How Do You Explain a Long Break from Acting - Without Sounding Unsure?

Have you taken 10, 20, or even 30 years off from acting - and now you’re wondering how to explain that gap without sounding awkward or uncertain?

Many actors feel nervous reentering the industry after a long break. But really, casting directors care much more about your passion and preparation now than what you did in the past.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• A confident way to explain your acting gap that actually makes you more castable
• How to turn your life experience into a strength that sets you apart
• What agents and casting directors really want to hear in a cover letter, bio, or meeting

Ready to feel proud of your story and excited about your next chapter? Hit play and let’s build your confidence.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
• Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Are you struggling to land your first union-level speaking role as an actor?

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Marcus, a full-time actor for over 40 years with nearly 1,300 bookings under his belt. He shares the exact steps he took to break into union work and how today’s actors can rise above industry challenges.

You’ll discover:

• A common mistake actors make that keeps them from getting seen by agents
• The quiet trick Aaron used to land his very first union role (and how it still works today)
• What to do when your emails to agents go unanswered - even with solid credits and strong footage

Listen now to learn how you can move closer to union-level work and start landing roles faster.

Contact Aaron at howtoactandmodel.com

Contact Info:

• Email: martin@cityheadshots.com
• Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
• Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Are you missing out on roles just because casting directors don’t know you’re SAG-AFTRA Eligible?

Too many actors work hard to earn SAG-AFTRA Eligibility - then fail to show it in the right places.

In this episode, we’ll help you make sure your union status gets noticed so casting directors can say “yes” to you fast.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• The one place most actors forget to mention their eligibility - and why it matters
• How to subtly spotlight your union status in a way agents and CDs actually read
• A quick fix to make your resume and profiles union-ready without overthinking it

Want to start booking legit roles? Play this episode now to make your eligibility work for you, not against you.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
• Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Feel Nervous Before an Audition? Here’s How to Flip the Switch Fast

Ever wished you could calm your nerves or boost your energy right before stepping into the audition room or hitting record on a self-tape?

Today’s episode of The Actor’s Career Compass gives you the tools to change your emotional state in just minutes - so you feel more confident, focused, and ready to shine.

You’ll discover:

• A simple breathing trick that instantly grounds you before performing
• A 3-word ritual to help you feel more powerful and present
• Quick ways to shake off nerves and feel in control of your body and mind

Tap play now to learn fast, effective strategies you can use before every audition or self tape.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
• Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Can cheesy or cringe-worthy lines ever sound real on screen?

Actors often face scripts filled with lines that feel unnatural or overly dramatic.

This episode shows how you can turn those tricky moments into powerful, believable performances that grab the audience's attention.

You'll discover:

• A surprising way to flip cheesy dialogue so it feels grounded and authentic.
• How using unexpected emotions can instantly make even the corniest line feel natural.
• A simple rehearsal technique that helps you find the most believable delivery before your audition.

Hit play now and learn how to make even the most awkward lines feel real and human!

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
• Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Do you really need to master an American accent to land acting roles?

Many actors wonder if their accent might hold them back from booking roles.

In today's episode, we explore how having a believable American or regional accent can open doors to more auditions and roles, while also allowing you to stay true to your own voice.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The surprising way casting directors judge your accent during auditions.
• Why treating your accent like a costume piece can increase your chances of fitting into more roles.
• Simple, fast methods to practice and improve your accent naturally without sounding fake.

If you want to unlock more opportunities and sound believable on camera, listen to this episode now.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
• Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Are you letting self-doubt hold you back from bold acting choices that could land you the roles you want?

In this episode of The Actor's Career Compass, we explore how to overcome hesitation and build confidence, even if you're just starting out or feel like you're too old to begin.

Acting coach Joshua Nelson shares powerful insights on shifting from simply "playing" a role to truly "being" the character on camera.

• Discover why it's never too late to start your acting career and make an impact.
• Learn the mindset shift that helps you move from tentative to fearless in your self-tape auditions.
• Find out creative at-home training techniques you can use when classes aren't an option.

Listen now and start making stronger, more confident acting choices that will get you noticed.

Joshua Nelson

LaGuardia Acting Studio: www.laguardiaacting.com

Instagram: @Laguardiaactingschool

Martin Bentsen

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots: https://www.cityheadshots.com
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel: https://www.actorscreenershoot.com
• Edit Footage Into a Reel: https://www.demoreelsnyc.com

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.

Which Platforms Do Casting Directors Actually Use - And How Can You Reach Out Without Feeling Pushy?

Are you wondering where casting directors really hang out online - and how to confidently get on their radar, even if you’re just starting out?

This episode breaks down the exact platforms casting pros use to find actors and shows you how to connect without coming across as awkward or salesy.

You’ll discover:

• The 3 casting sites that give you the highest chances of being seen by top CDs
• Which social media platforms work best for networking behind the scenes
• A simple way to email casting directors and get remembered (without being annoying)

Start building real connections in the industry by tuning into this quick and clear episode now.

Email: martin@cityheadshots.com

Website: https://www.martinbentsen.com

Additional Resources:

• Headshots
• Shoot Footage for Your Reel
• Edit Footage Into a Reel

This show dives deep into the world of acting in film, exploring the journey of movie acting with stories, building confidence among aspiring actors, navigating auditions and productions, and offering insights from acting agents, coaches, and the challenges of becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible to advance your acting career, skills, and landing roles.