The Callback

S2, Ep8 NAOMI DENNY

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:00:32 GMT

Naomi’s getting into spirituality after resisting it for years, and even though she says mantras aren’t her thing, she gives us some brilliant ones to think about throughout the episode. She’s now allowing space for the universe to deliver her what it needs to, and damn is it working!

Emma and actor/writer Naomi Denny sit down over a cuppa to talk about finding balance, the laws of attraction and how to inject playfulness into your work.

They also dive into the passion behind Naomi's latest play, "Unseen Unheard" (Theatre Peckham), where she takes pride in bringing untold stories, particularly those of the Global Majority, to the stage.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Naomi Denny @naomidennyy (IG) @NaomiDenny (Twitter)

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2, Ep7 DAN WYE

Mon, 22 May 2023 17:41:39 GMT

Writer and performer Dan Wye has carved a beautiful career for themselves by making people laugh both as themselves and through their drag persona, Séayoncé, a deliciously filthy and yet wise ghost-whisperer, who every creative should meet.

In their latest show, Res-Erection (The Second Cumming), they take the audience on a journey that urges them to live their lives to the full and not to let their fears get in the way of anything they truly desire … for example auditioning for a production of Titanic the Musical.

Dan shares with us so much about writing and live performance, ultimately urging us to find the enjoyment in what we are doing, rather than looking for what might go wrong. There’s chat on setting yourself performative deadlines, making work as a human with ADHD and using mistakes as a way to create more laughs.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Dan Wye dan.wye (IG) @DanielWye (Twitter)

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2, Ep6 EVIE PICKERILL

Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:51 GMT

Dreams can come true! You know you got to have them … So Evie Pickerill shows us with her story of landing her dream job as a Cbeebies presenter. As she retells the tale from making her presenter reel on a dime in her back garden, to the audition in Manchester, to getting a call nearly a year later with the good news, there’s so much magic in this episode.

LIPA graduates and old friends Emma and Evie also discuss grief, and how it can feel to lose a loved one at a time when everything else seems to be going pretty well.

They also touch on social media and how to curate your feed to be the best for you, going back to the breath and having interests outside of the arts.

CW // Grief

This Episode is dedicated to our wonderful friend, talented soul and wicked singer, Emily Chesterton.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Evie Pickerill @evie.pickerill (IG) @EviePickerill (Twitter) www.eviepickerill.com/

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2, Ep5 PIP WILLIAMS

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:31:35 GMT

Just like buses, you can wait ages for a project to come through, and suddenly you have 3 all at once. Writer, Pip Williams delves into the occasions this has happened to him, and lets us into how he had the courage to let go of some opportunities, even if it felt really icky at the time!

Old housemates Pip and Emma also discuss Pip's up-and-coming project at Camden People's Theatre, Guidelines, and the two different approaches of his writing process as a solo playwright or devising in a room with actors, designers, dramaturg and director.

With a sprinkling of chat about side jobs, resistance to capitalism (standard!) and what it's like doing a Masters in Writing, the two actor/writers have a real good 'ole laugh and even share a bank holiday bevy together ... because, you know, it's important to take holidays as creatives.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Pip Williams @theotherpipwilliams (Twitter) @php.williams (IG)

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

Book tickets for Pip's upcoming collaboration with James Nash at Camden People's Theatre, Guidelines: https://cptheatre.co.uk/whatson/Guidelines

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2, Ep4 KATHARINA REINTHALLER

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:00:51 GMT

In Episode 4 Emma speaks to director and dramaturg Katharina Reinthaller. She arrived in the UK from Austria 10 years ago, just like "The Fool" tarot card ... setting off on an adventure with a lot of naivety but full of hope and looking for opportunities. Long-term collaborators Emma and Katharina discuss how innocence in their twenties played an important part in getting their careers off the ground!

Having matured together as artists, they also talk about the boundaries they have now put in place to protect themselves from working for free unnecessarily and about working in rehearsal environments that are light and playful, no matter the subject matter.

Katharina also delves into her work directing on Zoom, what she learnt from assisting Esther Muschol and how she got onto the StoneCrabs directing programme.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Katharina Reinthaller @KReinthaller (Twitter) www.katharinareinthaller.com/

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

Information on the StoneCrabs Young Directors Training Programme; https://stonecrabs.co.uk/young-directors-training-programme-2022/

Tickets for Flat4Theatre's Freshly Squeezed Scratch Night: https://www.breadandrosestheatre.co.uk/whats-on.html

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's your Creative Dream?

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:39:49 GMT

Something a little different this week!

