About Acting Up. Honest Conversations With Working Actors.
From drama school dreams to survival jobs, from self-doubt to breakthroughs, Acting Up dives into the messy, magical reality of life as a working actor in Australia.
Join us for honest conversations with performers who are navigating the ups and downs of stage and screen.
Auditions, agents, rejection, mental health, money, identity, resilience, and creativity.
🎙 Honest chats.
🎧 No script.
🎭 Just the truth about making art and making rent.
📧 actingupau@gmail.com
Episode 11 Finding Your People with Anthony Darvall & Brooke Baxter
In this episode of Acting Up, Brooke and Anthony chat about their very different paths into acting, meeting on Verticals, what they’ve learned along the way, and what it actually takes to keep going when you’re trying to make a life in the arts.
Brooke started out as a dancer before finding her acting coach, while Anthony spent three years at drama school. Now they are both navigating the realities of building a career as working performers in Australia and overseas.
A conversation about training, career pivots, finding your people and making your own way in the industry.
In Episode 10, I’m joined by actor, comedian and improviser Lily Hensby as she prepares to take her show “I, Julia” to the Sydney Comedy Festival.
Inspired by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, we dive into the female comedy icons who shaped Lily’s voice from Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to Kate McKinnon and what shows like Saturday Night Live represent for performers coming up today.
We talk about why Australia doesn’t always create the same space for female comedic inspirations, and what that means for emerging artists trying to build careers locally.
Lily shares how improv became more than a skill, it became a lifestyle, and the rules that underpin it: saying yes, trusting your instincts, and backing yourself even when there’s no clear path.
We also get into TikTok, going viral, creating characters that connect, and the shift into making your own opportunities rather than waiting for them.
A funny, thoughtful and honest conversation about comedy, creativity, and putting yourself out there.
https://lilyhensby.com/about (https://lilyhensby.com/about)
https://www.tiktok.com/@lalahenz (https://www.tiktok.com/@lalahenz)
https://www.instagram.com/lalahenz/ (https://www.instagram.com/lalahenz/)
https://www.youtube.com/@lilyhensby (https://www.youtube.com/@lilyhensby)
22 Apr 2026
Episode 9 She Knocked on a Door and Got Cast with Kloud Milas and Sarah Nicolazzo
Is there a “correct” way into acting?
In Episode 9, Kloud and Sarah say there isn’t.
One followed a traditional path of training, writing, directing, collaborating.
The other knocked on a door… and ended up on a film set.
Together, they dive into pathways, branding, networking, and the realities of building a creative career across Sydney and Melbourne. With conversations around festivals like MIFF and SFF, and a few passionate debates along the way, this episode is a reminder that there’s no single route into the industry. 🎙🎧🎭
https://www.instagram.com/kloudmilas/ (https://www.instagram.com/kloudmilas/)
https://www.instagram.com/_sarah.nicolazzo/ (https://www.instagram.com/_sarah.nicolazzo/)
https://www.wiftaustralia.org.au/ (https://www.wiftaustralia.org.au/)
6 Apr 2026
Episode 8 Your Reputation Keeps You Working with John O'Hara & Mat Verevis
I’m joined by John O’Hara and Mat Verevis in Episode 8, two seriously bookable actors you’ll recognise from Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and countless other productions.
We talk about what it really means to build a life in this industry; the auditions, the hustle, the gig economy that all go into creating a sustainable career… alongside the quieter moments in between.
Then once you book the show, how it's the friendships that hold you together and the dressing rooms where life unfolds; where actors can laugh, unravel, fall apart, and build themselves back up again.
Because this job isn’t just work.
It’s the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
We talk longevity, making your own work, showing up when no one’s watching, and why talent alone isn’t enough.
Because in this industry your reputation is everything...so don't be a ****head!Send this episode to someone who gets it 🎙🎧🎭
https://www.instagram.com/johnjamesohara/ (https://www.instagram.com/johnjamesohara/)
https://www.instagram.com/mjverevis/ (https://www.instagram.com/mjverevis/)
🎟 "Your Song"
https://www.thelittleredcompany.com/your-song (https://www.thelittleredcompany.com/your-song)
🎟 "The Lion King"
https://thelionkingmusical.com.au/ (https://thelionkingmusical.com.au/)
3 Mar 2026
Episode 7 Profit Share & Power Plays: Women Making Theatre In 2026
For Episode 7 we are inside the rehearsal room of Contest at Flight Path Theatre (https://www.flightpaththeatre.org/whats-on/contest)
I sit down with director Kirsty Semaan and actors Willa King, Emma Monk and Lana Morgan from Space Jump Theatre (https://www.spacejumptheatre.com/about)
We talk producing new work, profit share realities, building audiences from scratch, and what it really means to be a female actor in 2026.
An honest conversation about ambition, sustainability, and why we keep choosing theatre.
If you'd like to make a tax deductible donation to the Arts Cultural fund, you can do so here (https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000cgIDxMAM/contest-by-emilie-collyer)
7 Feb 2026
Episode 6 From Accountant to Global Vertical Star with Daniel Jongma
Three years ago, Daniel was an accountant. Today, he’s a leading name in the global vertical micro-drama industry, one of the fastest-growing areas in screen performance, now valued in the billions of dollars.
In this episode of Acting Up, Daniel shares how he made the leap from spreadsheets to storytelling, landed his first vertical acting gig, and built a full-time, international career in micro-dramas filmed for the phone-first world.
