That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Today’s guest possesses creative gifts that expand across all forms and all mediums. Fully fueled by heart and passion, Jasika Nicole is an actor, clothing designer, artist, pottery maker, LGBTQ advocate, writer, and the list doesn’t stop there. Committed to pursuing an education in the performing arts, Jasika studied theater throughout her college years before relocating to New York City to follow her dreams of stage acting in New York City. Like many actors, Jasika initially struggled to balance the need for a day job without allowing it to interfere with audition opportunities. Making the decision to focus solely on what she came to New York to do, Jasika left her day job and booked a 3 line role in a Fringe Festival production that led her to get noticed by a producer in the audience - proving that no role is ever too small. After gaining representation, Jasika began to shift her focus to film and television, with the goal of winning the audition room on personality rather than trying to figure out what casting wants. Landing herself on many sets, Jasika describes her time observing those around her as a “crash course in acting.” Even throughout her thriving career, Jasika admits to having moments where she felt herself on the verge of quitting and questioning whether or not she wanted to continue to be an actor. With self compassion, she describes how her other creative passions have been her saving grace, allowing her to find her way back into the love of acting and reminding her that her self worth is not determined by the number of credits on her resume. You’ve seen her as Dr. Carly Lever in “The Good Doctor,” Agent Astrid Farnsworth in “Fringe,” among other hit projects such as “Scandal”, “Station 19”, “Underground”, “She’s Out of My League”, “Take the Lead” and the newly released, “Punky Brewster” reboot now streaming on Peacock. Jasika shows no signs of slowing down and shares the many lessons today that she has learned along the way, including how there are no right or wrongs when it comes to process, tips and tricks on how to bridge performance gaps week to week as a series regular, and the importance of asking yourself whether or not this is a role you truly want to play and if it aligns with the kinds of stories you want to tell. Guest links: WEBSITE: JasikaNicole.com IMDB: Jasika Nicole INSTAGRAM: @jasikaistrycurious TWITTER: @thejasikanicole 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)! Show Links: 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 Credits: WRITER: Lizzy Dalla Betta SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

Today I’m sitting down with actor-musician, Brandon Jay McLaren. Starting out as an athlete and a marine biology major, Brandon has gone on to craft a full and dynamic career as an actor over the course of nearly 20 years. Beginning as early as age 12, Brandon began booking commercials with the encouragement and support of his mother. Though he continued to study acting throughout high school and college, upon graduation, Brandon began feeling the pressure to go out and get a “real job.” Despite this fear, Brandon couldn’t ignore that gnawing feeling inside him to continue to pursue the craft and reached out to a casting director who had seen him perform 4 years earlier and decided to go all in. Since then, Brandon has gained an extensive list of credits that only continues to grow. You’ve seen him in AMC’s “The Killing”, Lifetime’s “UnREAL”, Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”, NBC’s “Chicago Fire”, Jordan Peele’s “The Twilight Zone” reboot, and most recently, on the top ranked Netflix hit series, “Firefly Lane” and the TV movie release of “Marry Me This Christmas.” But Brandon’s artistic endeavors don’t stop there. He is also a musician who regularly collaborates with his brother, Brent McLaren, whose songs have even gone on to be featured in some of Brandon’s television and film credits. Today, Brandon offers practical advice for actors on everything from Zoom callbacks, to screen testing, to auditioning, and the importance of choosing an agent that is as excited about you as you are about them. Guest links: IMDB: Brandon Jay McLaren INSTAGRAM: @brandonjaymclaren ITUNES: All Yours - Single 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)! Show Links: WHAT'S MY FRAME: Learn the basic frames used in filmmaking and how to incorporate them to create dynamic and engaging self-tape auditions. Click here to get $30 off the course 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 Credits: WRITER: Erin McCluskey SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

Today's episode is with the multi-passionate Britney Young. An actress and a producer, Britney embodies what it means to be a truly dedicated, humble, and collaborative storyteller. Born in Tokyo and raised in Alaska, Britney inherited her father’s love of movies and found herself endlessly fascinated with the process of filmmaking. She graduated from USC School of Cinematic Arts and took a job as a production assistant where she learned invaluable lessons about the production process, set structure, and the crucial role that every person plays in a project whether cast or crew. After gaining the attention of a manager through a role in a web series, Britney continued her production work learning how to balance auditions, bookings, all while maintaining her day job. Today, Britney shares her journey through her hilarious and insightful audition tales. You’ve seen her shine in roles such as Carmen Wade in Netflix’s “GLOW”, Little Debbie in “Those Who Can’t”, and other popular projects such as My Crazy-Ex Girlfriend, Better Things, The Librarians, and we eagerly await her own upcoming projects that she has in the works. Britney never stops working on herself as both an artist, as well as a person, and over the years, has developed a beautiful healthy mindset when it comes to the business. She shares how she has learned to bounce back when bold choices don’t always land as intended in the audition room, and she openly discusses her struggles with overanalyzing and how she goes about resisting the temptation to over prepare. Above all else, Britney stresses the importance of making your own opportunities and to stay excited and open for your own wins as well as the wins of others. Guest links: IMDB: Britney Young INSTAGRAM: @britneyyoung TWITTER: @itsbritneyyoung 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)! Show Links: 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 Credits: WRITER: Erin McCluskey SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

Lao-tzu said, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Our guest for this episode is a dreamer who, as a child, couldn’t stop thinking about being in the film business. Today, as an actor, director, and producer Manish Dayal shares what he’s learned about navigating imposter syndrome and how he finds balance through diversifying his focus. His career has led him to work on incredible shows such as 90210, RUBICON, HALT AND CATCH FIRE, and MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. He starred opposite Helen Mirren in THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY, a film produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. In his directorial debut, FIFTEEN YEARS LATER, he shares the screen with Matt McGorry and Rachel Brosnahan. And currently, Manish can be seen reprising his role as ‘Dr. Devon Pravesh’ on 4th season of Fox’s THE RESIDENT. We delve into set life during a pandemic and how that affects Manish’s heightened sense of… Well, just listen and you’ll find out! If you need some inspiration on finding your way back into artistry you’ve come to the right place. Sometimes all you need is a reminder that spring comes after winter. Or maybe you need the memory of hot, HOT, butter. Guest links: IMDB: Manish Dayal INSTAGRAM: @manishdayal TWITTER: @themanishdayal 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)! Show Links: 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 Credits: WRITER: Lizzy Dalla Betta SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

"If you want a body of work that at the end of your life you'll be proud of then training is your best investment." Terry Knickerbocker is founder and studio director of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, the renowned New York City-based acting school. He teaches the Meisner technique and is part of a direct lineage of Sanford Meisner, having spent over 30 years training and teaching with William Esper, one of Sandy’s most respected protégés. Terry is a graduate of The Experimental Theatre Wing in the Drama Dept. at New York University. He has also taught directing at Playwrights Horizons Theatre School and Yale University. Other essential teacher/mentors include Maggie Flanigan, Rina Yerushalmi, Steve Wangh, Terry Hayden, Nikos Psacharopoulos, Jackie Brookes, Mary Overlie, Ryszard Cieslak, Jerzy Grotowski, Pierre Lefèvre, Moshe Feldenkrais, Dr. Louis Ormont, and Dr. Harry Fogarty. Terry Knickerbocker brings his history and service to Wednesday Wisdom! Terry has coached such well-known actors as Sacha Baron Cohen, Sam Rockwell, Michelle Williams, Emmy Rossum, Josh Charles, Abbie Cornish, Boyd Holbrook, John Leguizamo, Jonathan Majors, Gretchen Mol, Brian Michael Smith, and Yul Vasquez, among others. Terry has coached actors on performances that earned an Academy Award, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Show Links: THE NEW TRIPLE THREAT: A Membership for Today's Savvy Actor COACHING: Click here for acting coaching from Alyshia CONSULTING: Click here to get consulting from Alyshia 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 Credits: WRITER: Alyshia Ochse SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

Over the course of his 20+ years as an actor, today’s guest has reinvented himself, pushing beyond Hollywood typecasting into roles that have allowed him to reach new heights as both an artist, and as a person.    Tyler Labine’s long list of credits include Hulu’s, “Deadbeat”, The WB’s “Dead Last”, NBC’s “Animal Practice”, CBS’s “Mad Love”, FX’s “Sons of Tucson” and he can currently be seen on the new season of BBC’s “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency” and the NBC hit series, “New Amsterdam” as Dr. Iggy Frome.    Born in Canada, Tyler discusses what it was like growing up as one of three artistically inclined siblings. He shares his experience of getting started in the film and television industry, and how his desire for more opportunities ultimately landed him in Los Angeles with roommate Ryan Gosling. Early on in his career, Tyler experienced being typecast in predominantly comedic roles. Often playing the goofy character type for a number of years, Tyler shares how he was able to shift casting's view of him and the kinds of projects he began to take on in order to do so.   Now playing a wide range of roles across the comedy to drama spectrum, today’s episode is full of insight and tips for actors at all levels. From discussing the ins-and-outs of actor finances, to character building technique, to his audition story opposite Aaron Sorkin that you’ll have to hear to believe, Tyler is an example of what it means to grow as a person, and as a result, grow as an artist.   Guest links: IMDB: Tyler Labine INSTAGRAM: @tlabine TWITTER: @tylabine 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)! Show Links: 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 Credits: WRITER: Erin McCluskey SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

Who do you give authority to over your creative career? Today, Alyshia shares wisdom on giving jurisdiction to YOURSELF over everybody else. Actors tend to allow/blame others to tell us who we should be in order to have what we want, against our own authentic creative impulses and notions.

