ActorSpeak with Austin Basis

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Al Vicente (Sons of Anarchy, Bosch, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Queen Sugar, Allegiant, Star Maps).

In Part 1, we talk about Pacino in Scarface, playing in a band, Mr. Berksen, guideposts, Audition by Michael Shurtleff, coming alive onstage, his "summer wind" rhythm, Michael Jordan's work-ethic, doing things differently, trusting himself, taking control, and loving self-tapes since 2012.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL - Al Vicente spent a couple of years training at Columbia College. He started working in theater at the Latino Chicago Theatre Company and the Goodman Theater, and taking classes at night, which eventually led him to film and TV work.In Chicago, he appeared in The Night of the Iguana at the Goodman- a production which eventually made its way to Broadway. Soon after moving to Los Angeles, Al scored his first big role in Star Maps- an independent film that had a very successful premiere at The Sundance Film Festival. He went on to appear in major films Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Allegiant, Black Dynamite, Bill and Ted Face the Music, Taken 3 with Forrest Whitaker, and Dawn of Planet of the Apes with Gary Oldman- among others. Some of Al’s TV credits include recurring roles on Bosch, Game of Silence, Sons of Anarchy, and Empire; and guest-starring roles on ER, Dexter, American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, Criminal Minds, Chicago Fire, Claws, the TV movie Anna Nicole with Martin Landau, and Queen Sugarproduced by Ava Duvernay.Most recently, Al was in Louisiana shooting NCIS New Orleans, during the pandemic... in the middle of a hurricane! With over 100 credits to his name, Al has played his share of scientists, bartenders, doctors, lawyers, lieutenants, deputies, detectives, cops, and criminals. Frequently hired for his steady hand, casual cool and disarming charm, Al’s acting range stems from a confidence that comes with years of experience. It’s no wonder his talents have led him to an epic run of guest stars and recurring roles that have had him traveling cross-country from coast to coast for the better part of the past NINE years. In short, he’s always working on something!

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor Ellen Gerstein (Shameless, Southland, James Dean,Seinfeld, Friends).

In Part 2, we discuss her trust with Charlie Robinson, wielding a shotgun, auditioning for Barbra Streisand, her degree in psychology, working with Martin Scorsese in Raging Bull, her sense of humanity, humor & heart, connecting with people, and being the best you can in that moment.

Ellen Gerstein is an award-winning Los Angeles filmmaker, actress, writer and director. She’s a member of: Women In Film, The Alliance of Women Directors, Film Independent, and a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. As an actor, Ellen has worked with talented directors including Martin Scorsese, Mark Rydell, Mimi Leder, Rob Marshall, and Danny DeVito. Her TV credits includeLaw and Order True Crimes: The Menendez Murders,Southland and her recurring role on Shameless as Aunt Rande. Ellen starred in the award-winning feature film The Golden Age and in the short film Passage. Her acting work ranges from the comical to the poignant, working on shows like Better Things, The Morning Show and in the TNT movie James Dean.She played Aunt Lisa in Friends and Jerry’s aunt in Seinfeld, so you’ve probably seen her talents grace your screen at one point or another. Ellen has also performed in multiple plays in Los Angeles and wrote & performed her one-woman show, My Psychotherapy Comeback Tour. Under the banner of Lulu Productions, Ellen has produced award-winning films, web series, music videos, documentaries, and theatre. She is currently developing several new projects, including Just South of Normal, a half-hour dramedy series in the vein of The Odd Couple about two high functioning men with developmental disabilities. I was lucky enough to participate in an early reading of this project, which was adapted from her award-winning short film Waiting For Ronald, with a blended cast of disabled and non-disabled actors. Come Away With Me, another film Ellen adapted, directed & acted in, has won over 15 awards and been in over 30 film festivals around the world- and was made with an all-female crew. What impresses me most about Ellen, besides her acting chops, is her persistent creative pursuits coupled with her warm welcoming spirit & sense of humor. Her passion for storytelling pushes her to constantly be creating new projects for her & her colleagues, and in turn, tell new stories.

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Ellen Gerstein (Shameless, Southland, James Dean,Seinfeld, Friends).

In Part 1, we talk about being a social worker in NYC, sage advice from her therapist, studying with Lee Strasberg & Ernie Martin, script analysis with Stella Adler, trusting yourself, substitution, subtext improv, "if you don't need- don't use," behavior, and her teaching & coaching techniques.

Ellen Gerstein is an award-winning Los Angeles filmmaker, actress, writer and director. She’s a member of: Women In Film, The Alliance of Women Directors, Film Independent, and a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. As an actor, Ellen has worked with talented directors including Martin Scorsese, Mark Rydell, Mimi Leder, Rob Marshall, and Danny DeVito. Her TV credits includeLaw and Order True Crimes: The Menendez Murders,Southland and her recurring role on Shameless as Aunt Rande. Ellen starred in the award-winning feature film The Golden Age and in the short film Passage. Her acting work ranges from the comical to the poignant, working on shows like Better Things, The Morning Show and in the TNT movie James Dean.She played Aunt Lisa in Friends and Jerry’s aunt in Seinfeld, so you’ve probably seen her talents grace your screen at one point or another. Ellen has also performed in multiple plays in Los Angeles and wrote & performed her one-woman show, My Psychotherapy Comeback Tour. Under the banner of Lulu Productions, Ellen has produced award-winning films, web series, music videos, documentaries, and theatre. She is currently developing several new projects, including Just South of Normal, a half-hour dramedy series in the vein of The Odd Couple about two high functioning men with developmental disabilities. I was lucky enough to participate in an early reading of this project, which was adapted from her award-winning short film Waiting For Ronald, with a blended cast of disabled and non-disabled actors. Come Away With Me, another film Ellen adapted, directed & acted in, has won over 15 awards and been in over 30 film festivals around the world- and was made with an all-female crew. What impresses me most about Ellen, besides her acting chops, is her persistent creative pursuits coupled with her warm welcoming spirit & sense of humor. Her passion for storytelling pushes her to constantly be creating new projects for her & her colleagues, and in turn, tell new stories.

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor Reggie Austin (On My Block, Agent Carter, Pretty Little Liars,Life Unexpected, The Starter Wife).

In Part 3, we talk Life Unexpected chemistry, admiring Denzel, On My Block, always getting better, M. Night Shyamalan's skill, earning insurance, his dream to be David Schwimmer, being an assistant storyteller, bringing a warm seriousness to roles, and his one-offer a year proposition.

Born in Peekskill, NY- Reggie Austin was a Theater Studies major at Yale University. There he appeared in numerous stage productions, including starring roles in Macbeth and Othello. After graduating, Reggie moved to New York City, where he studied with Susan Batson and performed on stage and in several films & TV shows before relocating to Los Angeles in 2005. You may recognize Reggie from his extensive commercial experience, but he is best known for his recurring roles on Marvel's Agent Carter, Devious Maids, Pretty Little Liars, Life Unexpected, The Fosters, The Starter Wife, and most recently the Netflix series On My Block. He has appeared as a guest star on shows including Homeland, The Good Doctor, Bones, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS: New Orleans, and in films including The Omen and Friends with Money. He also took his talents on the road for a few years with Acts The 3-Man Show, a full length action drama inspired by the New Testament book. His grace, charm & intelligence make him a great actor, but it’s his sincere goodness that makes him a great person, devoted husband & father, and friend.

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor Reggie Austin (On My Block, Agent Carter, Pretty Little Liars,Life Unexpected, The Starter Wife).

In Part 2, we discuss hating headshots, commercials as our bread & butter, facets of the "diamond," not being attached to a result, asking for one more take, learning to watch himself onscreen, making the crew laugh, doing improv on Up All Night, and knowing his strengths & weaknesses.