We talk money, momentum, creative risk, and why vertical storytelling is creating real, sustainable opportunities for actors right now.
Daniel also explains how he’s helping other performers access this booming space through his agency, Acting Vertical, and what actors need to know if they want to break into micro-dramas themselves.
If you’re curious about alternative acting paths, global opportunities, or building creative freedom outside the traditional system, this episode is essential listening.
Connect with Daniel
https://www.actingvertical.com.au (https://www.actingvertical.com.au/)
https://www.instagram.com/actingvertical/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/actingvertical/?hl=en)
https://www.instagram.com/danjongma (https://www.instagram.com/danjongma)
14 Jan 2026
Epsiode 5 "You do need to have blind delusion to be in this business" with Tricia Paoluccio & James Taylor
From one line in a read-through to two years on Broadway...
In Episode 5, I’m joined by my friend James (back from Episode 2) for a fabulous conversation with the brilliant Tricia Paoluccio, who was recently in Sydney starring as Dolly Parton in Here You Come Again.
Tricia talks about co-creating the show with her husband, the incredible good fortune of securing a grant and permission to use Dolly Parton’s catalogue, and what it really means to create your own work; whether that’s paid, passion-led, or shared on social media. We chat about being good to work with, staying grounded, and why entitlement has no place in a sustainable creative career.
She also shares an amazing story about being in a play read-through where she had just one line and how, without her knowing, she was being noticed by a director in the room. That moment led to two years of work on Broadway. Proof that you truly never know who’s watching.
We also dive into life as a working actor in America, returning to a post-Covid New York that feels very different to the one she knew before, and Tricia’s visual art practice that exists alongside her performing career. Tricia is an absolute delight!
27 Nov 2025
Episode 4 Joy, Grit & Generosity with Emily & Sahil
Welcome to Episode 4! This was my first ever Zoom interview, and I’m chatting with two Melbourne-based actors whose paths into the industry couldn’t be more different, yet whose generosity, craft, and passion align perfectly.
Emily Joy was the first actor to reach out to me who wasn’t already in my immediate circle, and true to her name, she has brought nothing but joy and support to Acting Up.
Emily runs Joy Studio, offering workshops, career coaching, acting coaching, audition coaching, lessons in mindfulness; everything a working actor needs to stay sharp, grounded and inspired. Her insights are warm, practical, and deeply encouraging.
Sahil Saluja came to acting through a love of Bollywood while growing up in India, followed by an engineering degree in America, and now a thriving acting career in Melbourne. He has appeared on Australian network television, including the hit comedy FISK, along with Emily, and you can currently see him in All Her Fault alongside Sarah Snook. His journey is a brilliant reminder that no path into acting is linear and every twist adds fuel to the cause.
In this conversation Emily and Sahil bring honesty, humour, and invaluable advice for actors at any stage of their careers.
If you enjoy the episode, reach out to them! They’re the kind of artists who are here to help and pay it forward.
✨ Find Emily Joy & Joy Studio: @em_joyable @joystudioacting
✨ Find Sahil Saluja: @sahil___saluja
18 Oct 2025
Episode 3 "I Was Very Employable" with Todd McKenney
It was a true honour to sit down with the one and only Todd McKenney for Episode 3!
Todd opens up about his extraordinary career across stage, television, and film; from starring in Baz Luhrmann’s first film Strictly Ballroom, to performing in over 40 hit musicals and and becoming the loveable yet “honest” judge on Dancing With the Stars, entertaining millions every week.
We chat about the magic and real grind of show business, why you should never say no to a gig (even a shopping centre one), and how building skills, curiosity, kindness and resilience can shape a lasting career in the arts.
A candid, funny, and deeply inspiring chat for theatre fans and curious newcomers alike. We've got laughs, lessons, and backstage stories from one of the greats.
9 Sept 2025
Episode 2 Cruise Ships to Shakespeare with David & James
In Episode 2 of Acting Up, I sit down with actor David and dancer James, who share their generous and candid insights into the highs and lows of life on stage.
We talk big wins like touring, leading roles, and long contracts, as well as the tougher moments and why even the “shopping centre gigs” are worth celebrating.
From cruise ships to Shakespeare, TikTok fame to ushering in theatres, this is a deep yet playful conversation about chasing dreams, embracing setbacks, and finding joy in every step of the journey.
🎙️ Honest chats.
🎧 No script.
🎭 Just the truth about making art and making rent.
29 Jul 2025
Episode 1 "Would I Have Seen You In Anything?" with Amy & Megan
"Why don't you just go on Home & Away?"
In the very first episode of Acting Up, Amy and Megan let us into the realities of being a working actor in Australia today.
From juggling auditions, self-tapes, and casual jobs while trying to maintain a social life, to remembering the magic sparks that made them choose acting in the first place, we unpack the nitty-gritty hustle it takes to self-advocate, stand out in castings, and chase roles, all while growing their craft and staying sane. Listen in to this unfiltered discussion about the reality of life as a working actor.
🎙️ Honest chats.
🎧 No script.
🎭 Just the truth about making art and making rent.
24 Jul 2025
Trailer Episode 1
Here’s a quick taste of what’s to come on the first episode of Acting Up. Honest Conversations with Working Actors.
Expect refreshingly real, funny, and fearless chats with people making art and making rent.
Have questions you'd like Sophie to ask her guests, or would you like to be a guest yourself?
DM @acting_up_podcast and please do follow Acting Up and spread the word of this new show!
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