🎬 What does it really take to build a successful acting career—and why do so many talented actors struggle to turn their skills into consistent work?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, actor, stunt performer, and acting coach Alex Collins joins Deaton Gabbard and guest host Connor Holden to discuss more than 25 years in Hollywood, working with major stars, audition preparation, and the business of acting.

Alex shares how he left a corporate finance job to pursue acting, booked a national Chevy commercial, and moved to Hollywood. He takes us behind the scenes of The Accountant, starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal, and Apple TV+’s Manhunt, where he portrayed General Sherman.

Hear Alex’s story about rehearsing a fight scene with Jon Bernthal, the repeated slaps involved, and the question Jon asked him on set: “How can we make our scene better?” Plus, learn how Alex had just 20 minutes to learn General Sherman’s signature before filming.

Whether you're a new actor or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical advice on building your craft and navigating the entertainment industry.

Topics include: Jon Bernthal, Ben Affleck, The Accountant, Manhunt, stunt work, audition coaching, acting career advice, audition preparation, acting business skills, accountability, rejection, and dealing with cut scenes.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Alex Collins Extended Reel (Go to YouTube to watch this!)
08:00 Podcast Intro
08:51 Meet Alex Collins
09:55 Alex’s 25-Year Acting Journey
11:21 From Soccer to Corporate Finance
11:43 Quitting His Job to Pursue Acting
11:59 The Chevy Commercial That Changed Everything
12:50 Joining SAG-AFTRA Too Early
14:35 Playing General Sherman in Manhunt
15:17 Learning Sherman’s Signature in 20 Minutes
17:14 Playing a Blind Superhero
19:15 Working With Jon Bernthal & Ben Affleck
20:38 The Accountant Fight Scene
22:22 Jon Bernthal’s Slaps During Rehearsal
23:11 Jon’s Unexpected Question on Set
24:17 Becoming an Acting Coach
28:23 Building an Acting Boot Camp
30:52 Why Actors Need Accountability
31:33 “Full-Time Results With Part-Time Effort”
34:13 Building an Acting Career Outside LA
37:06 Is Acting Too Saturated?
38:55 Why Getting a Callback Is a Win
39:19 The Danger of Social Media Comparisons
41:05 When Your Scene Gets Cut
42:03 The Sleepy Hollow Scene That Disappeared
43:30 Focus on the Work, Not the Edit
44:59 How Every Acting Job Can Lead to Another
46:14 Where to Find Alex Collins
46:41 Where to Find Connor Holden
47:25 Final Thoughts

🎭 Follow Alex Collins
Instagram: @AlexBCollins
Website: https://alexbcollins.com/

Follow Connor Holden: @ConnorIsHolden on Instagram.

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals about the craft and business of building a career in film and television. 🎙️

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and leave a rating or review!

Business & Guest Inquiries: podcastoftravelingactors@gmail.com

Co-hosted and produced by Deaton Gabbard and Brandon Wall.

Thanks for listening!

⭐ What are actors getting wrong in auditions—and what can you learn from the mistakes that cost performers opportunities?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, acting coaches Amber Bohac and Kimberly Crandall of Actorsite join Deaton Gabbard and guest host Chandler Letner to talk about audition preparation, self-tape technique, rejection, and the realities of building a career in Hollywood.

Amber and Kimberly share their journeys as actors and coaches, how they continued Actorsite’s legacy after the passing of founder Jack Turnbull, and why ongoing training matters at every stage of an acting career. They break down common audition mistakes, the importance of preparation and self-tape quality, and why actors should submit their auditions even when the circumstances aren't perfect.

They also discuss the difficult side of the industry, from losing scenes in the editing room to handling rejection and navigating unhelpful industry advice. Plus, hear some wild stories, including how an actor booked a national commercial with basketballs audible in the background and Amber’s unforgettable theater accident.

Whether you're a new actor, a working professional, or a parent supporting a young performer, this conversation offers practical advice for developing your craft, building confidence, and creating a sustainable acting career.

