a chat with life coach and actor Bret Shuford as he gives you 5 tips to improve your musical theatre self-tapes. Coined "the Broadway Life Coach," Shuford's stage credits include "Wicked," "Paramour," and "Beauty and the Beast." His mission is to help actors find fulfillment no matter where they are on their path.

Paul Simms + Stefani Robinson, Writers + Producers ("What We Do in the Shadows")
Zoom Webinar: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Two of the busiest—and Emmy-nominated!—television writers working today are sitting with Backstage to discuss their latest work on FX's hilarious “What We Do in the Shadows”! Showrunner Paul Simms (“The Larry Sanders Show,” “Flight of the Conchords,” “Atlanta”) and writer-producer Stefani Robinson (“Atlanta,” “Fargo,” “Man Seeking Woman”) will join managing editor Benjamin Lindsay in a career and craft deep-dive that’s sure to be a must-watch for anyone looking to break into the industry.

TUESDAY August 11

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
There are a few key mistakes a lot of actors make when building their website. In this YouTube Live Heidi Dean, social media expert for actors, will break down the 5 biggest website mistakes actors make and tell you how to fix them.

Samira Wiley, Actor
Instagram Live: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Samira Wiley is sitting with Backstage for an Instagram Live interview, covering everything from her early career roots to her “Orange Is the New Black” breakout to her Emmy-winning performance on “The Handmaid’s Tale” (for which she’s again nominated this year) to her advice for others in the field and chasing the dream. Don’t miss it!

WEDNESDAY August 12

Judy Bouley, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Judy Bouley returns to talk about auditioning now: advice for being in the Zoom room, reps, reels, and your headshot and résumé when you're not in the room physically. She is busy on projects casting internationally and is thrilled to tell the Backstage audience that Hollywood is back at work and they can be, too.

THURSDAY August 13

Rachel Brosnahan, Actor
Zoom Webinar: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” herself is sitting with Backstage managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk about her decorated, Emmy- and Golden Globe–winning career, her acting technique and training across genres, her advice for others in the biz, and more. Want to have Brosnahan answer your question live on-camera? Register and submit your questions before Thursday for a chance to connect with this talented star.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman live on our YouTube channel as he shows you how to launch your career faster at any age.

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MONDAY August 3

Helen Behan, Actor (“The Virtues”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Helen Behan is an Irish actor based in County Meath. She was BAFTA nominated for her role in Shane Meadows’ Channel 4 drama "The Virtues," starring opposite Stephen Graham. Following this, she went on to shoot "Elizabeth is Missing" for BBC, in which she stars alongside Glenda Jackson. Other credits include AMC's upcoming anthology series "Soul Mates." Don't miss our in-depth interview with Behan on all things acting!

WEDNESDAY August 5

Tom Ellis, Actor (“Lucifer”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Actor Tom Ellis launched to international stardom thanks to his starring role on Netflix's hit series, "Lucifer," which returns with Season 5 later this month. We're sitting with the Welsh talent to deep dive on his career and how he builds such a memorable character.

THURSDAY August 6

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke knows what a good voice over sounds like—and wants to teach you how to record a top notch one. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel where she’ll give her tips on how to record the best sounding voiceover performance.

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TUESDAY July 28

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
If you’re going to invest time running a Facebook Page for your acting career, you need to make sure it looks professional and shows us how to cast you. In this YouTube Live Heidi Dean, social media expert for actors, will show you how to use your Facebook Page as an effective marketing tool as an actor.

WEDNESDAY July 29

Laura Thede, Talent Agent
Zoom Webinar: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
DDO Artists Agency made its mark in the entertainment business in 1969 when founder Dorothy Day Otis created an agency to focus on representing the youth of Hollywood. And it has grown today into a prestigious, well respected agency with offices in Los Angeles and New York City that provide performers representation across the country for commercial, TV, film, voiceover, print, theater, hosting, and sports & specialty. Kids Partner/Talent Agent Laura Thede will be joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for a sit-down interview and audience Q&A. Submit your questions beforehand to get them answered live on-camera!

THURSDAY July 30

Helen Clarkson, Talent Agent
Zoom Webinar: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Join Backstage and Curtis Brown Talent agent Helen Clarkson for this discussion and Q&A about what it takes to be discovered and represented by Curtis Brown, how they work with their actors to mold a successful career, and what you can do to build a great actor/agent relationship. Curtis Brown is one of the largest talent and literary agencies in U.K., representing some of the biggest names in acting, writing, and production. Since 2017, Clarkson has been representing her own roster of talent with actors including Layton Williams, Michael Ball, Bonnie Langford, Carmel Laniado, and casting directors Rachel Freck and Andy Brierly.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to create award-level performances by mastering one of the most powerful advanced tools in an actor’s toolkit.

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TUESDAY July 21

Alison Brie, Actor
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 a.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Alison Brie is simply one of our favorite screen actors working today—and her twice-Golden Globe–nominated turn on Netflix’s “Glow” is just the half of it. “Community,” “Sleeping With Other People,” “Mad Men,” her voiceover work on “BoJack Horseman” and her recent starring role in Sundance hit “Horse Girl,” which she also wrote, all solidify her as a multifaceted talent with only more to come! Next up is “The Rental,” a new thriller written and directed by her husband Dave Franco. Now she’s sitting with Backstage over Instagram Live to talk about it all.

THURSDAY July 23

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor Laurie Burke knows what it takes to make it in the voiceover business—including how to get an agent. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel where she’ll break down the best way to get your first voiceover agent.

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MONDAY July 13

Bret Shuford, Life Coach
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Join a chat with life coach and actor Bret Shuford as he dives into the 10 mistakes musical theater actors make—and how to avoid them. Coined "the Broadway Life Coach," Shuford's stage credits include "Wicked," "Paramour," and "Beauty and the Beast." His mission is to help actors find fulfillment no matter where they are on their path.

TUESDAY July 14

Paapa Essiedu, Actor (“I May Destroy You”)
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Paapa Essiedu has been gracing stages and screens in the U.K. in consistently well-revered productions since the beginnings of his career: lead roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, and Royal Court, plus a string of impressive TV credits including "Gangs of London," "Black Earth Rising," "Kiri," and now "I May Destroy You." Join Backstage and Essiedu for this in-depth conversation about his acting career, advice, and his role on HBO. We'll be talking about how he navigates his way through major roles in U.K. theater and TV, how he prepares, maintaining your own wellbeing when playing sensitive roles, and much more.

Arden Kaywin, Voice Coach
YouTube Live: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Arden Kaywin for a lesson on how the words singers choose to direct themselves affect how you embody technique and what happens to your breath support. She'll discuss three words that will have the biggest impact on improving your breath support.

WEDNESDAY July 15

Chrissy Metz, Actor (“This Is Us”)
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Thanks to her Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated work as Kate Pearson on NBC’s “This Is Us,” Chrissy Metz is one of those TV actors who feels like family. On Dan Fogelman’s hit ensemble drama, she’s one of the reasons audiences can’t keep a dry eye week after week. The singer-actor has also starred in “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser,” “American Horror Story,” and last year’s Oscar-nominated “Breakthrough.” Join us for a check-in with Metz on life in lockdown, navigating the biz, and her advice for fellow performers.

Esther Povitsky, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT/11 p.m. UK
"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," "Dollface," and "Alone Together" star Esther Povitsky is taking over our Instagram to answer your questions. Ask her about acting, writing, comedy, and her first stand-up special "Esther Povitsky: Hot For My Name"—she might just answer them!

THURSDAY July 16

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to develop celebrity-level charismatic confidence, in minutes, to be instantly memorable and launch your career faster.

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MONDAY July 6

Natalie Roy, Actor
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Join actor and co-founder of C.R.E.A.T.E., Natalie Roy, for a discussion about vital self-care for actors during this time live on Backstage’s YouTube channel.

Arden Kaywin, Voice Coach
YouTube Live: 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Arden Kaywin for a lesson on how the words singers choose to direct themselves affect how you embody technique and what happens to your breath support. She'll discuss three words that will have the biggest impact on improving your breath support.

TUESDAY July 7

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Twitter can be a fantastic platform to build your actor brand, build a following and make connections for your acting career. In this YouTube Live, Social Media for Actors Expert Heidi Dean will dive into 10 things actors can do right now to grow their following on Twitter so you can spread the word about your acting projects or build buzz for your acting career.

WEDNESDAY July 8

Kelly Valentine Hendry, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Kelly Valentine Hendry is one of the biggest names in casting in the UK, casting huge TV hits including "Fleabag," "Broadchurch," "Gangs of London," "The Cry & Humans." KVH Casting definitely know a lot about British talent and what it takes to stand out and get cast in what could be your breakout role. Join us for this in depth conversation about Kelly's career, her casting process, what she's looking for and how she finds it and much more.

THURSDAY July 9

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor, Laurie Burke knows what it takes to make it in the voiceover business. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel for her top five tips on how to have a successful voiceover career.

Giancarlo Esposito, Actor
Zoom Webinar: 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. UK
"Breaking Bad" and its prequel series "Better Call Saul" wouldn't be what it is today without the ruthless drug lord Gus Fring, fearsomely played by master of the screen Giancarlo Esposito. His return to the role earned him an Emmy nomination last year—which he's in contention for again this year with his work on Cinemax's "American Gangster" and Disney+'s "The Mandalorian" added to the mix. Join us for a deep-dive sit-down with the longtime character acter to talk all things craft, process, and more.

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MONDAY June 29

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Social media is a double-edged sword. When wielded wisely it is an invaluable tool to research, build relationships and advance your acting career more quickly than ever before. When used carelessly it can do your acting career serious harm. In this YouTube Live, social media expert for actors Heidi Dean will help you fix the biggest social media mistakes that actors make everyday.

Ricky Gervais, Actor + Creator (“After Life”)
Zoom Webinar: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
An international titan of film and TV for the last 20 years, Ricky Gervais is at it again with "After Life" on Netflix, the second season of which premiered in April. Sitting once again with Backstage after his spring 2018 cover story, this 30-minute Zoom webinar will be a deep-dive craft and career interview along with a session-capping audience Q&A, so bring your questions!
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

TUESDAY June 30

Ncuti Gatwa, Actor
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
For his portrayal of Eric in Netflix's "Sex Education," Ncuti Gatwa was been named one of New York Times' Best Performances of 2019, nominated for Best Television Actor at the Scottish BAFTAs in 2019, and has just picked up a nomination for Male Performance in a Comedy Programme for the 2020 BAFTA TV Awards. Before his breakout role on "Sex Education," he starred on BBC drama "Stonemouth" and British sitcom "Bob Servant," in addition to establishing a very impressive theater career in starring roles at HOME Theatre, Manchester, the Duke of York Theatre, Sheffield Crucible, Yard Theatre, and The Globe. Join us for this Instagram Live conversation about his career and acting advice.

WEDNESDAY July 1

Manuel Puro, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Join Backstage and Manuel Puro for this casting Q&A! Puro has over 20 years casting experience working across feature films, television, games, promos, commercials, and shorts. Projects include "Moon" and "Mute" directed by Duncan Jones, "Shaun of Sheep: Farmegeddon" for Aardman Animations and "Planet of the Apes: The Last Frontier," the first in-house video game from Andy Serkis’ The Imaginarium. In 2017 Puro created the Acting Habit, an innovative online platform where actors from all over the world can share their work, receive and give feedback, experiment creatively, and learn new technical skills.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

THURSDAY July 2

Aisha Dee, Actor (“The Bold Type”)
Instagram Q&A: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
“The Bold Type” star Aisha Dee will be channeling her inner Kat and taking over our Instagram to spend the day with you ahead of that night’s big episode. Plus she’ll be answering any questions you have about acting, how she’s doing during lockdown, the hit Freeform show, and more.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
With 20 clients booking leading roles this year, celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman will show you what it takes to launch your career faster from anywhere in the world and land a series lead before it goes to casting. Learn how to market yourself like a celebrity. Get a career-launching game plan that delivers instant results, and insider secrets from the industry's top movers and shakers. Discover how to supercharge your audition rate, and guarantee audition wins.

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SUNDAY June 21

Birgundi Baker, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Spend the day with “The Chi” star Birgundi Baker as she takes over our Instagram to give you a behind-the-scenes look of the hit Showtime show ahead of the season premiere and answer your questions along the way.

MONDAY June 22

Chris Meloni, Actor
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Known for his varied work across screens big and small—“Oz,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Happy!,” and of course “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”—Chris Meloni is a veteran of the bizz with invaluable insight to spare. Next seen on Hulu’s “Maxxx,” premiering July 2020, Meloni sits with Backstage for this special Instagram Live interview to talk craft, career, and more.

TUESDAY June 23

David Mumeni, Artistic Director
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
What's wrong with access and opportunities within the U.K. drama training system? Open Door is a non-profit organization that helps talented young people who do not have the financial support or resources to gain a place at one of the U.K.'s leading drama schools. Join our discussion with the Founder of Open Door, David Mumeni, where we will be talking about his work with the org, the ongoing problems with access to training in the U.K., and how we can all work better as an industry to improve inclusion and equal opportunity.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Bradley Whitford, Actor
Instagram Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
This one’s gonna be good! Two-time Emmy winner and three-time Golden Globe nominee Bradley Whitford (known best for everything from “The West Wing” to “The Handmaid’s Tale”) sits with Backstage’s managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to dive into the secrets of his years-spanning screen success.

Michael Cimino, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
The breakout titular star of "Love, Victor," Michael Cimino, wants to answer your questions! He's taking over our Instagram to answer your burning questions about his new Hulu series, acting, and more.

WEDNESDAY June 24

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for an introduction to brain-based voice training. Byrne will discuss how learning voice is different from learning an instrument, three steps you must go through to make improvements in your voice, examples of brain-based exercises that can fix technical issues, and more.

Avy Kaufman, Casting Director (“Succession,” “High Fidelity”)
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Avy Kaufman's TV and film résumé is long and includes titles like "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," "Waves," "High Fidelity," and "Succession." She won an Emmy award for her work on "Damages." Don't miss this chance to ask her audience questions!
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Carmen Cuba, Casting Director (“Stranger Things,” “Devs,” “Mrs. America”)
Zoom Webinar: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
The Emmy-winning casting director behind "Stranger Things," "Mrs. America," "Devs," "Queen & Slim," "Just Mercy," and so much more sits down with Backstage to talk about her recent work, her casting process, and taking audience questions.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

THURSDAY June 25

Paul Mescal, Actor
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Since Paul Mescal's training in The Lir Academy, Ireland’s National Academy of Dramatic Art, his career was immediately kick-started with consecutive leading stage roles in both Dublin and London before landing his leading role of Connell on the BBC and Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney's "Normal People." Since its release, Mescal has quickly become a household name with critical acclaim for his multi-layered performance and onscreen chemistry with Daisy Edgar-Jones. We'll be talking with him about navigating a fast-propelling career, creating an authentic, bonded performance with your fellow actor, and the acting industry at large in Ireland.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to supercharge your audition rate by identifying, strategizing, and properly preparing for the different styles of auditions. There are over 20 different types of auditions. A callback should be approached with a very different strategy than a first read, and so on. Pearlman will help you learn the key differences.

Alexa L. Fogel, Casting Director (“Ozark,” “The Politician,” “Pose”)
Zoom Webinar: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Emmy-winning casting director Alexa Fogel has put together the casts of projects like "The Plot Against America," "The Outsider," "The Politician," "Pose," "Ozark," and "Atlanta." She'll talk to Backstage about her recent projects and answer viewer questions live.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

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MONDAY June 15

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

TUESDAY June 16

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Maisie Williams, Actor
Instagram Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join Maisie Williams and Backstage's Hannah Marie Williams for an in-depth conversation about her acting career and experiences over the years she has graced our screens. Williams made her big break with her first acting gig on "Game of Thrones" in 2011, and alongside her eight years as Arya Stark, she's also starred on "The Falling," "Doctor Who," "iBoy," "Cyberbully" and onstage in "I & You" at the Hampstead Theatre. Upcoming projects include Marvel's "The New Mutants" and TV series "Two Weeks to Live."

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Should you be on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, or TikTik for your acting career? Join social media expert Heidi Dean for a discussion about what social media an actor needs. Dean will walk through the pros and cons of each platform and the questions you need to answer before using any social network for your career.

WEDNESDAY June 17

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Anthony Mackie + Moni Yakim
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Join actor Anthony Mackie ("Avengers: Endgame," "The Hurt Locker") and celebrated movement instructor Moni Yakim (co-founder of the Juilliard School's drama program) in conversation with Backstage's managing editor Benjamin Lindsay. They'll be discussing acting training, craft, and career in light of the upcoming feature film documentary, "Creating a Character: The Moni Yakim Legacy."
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Judy Bouley, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Casting director Judy Bouley likes to be known for her creativity and kindness in the audition room. She wants to help actors stay creative now. The L.A.-based CD has worked with directors like Tom Hanks, Robert Zemeckis, and more and has worked around the world. Judy will instruct a class in auditioning essentials, how to be in service to yourself and your craft now, and will take questions from viewers who can use her casting expertise to take the next steps in their careers.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

THURSDAY June 18

Mary Burch, Mental Health Counselor
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
How are you looking after your mental health at this time and in this high pressure industry? Industry Minds UK is the award-winning mental health support platform for the creative arts, a charity whose goal is to provide free and low-cost mental health support to anyone in the industry through therapy, seminars, and other useful tools. Join Backstage and Industry Mind's counselor, Mary Burch BEM this Thursday for an informative and practical talk on how we can work toward taking care of our mental health. Burch was awarded a BEM in 2016 and was nominated at the Evening Standard's Public Servant of the Year Awards for her services.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to supercharge your acting career by letting go of the most common industry myths, limiting beliefs, misconceptions, and stories of suffering that hold actors back.

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MONDAY June 8

Ashley Walters, Actor
Instagram Live: 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT/3 p.m. UK
Join Ashley Walters for a Q&A over on our Instagram page. Walters is a leading British film and television actor who has been acting professionally since childhood, winning his first television role in "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" at the age of 10. Today he is best known for his roles in "Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ " and "Bulletboy," for which he won a BIFA Best Newcomer Award in 2004 and on television for his starring roles on "Top Boy" and "Bulletproof."

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Bret Shuford, Life Coach
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Join a chat with life coach Bret Shuford to discuss ways that we all can be actors and activists. Bret will outline three ways that we can grow, heal, discuss, and educate—because that’s where we flourish as artists. Coined "the Broadway life coach," Shuford's stage credits include "Wicked," "Paramour," and "Beauty and the Beast." His mission is to help actors find fulfillment no matter where they are on their path.

TUESDAY June 9

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Victoria Scott, Voiceover Coach
Zoom Session: 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT/6:30 p.m. UK
(**Please note: This session requests participants come prepared with a short scene to work on with Scott.**) Want to get better a voiceover while auditioning for remote acting gigs? Don’t miss this opportunity for hands-on, 1:1 feedback with voiceover coach Victoria Scott. A voiceover coach at the Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts, she will use this session with her years of experience to guide you inside to find your authentic and conscious voice.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

WEDNESDAY June 10

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a 20-minute pop-rock warmup. Byrne will explain the difference between warming up for pop-rock and musical theater, vocal exercises to build your pop-rock technique, and more!

THURSDAY June 11

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to guarantee a win on your next cold read. Joseph will also set the record straight by debunking many common myths about the cold read (i.e. why "frozen" cold reads are abusive!). As always, Joseph will empower you to stand up for yourself with confidence and remind you that we're all in this together!

FRIDAY June 12

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor, Burke knows how to make the perfect voiceover demo reel. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel for tips you can make a great commercial voiceover demo.

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MONDAY June 1

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

***ALL PROGRAMMING POSTPONED TUESDAY June 2

Ashley Walters, Actor
Instagram Live: 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT/3 p.m. UK
Join Ashley Walters for a Q&A over on our Instagram page. Walters is a leading British film and television actor who has been acting professionally since childhood, winning his first television role in "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" at the age of 10. Today he is best known for his roles in "Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ " and "Bulletboy," for which he won a BIFA Best Newcomer Award in 2004 and on television for his starring roles on "Top Boy" and "Bulletproof."

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

WEDNESDAY June 3

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a 20-minute pop-rock warmup. Byrne will explain the difference between warming up for pop-rock and musical theater, vocal exercises to build your pop-rock technique, and more!

THURSDAY June 4

James Pearson + Rosie Pearson, Casting Directors
Zoom Webinar: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Join Backstage and Pearson Casting for a chat and audience Q&A about casting for musical theater and overseas. Pearson Casting is an international, freelance casting house based in Liverpool and London, headed up by husband and wife team, James and Rosie Pearson. Their work spans film, TV, theater, overseas, and cruise ship casting with credits including "SIX The Musical" and "Jerry Springer: The Musical," plus ongoing work with TUI and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

***ALL PROGRAMMING POSTPONED FRIDAY June 5

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, singer, and experienced voiceover actor, Burke knows how to make the perfect voiceover demo reel. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel for tips you can make a great commercial voiceover demo.

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TUESDAY May 26

Rafe Spall, Actor
Zoom Webinar: 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT/3 p.m. UK
Rafe Spall has had a busy year, appearing in the critically acclaimed "Just Mercy," BBC's "The War of the Worlds," BBC's "The Salisbury Poisonings," and having just come off a run of a one-man play at the National Theatre. Spall is on our screens at the moment on AppleTV+'s "Trying" which we will be talking about, along with discussion on his experiences and process and how it applies to the very varied roles he has performed in over his 20 years as an actor.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

WEDNESDAY May 27

Louise Kiely, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Pre-register to join Backstage U.K. Casting Specialist Hannah Marie Williams and Irish casting director Louise Kiely for this casting discussion and Q&A. We will be talking about the casting process for BBC and Hulu's "Normal People," the casting landscape in Ireland, and how Kiely is working at the moment. 
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

THURSDAY May 28

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to make the dangerous acting choices that stand out to book the job and reach Oscar potential on set. There’s nothing like the exhilaration of watching work that feels like it’s teetering on the edge of danger and sanity. Joseph will show how to make choices that take an audience’s breath away. The constant commitment to danger is what separates the “good actor” from the Oscar winner.

Ashley Nicole Black, Actor + Producer
Zoom Session: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK

Ashley Nicole Black is a six-time Emmy nominee (and one-time winner!) for writing on "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee," and she stars in and co-wrote the HBO comedy series, "A Black Lady Sketch Show." She joins Backstage to discuss her writing process and advice for other creatives in the field.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

FRIDAY May 29

Chris Schmidt + Brad Pankosky, Paradigm Talent Agency
Zoom Session: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK

A talent agent at Paradigm Talent Agency for nearly 16 years, Chris Schmidt’s clients include Titus Welliver, Aldis Hodge, Maggie Siff, and Brandon Micheal Hall. Brad Pankosky is a talent agent in the Beverly Hills office of Paradigm Talent Agency, where he represents talent clients including Emily Hampshire, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Brian Cox. Both are joining us for this very special Zoom session for an interview and audience Q&A.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

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MONDAY May 18

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Bret Shuford, Life Coach
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Join a chat with life coach Bret Shuford for tips on how actors can structure their days during a times of crisis such as this one. Coined "the Broadway Life Coach," Shuford's stage credits include "Wicked," "Paramour," and "Beauty and the Beast." His mission is to help actors find fulfillment no matter where they are on their path.

TUESDAY May 19

CDA Panel Discussion
Zoom Webinar: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/12 p.m. UK
Backstage welcomes the Casting Directors Association and four of its board members for a panel discussion and Q&A about casting in the COVID-19 climate and how it might evolve post lockdown. Join our own Hannah Williams and CDs Kate Evans (Kate & Lou Casting), James Pearson (Pearson Casting), Andrea Clark, and Brendan McNamara (Beach Casting) for an informative session and some great chat.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Linda Lamontagne, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK

Linda Lamontagne has worked in both adult and child animation voice casting for shows like “BoJack Horseman,” Undone,” “Ben 10,” and “Infinity Train” and on feature films including “The Angry Birds Movie” and “The Nut Job 2.” Lamontagne will talk with Backstage about her casting process, how voice casting is different from live-action casting, and all the surprising places she’s looked for voices while she takes questions from viewers.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

As an actor, host, and singer, Laurie Burke has done it all—especially when it comes to voiceover work. Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel for tips on how to find out what kind of voiceover work is the best fit for you.

WEDNESDAY May 20

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join Andrew Byrne for a 20-minute mix-belt vocal warmup. Byrne will explain what mix and belt are, what vowels and exercises are best for developing mix and belt, how you can know if you're overdoing it, and walk you through an easy warmup flow everyone can follow!

Jeff Schaffer, Writer + Director + Producer
Zoom Session: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK

Jeff Schaffer has established himself as one of the key players in the world of comedy television, from "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" to "The League" and hit newcomer "Dave." Over the past three decades, Schaffer has continuously contributed iconic moments to the genre across many titles as a producer, writer, and director. Join him and managing editor Benjamin Lindsay for an interview and audience talk-back.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

THURSDAY May 21

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Panel: In-house Production in the Time of COVID-19
Zoom Webinar: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Join us for this exciting panel with some of the leading creative directors and digital strategists in the New York and U.K. markets! We will be providing insight on how the COVID-19 crisis has affected in-house production agencies and the advertising strategies businesses will be adapting moving forward.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how actors of any level can now easily create a winning reel that looks and feels exactly like what celebrities are using. The structure of a high-level acting reel has fundamentally changed over the last three years. Actors are unintentionally closing more doors than they open with reels that don't deliver project relevant material. The industry is evolving at light speed right now. The actor's ability to rapidly adapt to these changes is essential to achieving major industry success.

Elwood Reid, Showrunner
Zoom Session: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

Join our conversation with National Geographic's "Barskins" showrunner Elwood Reid to talk all things creative process, narrative structure, and more. He created and was the showrunner of the Peabody Award–winning series "The Bridge" for FX. He also acted as showrunner for the first season of Showtime’s critically acclaimed series "The Chi." Previous credits include network hits such as "Cold Case" and "Hawaii 5-0." Come ask all your questions and find out what a showrunner actually does!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Elle Fanning, Actor
Instagram Live: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK

Elle Fanning has been acting her entire life, growing up onscreen in both indie darlings and mainstream blockbusters. Since first appearing alongside her sister Dakota Fanning in “I Am Sam,” she has starred in “Super 8,” “Ginger & Rosa,” “Trumbo” (earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination), “20th Century Women,” “The Beguiled,” “Teen Spirit,” and as Princess Aurora in Disney’s “Maleficent” and its sequel. Now starring on Hulu's "The Great," she's joining Backstage for an interview diving deep on her craft and career. 

