Behind the Curtain with Anastasia Pioro

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, I sit down with award-winning playwright, director, actor, and Artistic Director of Project: Humanity, Andrew Kushnir.We explore Andrew's journey into theatre, what first inspired him to become a storyteller, and how he's built a career creating socially engaged work that resonates with audiences across Canada and beyond.Our conversation dives into Canadian theatre, documentary storytelling, the creative process behind his latest work, The Division, and the responsibility of creating art inspired by real-life events. Andrew also reflects on how both his Ukrainian-Canadian heritage and his experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community have shaped the stories he chooses to tell and the perspectives he brings to his work.We also discuss how Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has influenced his life and artistry, and the role he believes theatre can play during times of conflict, remembrance, and change.Whether you're an actor, theatre lover, or simply curious about the power of storytelling, this is a thoughtful conversation about identity, creativity, and the stories that connect us.Follow Andrew on Instagram: @andrewkushnir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're an actor, filmmaker, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to understand how PR and media actually work in the entertainment industry, this episode is for you. Public relations can make or break a project, but knowing when to hire a PR firm, how media coverage really works, and what makes a story worth pitching is something most creatives are never taught.This week on Behind the Curtain, entertainment publicist Andréa Grau, founder of Touchwood PR, shares an inside look at the evolving world of entertainment PR, publicity, and media strategy. The conversation dives into how actors and filmmakers can better position themselves in the industry, whether “bad PR” is ever actually good PR, what makes media outlets pay attention to a project, and where the entertainment and media landscape is heading next. Andréa also shares insights from working with major film organizations, festivals, and creatives throughout her career in entertainment publicity.Whether you're preparing to pitch your next project, build your personal brand, or better understand the business side of entertainment, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how PR and media really operate. Follow Touchwood PR on Instagram: @touchwoodpr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rejection is part of the acting industry, but nobody prepares you for how heavy it really gets. This episode gives actors an honest, unfiltered look at the experiences that rarely get talked about and the mindset it takes to keep going.Actor Pony Nicole Herauf joins me for one of the most open conversations I've had on this show, covering the rejections, the resilience, and the quiet moments that remind you why you started in the first place.This episode is for every actor who has ever questioned whether to keep going and needed someone to tell them they're not alone in feeling that way.Follow Pony on Instagram: @ponynicoleherauf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're an actor wondering whether the sacrifices are worth it, you're not alone, and nobody talks about that part enough. This episode gives working and emerging actors a real look at what pursuing this career actually costs, and what keeps you going anyway.Actor Samantha Brown joins me to share the unglamorous truth about what the pursuit really looks like, the pivots, the moments of doubt, and the experiences that almost made her walk away, and what brought her back.This episode is for every actor in the thick of it who needs to hear that the hard parts are normal, and that staying in it is still worth it.Follow Samantha on Instagram: @samantha.brown._ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're an actor feeling stuck, overwhelmed by auditions, or unsure how to actually build a sustainable acting career, you're not alone. So many performers struggle in silence because the entertainment industry often feels confusing, competitive, and hard to navigate without real guidance or honest conversations.In this first episode of Behind the Curtain, I’m introducing the intention behind this podcast and why these conversations matter. I share my own perspective as an actor and creator, what inspired me to start this space, and the kinds of honest, behind-the-scenes discussions you can expect with industry guests — from casting insights to career paths and the realities of working in film and TV.This podcast is for actors, creatives, and anyone navigating the entertainment industry who wants real talk instead of surface-level advice. If you’re ready to stop feeling like you’re figuring it out alone, follow the show and join me Behind the Curtain for weekly conversations that bring clarity, perspective, and momentum to your acting journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.