That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

From the vibrant streets of Belize to the soundstages of Hollywood, Arlen Escarpeta has built a career defined by resilience, versatility, and heart. His path took him from performing arts schools to his first role on Boston Public and eventually to booking the "game-changer" American Dreams, where he learned to balance art with business and the importance of teamwork and human connection. In this episode, Arlen shares honest insights on sustaining a career, diversifying into voiceover and looping work, and his "tent pole" approach to building layered, specific characters—offering a rare, inspiring look at the resilience and craft behind a continuously working actor. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Arlen Escarpeta right here. Credits: FOUND The Oath David Makes Man The Magicians S.W.A.T. Final Destination 5 We Are Marshall I Am the Night Grimm Extant The Client List House American Dreams Guest Links: IMDB: Arlen Escarpeta, Actor, Producer THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Get ready for a truly insightful conversation with the incredible Jolene Purdy! After seeing her at a recent in-person audition, Alyshia immediately called her agent and declared, "I just met this actress—I swear to God she's gonna get it!" From that moment, she knew Jolene had to come on the podcast. In today's episode, you'll hear behind-the-scenes stories like that shared audition, where Jolene made bold, unexpected choices despite having very little information about the character. Her distinctive voice and interpretations often go against the writing—making it even better. That inventive spirit has fueled a career spanning her unforgettable debut in Donnie Darko to standout roles in Under the Dome, Orange Is the New Black, The White Lotus, and her latest work opposite Kevin Bacon in The Bondsman. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jolene Purdy right here. CREDITS: The White Lotus The Bondsman WandaVision Firefly Lane The Magicians Orange Is the New Black The Resident Teachers Breaking Bad Superstore Under the Dome Glee Unseen Donnie Darko GUEST LINKS: IMDB: Jolene Purdy, Actress, Writer Producer THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

In this episode, the industry is shifting — fast. Casting directors are under pressure, opportunities are shrinking, and actors are feeling the heat. In this power-packed solo episode, Alyshia breaks down exactly what's happening in casting right now and how you can stay sharp, focused, and ready for the roles that are out there. If you've been self-taping into the void, wondering what stands out and how to get seen — this is your wake-up call. Alyshia shares what casting is really looking for, why specificity and confidence matter more than ever, and how to practice like it's game day. 🔥 PLUS: Get the inside scoop on Slaytember — a 3-week live experience starting September 18th that puts you face-to-face with top casting directors, real notes, re-tapes, and a chance to showcase your work. ✨ Past guests include Jennifer Cooper, Felicia Fasano, Victor Vazquez, Alexis Winter & Chrissy Fiorilli-Ellington. 📌 Spots are limited. Link to apply is in the show notes. 💪 Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction. THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