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MONDAY May 11

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Arden Kaywin, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT/6:30 p.m. UK
There's more that matters in your career than talent. Voice teacher, vocal coach, and vocal producer Arden Kaywin will discuss the importance of understanding that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. She'll explain how most successful singers are not the ones with the most talent but the ones who internalize this statement, how who you become and how you show up in your singing career makes the difference, and more.

Nathalie Kelley, Actor
Instagram Live: 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT/12 a.m. UK
A superstar now playing a superstar in ABC’s "The Baker and the Beauty," Nathalie Kelley joins Backstage on Instagram to chat craft, career advice, and life in quarantine. Audiences may know Nathalie from "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," "Body of Proof," "Dynasty," and "The Vampire Diaries."

TUESDAY May 12

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Jason Lockhart, Talent Agent
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK

Jason Lockhart is a talent agent from Los Angeles who relocated to the Southeast market in 2017 as the Head of TV & Film at one of the most prestigious agencies in Atlanta. Also an accomplished filmmaker, actor, and author, Jason has over 20 years of experience and education in the industry, but after bouncing around several seats in Hollywood, he finds it most rewarding behind the talent agent's desk, where he helps others pursue their dreams. Tune in for this audience Q&A, where he will be answering all your burning questions!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Melia Kreiling, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT/7:30 p.m. UK
Keiling is a true multi-hyphenate, beginning her career as a classically trained dancer before moving into acting with "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "The Last Tycoon." Next, you can catch her on Fox's "Filthy Rich" and on Backstage's Instagram Stories answering all your questions about transitioning between careers, television and film acting, and more!

WEDNESDAY May 13

Lauren Evans, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK

U.K. casting director Lauren Evans has worked on some of the biggest U.K. projects in recent years including "Game of Thrones," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "The Theory of Everything" and "The Immitation Game." Now having cast all the breakout roles on "Sex Education," she certainly has a keen eye for new talent and putting together an amazing ensemble. Join Lauren for this Zoom Q&A to learn more about her experiences, the casting process, and some insider tips.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a 20-minute legit vocal warmup session. Byrne will discuss a legit vocal warmup, why everyone should work on legit voice, how legit singing is different, what pure vowels are, and walk you through an easy warmup flow everyone can follow.

Anthony Anderson, Actor
Instagram Live Interview: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK
Anthony Anderson, a multiple Emmy Award nominee for playing the hilarious Dre Johnson on Kenya Barris' "Black-ish," is known for his comedic timing and effortless chemistry with co-stars. How does he do it? Anthony joins Backstage to impart wisdom to his fellow performers and help guide them through challenging times.

THURSDAY May 14

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to take any acting note from a director or casting director and turn it into an on-set or audition win. Getting a note from a director on set or from casting does not invalidate the choice you made—in many cases, it’s just the opposite. It gives everyone in the room a glimpse of how you like to work and shows that you can make fast adjustments on set.

Elle Johnson, Netflix Showrunner
Zoom Session: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK

Elle Johnson is the co-showrunner of the new Netflix series "Self Made" starring Octavia Spencer, Tiffany Haddish, and Carmen Ejogo. This is a four-part limited series, which follows the legendary entrepreneur Madam CJ Walker's unprecedented success story as the founder and owner of a haircare empire; she was considered the wealthiest African-American businesses woman and wealthiest self-made woman in America at the time of her death in 1919. Elle will be on-hand to answer all your questions about writing, directing, and creating your own work. 
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

How to Make, Pitch, + Produce Your Own Work, Panel Discussion
Zoom Webinar: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

Artists wear many hats! This panel of experts (talent manager and publicist Lindsay Glicksten; author, producer, and writer Naomi McDougall Jones; and actor, director, and producer Jamie Monahan) will discuss how they made their own work and what they did to produce, develop, and pitch their material. Be your own best advocate in the business! From ideas to get you started on creating your own projects and PR, to a roadmap on how to deal with challenges along the way, this panel will inspire you to work on your own content and take control of your digital footprint as an artist.
* Please note this session will be capped at 1,000 participants.

FRIDAY May 15

Sophie Mensah, Actor and Acting Coach
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK

Sophie Mensah is an actress and acting coach at many drama schools across the U.K. including; East15 Acting School, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, ALRA, St. Mary’s University, and more. This class will focus on how to approach a script and a character from scratch, from the first reading of the text to creating a timeline of events and how to work through the text and get all of the information you need to create your character. You will discover the initial detective work the actor needs to do when approaching a role and how to work on a text as a whole. This class will give you the confidence to tackle any script!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Social media expert Heidi Dean returns with YouTube tips for actors! Wondering if you should have a YouTube channel and what content you should put on it? Dean will answer these YouTube questions and more.

Brian Mait, Showrunner
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK

Want to know more about what it's like running the show behind the scenes on a reality television show? What the casting looks like? Location scouting? Filming process? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Daytime Emmy-winning director and producer Brian Mait on all things television creation. A producer on NBC's "1st Look," he'll share his thoughts on developing content, overseeing production crews, establishing narratives, and more for networks including CBS, Comedy Central, Bravo, and MTV.
* Please note this session will be capped at 300 participants.

Robert Ulrich, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

Emmy winner Robert Ulrich has cast over 100 TV shows as part of the casting team Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer, including Amazon’s “The Boys and NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” and he has collaborated with Ryan Murphy for more than a decade on series like “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” and “Feud.” Get advice straight from one of the top CDs in the business when Ulrich speaks with Backstage about his recent projects and takes your questions live on-camera.

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SUNDAY May 3

Nicole Kang, Actor (“Batwoman”)
Instagram Takeover: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
This Sunday, May 3 at 4 p.m. ET, join Nicole Kang, one of the stars of The CW’s “Batwoman” for a behind-the-scenes gliQ&mpse of the show ahead of the new episode. She’ll also be answering your questions about acting, joining the DCTV Universe, and more!

MONDAY May 4

[***POSTPONED***] Leanne Flinn, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Join award winning UK casting director, Leanne Flinn for this Zoom Q&A, which will be loaded with tips and info for all manners of casting. Flinn works across commercials, music videos, film and TV working with a mix of traditional casting methods and searching off the beaten track. As a trained actor, she knows how it feels to be the other side of the room and we will be discussing how that can help casting and actors in a session.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

TUESDAY May 5

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Wondering how you can use social media to connect with casting directors, producers, and others? Join social media expert Heidi Dean for a lesson about how to network on social media. Dean will break down the who, where, and how of networking on social media for your acting career.

Hank Azaria, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Tune into our Q&A with “Brockmire” star Hank Azaria to get all your comedy, voiceover, and acting questions answered on our Instagram story! Known for his iconic VO performances on “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy,” Azaria has built an illustrious career on the small screen spanning more than three decades and six Primetime Emmy wins. He’ll be joining Backstage for an hour to talk shop.

WEDNESDAY May 6

Rachel Freck, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Join Emmy Award–winning UK casting director Rachel Freck for a Zoom Q&A. Freck is responsible for casting great British comedies, "The Office" (UK), "Peep Show," "Him & Her," "Greenwing," films "Confetti" and "Nativity," and TV drama series "Tin Star," "Flack," and "Little Dorrit," which won her the Emmy. Join us for this hour of questions about casting for comedy and drama, nailing a self-tape, and much more.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Andrew Byrne, Voice Coach
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a lesson about fixing springtime allergies. Byrne will discuss the causes of allergic reactions, three sinus drills, a facial stretch to reduce allergic responses, and more!

Darren Barnet, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT/7:30 p.m. UK
Japanese-American actor and writer Darren Barnet (NBC's "This Is Us") takes his place among the next generation of Hollywood heartthrobs with a starring role on Netflix's coming-of-age comedy "Never Have I Ever," created and inspired by executive producer Mindy Kaling's childhood. Catch him taking over our Instagram stories to take your questions about the series, his career, and more!

THURSDAY May 7

Leanne Flinn, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Join award winning UK casting director, Leanne Flinn for this Zoom Q&A, which will be loaded with tips and info for all manners of casting. Flinn works across commercials, music videos, film and TV working with a mix of traditional casting methods and searching off the beaten track. As a trained actor, she knows how it feels to be the other side of the room and we will be discussing how that can help casting and actors in a session.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to instantly win over any room the moment you enter (virtual or in-person) by harnessing the power of your unique personality. The audition doesn’t begin when you start acting. It begins the second you show up!

Julie Tucker, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK

Join an interactive talkback with Julie Tucker designed to quell some of your quarantine concerns. Tucker will be answering all your questions about connecting and building relationships with casting directors during this time.

Arturo Castro, Actor
Instagram Live: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Creator, star, writer, and EP of "Alternatino," which premiered on Comedy Central this past year, Aruro Castro uses humor to navigate a tricky cultural conversation around immigration and American identity as a Latinx immigrant himself. He sits with us to talk about his comedy training, how he played 42 wildly different characters throughout the season, and advice for others in the field.

FRIDAY May 8

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Matthew Hougland, Voice Teacher + Performer
Zoom Session: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK

Matthew Hougland is a NYC-based voice teacher and performer. Having taught at NYU, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan, and Rosie’s Theater Kids, Matthew is pumped to share his passion and knowledge, all while making some awesome face sounds! In this one hour session, Matthew will teach you the basics of straw singing and how it can make your voice feel like butta! AND it's not just for singers, all are welcome! Come and unlock the potential of your voice and we’ll have a candid Q&A about vocal health now and moving forward!

Judy Bouley, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK

Casting director Judy Bouley likes to be known for her creativity and kindness in the audition room. She wants to help actors stay creative now. The L.A.-based CD has worked with directors like Tom Hanks, Robert Zemeckis, and more and has worked around the world. Judy will instruct a class in auditioning essentials, how to be in service to yourself and your craft now, and will take questions from viewers who can use her casting expertise to take the next steps in their careers.

Kristina Latour, Editor
Zoom Session: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

Looking for ways to improve your demo reel? This session will feature demo reel and custom montage editor Kristina Latour of Latour de Force Productions giving constructive feedback you can apply to your own materials! Apply to have your demo reel assessed! Latour a SAG-AFTRA and AEA actor based in New York City. She is highly skilled in taking performance footage and creating reels that are both professional and appealing to watch.

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MONDAY APRIL 27

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Harriet Bass, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK

Tune in for an open forum Q&A with New York's leading independent casting director Harriet Bass. She's cast theater, film, and television projects for ABC, Fox Television Studio, the Minetta Lane Theatre, La MaMa, and more, and is here to answer all your questions about booking work during isolation.

Tom Payne, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. UK
Tune in for a Q&A with the star of Fox's "Prodigal Son" Tom Payne on all things acting! Plus, the U.K. native will share his experience working on both sides of the pond!

TUESDAY APRIL 28

Matt Harrison + Anna Niland, Theater Director + Associate Director of National Youth Theatre
Zoom Session: 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT/3 p.m. UK

Join National Youth Theatre and award-winning director and theater-maker, Matt Harrison for a masterclass on making the most of your monologue. Matt will give participants a tool kit of simple and effective exercises you can use to break down a speech, empowering you as actors to make clear, bold and playful choices.

UPDATE: Steph VS, Fitness Coach***
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Unfortunately, Steph's morning workout has been cancelled this morning. But we have begun uploading his recorded sessions to our YouTube page! You can still get a good workout in with the video embed below:

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT/11 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, and singer, Laurie Burke is well equipped to share how she applies her skills to her voiceover work! Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel for tips on how to choose the best microphone for you and your voiceover career.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29

UPDATE: Steph VS, Fitness Coach***
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Unfortunately, Steph's morning workout has been cancelled this morning. But we have begun uploading his recorded sessions to our YouTube page! You can still get a good workout in with the video embed below:

Andrew Byrne, Voice Coach
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a lesson on using your brain to combat performance anxiety. Byrne will discuss how the brain controls anxiety, offer two breathing drills that can help reduce anxiety, and more!

Rose Byrne, Actor
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Fresh off a Drama Desk Award nomination for her devastating stage performance in "Medea" Off-Broadway, Rose Byrne is joining managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to discuss her latest stellar performance as feminist activist Gloria Steinem on FX on Hulu's "Mrs. America."

Raquel Gardner, Acting Coach
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK

Are you new to acting? Join acting coach Raquel Gardner to get all your questions about being a new actor answered. Gardner will share her over 30 years experience in the industry and the tips for success that landed a few of her clients gigs on Netflix, Starz, FOX, NBC, and HBO. In 2015, she founded the Actors Mark, a safe space for actors to build a solid technique in their craft and understanding of the business side to their career. Preregister for this webinar at the link above.

THURSDAY APRIL 30

Sophie Holland, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT/2 p.m. UK
Join casting director Sophie Holland for an audience Q&A session on Zoom. Sophie's credits include Netflix's "The Witcher," and her experience spans across a wide range of genre in film,  TV, and theater. Come and learn from Sophie's incredibly varied expertise and get inspired by her positive movement, #castingcrushescorona.

UPDATE: Steph VS, Fitness Coach***
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Unfortunately, Steph's morning workout has been cancelled this morning. But we have begun uploading his recorded sessions to our YouTube page! You can still get a good workout in with the video embed below:

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Based on Anthony Hopkins' technique for seamless memorization, celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman will show you how to memorize your next audition with zero effort. You cannot be thinking about your next line while also delivering a truly "great" performance. Solid memorization allows you to seamlessly tune your heartbeat to the character's heartbeat to create dangerous and brave performances that stand out and get you booked.

Chaim Magnum, Vice President of Lemon Lime Agency
Zoom Session: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK

Lemon Lime is an unconventional and cutting edge commercial, modeling and influencer agency located in Los Angeles, California. Lemon Lime specializes in authentically cool talent and models. Join agency VP Chaim Magnum for this Zoom seminar where he will be taking all your questions on what he looks for in prospective clients, how actors can find success in commercials and modeling, and what today's climate of COVID-19 means for the industry at large. 

FRIDAY May 1

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Mary Page Nance, Broadway Performer
Zoom Session: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK

You can't attend a Broadway show, but you can dance like you're on one of its stages! Tune into this live hour-long dance class of the original choreography from Broadway's "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812" led by former ensemble member Mary Page Nance. In addition to "Great Comet," she was in the original cast of "Finding Neverland" on Broadway, and she toured the country with the First National Company of "Bright Star."

Lauren Corry, Associate Casting Director
Instagram Q&A: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK
An associate casting director at Rapaport/Baldasare Casting in Los Angeles, Lauren Corry will be offering her tips on self-tape success and audition etiquette! In the past three years, she has worked on shows such as "Arrow," "The Flash," "Riverdale," "Supergirl," and "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." In addition, Lauren is currently casting a pilot for the CW titled "Superman & Lois" starring Tyler Hoechlin & Bitsie Tulloch!

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MONDAY APRIL 20

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Quentin Dunne, Mental Health Professional
Backstage Forums AMA: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
In these unprecedented times, taking care of your mental health is crucial. If you have specific questions or just need some guidance on how to get through this time, licensed therapist Quentin Dunne will be taking questions on the Backstage Forums today!

Wendi McLendon-Covey, Actor
Instagram Live: 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT/7:30 p.m. UK
Few actors can land a joke like Wendi McLendon-Covey. The actor, best known for sitcoms like "The Goldbergs," blockbuster comedies like "Bridesmaids," and now the highly anticipated reboot of "Reno 911!" on Quibi sits with managing editor Benjamin Lindsay to talk craft, career, comedy advice, and switching up genres as an actor. (She'll next be seen giving an off-brand, devastating turn in indie drama "Blush.")

Mel Mack, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Learn the ins and outs of putting together a self-tape with Mel Mack! She'll walk you through her personal set-up before detailing specifics on eye-line, connecting with your reader, and more! Mel has worked in entertainment in New York City and Los Angeles for 18+ years and owns and operates the Mel Mack Acting Studio. She began teaching 15 years ago and helps actors gain on-camera confidence while finding comedic timing within scripts for TV and film—ranging from beginning to advanced levels as well as workshops, career coaching, and advice sessions.

TUESDAY APRIL 21

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Not sure what to post on social media for your acting career? Social media expert Heidi Dean will walk you through her three-step process for making sure you always have the right content to share.

Quentin Dunne, Mental Health Professional
Backstage Forums AMA: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
In these unprecedented times, taking care of your mental health is crucial. If you have specific questions or just need some guidance on how to get through this time, licensed therapist Quentin Dunne will be taking questions on the Backstage Forums today!

Mary Page Nance, Broadway Dancer
Instagram Q&A: 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT/7:30 p.m. UK
Need some advice for making it to Broadway? Tune in to our audience talkback with Broadway performer Mary Page Nance. She was in the original casts of "Finding Neverland" and "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812" on Broadway, and she toured the country with the First National Company of "Bright Star." She'll be taking all your questions on all things Broadway!

Steven Tylor O'Connor, Associate Casting Director
Zoom Session: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

Tune in for a Q&A with casting associate Steven Tyler O’Connor, an Artios Award–winning associate for his work on Disney's "Andi Mack.” He was named the 2019 Casting Associate of the Year by the CSA and currently sits on their Inclusion & Diversity committee. A CD in his own right, Steven spends what little free time he has writing and producing.

