Struggling to stand out as a new actor? Wondering why talent alone isn’t landing you auditions? You’re in the right place.
Welcome to The Brand New Actor, the podcast for new actors and graduates ready to turn their training into a successful career. You’ve mastered your craft—now it’s time to master the business side to land those jobs.
I’m Deanna Nicole, an actor who learned that talent alone isn’t enough. Once I cracked the branding code, I started landing auditions, signing with agents, and booking work. Now, I’m here to help you do the same.
Step into the world of theatre with special guest Krystal Millie Valdes as she shares her journey from getting started in the industry to building a sustainable career on stage. In this episode, we dive into the realities of audition preparation, what it truly takes to stand out in the room, and how to navigate the highs and lows of pursuing a life in the arts.
Krystal opens up about the importance of balancing life and artistry—how to stay creatively fulfilled while also protecting your mental and emotional well-being. She also breaks down the process of earning your Equity card, offering insight and encouragement for actors who are working toward that milestone.
Whether you're a new actor or already on your journey, this conversation is filled with honest advice, practical tips, and inspiration to help you grow both as an artist and as a person.
🎭 Topics Covered:
• Getting started in theatre
• Audition prep tips and mindset
• Balancing life and art
• Navigating the actor lifestyle
• Earning your Equity card
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you enjoyed this episode of The Brand New Actor Podcast!
22 Feb 2026
Theatre for Young Audiences w/ Cameron Holder
🎭 Theater for Young Audiences: Touring, Challenges & Why TYA Matters
Welcome back to The Brand New Actor Podcast! In this episode, host Deanna Gamboa sits down with actor Cameron Holder to dive into the exciting and often underestimated world of Theater for Young Audiences (TYA).
From Cameron’s journey into acting in Miami to touring nationally with Bright Star Touring Theater, this conversation explores what it’s really like performing for children — the challenges, the laughter, and the powerful impact TYA has on young minds.
✨ Whether you’re an actor, theater student, or someone curious about touring life, this episode offers honest insight, inspiration, and plenty of funny behind-the-scenes moments.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Cameron’s path from high school theater to professional touring
• Life on the road with Bright Star Touring Theater
• Performing educational productions like The Life of Dr. King and George Washington Carver and Friends
• The realities of touring and maintaining energy across multiple shows
• Why Theater for Young Audiences is a valuable training ground for actors
• Memorable and hilarious audience interactions with kids
• How TYA inspires the next generation through storytelling
🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share with a fellow actor!
#TheBrandNewActor #TheaterForYoungAudiences #ChildrensTheater #ActingPodcast #ActorLife #TouringActor #PerformingArts #TYA #TheaterEducation #ActorJourney
26 Oct 2025
Ep 6: Acting Materials with Chris Perez
Chris Perez, actor and casting director, discusses the preparation of monologues, scenes, and self-tapes for actors in an interview on acting materials.
31 Aug 2025
Lets Get Reel
Host Alex Johnson interviews Vanessa Ballester, Co-Founder of Let’s Get Reel, about crafting a compelling acting reel to secure more bookings.
27 Jul 2025
Songs That Book with Isabel Tucen
Vocal coach Isabel Tucen joins Deanna Gamboa to discuss how actors select the best audition songs, covering vocal techniques and range to improve performance in this interview.
1 Jul 2025
Voice Overs with Chris Diaz
Actor Chris Diaz illuminates the voice-over landscape for aspiring actors, discussing opportunities, dubbing markets, and home studio setups in this interview episode.
1 Jun 2025
Resumes
The host discusses actor resumes, emphasizing how they should align with an actor's brand and target market to make a strong second impression in the audition room; this is not an interview.
23 Mar 2025
Branding in Focus: Perfecting the Actor Headshot with Lynn Parks
Welcome Back to The Brand New Actor Season II!
In this episode of Branding in Focus, host Deanna Gamboa sits down with Lynn Parks, a seasoned photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing actor headshots across major markets like Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Lynn has worked with actors in theater, film, and commercial spaces, helping them craft headshots that truly reflect their unique brand. Tune in as we explore the key elements of a standout actor headshot and how it can make all the difference in casting calls. Whether you're just starting your acting career or looking to update your portfolio, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on how to perfect your headshot and elevate your brand in a competitive industry.
Tune into The Brand New Actor Podcast every third Sunday monthly @ 6:00 PM.
29 Dec 2024
Episode 7: Making Cents of Actor Taxes
Actors the curtain is closing on 2024 and tax season is right around the corner! In the season finale of The Brand New Actor podcast, we're tackling one of the most important topics for performers: taxes. This episode breaks down- The difference between a 1099 & W2 Form - What you can write off as a working actor- How to organize your finances for tax season- End of the year tips to maximize your deductionsDon't miss out on this valuable advice to take control of your finances before the new year!Tune in via Youtube or Spotify
22 Sept 2024
Episode 6: The Power of the Narrative
What's YOUR story?
In Episode 6 of The Brand New Actor, we uncover "The Power of the Narrative" and how a well-crafted story can elevate you from just another face in the crowd to a memorable and marketable actor. Learn how to shape your personal experiences, values and unique qualities into a compelling narrative that grabs attention and opens doors in the entertainment industry.
Ready to transform your brand?
18 Aug 2024
Episode 5: Building Your Olympic Dream Team: How to Get Representation
Welcome Back to Episode 5 of The Brand New ActorTime to strike gold and recruit your dream team! As per requested by viewers, we will dive into landing an agent or manager and overall build your representative team to strengthen your career strategy. Tune into a NEW episode third Sunday of the month at 6:00 PM on Youtube or Spotify!Stay connected by following on Instagram @thebrandnewactor
30 Jul 2024
Episode 4: Diamond of the Season, How to Stand Out in Auditions
Do you pour your heart into every audition but still feel overlooked? In Episode 4 of The Brand New Actor podcast entitled "Diamond of the Season: How to Stand Out in Auditions" we will explore essential tips and strategies for making a lasting impression.
24 Jun 2024
Episode 3: Shop Your Market
Lets go shopping!
Well not clothes shopping but for the best suited acting market for YOU!
The Brand New Actor Podcast Episode 3: Shop Your Market will delve into the actor market and specific niches from on stage to on camera. With 3 easy steps, this episode is practical for actors to pursue an acting market best suited for them!
Tune in via Spotify or Youtube
NEW EPISODES 1X MONTHLY
22 Apr 2024
Episode 2: Name Brand
Welcome to The Brand New Actor, Episode II entitled "Name Brand," that will inspire you to create your very own unique niche and type, so that you can leave your imprint in every audition and tell casting WHO YOU ARE!
7 Apr 2024
Episode 1: You Graduated, Now What
Welcome to The Brand New Actor, Episode 1: You Graduated Now What?
Congrats to Class of 2024! If you've already graduated or will be soon this episode is especially made for you to prepare you for the next steps after graduation and start your career path.
Download the PDF of The Plan Assignment
28 Jan 2024
Trailer: What's the Show About?
Welcome!
This is the official trailer for The Brand New Actor Podcast with your Host Deanna Gamboa. For those of you that don't know Deanna, she is a non union, SAG-Eligible actress from Miami, FL and BFA graduate from New World School of the Arts in Musical Theatre.
The goal of this podcast is to better equip the actor to brand themselves. It's a podcast for actors in ALL stages of their acting career from the new actor to the seasoned actor. There will be episodes posted every 2 weeks! Be sure to follow on social media for the first official episode airing date!
IG: @thebrandnewactor & @deanna_gamboa
Who has been a guest on The Brand New Actor
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Chris Perez
Vanessa Ballester
Isabel Tucen
Chris Diaz
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,657,709,572
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
26
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
0
Contact The Brand New Actor
Guest appearances
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