This episode, we're following the wildly talented Courtney Taylor down her own self-made "yellow brick road." From her early days in Philly to a practical pivot to criminal justice and sociology in Delaware, acting wasn't always on Courtney's radar. But thanks to her movie-loving dad and a growing passion for performance, she eventually found her way to an agent—and a Marvel audition that changed how she approached her career. In this episode, Courtney shares how she carved her own path in the industry, from booking a co-star on Insecure by ad-libbing her way into a fully realized character, to landing a direct offer from Quinta Brunson via DMs for Abbott Elementary. We dive into her scene-stealing comedy work on Shrinking, her bold shift into drama on Ballard, and how she embraces stillness, research, and intuition in her performances. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Courtney Taylor right here. CREDITS: Ballard Abbott Elementary Shrinking Insecure Neon Killing It Send Help Single & Anxious The Company You Keep The Invitation GUEST LINKS: IMDB: Courtney Taylor, Actress, Director, Writer THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Today we dive into the remarkable journey of a crossover star Mariana Treviño, whose path defies convention and proves that an actor's career is as personal as it is unpredictable. Mariana shares how her love for the craft—not money or fame—drew her in, from early days in New York to an organic rise to stardom back in Mexico. A breakthrough role in musical theater shifted her mindset from acting for fun to acting for a living. In this episode, she reflects on embracing mistakes in auditions, how "work begets work," and navigating global representation after A Man Called Otto. Mariana also shares insights from working with icons like Tom Hanks and Owen Wilson, creating intimacy on set, and the challenges of performing in a second language. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Mariana Treviño right here. CREDITS: Stick A Man Called Otto Narcos: Mexico Mentrias, The Series Overboard GUEST LINKS: IMDB: Mariana Treviño, Actress THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Today, we're thrilled to welcome back a truly special guest—one of only three returning guests in our show's history—the incredible actor Alain Uy. Since his last appearance in January 2021, Alain's career has soared, with standout roles in The Cleaning Lady, Power IV, and most recently Ballard. But here's the twist: despite this impressive success, Alain candidly admits to quitting acting multiple times a year—sometimes even right before a premiere. Alain offers invaluable insight into his creative process. He shares his technical self-tape approach—including the unexpected power of the cold read—and how embracing imperfection can create audition magic. You'll learn his simple but transformative framework for breaking down any scene as an argument, negotiation, or seduction. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Alain Uy right here. CREDITS: Ballard Station 19 True Detective Grey's Anatomy The Morning Show Power Book IV: Force The Cleaning Lady The Paper Tigers Helstrom Grimm Pure Genius The Last Ship Rizzoli & Isles GUEST LINKS: IMDB: Alain Uy, Actor, Producer, Director THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Today, we're joined by the incredibly talented Jessica Rothe, best known for her breakout role in Happy Death Day and its sequel, her scene-stealing turn in La La Land, and her lead in the musical remake Valley Girl. In this episode, Jessica shares the raw, real stories from her journey—like being told early on to "go home, curl your hair, put on makeup, and come back" for a CW medical show audition—and how moments like that shaped her understanding of what it means to present a "film version" of yourself. She opens up about the transition from stage to screen, the steep learning curve of self-tapes, and how she refined her naturally expressive style for the subtleties of the camera. With wisdom on navigating nerves, building relationships in the room, and playing the long game in an often-political industry, this conversation is packed with honesty, humor, and heart. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jessica Rothe right here. CREDITS: La La Land Happy Death Day Titan Virgin River Pulse Boy Kills World Mary + Jane All My Life Valley Girl Chicago P.D. High Maintenance Gossip Girl GUEST LINKS: IMDB: Jessica Rothe, Actress, Producer THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Longing vs. Curiosity — The Energy Behind Your Auditions In this solo episode, Alyshia explores a subtle but powerful shift that can transform your acting career: moving from longing to curiosity. If you've ever found yourself stuck in the "why hasn't it happened yet?" spiral, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Longing keeps you waiting. Curiosity gets you creating. You'll learn: The emotional difference between longing and curiosity How curiosity fuels creativity, magnetism, and momentum Why outcome-focused taping holds you back A mindset shift to reclaim creative power — today Plus, Alyshia shares how The Practice Track is designed to get you out of perfectionism and back into creative play — through sides, feedback, and a supportive community that will reignite your love for the process. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: Are you longing… or are you curious? THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

In today's episode, Embeth shares the extraordinary journey that shaped her voice as a storyteller—from her upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa to her unexpected entry into acting through a university drama program. She reflects on being discovered in a play by a William Morris agent, catching Spielberg's attention through a TV movie, and ultimately choosing to pause her career to raise a family. That pause led to a creative reawakening and a nine-year quest to adapt a memoir into her directorial debut, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight. Embeth offers heartfelt, hard-earned wisdom on the power of saying "yes," surprising yourself in auditions, and writing what you know. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Embeth Davidtz right here. THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Today's episode with Benjamin Charles Watson kicks off with the fascinating cultural shock of auditioning in Canada versus the bustling scene in Los Angeles. Watson opens up about his anxiety during in-person auditions and how embracing self-tapes became his secret weapon for success, including booking major roles like Duster, Designated Survivor, and The Killing. Watson breaks down his audition for Duster, a role he knew was 'for him' viscerally from the first read, despite receiving dummy sides. Discover his unique, methodical approach to character preparation—taking 'Royce' for walks in real life and building a character from birth to present. Plus, we uncover the audacious, career-making move he made to secure 'The LA Complex,' bypassing conventional channels to ensure his talent was seen. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Benjamin Charles Watson right here. CREDITS: Duster Snowpiercer Designated Survivor The Good Doctor The Killing I am Syd Stone Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Travelers GUEST LINKS: IMDB: Benjamin Charles Watson, Actor THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20 THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly PATREON: @thatoneaudition CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: WRITER: Erin McCluskey WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri