To celebrate two incredible years of The Actor’s Instrument , we’ve curated a special episode featuring the most insightful, inspiring, and actionable moments from five of our most popular casting director interviews. In this compilation, you'll hear wisdom from: Erica Hart ( 00:51-4:19) on navigating auditions with confidence Tiffany Little Canfield ( 4:20-11:05) on competition in the industry Erica Jensen ( 11:06-16:31) on building relationships with casting professionals Tara Rubin ( 16:32-25...
Jul 08, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 27
We’re celebrating two years of The Actor’s Instrument with a very special anniversary episode—and this time, the script gets flipped. Acclaimed actor Lana Young (Bull, WandaVision) takes over the mic to interview our very own host, Hassiem Muhammad. In this raw and revealing conversation, Hassiem opens up about his journey from reenacting cartoons in a crowded South Carolina living room to becoming a multi-hyphenate artist in New York City. He reflects on the formative moments that shaped his ca...
Jul 01, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Less than 1% of aspiring actors will ever land a speaking role on television—and today’s guest is in that elite club 20 times over . Actress and educator McKenna Kerrigan joins host Hassiem Muhammad to share her hard-won insights into building a sustainable, fulfilling TV career—without losing the joy. From the challenges of crafting compelling self-tapes to embracing the “short film” mindset, McKenna breaks down her audition prep process step by step. She opens up about her time in New York, LA...
Jun 24, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this soul-stirring episode of The Actor’s Instrument , host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, model, and creative entrepreneur Andrew D. Manning (Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) for a candid conversation about resilience in the face of rejection, reinvention during dry spells, and staying grounded when the industry gets loud. Andrew opens up about: How losing major agency representation (A3) led to a “divine pivot” in his career Why al...
Jun 17, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 24
What really happens behind the scenes of your favorite shows? In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Sienna Lorraine, a writer’s assistant at Lionsgate who has worked on Netflix’s No Good Deed , The Upshaws , Survival of the Thickest , and STARZ’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan . Currently working on Origins —a spinoff of a spinoff in the Power universe—Sienna gives us an unfiltered, inside look into the world of Hollywood writers’ rooms. Together, they discuss: What a writer’s roo...
Jun 10, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Welcome back to The Actor’s Instrument ! This week, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor and SoulCycle instructor Bryce Michael Wood , currently starring as Theo in the Off-Broadway revival of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men alongside the legendary Norm Lewis. From Division I track at Notre Dame to national stages and network TV, Bryce opens up about his path to acting, the power of side hustles, and the real talk around surviving as a working artist in New York City. They get into why reading ...
Jun 03, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 22
The entertainment industry is evolving fast—and traditional stardom is no longer the only path to success. In this episode of The Actor's Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor and content creator Kalissa Persaud (aka Long Tan and Handsome) to explore what it means to thrive as a performer in the age of social media. Kalissa shares how she built a following of nearly 200,000 across Instagram and TikTok, the mindset shifts she made to adapt to the creator economy, and how today's ...
May 20, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this powerful episode of The Actor's Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad welcomes back stunt performer and coordinator Wadi Jones (credits include Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Power Book I & II) to dive deep into the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. From the Academy Awards finally recognizing stunt design as an official category to the long-term effects of the SAG-AFTRA strike, this conversation is packed with timely insights for actors, creatives, and anyone passionate ...
May 13, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor's Instrument! In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad welcomes the multitalented Michael Goodfriend — actor, writer, director, and head of scripted fiction at Next Chapter Podcasts. From the stages of Korea to the studios of Sirius XM, Michael’s journey bridges classic theater and modern audio storytelling. Together, they discuss Michael’s rich background in performance, his pioneering work in political and scripted podcasting, and how he’s helping to ...
May 06, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by actor and star of Disney’s Snow White, Jason Kravits. With over 100 film and TV credits to his name, Jason has been seen on shows such as ABC’s The Practice, The Big Bang Theory, Only Murders in the Building, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gilmore Girls, and Friends, amongst others. Hassiem and Jason discuss the behind the scenes of Disney’s Snow White, how actors need to navigate the influx of artificial int...
Apr 29, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by actor, comedian, photographer, graphic designer, and social media guru: Ace Anderson. Hassiem and Ace discuss why actors need a presence on social media, the tips and tricks for going viral, and how we all have influence over the course of our careers.
Apr 22, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by Luna Sofia Miranda, one of the stars of this year’s winner for the Academy Award for Best Picture, Anora. Hassiem and Luna discuss the challenges she faces in the industry working as a stripper and an actor, the process of shooting Anora and winning at the Academy Awards, and the myths of success that Hollywood perpetuates....
Apr 15, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by stage and screen actor Lana Young who has appeared in numerous projects such as The Blacklist, WandaVision, Bull, and who in 2023 received an NAACP Award nomination for her work in the Netflix film, A Jazzman’s Blues. Hassiem and Lana discuss how there’s no such thing as running out of time as an actor, the power of mentorship and giving back, and the role of perseverance in an artist’s work....
Apr 08, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by actor, narrator, and voice-over artist Josh Innerst to discuss the world of recording narration for audio books. Hassiem and Josh discuss working outside of New York and Los Angeles, the process of breaking into voice over and audiobook work, and why it’s sometimes more important to prioritize one’s personal life over their professional one. New Episodes drop every Tuesday! The Actor’s Instrument is ...
Apr 01, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by the producer Becky Morrison. Becky is the founder and CEO of The Light, a New York-based production company, and also a producer on the upcoming documentary film, “Safe Sets: Dying to Work in the Film Industry,” which is currently playing the US Film Festival circuit. Hassiem and Becky discuss the alarming safety issues raised in the film, what really happened on the set of the Alec Baldwin movie "Ru...
Mar 25, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by actor and entrepreneur Farrell Parker! Farrell is a DC-based actor and theater artist who has performed at the Kennedy Center and the Wooly Mammoth Theater Company, among others. She is the founder of Artist Tax Prep - a tax preparation services for artists dedicated to eliminating the panic and stigma that many feel during tax season. Hassiem and Farrell discuss the do’s and don’ts of filing taxes a...
Mar 18, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by stage and screen actor, Jeorge Bennett Watson! Jeorge’s credits include HBO’s The Wire, Marvel’s Luke Cage, Blue Bloods and dozens of regional and off-Broadway credits! Hassiem and Jeorge discuss his process of approaching a text, how he attracts abundance in his personal and artistic life, and why quitting acting and taking a break was the best decision he ever made. New Episodes drop every Tuesday!...
Mar 11, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by our youngest guest to date, Ethan Cole Sharp, one of the stars of the Academy Award-nominated film, Nickel Boys! Hassiem and Ethan discuss starring in an Oscar-nominated film, the three questions he asks himself to get into character, the influence of Chadwick Boseman on his career, and the challenges of being a young actor in Hollywood today. New Episodes drop every Tuesday! The Actor’s Instrument i...
Mar 04, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by Erica Jensen, the acclaimed casting director and owner of Calleri Jensen Davis Casting. Erica has been involved with casting numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions such as The Piano Lesson with Samuel L. Jackson and The Elephant Man with Bradley Cooper as well as many films and TV shows such as Apple TV+’s Dickinson. Hassiem and Erica discuss why celebrities keep getting cast in theatre, the ...
Feb 25, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by Pepi Sonuga, star of the Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight. Hassiem and Pepi discuss the portrayal of Black History on the screen, Tyler Perry and his quick shooting style, and why it’s important for every actor to make a name for themselves. New Episodes drop every Tuesday! The Actor’s Instrument is a presentation of Red Letter Entertainment. Executive Producers: Adam Jellicorse, Cyrena Esposito, and H...
Feb 18, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, we are honored to welcome the incredible legend of stage and screen, Stephen McKinley Henderson! Recently inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, Stephen’s has been a working actor for decades. The star of Alex Garland’s “Civil War,” Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird,” and Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea”, Stephen was most recently seen in the Netflix series “The Madness” opposite Co...
Feb 11, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Don’t miss Adrienne in Joy Behar’s “My First Ex-Husband” now until February 23rd at the MMAC Theater! Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by the incredible, award-winning stage and screen actress, Adrienne C. Moore. Most recognized for her NAACP Image Award-nominated role as Black Cindy on Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” for which she also earned three SAG Award Nominations, Adrienne can most recently be seen in the Clint Eastwood dr...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Welcome back to The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by the award-wining headshot photographer, Leslie Hassler! Leslie Hassler is one of the industry’s premiere headshot photographers - having photographed celebrities such as Idris Elba, Jason Sudekis, and Greta Gerwig! You may also recognize her work as she photographed Hassiem in the cover art for The Actor’s Instrument! Leslie and Hassiem discuss what makes a headshot stand out to casting directors and agents, the import...
Jan 28, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Welcome back to The Actor’s Instrument ! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by the incredible Traci Elaine Lee, currently dazzling audiences in the Broadway sensation The Great Gatsby ! Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Traci brings her immense talent to the stage as both an ensemble member and understudy for Broadway stars Eva Noblezada and Samantha Pauly. Before joining Gatsby , Traci performed in the original Broadway cast of Shucked and earned acclaim in national tours of Beautiful and Ain’t Too P...
Jan 21, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 3
On this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, Hassiem is joined by Ana Yi Puig, star of the Disney+ series Goosebumps! While Ana is known for her role in the Netflix feature Senior Year and for her work on Bull, FBI: International, and the 2021 reboot of Gossip Girl, Goosebumps marked Ana’s first outing as a series regular, starring alongside Justin Long, Isa Briones, and Rachael Harris. She currently voices "Pearl" in the animated series JADE ARMOR and will star opposite Lily James in the upcoming...
Jan 14, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Happy New Year and welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode Hassiem is joined by Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy to uncover why so many artists struggle to set and achieve their goals every year. The group discuss the strategies needed to shift your mindset, build practical systems, and create actionable steps to achieve your goals on and through 2025. By embracing the role of the artist-entrepreneur, the conversation will help you rethink h...
Jan 07, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 1
On this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, Hassiem welcomes Tony Award-winning producer Jordan C. Medley for a discussion on the challenges and triumphs of life in the producing world. As a producer, Jordan recently won a Tony Award as part of the producing team for Broadway’s Merrily We Roll Along with Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez. Additionally, he is the Principal Consultant at Medley of Moves Consulting and the author of the “Comments on Arts Culture” Substack Newslett...
Dec 31, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 51
On this episode of The Actor's Instrument, we welcome actor Kevin Kilner, whose career has taken him from regional theater stages to iconic Hollywood sets. With credits like Home Alone 3, Smart House, and House of Cards, Kevin reflects on nearly 40 years in the business, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of a life acting. We explore his thoughts on the evolution of the entertainment industry, the rise of self-taped auditions, and the challenges of staying true to one's craft in a chan...
Dec 24, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 51
On this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, Hassiem sits down with triple-threat performer Kylie Victoria Edwards, whose career has been soaring post-strike. From guest-starring on FBI: Most Wanted and FX’s American Sports Story to pursuing her education in Paris, Kylie shares her inspiring journey of choosing herself, balancing her ambitions, and embracing a “no regrets” mindset. They discuss how Kylie’s dance background influences her acting, the power of letting go and trusting the process, an...
Dec 17, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 50
On this episode of The Actor's Instrument , Hassiem sits down with the talented Louis Cancelmi, known for his roles in series like Billions , A Murder at the End of the World , and most recently in HBO’s The Penguin , where he played Gotham mob boss Rex Calabrese. Considered “one of the best crime figure actors in recent memory,” according to Men’s Health , Louis is also celebrated for his film work in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and The Irishman . During the conversation, Louis...
Dec 10, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 49
