Second Act Actors

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blythe (she/her) holds her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Alberta, but calls Toronto home, where she is an active member of the community. For Gangway she is currently working on their play Digital Divergence, a design first creation process centring on who we are in different mediums. For her solo projects, Blythe is developing her play Uplifting Stories for Seniors, which won Second Place Winner of the Toronto Fringe 2025 24 hour Playwriting Contest. An active member of Showing Up For Racial Justice, her art practice has come to involve work with grassroots community advocacy, melding together direct action and art; she was a co-producer/performer of the political play reading community event 8 Men Speak (The Theatre Centre, 2024); Favourite performances: The Drowning Girls (Guild Festival Theatre), An Acorn: a text for performance (impel Theatre/Oldham Coliseum) and the play-turned-short film & Other Concerns (dir. Sabina Olivia Lambert), which debuted at the Big Apple Film Festival (NYC) and the Female Eye Film Festival (Toronto) in 2024, and Available Now on CBC Gem. Honourable mentions: She has had the opportunity to work on two Thomas McKechnie projects - 12 Letters from Your Lover, Lost at Sea (zietpunktheatre), and was an anti-capitalist worm in Life and death and life and death and life (dir. Steven Hao).Blythe is an AMY Project Board Member, and also works with the project Anchoring Accessibility (with lead artist Leslie Ting, Dr. Jessica Watkin and Macy Siu) - which “works to find ways through practice-based research to support artists in the sector to develop relational and pragmatic approaches to accessibility and confidence by creating creative tools (the protocol) and educational materials.”Instagram: @blythe_haynes@and_other_concerns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Lupis shares his journey from being a barber to pursuing a career in acting. He discusses the challenges he faced, the transition during COVID, and his passion for storytelling. Adam emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and offers advice for aspiring actors.Takeaways:-Everything great comes with sacrifices.-Acting is about exploring human behavior.-If you have the drive, don't let go of it.-Be yourself to bring out your best.-Create your own work to propel forward.https://www.youtube.com/c/adamlupis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Millett shares her journey into the world of animal training, highlighting the passion that drives her work. She discusses the importance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of the film industry, the role of animal coordinators, and the preparation required for animals on set. Melissa offers valuable advice for actors working with animals, emphasizing the need to understand animal behavior and the unique challenges presented by different species. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI in film, memorable moments from her career, and her excitement for future projects, all while advocating for the respectful treatment of animals in the industry.TakeawaysThe passion for animal training is key to success in the industry.Navigating the film industry can be confusing without proper mentorship.Mentorship is crucial for understanding the complexities of working on set.Animal coordinators play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals on set.Preparation and training are essential for animals to perform well in film.Actors should follow the guidance of animal trainers to ensure safety and effectiveness.Interacting with animals on set requires understanding their behavior and needs.https://www.ultimutts.ca/ https://indogswetrust.ca/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Anthony Chin-Quee: Writer & Doctor shares his transformative journey from a medical career to becoming a television writer. He discusses the emotional challenges faced during medical training, the importance of storytelling, and how he found his passion in writing. Tony reflects on his experiences in the Grey's Anatomy writing room, the cultural shifts in medicine, and the significance of humor in coping with the stresses of the medical profession. He offers advice for those looking to transition into creative fields and emphasizes the importance of loving what you do.TakeawaysStorytelling can be a powerful tool for processing experiences in medicine.Finding emotional resilience is key to thriving in creative fields.It's important to make time for creative pursuits in daily life.Loving what you do is essential for personal fulfillment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HAPPY TIFF SEASON TO EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATES!!In this conversation, Peter Kuplowsky shares his journey from a passionate film enthusiast to a prominent curator and independent film producer. He discusses the evolution of his curatorial voice, the unique experience of Midnight Madness at TIFF, and the importance of networking in the film industry. Peter also offers valuable advice for aspiring curators and filmmakers, emphasizing the need to stay curious and seize opportunities.TakeawaysNetworking is crucial in the film industry; many opportunities arise from connections.Curators should seek out interesting decisions in films to engage audiences.Aspiring curators can start small, even in their living rooms.Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.