Born in Peekskill, NY- Reggie Austin was a Theater Studies major at Yale University. There he appeared in numerous stage productions, including starring roles in Macbeth and Othello. After graduating, Reggie moved to New York City, where he studied with Susan Batson and performed on stage and in several films & TV shows before relocating to Los Angeles in 2005. You may recognize Reggie from his extensive commercial experience, but he is best known for his recurring roles on Marvel's Agent Carter, Devious Maids, Pretty Little Liars, Life Unexpected, The Fosters, The Starter Wife, and most recently the Netflix series On My Block. He has appeared as a guest star on shows including Homeland, The Good Doctor, Bones, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS: New Orleans, and in films including The Omen and Friends with Money. He also took his talents on the road for a few years with Acts The 3-Man Show, a full length action drama inspired by the New Testament book. His grace, charm & intelligence make him a great actor, but it’s his sincere goodness that makes him a great person, devoted husband & father, and friend.

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Reggie Austin (On My Block, Agent Carter, Pretty Little Liars,Life Unexpected, The Starter Wife).

In Part 1, we talk about the "fart loft", Three's Company, aspiring to be a doctor, studying at Yale & with Susan Batson, "into-me-see", wanting art to be math, pounding the pavement, and the constant battle with his artist vs. his technician.

Born in Peekskill, NY- Reggie Austin was a Theater Studies major at Yale University. There he appeared in numerous stage productions, including starring roles in Macbeth and Othello. After graduating, Reggie moved to New York City, where he studied with Susan Batson and performed on stage and in several films & TV shows before relocating to Los Angeles in 2005. You may recognize Reggie from his extensive commercial experience, but he is best known for his recurring roles on Marvel's Agent Carter, Devious Maids, Pretty Little Liars, Life Unexpected, The Fosters, The Starter Wife, and most recently the Netflix series On My Block. He has appeared as a guest star on shows including Homeland, The Good Doctor, Bones, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS: New Orleans, and in films including The Omen and Friends with Money. He also took his talents on the road for a few years with Acts The 3-Man Show, a full length action drama inspired by the New Testament book. His grace, charm & intelligence make him a great actor, but it’s his sincere goodness that makes him a great person, devoted husband & father, and friend.

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor Eileen Grubba (Watchmen, New Amsterdam, Sons of Anarchy,Fear The Walking Dead, Nip/Tuck).

In Part 2, we discuss raising the bar, a teachable moment with Russell Crowe, working with idols Jessica Lange and Shirley MacLaine, how life is like a box of crayons, Martin Landau's motivational words, her passion for representation, and advocating for people with disabilities.

Eileen Grubba is an award-winning actress, writer and producer, a member of the Television Academy, and a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her TV appearances include HBO’s Watchmen, SWAT, ALL Rise, Criminal Minds, New Amsterdam, Game Of Silence, The Politician, Sons of Anarchy,Fear The Walking Dead, Hung, CSI: Miami,The Mentalist,Cold Case,Nip/Tuck, The Closer, and Monk- among others! She’s won several Best Actress awards for her performances in independent film, including most recently for her work in Dark Hearts and Dead End Drive. She was honored with the WeSpark Award for social impact on the entertainment industry at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema in 2020 and won the Mary Austin Excellence in Screenwriting Awards in 2019 and 2020, along with the Mary Austin Excellence in Producing Award in 2021. She advocates for the hiring of performers with disabilities in film, television and advertising, serves on the SAG-AFTRA National Performers With Disabilities Committee, and was selected for the 2020 CBS Leadership Pipeline for directing. When life experience, ambition, talent, and timing converge you get Eileen Grubba. She’s a force both on and off camera, and someone I came to admire from her exemplary work on stage at The Actors Studio. Now, after sharing the screen with her in the instant zombie classic Dead End Drive, I’ve come to appreciate her gifts as an artist even more.

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Eileen Grubba (Watchmen, New Amsterdam, Sons of Anarchy,Fear The Walking Dead, Nip/Tuck).

In Part 1, we talk musicals, cheerleading, putting your pain into the work, Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, HB Studios in NY, being truth-tellers, her mentors Barbara Bain and Allan Miller, and the rest of The Actors Studio family.

Eileen Grubba is an award-winning actress, writer and producer, a member of the Television Academy, and a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her TV appearances include HBO’s Watchmen, SWAT, ALL Rise, Criminal Minds, New Amsterdam, Game Of Silence, The Politician, Sons of Anarchy,Fear The Walking Dead, Hung, CSI: Miami,The Mentalist,Cold Case,Nip/Tuck, The Closer, and Monk- among others! She’s won several Best Actress awards for her performances in independent film, including most recently for her work in Dark Hearts and Dead End Drive. She was honored with the WeSpark Award for social impact on the entertainment industry at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema in 2020 and won the Mary Austin Excellence in Screenwriting Awards in 2019 and 2020, along with the Mary Austin Excellence in Producing Award in 2021. She advocates for the hiring of performers with disabilities in film, television and advertising, serves on the SAG-AFTRA National Performers With Disabilities Committee, and was selected for the 2020 CBS Leadership Pipeline for directing. When life experience, ambition, talent, and timing converge you get Eileen Grubba. She’s a force both on and off camera, and someone I came to admire from her exemplary work on stage at The Actors Studio. Now, after sharing the screen with her in the instant zombie classic Dead End Drive, I’ve come to appreciate her gifts as an artist even more.

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Rachael Drummond (Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Bombshell, Jimmy Kimmel Live!).

In Part 2, we discuss improv drama, Curb Your Enthusiasm, the generosity of William H. Macy, her obsession with Maggie Siff, Zen in the art of acting, and who she is vs. who she plays.

With a BFA from Boston University, Rachael Drummond is an actor and improv comedienne whose credits include Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Bombshell, and she can often be spotted in sketches on Jimmy Kimmel Live! As an improviser, Rachael has been on house Harold teams Trophy Wife at iO West, and Crush, at Upright Citizens Brigade- along with the indie team Dork Horse and the sketch team Strong Words- also at UCB. She also wrote & performed in the sketch show, Top Story! Weekly. At Acme Comedy, she’d perform regularly on stage with the improv shows The Armando and Lady Biker Gang. She’s also completed the training program at The Groundlings, so her improv & sketch comedy background is extensive. And her work-ethic is unmatched! You may have also seen her in any number of national commercials, including for the Toyota Sienna aka the “Swagger Wagon.” Her other credits include: Great News, Speechless, Fresh Off the Boat, and Parks & Recreation on TV; and the films Bear City 3 and Killer Party. She’s not only an extremely talented actress, comedienne & SuperMom, but she’s also a friend. And she's the Hillary Clinton my Bernie Sanders...!

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Rachael Drummond (Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Bombshell, Jimmy Kimmel Live!).

In Part 1, we talk acting technique, awkward adolescence, how she discovered improv comedy, and teachers Salem Ludwig, Alan Miller, and more!

With a BFA from Boston University, Rachael Drummond is an actor and improv comedienne whose credits include Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Bombshell, and she can often be spotted in sketches on Jimmy Kimmel Live! As an improviser, Rachael has been on house Harold teams Trophy Wife at iO West, and Crush, at Upright Citizens Brigade- along with the indie team Dork Horse and the sketch team Strong Words- also at UCB. She also wrote & performed in the sketch show, Top Story! Weekly. At Acme Comedy, she’d perform regularly on stage with the improv shows The Armando and Lady Biker Gang. She’s also completed the training program at The Groundlings, so her improv & sketch comedy background is extensive. And her work-ethic is unmatched! You may have also seen her in any number of national commercials, including for the Toyota Sienna a.k.a. the “Swagger Wagon.” Her other credits include: Great News, Speechless, Fresh Off the Boat, and Parks & Recreation on TV; and the films Bear City 3 and Killer Party. She’s not only an extremely talented actress, comedienne & SuperMom, but she’s also a friend. And she's the Hillary Clinton my Bernie Sanders...!

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com