Thea McLeod, Casting Director (**AU + UK**)
Instagram Live: 7 p.m. AU/10 a.m. UK
Thea McLeod of McLeod Casting is one of Australia's most prominent casting directors with a wide breadth of work ranging from international films to television, notably "Neighbours." Thea has cast many A-list actors including Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Rachael Taylor, Josh Lawson, Xavier Samuel, and a Academy Award winner Jackie Weaver. With a career spanning acting and casting in the UK & Australia, Thea has a passion for discovering and nurturing the next generation of A-lister from Australia and beyond.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Andrew Byrne, Voice Coach
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a lesson in core training for performers.

Raquel Gardner, Acting Coach
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK

Are you new to the business of acting? Join our conversation on how to kick-start your career as a beginning actor with Raquel Gardner, an acting coach with over 30 years of experience in the industry and a list of clients currently working on Netflix, Starz, FOX, NBC, and HBO. In 2015, she founded the Actors Mark, a safe space for actors to build a solid technique in their craft and understanding of the business side to their career. Preregistration for this webinar is required. Click the link above to sign up! 

Kristen Paladino, Casting Director
Backstage Forums AMA: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Knowing how to give a casting director what they're looking for in a self-tape is the key to getting your foot in the door for any role. Now's your chance to ask all your questions about how to do just that: CD Kristen Paladino is jumping on Backstage's forums! Kristen and her keen eye are renowned for uncovering hard-to-find, highly specialized, raw talent. Paladino Castings’ commercials are celebrated both domestically and abroad, while their films have screened at the world’s top festivals and venues including Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW, and Cannes. Clients include Converse, Google, Adidas, Gerber, Dior, NBC, HBO, Facebook, Comedy Central, GLAAD, and multiple SVOD services.

Harvey Guillen, Actor
Backstage Forums AMA: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK
You may know Harven Guillen as Guillermo in FX’s hilarious and one-of-a-kind vampire series “What We Do in the Shadows,” from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The GLAAD Award-winning actor and producer has also starred in “Eye Candy,” “Huge,” “The Magicians,” and “The Internship.” Join Harvey for a deep dive into his creative process, the secrets to delivering great comedy, and more!

THURSDAY APRIL 23

Emma Crompton, Casting Director and Associate 
Zoom Q&A: 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT/11 a.m. UK

Join us for a Q&A with UK casting director Emma Crompton. Emma has worked in casting on projects for Channel 4, BBC, ITV, Lionsgate, Disney, Sony, Universal, Netflix, Warner Brothers, and Amazon Studios. She will be giving advice on self-tape prep, auditioning for comedy roles, how she casts for main roles vs. smaller roles, and more!

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Alison Franck, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK

Get a crash course on all things musical theater auditions with casting director and CSA member Alison Franck. Topics will include how to prepare a video submission for musical theater, what you can be doing to improve your audition skills while at home, and how to make sure you're in tip-top shape for your first in-person audition post-pandemic.

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you how to out-fun the many forms of fear. The single biggest thing that holds actors back from their dream careers is fear: fear of not being enough, fear of being too big with your choices, fear of pitching yourself on the phone, etc. You will learn some simple and impactful ways to burn through the fog of fear, in minutes, and reclaim total control of your career. Joseph believes that it's easier to launch your career faster and reach Oscar potential when you prioritize fun!

Kristen Paladino, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

Join us for a Q&A with casting director Kristen Paladino on all things casting. Plus, enter for a chance to receive personalized feedback on your reel, a run of sides, or your acting materials after the talkback. Paladino and her keen eye are renowned for uncovering hard-to-find, highly specialized, raw talent. Paladino Castings’ commercials are celebrated both domestically and abroad, while their films have screened at the world’s top festivals and venues including Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW, and Cannes. Clients include Converse, Google, Adidas, Gerber, Dior, NBC, HBO, Facebook, Comedy Central, GLAAD, and multiple SVOD services.

FRIDAY APRIL 24

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Josh Hutcherson + Eliza Coupe, Actors (“Future Man”)
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Eliza Coupe and Josh Hutcherson star as time-traveling heroes on Hulu’s sci-fi comedy “Future Man,” which recently aired its third season. Between Josh’s action bona fides (“The Hunger Games” franchise) and Eliza’s comedic chops (“Happy Days,” “Scrubs”), these co-stars are a match made in heaven. Both Eliza and Josh will appear on Backstage’s Instagram Live to chat life during the coronavirus crisis and take us behind the scenes of their hit series.

Gloria Calderón Kellett, “One Day at a Time” showrunner
Zoom Webinar: 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT/7:30 p.m. UK

Gloria Calderón Kellett is the executive producer, co-creator, co-showrunner, director, and actor on the critically acclaimed Pop TV sitcom "One Day at a Time," starring Justina Machado, Rita Moreno, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, and Todd Grinnell. She joins Backstage to speak on the effects of coronavirus on the television industry and offer her showrunner and industry pro perspective on how and when casts and crews can return to work safely. NOTE: This webinar requires preregistration, so be sure to register at the link above and tune in on Zoom!

Alexander Dreymon, Actor
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Alexander Dreymon has earned global attention for his lead role as Viking hero Uhtred of Bebbanburg in the historical drama The Last Kingdom which returns to Netflix for a fourth season on April 26. He's sitting with Backstage in the lead-up to discuss the larger-than-life series, marrying technique with action sequences, and his best advice for those wanting to follow in his footsteps.

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MONDAY APRIL 13

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Shawn Allen McLaughlin, Actor + Headshot Studio Manager with Rex Lott Photography
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Shawn has worked at a New York City photo studio for 12 years, and he brings tips and pointers to help actors best prepare for their headshot shoot: choosing a photographer, picking your outfits, and keeping your crazy in check.

Julia Flores, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Award-winning casting director Julia Flores is here to answer all your questions about the casting process plus how to stay active during quarantine. Based in Los Angeles, her casting work has been featured at the Boston Court Theatre, Ensemble Theatre Company, The Pasadena Playhouse, Universal Studios, and more.

Kayli Carter, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Kayli Carter is taking over our Instagram to answer YOUR questions! A star on FX's "Mrs. America," in which she appears opposite Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, and Sarah Paulson, the New York–based actor has tons of advice to share. Tune in and don't miss it!

TUESDAY APRIL 14

Louise Collins, Casting Director (***MEMBERS ONLY***)
Zoom Session: 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT/11 a.m. UK
Please note: Submissions are now closed
Join casting director Louise Collins of Collins Casting for 1:1 sessions. Louise has cast for brands including Facebook, Nike, Mcdonalds, and Sony, along with music videos for Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi, and Ella Eyre. Collins Casting have also cast a great list of award-winning films including "The Fighter," winner of best short at BFI London Film Festival and "Devils Harmony," winner of the Jury Prize for short film at Sundance. Collins will be giving individual feedback in these 121 sessions, please apply via the Backstage link.

Elizabeth Stanley, Actor
Instagram Takeover: 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT/3 p.m. UK
Join "Jagged Little Pill" star Elizabeth Stanley as she takes you through her day in isolation, shows you how she stays busy, and answers your questions about Broadway, acting, and more!

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Wondering how you can make the most of Instagram to build your brand and make connections for your career? In this session, social media expert Heidi Dean shares her five game-changing Instagram tips for actors and why they're important for success.

Harriet Bass, Casting Director
Zoom Webinar: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Tune in for an open forum Q&A with New York's leading independent casting director Harriet Bass. She's cast theater, film, and television projects for ABC, Fox Television Studio, the Minetta Lane Theatre, La MaMa, and more, and is here to answer all your questions about booking work during isolation.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 15

Matt Harrison + Anna Niland, Theater Director + Associate Director of National Youth Theatre
Zoom Session: 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT/3 p.m. UK
Join National Youth Theatre and award-winning director and theater-maker Matt Harrison for a masterclass on making the most of your monologue. Matt will give participants a toolkit of simple and effective exercises they can use to break down a speech, empowering them as actors to make clear, bold, and playful choices. We’ll be working on an example monologue from ‘The Fall,’ a play by Olivier Award–nominated writer James Fritz, which Matt directed for the National Youth Theatre in 2018 and which was nominated for three Off–West End Awards.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Mel Mack, Acting Teacher + Casting Director
Instagram Q&A: 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT/4:30 p.m. UK
Get all your on-camera questions answered on our latest Instagram Q&A! From self-tapes to television, Melonie “Mel” Mack has got you covered. She's worked in entertainment in New York City and Los Angeles for over 18 years and owns and operates the Mel Mack Acting Studio. Mel began teaching 15 years ago and helps actors gain on-camera confidence while finding comedic timing within scripts for TV and film—ranging from beginning to advanced levels, as well as workshops, career coaching, and advice sessions.

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a lesson about using internal vs. external focus in your singing. Byrne will explain what internal and external focus are, provide a way for you to test which focus is better for you, and offer focus drills for each.

THURSDAY APRIL 16

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Katie Johannigman, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Musical Theater at CCM
Instagram Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Tap your troubles away with Katie Johannigman from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Join her for a tappy hour of musical theater tap for beginners (with a few advanced steps thrown in for good measure!) Starting with a warm up and a couple of technique steps, come learn a short, and fun combination in 40 minutes! You can take this in sneakers on your kitchen floor so your neighbors don't lose their minds, or get out those tap shoes, Francis, and brush up your steps!

Melanie Forchetti, Casting Director
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Casting director Melanie Forchetti will share her tips for maximizing your time now so you can hit the ground running when production resumes.

FRIDAY APRIL 17

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman as he shows you why you're only one job away from something huge happening in your career. Major industry success is a result of impact, not effort. Joseph will show you how he helps actors launch their dream careers faster with less effort while helping you to destroy limiting beliefs and identify fear-based advice that holds actors back from their success potential. Get a winning strategy to have the best booking year ever—on your own terms!

Lauren Lapkus, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Lauren Lapkus is an actress and improviser best known for her role as prison guard Susan Fischer on Netflix's "Orange is the New Black," which won her a SAG award. She was most recently seen starring in Netflix’s "Between Two Ferns: The Movie" opposite Zach Galifianakis, and next will star in another Netflix feature, "The Wrong Missy," opposite David Spade and produced by Adam Sandler. In 2018, she starred in "The Unicorn," which premiered at SXSW. In 2017, she was nominated for an Emmy for her role of Samantha Newman on Funny Or Die's "The Earliest Show." She'll be taking over our Instagram to answer all your questions about how to turn your experience in improv comedy into a long-lasting on-camera career. 

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MONDAY APRIL 6

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK

Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Arden Kaywin, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. UK
Voice teacher, vocal coach, and vocal producer Arden Kaywin will discuss the secret to singing freely (aka how to never deal with tension and strain again). Join Kaywin for a lesson looking at how tension and strain impact singers and why you need to make these your new best friends.

Kevin Bacon, Actor
Instagram Q&A: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/10 p.m. UK
Kevin Bacon joins us live on Instagram for a sit-down interview with Backstage's managing editor Benjamin Lindsay. The Golden Globe winner is currently doing everything right during the COVID-19 pandemic and urging others to self-isolate with his #IStayHomeFor campaign. Plus, he gives one of the year's best television performances in Showtime's freshman drama "City on a Hill." He'll chat all that and more—and he might even take some audience questions before we're through.

TUESDAY APRIL 7

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Daryl Eisenberg, Casting Director
Instagram Q&A: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Eisenberg’s back with us! A managing partner over at Eisenberg/Beans Casting, this New York–based CD will be hosting an uncensored Q&A answering all the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask until now! Head to our stories on Instagram for the full debrief.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 6 p.m./3 p.m./11 p.m. UK
As an actor, host, and singer, Burke is well equipped to share how to set up the perfect at home voiceover studio! Join her on Backstage's YouTube channel for tips you can improve your voiceover set up while you’re stuck at home.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 8

Abigail Millar, Agent Assistant With Curtis Brown
Instagram Q&A: 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT/3 p.m. UK
Our rescheduled Q&A with Curtis Brown’s Millar, who will be taking all your questions! Don’t miss this opportunity to chat with a leading UK talent & literacy agency.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a lesson about how you can assess your breathing mechanics. Byrne will share four home tests you can use to see how well you're breathing, ways to assess the movement of your diaphragm, and more!

Julie Tucker, Casting Director at Tucker/Meyerson Casting
Zoom Session: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Tucker’s first session was such a success, she’s back for another! The Emmy-winning casting director will be taking all your questions via Zoom—everything from audition techniques to self-tape advice to staying sharp during quarantine is fair game! 

Giada Matteini, Director of NYU Tisch’s Second Avenue Dance Company
Instagram Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK

Giada is the director of NYU Tisch’s Second Avenue Dance Company. As the instructor in charge of moving dance education online, she will speak on movement in small spaces, preparing your living room, and giving your home space the same energy and magic as the studio. Matteini is a choreographer and the artistic director of contemporary dance production Nutcracker NYC and as a Florence native has facilitated collaboration and exchanges between European and American dance companies.

THURSDAY APRIL 9

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Rikki Gimelstob, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Join an interactive Q&A with New York–based CD Rikki Gimelstob! She worked as a staff member at Telsey + Company for five years and has also worked with Donna Grossman Casting and NBC/Universal. Her credits include everything from St. Ann’s Warehouse productions “THE JUNGLE” to Geico, Verizon, and Macy’s commercials.  

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Want to guarantee a win on your next self-tape audition? Pearlman, an acting coach and Backstage Expert, will show you what it takes to launch your career faster from anywhere in the world, and supercharge your booking rate. He’ll also discuss the technical expectations and must-haves for a winning video audition.

Robert Jr., Casting Director at Digital Dogs Casting
Instagram Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
For the actors out there thinking of launching their careers in commercials when everything is back up and running, prepare yourself with this Q&A session from the owner of boutique commercial and feature film casting company Digital Dogs. Topics will include what CDs look for in actor auditions, improving your self-tapes, updating your promo materials, and staying connected.

Brett Hahalyak, Casting Associate at Bullock & Snow Casting
Backstage Forums: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Not used to auditioning outside of your comfort zone? Bullock and Snow Casting Associate and former professional dancer Brett Hahalyak will be answering your questions about transitioning seamlessly into a different type of performance than you're used to. Hahalyak received his BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts and is based in Los Angeles. His credits include Nickelodeon hit shows "Henry Danger" and “Danger Force", so multi-cam TV audition questions are definitely welcome!

FRIDAY APRIL 10

Warren Blackmore, Production Company Founder + TV Commercial Director
Zoom Session: 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT/1:30 p.m. UK
Edit your showreel content and cut your own reel from home with this tutorial with Warren Blackmore, owner of Lab Class Ltd. Please download the free seven-day trial to Adobe Premiere Pro if you want to work along: https://tinyurl.com/vb2tuf8

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

AnnaSophia Robb, Actor
Backstage Forums AMA: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Join "Little Fires Everywhere" star AnnaSophia Robb for an AMA on the Backstage forums! From acting advice to what it's like to star on major streaming series like "Little Fires" and "The Act," Robb will answer all your questions!

Coco Kleppinger, Casting Associate + Acting Coach
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Want to take your audition technique to the next level? Join Coco Kleppinger as she walks you through some her best tips and answers all your questions!

Denise Simon, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. UK
Kid and teen actors (aged 7–18) can join acting coach Denise Simon for this lesson about creating your own content. Simon will discuss looking at your artistic skills and how you can use them to create content like a one-person show!

Sam Trammell, Actor
Instagram Takeover:6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT/11 p.m. UK
Star of stage and screen Sam Trammell will join his fellow working actors on Instagram to chat about his creative process and life amid the coronavirus crisis. A Tony Award nominee known for his work on "True Blood," "This Is Us," and "The Fault in Our Stars," Trammell now stars as a vice-president-turned-president on the thrilling final season of "Homeland."

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MONDAY MARCH 30

Finlay Robertson, Commercial Casting Assistant + Actor
Zoom Session: 7 a.m. ET/4 a.m. PT/midday UK
Join this UK-based industry pro for a talk and Q&A around casting for commercials! Alongside Finlay’s extensive TV and theater credits, he has also appeared in countless national and international commercials including recent campaigns for Renault, Bosch, Qualcomm, and Skoda. When not acting, he runs sessions for commercials casting directors such as Hammond & Cox, Hannah Birkett, and Belinda Norcliffe. This session aims at demystifying the casting process from both sides of the camera: how commercial castings work, how to book a job, and how to get the most out of that job.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Heidi Dean, Social Media Expert
YouTube Live: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Not sure what you should be doing with your social accounts right now? Join our social media Expert as she offers 10 ways you can clean up your social media for your acting career.

Ken Davenport, Theater Producer
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Are you aspirations of hitting the Broadway stage after this is all over really sinking in these days? We’ve got just the thing: 10 audition tips plus a Q&A with this Tony-winning Broadway producer. Davenport has done everything from “Once on This Island” to “Kinky Boots” to Deaf West Theatre’s “Spring Awakening.” Tune in and soak up the knowledge!

Kathryn Gallagher, Star of Broadway’s “Jagged Little Pill”
Instagram Q&A: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Missing Broadway? So are we, and while it’s gonna be a little while until we can head to the theater again, we’ve got the next best thing: “Jagged Little Pill” star Kathryn Gallagher is taking over our Instagram to hang, answer your questions, and hold us over until the Great White Way is back up and running! Head to our profile, and check out our stories for the full brief.

