For Larry Newman, stepping onto a stage used to be second nature. In his twenties, he made a living performing regional theater, spent a year in A Chorus Line at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, and even entertained on cruise ships.
“It was a dream at the time,” he said. But stage fright soon crept in, making auditions increasingly unbearable. “Without the ability to confidently put myself out there, my performing career faded.”
What followed was an entirely different kind of success: a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, a move to Iowa, and a thriving career as a nurse practitioner and assistant clinical professor. The creative spark? Quiet, but not extinguished.
Then, years later, something unexpected happened.
It started with a TikTok
One casual scroll changed everything. Newman stumbled across New York actor Sarah Pribis on TikTok. Her videos broke down the self-tape process and demystified on-camera auditions for film and commercials.
“Her content was both entertaining and eye-opening,” he said. “It made me realize that opportunities in entertainment weren’t limited to traditional theater.”
He didn’t need to quit his job or move to LA—he just needed a good internet connection and a little courage. Inspired, he dusted off old photos, built a Backstage profile, and started applying to student films in Chicago, a few hours from his home.
“Incredibly, I landed a role that same month. That early success showed me what was possible.”
Larry’s landed a role in A Night at the Circus, an ambitious student film by writer-director Robin Manganaro and casting director Vy Pham. The emerging filmmakers discovered Larry on Backstage and immediately saw his potential.
“He nailed the satirical tone I was looking for,” Manganaro said. “And he was an absolute joy to work with.” Their praise echoes Larry’s own experience: of being cast, supported, and inspired by young creatives who trusted him to bring something meaningful to the screen.
Putting in the work, enjoying the ride
Now in his sixties, Newman’s version of acting success looks a little different than it used to. “At this stage, it’s about engaging in the craft professionally without the overwhelming pressure of making a living from it. And that, honestly, has made it even more fun.”
He still works full-time in healthcare, so he’s selective about the projects he pursues. Backstage makes that easy. “One of the best things is how it highlights roles tailored to my profile, so I’m not wasting time scrolling through auditions meant for 20-somethings.”
When a shoot fits into his schedule, he and his husband turn it into a mini-vacation. “I get to work on a film set, and he gets to explore the city—we make a whole experience out of it!”
Auditions, especially self-tapes, are part of his regular routine now. He invested in a tripod and Bluetooth microphone to improve quality, and he leans on his husband to read lines off-camera.
“Editing is still a skill I’m learning, so I keep it simple and focus on giving a strong performance. Once I submit, I move on. I don’t dwell on whether I’ll get cast, and I never expect a response if I don’t. The goal is to enjoy the process, not stress over the outcome.”
He’s even exploring voiceover work, building out a recording space at home. “I’ve invested in some equipment and I’m in the process of converting a small room into a functional studio,” he said. “I have no idea where this path will lead, but that’s part of the fun.”
You don’t have to know everything to begin
Even with most auditions happening virtually, Larry’s already experienced the kind of unexpected support that keeps people going. At a recent in-person callback, he met two actors around his age—both with much more on-camera experience.
“When I told them I was relatively new to the process, they couldn’t have been kinder,” he recalled. “They guided me through the callback, shared great advice, and even exchanged contact info.”
That moment stuck with him, not just because of their generosity, but because it challenged the myth that everyone’s out for themselves. “This industry can be really supportive—especially when you’re open to learning from others.”
It also confirmed something he’s come to believe deeply: you don’t need to be an expert to begin.
“Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back,” he said. “Sometimes, casting directors are simply looking for someone who feels right for a role. You might be exactly what they need, even if your resume is sparse.”
Advice for the not-so-newcomers
For performers picking things up later in life, Newman has one main piece of advice: just start. “You don’t need the perfect headshots or a polished resume—just put together an honest profile and apply for roles that genuinely interest you.”
He also reminded others not to take rejection personally. “You’re going to hear ‘no’ more often than ‘yes’—I learned that from Sarah—and that’s just part of the game. Whether you’re 23 or 63.”
And for older actors who assume the industry has moved on without them? “There is a place for you. Casting directors are looking for people just like you. You just have to put yourself out there.”
The joy is in the trying
Newman’s not planning a Hollywood takeover. He’s keeping his day job, building skills at his own pace, and letting curiosity lead the way.
“Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back. Be prepared for rejection. And above all—have fun.”
His years in healthcare have helped him keep it all in perspective. “I deal with life-and-death situations every day. Compared to that, the challenges of acting don’t really feel like challenges—they’re learning opportunities.”
Maybe the most radical thing about Newman’s return to performing is how low the stakes are—and how high the rewards.
“Acting is something I choose to do for the love of it. And that mindset makes all the difference.”
Read on: