One Broke Actress Podcast

Maggie Bera on Theatre in NYC & Making it on Broadway

May 16, 2024

Theatre actor Maggie Bera shares insights on the current state of theatre in NYC, discussing moving to the city, audition strategies, benefits of Equity membership, and balancing acting with other jobs. She touches on financial stability, theatrical agents, and the impact of social media on actors' careers, inspiring stage actors and on-camera actors alike.

47:52

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Episode guests

Maggie Bera

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Finding the best audition material is crucial for theater actors in NYC.

Balancing acting with other jobs is essential for a sustainable career in theater.

Equity membership offers benefits and changes audition dynamics for actors.

Maintaining physical fitness and mental health is vital for performance stamina in theater.

Deep dives

Transitioning to New York Theater Scene

Maggie Barra, an equity actress transitioning to living in New York City, shares insights on finding stability post-transition and navigating open calls versus union membership. She discusses the challenges of managing schedules alongside industry demands for singing, acting, and dancing, emphasizing the importance of community and safety in choosing living spaces.

Intro

2min

Navigating Theatre Career in NYC and LA

7min

Navigating Acting Careers in NYC

18min

Balancing Acting, Auditions, and Work in NYC

4min

Maintaining a Healthy Routine for Singer-Dancer Actors

4min

Navigating Sacrifices and Relationships in Pursuing a Theater Career

3min

Navigating the Theater Industry: A Personal Journey

9min

Waiting in line since 5am. Spending 8+ hour days for an audition you may never get. Having to find the best audition material to match the tone of the show you want. These are the realities of theatre actors, and I’m bringing on the one and only Maggie Bera to take us through the current state of theatre in New York City. This one is for all of the stage actors out there, and for every on camera actor wondering what it’s like on the other side. Maggie shares her personal journey from moving to NYC, adjusting to the hustle of open calls, union benefits, and balancing acting with other jobs. She offers advice on navigating the city's theater scene, audition strategies, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We are also going to touch on the importance of financial stability, the benefits of Equity membership, and the impact of social media and online presence on modern actors' careers. If you’ve been wondering what it’s like to pursue a career on the stage or hoping to hear from a theater actor because you are one yourself, Maggie’s story will leave you feeling inspired to do what you love.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Welcoming Maggie Bera 02:53 — The Realities of Moving to NYC for Theater 12:19 — Navigating the World of Auditions in New York 22:05 — The Journey to Equity Membership and Beyond 24:00 — Deciding When to Join the Union 25:45 — The Freelance Agent Experience 27:35 — Understanding Theatrical Agents 28:27 — Balancing Acting Career and Personal Life 31:34 — Maintaining Health and Wellness 35:32 — Navigating Relationships and Sacrifices 38:12 — Actor Aesthetic 43:21 — Learning and Growing Through Actor Aesthetic 45:37 — The Ever-Changing Industry and Online Presence

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Actors Encouraged Podcast

★ Actor Aesthetic

★ Actor Aesthetic IG @actoraesthetic

★ Maggie’s IG @maggiebera

★ Maggie’s Website

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