Today’s guest is a Ukulele playing, folk-singing, writer, producer, and new series regular on season 3 of Virgin River: Zibby Allen. Her energy and insight into the creative process is infectious. And her 20+ year career is an example of just how much beauty—and success—can come from our projected failures. You’ve probably seen Zibby one of the dozens of commercials she’s acted in over the years. She’s appeared on many hit shows including GREYS ANATOMY, THE EXORCIST, ROGUE, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, NANCY DREW, THE FLASH, and FOR THE PEOPLE. And if playing the Ukulele wasn’t enough to make her a super cool human, she produced and co-hosted the first 4 seasons of a true crime podcast. Then alongside an all-female cast and crew, she co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in the indie feature THE LIVING WORST. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, from the time she landed multiple top tier agent meetings (and what happened at the final one) to the mortifying time she went against her creative intuition (and why she vowed never to do that again). She talks about audition life in Vancouver vs. L.A., and how she’s learned to trust in life’s unfolding—letting creativity inspire all aspects of her path. Guest links: IMDB: Zibby Allen INSTAGRAM: @zibbyloo TWITTER: @zibby_allen MUSIC: I Love You Overall PODCAST: Small Town dicks ISPOT.TV: Zibby Allen PRESS: Deadline: ‘Virgin River’ Renewed For Season 3 By Netflix; Zibby Allen Joins Cast 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)! Show Links: WHAT'S MY FRAME: Learn the basic frames used in filmmaking and how to incorporate them to create dynamic and engaging self-tape auditions. Click here to get $30 off the course 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 Credits: WRITER: Lizzy Dalla Betta SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

Jonathan Kite’s natural talent and comedic skills have earned him a recurring episode on this season of That One Audition. From stand-up, to improv, to sketch comedy and more, Jonathan has rightfully earned an impressive list of credits including Netflix’s “The Boss Baby: Back in Business”, Adult Swim’s “Black Dynamite”, Jamie Foxx’s “In Flow with Affion Crockett, his beloved role as the hilarious Oleg on CBS’s “2 Broke Girls”, and the newly released Netflix comedy series, “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!” Jonathan’s work ethic is unparalleled. With a firm belief that every opportunity is a chance to shine, Jonathan is in a constant state of preparation. Even when the opportunities that present themselves don’t work out, Jonathan demonstrates the importance of dusting yourself off and pushing forward to meet that next opportunity, that for Jonathan, often presented itself when he least expected it. Having collaborated with Jamie Foxx on multiple projects over the years, Jonathan believes in serving the story over serving one’s own self. He stresses how storytelling is a team effort, stating how “it takes a team to win championships.” In this episode, there is no shortage of audition tales, self-tape tips, and advice for creators looking to form a daily routine that serves their artistry. Using this last year in quarantine to further develop his writing craft, Jonathan has many exciting projects in the works. His dedication to his artistry rivals that of top athletes, and he reminds listeners that those sitting on the bench need to train just as hard as those in the game. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jonathan Kite right here again! Guest links: WEBSITE: officialjonathankite.com IMDB: Jonathan Kite INSTAGRAM: @JonathanKite TWITTER: @JonathanKite FACEBOOK: /OfficialJonathanKite 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)! Show Links: WHAT'S MY FRAME: Learn the basic frames used in filmmaking and how to incorporate them to create dynamic and engaging self-tape auditions. Click here to get $30 off the course 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 Credits: WRITER: Lizzy Dalla Betta SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes

Today Alyshia answers one of the biggest questions asked - how do you recover when you don't get the job?? So you weren't "selected" for the role you really wanted and that hurts. Instead of marinating in the "rejection" there are some great mental health suggestions to help you RECOVER for the next opportunity. Show Links: THE NEW TRIPLE THREAT: A Membership for Today's Savvy Actor COACHING: Click here for acting coaching from Alyshia CONSULTING: Click here to get consulting from Alyshia 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 Credits: WRITER: Alyshia Ochse SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings ASSISTANT: Elle Powell SOCIAL OUTREACH: Bebe Katsenes