Topics include: Actorsite’s history and legacy, Amber Bohac and Kimberly Crandall’s acting journeys, becoming an acting coach, audition preparation, self-tape mistakes, audition extensions, booking roles, dealing with rejection, scenes getting cut from movies, navigating Hollywood managers, common mistakes actors make, choosing the right acting classes, and building independence as a performer.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Actorsite Intro
01:44 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
02:08 Meet Chandler Letner
02:51 Introducing Actorsite Coaches Amber & Kimberly
03:24 How They Got Started in Acting
03:53 Kimberly’s Journey Into Acting
04:53 Amber’s Unforgettable Start in Theater
06:46 How Kimberly Found Actorsite
07:16 What Is Actorsite?
09:21 Why Become an Acting Coach?
12:28 How Kimberly Built Her Coaching Career
14:18 The Reward of Helping Actors Book Jobs
17:36 The Best Advice for New Actors
18:28 Self-Tape Mistakes That Can Cost You Auditions
20:26 How Competitive Are Acting Auditions?
22:54 Should You Ask for an Audition Extension?
23:52 How a Messy Self-Tape Booked a National Commercial
26:31 The Hardest Part of the Acting Industry
28:47 When Your Scenes Get Cut From a Movie
32:40 Amber’s Wild Hollywood Manager Story
36:47 A Real-Life Theater Horror Story
38:41 Where to Find Amber & Kimberly
39:26 The Story Behind Actorsite’s Online Classes
40:33 Common Mistakes New Actors Make
41:00 Why You Need to Know Your Lines
43:06 Who Takes Classes at Actorsite?
44:27 Giving Actors the Tools to Work Independently
45:02 Which Actorsite Class Should You Take First?
45:43 Get $15 Off an Actorsite Class or Intensive
46:14 Thanks for Listening!

🎭 Ready to work on your craft?

Explore acting classes, audition training, and intensives at Actorsite. Use code POTA at checkout for $15 off a class or intensive.

Visit: https://www.actorsite.com/

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with working actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals about the craft, the business, and the realities of building a career in film and television. 🎙️

🎬 Are stand-in jobs worth it for actors?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we break down the realities of stand-in work, working on film and television sets, networking, and building a career in the entertainment industry.

Deaton Gabbard and Brandon Wall share their personal experiences working as stand-ins, including standing in for major actors like Mel Gibson, Garrett Hedlund, Ryan Hurst, and others. They explain what a stand-in actually does, how stand-ins help productions set lighting and camera positions, and what it's like to spend an entire production working closely with directors, cinematographers, actors, and crew.

They also discuss the networking opportunities that can come from stand-in work, including making friendships and professional connections that can continue long after a production wraps. From reading scenes with actors on set to auditioning while working as a stand-in, they share some of the unexpected opportunities that can come from simply being present and doing the job well.

The conversation also explores whether stand-in work is still worthwhile as an actor progresses in their career. Deaton and Brandon discuss the differences between stand-in work and background acting, why newer actors can benefit from spending time on set, and how learning set terminology, blocking, etiquette, and the production process can give actors a better understanding of how a professional film set operates.

They also share stories about working with different actors, the reality that every production experience can be different, and why actors should consider their current career goals before deciding which opportunities are worth pursuing.

Topics include: stand-in work for actors, what a stand-in actor does, working on film and television sets, standing in for major actors, Mel Gibson, Garrett Hedlund, Ryan Hurst, networking on set, reading scenes with actors, auditioning while working on set, background acting, learning film set terminology, set etiquette, blocking, working with directors and cinematographers, PA work, gaining production experience, career growth, and deciding whether stand-in work is right for you.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
01:50 Talking Movies, TV & Different Storytelling Styles
04:48 Why We're Talking About Stand-In Work
06:07 What Is a Stand-In Actor?
07:02 Standing In for Major Actors
08:22 Is Stand-In Work Worth It for Actors?
09:37 Networking Opportunities on Set
10:23 Auditioning While Working as a Stand-In
12:08 Reading Scenes With Actors
13:13 Does Stand-In Work Help Your Acting Career?
14:30 When Stand-Ins Shouldn't Act Out the Scene
15:32 Working as a PA & Finding Unexpected Opportunities
18:08 Working With Famous Actors
20:07 The Reality of Different Set Experiences
21:57 Should Actors Try Stand-In Work?
22:05 Why New Actors Should Start With Background
22:24 Learning Film Set Terminology & Set Etiquette
24:51 Why Set Experience Matters
25:10 Final Thoughts & Advice for Actors
25:24 Thanks for Listening!

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