Robert Jr, Owner of Digital Dogs Casting
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
For the actors out there thinking of launching their careers in commercials when everything is back up and running, prepare yourself with this Q&A session from the owner of boutique commercial and feature film casting company Digital Dogs. Topics will include setting career goals during this tough time, improving your self-tapes, updating your promo materials, and staying connected.

TUESDAY MARCH 31

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Sarah Dahnke, Movement Coach + Choreographer
Zoom Session: 1 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT/6 p.m. UK
Get the skills you need to get through a principal call as an actor who doesn’t really dance with this movement coach on Zoom!

Joseph Pearlman, Acting Coach
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Join this acting coach and Backstage Expert for an hour-long class detailing fun and practical ways actors can train and stay proactive while practicing social distancing and self-isolation.

Zachary Spiegel, Associate Casting Director, Bullock & Snow Casting
Backstage Forums: 4 p.m. ET. 1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Are you a theater actor hoping to make the leap to on-camera, or vice versa? Get all your questions answered about the casting processes for theater versus multi-cam comedy television by Associate Casting Director Zachary Spiegel of Bullock & Snow Casting right here on Backstage’s forums.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Kristin Calabria, Yoga Teacher + Actor
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Utilizing the foundations of the mindfulness practice, tune into Calabria on Zoom to reconnect knowledge of mind, body, and heart through movement and breath with a 45-minute, open-level vinyasa flow!

Julie Tucker, Casting Director at Tucker/Meyerson Casting
Zoom Session: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. GMT
This interactive talkback with Tucker just might quell all your quarantine concerns. Tucker will be answering all your questions about staying active over the coming weeks and more!

THURSDAY APRIL 2

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Julia Flores, Casting Director
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Award-winning casting director Julia Flores is here to answer all your questions about the casting process plus how to stay active during quarantine. Based in Los Angeles, her casting work has been featured at the Boston Court Theatre, Ensemble Theatre Company, The Pasadena Playhouse, Universal Studios, and more.

Melanie Forchetti, Casting Director
YouTube Live: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
If you’re looking for someone to answer all your self-tape questions during a time when they’re more important than ever, look no further than this Q&A on YouTube Live with Forchetti!

FRIDAY APRIL 3

Abigail Millar, Agent Assistant at Curtis Brown
Instagram Q&A: 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT/11 a.m. UK
UPDATE: We had technical difficulties with Abigail Millar’s Q&A and will be rescheduling for a new time soon! Apologies for the confusion and thank you for understanding.

Join Abigail Millar, Agent Assistant at leading UK talent & literacy agency, Curtis Brown, who will be taking your questions from our Instagram page.

*MEMBER EXCLUSIVE*
Sophie Kingston-Smith, Casting Director & Casting Associate, Rose Wicksteed Casting
Are you a UK-based actor seeking some personalized feedback on your work? Now’s your chance with Kingston-Smith who will be holding 1:1 sessions with a selection of Backstage members to critique and give tips on performance. Click here for more details.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/4 p.m. UK
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him for a daily 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Bridie Coughlan, Makeup Artist
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK
Who know what will have changed about your look on the other side of self-isolation. Now’s the time to brush up on your makeup skills! Join Coughlin for a 30-minute tutorial on how to achieve various looks for on-camera and headshots.

Kristin Calabria, Yoga Teacher + Actor
Zoom Session: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/7 p.m. UK
Utilizing the foundations of the mindfulness practice, tune into Calabria on Zoom to reconnect knowledge of mind, body, and heart through movement and breath with a 45-minute, open-level vinyasa flow!

Kate Walsh, Actor
Instagram Live: 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT/11:30 p.m. UK
Kate Walsh joins us live from Australia(!) to chat craft, career, and staying creatively active in quarantine. Best known for her acclaimed performances on "Grey's Anatomy," "13 Reasons Why," "Fargo," and most recently "The Umbrella Academy" on Netflix, Walsh can next be seen in Mike Doyle's indie rom-com, "Almost Love."

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MONDAY MARCH 23

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/3 p.m. GMT
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him on the Backstage Zoom for a 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Michael J. Brian, Casting Director
Instagram Story Q&A: 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/4 p.m. GMT
Join this theater, film, and television casting director for 45 minutes of advice on how to stay sharp during quarantine, and answer your questions about auditions and technique on Backstage’s Instagram Story! His credits include theatrical shows at North Carolina Theatre, Pasadena Civic, and Laguna Playhouse, plus network pilots and episodics, films, and new media projects. 

Arden Kaywin, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT/9 p.m. GMT
Kaywin is a voice teacher, vocal coach, and vocal producer in Los Angeles with over 15 years of experience working with developing singers and nearly 20 years as a professional singer herself. Join her for a lesson in how to stay mindful through this challenging time on our YouTube channel.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/3 p.m. GMT
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him on Backstage’ Zoom for a 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Christine McKenna-Tirella, Backstage NY Casting Specialist + Casting Director
Instagram Story Q&A: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/7 p.m. GMT
Curious about how to handle your auditions while at home? McKenna-Tirella will be answering all your questions on our Instagram Story! 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Emily Fletcher, Founder of Ziva Meditation + Former Broadway Actor
Instagram Live: 10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. GMT
Emily Fletcher is the founder of Ziva Meditation and the leading expert in meditation for extraordinary performance. Join her for a 30-minute guided meditation using a powerful trifecta of mindfulness, meditation, and manifesting designed to unlock your full potential live on our Instagram.

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/3 p.m. GMT
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him on Backstage’s Zoom for a 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Andrew Byrne, Voice Teacher
YouTube Live: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/4 p.m. GMT
Join voice teacher Andrew Byrne for a lesson on why singers should work on their balance on our YouTube channel. Byrne will cover what your balance system is, why it's important, drills you can follow, and more.

Kate Lumpkin, Casting Director
Instagram Story Q&A: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/8 p.m. GMT
Casting director Kate Lumpkin will be holding her Industry Office Hours live on Backstage’s Instagram!  Have questions about pilot season? Want to know how to make the most out of an open call? Curious about best practices for keeping in touch with creatives? Head to Backstage’s Instagram story for a one-hour Q&A session where Kate will be answering all of your industry questions!

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/3 p.m. GMT
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him on Backstage’s Zoom for a 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Kelley Buttrick, Voiceover Actor
YouTube Live: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT/6 p.m. GMT
Head to our YouTube channel to hear tips and tricks from Buttrick as she walks through marketing and business planning for voiceover actors. An award-winning voiceover talent she’s been featured on Disney, Michelin Tires, Country Crock, ESPN, McDonald’s, Target, IBM, Marriott, Pampers, Tennis Channel, Clinique, and others.

Laurie Burke, Voiceover Teacher
YouTube Live: 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/8 p.m. GMT
As an actor, host, and singer, Burke is well equipped to share how she applies her skills to her voiceover work! Join her on Backstage’s YouTube channel for tips you can use to do the same.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Natalie Anson-Wright, Acting Coach
Zoom Session: 7 a.m. ET/4 a.m. PT/11 a.m. GMT
Join acting coach Anson-Wright on Zoom for a practical and informative session outlining the popular Ivana Chubbuck technique used by Charlize Theron, James Franco, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Jared Leto to name a few. Natalie will be discussing how it can best help your craft and career, with exercises you can do at home!

Steph VS, Fitness Coach
Zoom Session: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT/3 p.m. GMT
Steph VS is an NYC-based fitness trainer and expert. A professional field hockey player for almost 10 years, he represented Brazil at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Join him on our Zoom for a 40-minute weight- and equipment-less workout to kick off your day!

Daryl Eisenberg, Casting Director 
Instagram Story Q&A: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT/4 p.m. GMT
A managing partner over at Eisenberg/Beans Casting, this New York–based CD will be hosting an uncensored Q&A answering all the questions youve been too afraid to ask until now! Head to our stories on Instagram for the full debrief.

Karlee Fomalont, Casting Associate
Backstage Forum AMA: 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT/5:30 p.m. GMT
TV and film auditions might be on hold for a bit, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn't be prepared to handle them when they pick back up! Drop all your burning questions for Fomalont, a CSA Casting Associate with credits including The Post and The Get Down, on the Backstage Forums. She’ll be answering them!

Alexa Mansour, Star of “The Walking Dead: World Beyond”
Instagram Live Q&A: 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. GMT
Actor and singer-songwriter Mansour is ready to share how she’s dealing with quarantine as well as a song or two! Join her for a 30-minute Instagram Live.

Matt Bomer, Star of “The Sinner”
Instagram Live Q&A: 5 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. GMT
Fans of “The Sinner” listen up! This is your chance to join Emmy nominee and Backstage cover star Matt Bomer in a sit-down conversation with Managing Editor Benjamin Lindsay. We'll be diving deep on the series' thrilling season finale (airing on USA Network Thursday, March 26) while also picking the actor's brain on all things craft and career. We might even ask your questions live on our Instagram! Tune in!

Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click herefor auditions you can do from home!