Bonnie J. Wallace is the author of Young Hollywood Actors and The Hollywood Parents Guide, and mother of Emmy Award winning actress Dove Cameron. In each of the 132 episodes over 6 seasons she shares an intimate conversation with a guest from the TV/film/music world. Inspiring, entertaining & educational.
Episodes
Wednesday May 30, 2018
Wednesday May 30, 2018
Did you know that most top drama programs in the country take fewer than 8% of applicants? But help is on the way! My guest on this special episode of Hometown to Hollywood is acting coach Sarah Gaboury, of the College Audition Program, & Teen Actors Lab. And she has developed a special online program to give you everything you need to maximize your odds of getting into the program of your dreams.
Join us for some great tips in this podcast, and then sign up for a free online class that could reinvent your future… Three Things Stopping You from Getting into Drama School, which I’ll be hosting live with Sarah Wednesday, June 13, at 7pm Pacific Time. Signup link is HERE: https://collegeauditionprogram.com/bw/
Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
- “If you really want it, you’re going to need to put in some serious hours.”
- “I feel like teens ‘get it’ quicker than adults, because they have less ‘stuff’ to break down sometimes.”
- “I see a lot of programs that dumb it down, and I don’t know why.”
- “Lack of preparation is the biggest issue stopping kids from getting into drama school.”
- “It’s very hard to know what you don’t know.”
- “One of the best resources out there is the NACAC Visual and Performing Arts College Fair.”
- “If you don’t like reading plays, you probably shouldn’t do this.”
- “What is your ‘WHY’?”
- “Look at the faculty and what they’re doing, and see if that feels inspiring to you.”
- “Figure out who you are, and how to bring that to these auditions.”
- “It’s never too early to start.”
How to Find Sarah, the College Audition Program, and the Teen Actors Lab:
College Audition Program: https://collegeauditionprogram.com/
Teen Actors Lab: https://teenactorslab.com/
Instagram: @teenactorslab
Twitter: @teenactorslab
Facebook: @teenactorslab
Thursday May 17, 2018
Thursday May 17, 2018
My guests on this episode of Hometown to Hollywood are actress Chandler Kinney and her mom Taryn Kinney. Chandler is best known for her roles on Lethal Weapon, Gortimer Gibbons’ Life on Normal Street, Girl Meets World, KC Undercover, and The Haunted Hathaways. And Taryn is her fabulous mom!
We cover some great topics in this conversation, including why Chandler feels so strongly about the importance of training, when her mom Taryn knew to take her interest in performing seriously, the role that dance played in her getting started as an actor, and much more. And we laugh a lot! Join us!
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “If you try—and succeed—then you’ve got to find a way to make it work.”
- “I draw inspiration from almost everything I come in contact with.”
- “Dancing and performing onstage has taught me how to be in the moment.”
- “Everyone’s childhood is important.”
- “You have to be open to the lesson.”
- “If you have to be somewhere anyway, why not learn from it?”
- “Buying those books—and READING them—saved us so much pain.”
Follow Chandler HERE:
Twitter: @chandlerlkinney (verified)
Instagram: @chandlerlkinney (verified)
Chandler’s path into acting illustrates that there are many ways to go… in her case, she began in dance, which led to a commercial, which led to an agent, then acting classes, and then acting in film and TV. There is no “one way” to do this. And because everyone’s situation is different, it can be hard to know how to approach breaking into the industry. A single consultation with me via Skype or in-person in LA can make all the difference.
No one can promise success in this business, but you can certainly raise your odds while saving a lot of time and money. If you’re ready to get some coaching on how to break into acting for film or TV, or are already down the road but stuck, book a consultation with me on my consultation page. For not much more than the price of an acting coach, you can get peace of mind, and a detailed action plan.
Wednesday May 02, 2018
Wednesday May 02, 2018
My guest on this episode of the Hometown to Hollywood podcast is Thomas Doherty. His hometown is Edinburgh, Scotland!
Thomas is best known for his work playing Harry Hook in Descendants 2, and Sean in The Lodge. His movie High Strung Free Dance will be out in 2018, and he’s about to begin production on Descendants 3 in Vancouver.
We delve into the more spiritual and philosophical side of being an actor, while discovering some seriously great stories (Thomas led a true double life for 4 years while he hid his passion for musical theatre, Billy-Elliot style). He shares his secret to both peace of mind and compelling acting (meditation) and finding happiness. Join us!
Some of my favorite quotes from this inspiring interview:
- “To me, the idolizing turned to appreciating.”
- “I thought, ‘is their opinion really more important than what I want to do?’ And I realized it wasn’t.”
- “It wasn’t cool to be doing (theatre and dance). So I went in secret, like a Billy Elliot story. I did that for 4 years.”
- “Keep learning, keep growing, keep going to dance classes.”
- “Always work on your weaknesses, because you become a more rounded, wholesome performer.”
- “The best advice I could give you is to meditate. You get into your body, out of your mind, and more present. And it shows on camera.”
- On Hollywood: “There’s just all this possibility. It’s not the possibility that you thought it would be… but it’s fantastic.”
- “Fame and fortune can’t make you happy… you experience happiness inside yourself.”
- “You’ve got to stumble before you can walk.”
- “I guess the ultimate success is to be happy.”
Follow Thomas online here:
Twitter: @thomasadoherty
Instagram: @thomasadoherty
Both accounts are verified with the little blue checkmark.
Thomas makes it clear that a great deal of success in Hollywood-- or in life in general-- is due to your internal condition. You can understand all the basics of how to do something, but if you are missing a healthy mindset, you will never experience the joy you seek-- and probably not achieve your professional goals either. This echoes my experience too.
Sometimes a slightly different approach is all it takes to get some traction in this industry. If you need help geting your young actor's career off the ground, book a consultation with me over Skype or in LA. A single session can answer your questions, give you an action plan, and peace of mind.
Wednesday Apr 18, 2018
Wednesday Apr 18, 2018
My guest on this podcast episode is master acting coach, and talent manager, Marnie Cooper.
Marnie has been teaching acting, and coaching clients for over 25 years, and works with kids, teens, and adults. Her clients include Mila Kunis, America Ferrera, Miley Cyrus, Syler Samuels, Olivia Holt, Jennette McCurdy, Braeden Lemasters, Danielle and Kay Panabaker, Taylor Momsen, Paul Dano, Brenda Song, Ashley Argota, Leelee Sobieski, Ella Anderson, and many more.
She teaches beginner through master classes as well as private coaching in her studio in Studio City, California. Marnie also does on-set coaching, and works with actors via Skype and Facetime all over the world. She is also the author of Teaching Kids to Act for Film and Television.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “Acting is one of the only professions where you don’t want your hard work to show.”
- “If I coach you well, they should think you’re not coached.”
- “They want you organic. And whatever you do to get organic is what they want you to do.”
- “Even if you’re wrong for the role, I highly recommend you go in.”
- “You can be a great actor and a bad auditioner, and never work a day in your life.”
- “There is no great, horrific thing that is going to happen if you blow your audition.”
- “Bring a notebook to the audition and journal from the character’s point of view in the waiting room.”
- “Be off book. Every time you look down is a moment you’re not present.”
- “You need to get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
- “Acting is a wonderful experience every child should have, but not necessarily professionally.”
Follow Marnie Here:
Website: http://marniecooperschool.com/
Facebook: @MarnieCooperSchoolofActing
Twitter: @howdoiact
Instagram: @MarnieCooperSchoolofActing
Buy her book on Amazon here:
Teaching Kids to Act for Film and Television
I agree with Marnie-- Not everyone who loves to act should be a professional actor. But if your kid or teen has their heart set on it and you want to help them have their best chance at that dream, I can help you raise the odds of their success. Investing in a single consultation with me can save you years of time, thousands of dollars, and give you peace of mind.
If you're ready for some help getting started, or are already down the road but looking to get un-stuck, schedule a Skype or in-person consultation with me today. We'll cover the issues where you know you need help, as well as some issues you may not even be aware of!
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Tuesday Apr 03, 2018
Tuesday Apr 03, 2018
What’s it like to book a series regular role on a hit TV show at the age of 8… on your first audition ever? The show is This is Us, and that’s exactly what happened to my guest Mackenzie Hancsicsak! Mackenzie plays Young Kate on the Emmy-award-winning show, and her fabulous mom, Melinda joins us on this podcast episode.
Melinda and Mackenzie share their story, and we cover all kinds of territory, including the importance of Improv skills, the reality of parenting a kid on a TV show as well as the reality of being a kid on one (hint: you have to wake up early a LOT), how to stay grounded, how being a working actor can sharpen memorization and other academic skills… and there is even a little impromptu duet of Descendants 2’s Ways to Be Wicked-! Join us for a fun and intimate conversation.
Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
- “I don’t think you can really work a full-time job. Your job is to be the advocate for your kid.”
- “I have to believe that learning her lines is helping her in school.”
- “Someday she won’t be in the show, and I want her to learn life skis that she can take with her in life, and not just on a set.”
- “Kids are taught to hate, and they’re taught to love.”
- You have no idea what they’re looking for… so you can’t lose if you’re just being yourself.”
We mention the Girl Uplifters Team (GUT) whose motto is “Girls uplifting girls. Everywhere. Every one. Every single day.” This is a wonderful group that I support as well. You can find them at http://www.girlupliftersteam.com/
Follow Mackenzie at:
Twitter: @MHancsicsak
Instagram: @mackenziehancsicsak
(Both accounts are verified, and operated by Melinda).
And fan mail can be sent to:
P.O. Box 801705, Santa Clarita, California, 91380
Breaking into the world of professional acting can be confusing and challenging, and it’s especially important to make good choices when what’s at stake is your kid. I offer both Skype and in-person consultations for parents of young actors to help cut through the confusion, and increase your odds of success. A single session with me can save you thousands of dollars, and months—or possibly years—of wasted time. Go to my Consultations webpage and book a session today—before another season goes by. You’ll be glad you did!
Friday Mar 16, 2018
Friday Mar 16, 2018
Raegan Revord, Actress
What’s it like to be only ten years old, and a series regular on a huge hit show? What’s it like to be the mom of a young star? Listen in and you’ll hear from my guests, Raegan and Holly Revord. Raegan is best known for her roles on Young Sheldon, Modern Family, and Grace and Frankie. And Holly is her fabulous mom!
We discuss how Raegan started in the industry, how she stays grounded, some of the challenges they face as a family, surprises along their journey, advice for young actors and their parents, and much more. Join us!
Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
- “I don’t ever want her to forget the journey. All the ‘no’s’ that she got. It was not easy!”
- “Don’t be what you think they want. Be yourself.”
- “The set really is the best classroom.”
- “If you want it, fight for it.”
- “We have jars that say, ‘save,’ ‘spend,’ and ‘share.’”
- “You can actually invest the Coogan funds.”
- “Have a team that believes in your kid. That’s so important.”
- “I am trying tor raise a good human. I’m not trying to raise a good actor.”
- “There’s enough sunshine at the top for everybody.”
Follow Raegan HERE:
Twitter: OfficialRaeganR (verified)
Instagram: @raeganrevord (verified)
Facebook: @raeganrevord (verified)
Raising a kid is challenging enough without adding the pressures of auditions, working, and potentially even fame to the mix! Sometimes having someone to check in with can be invaluable… especially if you get stuck or are not sure how to proceed in a sticky situation.
I offer consultations with parents of young actors at any stage, from complete beginners to families that have been on this path for a while. Book a 60 or 90 minute consultation with me over Skype or in person in Burbank, and get the help you need to support your kid as they follow their dream of being a professional actor.
Wednesday Feb 28, 2018
Wednesday Feb 28, 2018
My guest on this episode of Hometown to Hollywood is Michelle Danner.
Michelle is an award-winning acting coach, film director, and founder of the Michelle Danner Acting Studio in Los Angeles. She trained with Stella Adler and Uta Hagen, and actors she has worked with both privately and on set include Chris Rock, Gerard Butler, Seth MacFarlane, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, James Franco, Christian Slater, Zooey Deschanel, Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Coolidge, and many more.
The Michelle Danner Acting Studio features an extremely broad offering of classes for kids, teens, and adults, including scene study, audition for film and TV, Improv, film script analysis, private coaching, and much more. She is also founding and artistic director of the Edgemar Center for the Arts.
Join us as Michelle breaks down the basics of Meisner Technique, Lee Strasberg’s Method, Stella Adler, Stanislavski’s System, Uta Hagen, and the Chekhov technique…. and explains why she think it’s important to have more than one approach to playing a role, as well as the difference of acting for stage vs. film vs. TV, and MUCH more!
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “If you’re doing theatre, you’re playing tennis; if you’re doing a movie, you’re playing ping pong; and if you’re doing TV you’re playing marbles.”
- “People want to hire young actors that they feel will deliver, and not freeze up.”
- On auditioning: “You really have to understand the music of the writing, the music of the show.”
- The more you study, research, and do, the more you’re ahead of the game.”
- “The most important thing is to get out of your head.”
- “Be really interested in the ride. The ride is the joyful part of it.”
- “For 100 NO’s, there could be a yes.”
- “Study the actors that inspire you.”
- “You don’t have to wait for someone to say yes to you. You can say yes to yourself.”
- “Nothing is easy that’s worthwhile in this life.”
Follow Michelle here:
Website: http://www.michelledanner.com/
Twitter: @ActingAtEdgemar
Instagram: @MichelleDannerLA
Facebook: @MichelleDannerLosAngelesActingSchool
Monday Feb 12, 2018
Monday Feb 12, 2018
Today my guests on Hometown to Hollywood are Ariana and Soli Greenblatt. Ariana is best known for her roles in Stuck in the Middle, A Bad Mom’s Christmas, and Liv and Maddie. She just joined the cast of The One and Only Ivan, which is produced by Angelina Jolie and is a live-action/CG hybrid movie. And Soli Greenblatt is her fabulous mom!
This is a really fun conversation, where both the experience of a very young professional actresss (Ariana is 10 now and started in the industry just before her 7th birthday) and her mom are shared. What's it like to be living a normal life, have a couple of auditions while you're on vacation in LA and suddenly get a role that turns your life upside down? Listen in and find out!
Some of my favorite quotes:
- "It happened so quickly that it was wild."
- "It's just another chapter in our book, and it's an adventure of life."
- "If you don't get it, that doesn't mean you give up!"
- "Whenever I was nervous, my mom would have the best pep talks for me."
- "That's how we supported her-- just by letting her kind of lead her own path."
- "You have to just be yourself. You can't be the person that other people want you to be."
- If it's not your door to be opened, you can't force it. Your door will open when it's time."
Follow Ariana here:
Twitter: ArianaG_07
Instagram: Ariana_Greenblatt (verified)
Facebook: ArianaGreenblatt (verified)
Thursday Jan 25, 2018
Thursday Jan 25, 2018
Hi, thanks for joining us on Hometown to Hollywood! My guest on this podcast episode is actor Booboo Stewart. Booboo has been a working actor since he was 10, and his credits include Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Eclipse, X-Men: Days of Future Past, White Frog, and Disney Descendants 1 and 2. He is currently voicing the role of Exile in Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and has 4 projects in post production.
Booboo talks about his methods of staying grounded, dealing with overthinking, the importance of training and keeping an open mind, mentors, what he learned from his parents, and the importance of trying new things. We also look at the importance of integrity, resilience, and self-talk for success, Kenney Ortega, and many other subjects, as well as his experience filming Descendants 2 in Vancouver.
We covered so much ground in our conversation that I split the interview into two parts.
THIS IS PART TWO OF TWO.
If you missed part 1, you can catch it by going HERE: Booboo Stewart, Actor, Part 1
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “Our flaws make us unique.”
- “It is so important to surround yourself with good people.”
- “It’s important to choose people who don’t always agree with you.”
- “I think integrity’s more important than ever… because everybody knows your business.”
- “A lot of people have great ideas, but it’s the people who go out and finish it… those are the people you hear about.”
- “Comparing yourself to other people is probably the biggest mistake.”
- “Having an open mind is so important.”
- “I’m training all the time.”
- “Trying new things is a way of training.”
- “Take ownership of what you feel, and dive into it.”
- “You learn so much about yourself when you’re by yourself.”
- “I watch a lot of movies. I try to really know my craft, and the history of my craft.”
- “I like to work with people who inspire me to be better.”
We reference an app and a book in our conversation:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
You can find Booboo HERE:
Instagram: BoobooStewart.Art (verified)
Twitter: @BoobooStewart (verified)
Website: BoobooStewart.com
Navigating the path of a young actor can be challenging, and a mentor can go a long way toward helping you make the best choices along the way. Books, acting coaches, and other resources can make all the difference between success and disappointment.
I offer consultations via Skype to help young actors and their families chart their individual course, because every person and family has unique circumstances. One hour with me can save you thousands of dollars and a huge amount of time! If you want 2018 to be the year you finally get somewhere on your acting journey– or on your child’s– go to my consultations page and book a session. I look forward to talking with you!
Did you enjoy this podcast episode! Share it with a friend!
Thursday Jan 18, 2018
Thursday Jan 18, 2018
Very few actors get to be part of a huge franchise like Twilight, X-Men, or Descendants… at the age of not-quite 24, my guest has been part of all three of these iconic movie universes.
My guest on this Hometown to Hollywood podcast episode is Booboo Stewart. Booboo has been a working actor since he was 10, and his credits include Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Eclipse, X-Men: Days of Future Past, White Frog, and Disney Descendants 1 and 2. He is currently voicing the role of Exile in Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and has 4 projects in post production.
Booboo talks about his methods of staying grounded, dealing with overthinking, the importance of training and keeping an open mind, mentors, what he learned from his parents, and the importance of trying new things. We also look at the importance of integrity, resilience, and self-talk for success, Kenney Ortega, and many other subjects, as well as his experience filming Descendants 2 in Vancouver!
We covered so much ground in our conversation that I split the interview into two parts.
THIS IS PART ONE OF TWO.
Join us again next week for the second part of our conversation.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “Our flaws make us unique.”
- “It is so important to surround yourself with good people.”
- “It’s important to choose people who don’t always agree with you.”
- “I think integrity’s more important than ever… because everybody knows your business.”
- “A lot of people have great ideas, but it’s the people who go out and finish it… those are the people you hear about.”
- “Comparing yourself to other people is probably the biggest mistake.”
- “Having an open mind is so important.”
- “I’m training all the time.”
- “Trying new things is a way of training.”
- “Take ownership of what you feel, and dive into it.”
- “You learn so much about yourself when you’re by yourself.”
- “I watch a lot of movies. I try to really know my craft, and the history of my craft.”
We reference an app and a book in our conversation:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
You can find Booboo HERE:
Instagram: BoobooStewart.Art (verified)
Twitter: @BoobooStewart (verified)
Website: BoobooStewart.com
Navigating the path of a young actor can be challenging, and a mentor can go a long way toward helping you make the best choices along the way. Books, acting coaches, and other resources can make all the difference between success and disappointment.
I offer consultations via Skype to help young actors and their families chart their individual course, because every person and family has unique circumstances. One hour with me can save you thousands of dollars and a huge amount of time! If you want 2018 to be the year you finally get somewhere on your acting journey– or on your child’s– go to my consultations page and book a session. I look forward to talking with you!
Did you enjoy this podcast episode! Share it with a friend!