Emma leads you through a guided visualisation to arrive back at what "a day in the life" would look like if you were living your creative dream.

2023 has been A LOT, and although some of you might find you are already living your creative dream (in which case - dope!), this meditation is for anyone who is feeling a little lost when it comes to career goals, healthy work/life balance, or simply would like to affirm the goals they already have set out.

So grab a comfy jumper and pillow, a notebook and pen and settle in for 15 minutes of relaxation.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

If you'd like to send me a tip I would be very grateful. Check out my "Ko-fi" Page here: https://ko-fi.com/thecallbackpodcast

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2, Ep3 KIT SINCLAIR

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:55:49 GMT

Coming out! Writing! Witchy woo woo! Emma and Kit discuss it all in Episode 3. Kit is an actor and theatremaker with a lot to say about owning it in the audition room. From sharing some tips for dyslexic actors on line learning, to having the confidence to have a lil joke with the casting director, Kit gives us much to think about as creatives.

And not only is she an actor/writer she’s also a holistic therapist. Actors make good writers, and they make good therapists too. Listen in to hear Emma chat with Kit about spirituality as an anchor, and of course, the tarot!

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @uptightbarista (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Kit Sinclair @kitsinclair0 (IG) www.kitsinclairoriginal.com

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

Book tickets for Kit’s new solo show ‘30 and Out’: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/30-and-out#overview

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2, Ep2 PEPA DUARTE

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 07:00:56 GMT

This episode is packed full of thoughts and ideas about the role of a theatremaker during a time of crisis. Peru is going through a particularly volatile period of human rights violations, after back in December 47 people were killed during protests. In this episode, Pepa shares with us how her work as an activist is currently running alongside her creativity, her other freelance work and also her basic human needs to take time out to relax, or you know, do a yoga class.

Pepa also shares with us her ethos of "being interested" rather than focusing on "being interesting" when it comes to making your own work, and then her and Emma muse about alternative training structures; what if during your training you followed whatever piqued your interest? From ice skating to break dancing, what would you like to incorporate into your practice?

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @uptightbarista (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Pepa Duarte @pepaduartes (IG) www.pepaduarte.com/

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

To find out more about activism and events in London for the political situation in Peru follow @peruanxsukdemocracia (IG)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2, Ep1 JULIAN BRUTON

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 07:00:49 GMT

Patience, patience, patience. Our first director on the pod, Julian Bruton, talks us through the long journey of getting his most recent show Zombiegate by Matthew Gabrielli finally from page to stage. And my, what a journey!

Julian gifts us with some solid tips on how to prep for a director’s interview by telling the story of his interview/audition process for The 24 Hour Plays in Manchester. And together, Emma and Julian realise it’s good to treat yourself on the audition day – do what makes you feel like you’ve already got the job!

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @uptightbarista (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Julian Bruton @julianbruton (IG) @mrjulianbruton (Twitter)

Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Show Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots (IG)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TEASER S2

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:30:10 GMT

Oh hey there! It's been a while hasn't it?! Emma was off doing acting and writing things last year, but now she's back with a new series of The Callback for your ears. This time she'll be speaking to actors, directors, writers, musicians, producers, you name it! We need art now more than ever but things are [s o m e t i m e s] looking a bit bleak, so let's figure some shit out and work out how we can get a lil closer to living a balanced and joyful creative life. See you on April 1st!

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod Twitter @magneticactors

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @uptightbarista (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

Series Image by Jonny Bosworth @london_headshots

Title Music by K Minor @kminormusic

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep8 TABBY LAMB

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 06:00:44 GMT

Tabby and Emma discuss how to do self-care during a show, from funding to bubble baths. At The Call Back we believe mental health first aid should be an important part of training, rehearsals and performances in order to maintain good habits for actors and prevent burnout.

Tabby then divulges a memorable audition story that we aren't likely to forget soon, which teaches us that NO MATTER what has happened on the day of the audition, you can still pull it back and smash it! This final episode of Season 1 also features chats on getting queer headshots (with @london_headshots IG), drama schools decolonising and queering their curriculums and making autobiographical work.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod Twitter @magneticactors

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @emmastellabentley (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Tabby Lamb @badgalenby (IG) @TheTabbyLamb

Edited by Karis Taylor

Artwork by Reyes de las Heras @nigiribarbells

Title Music by K Minor @kminormusic

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep7 CHARLOTTE MERRIAM

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:00:10 GMT

Running around like a mad person trying to fit the audition into your day? Stressed AF? Maybe! But have you ever thought how being a busy bee could be a benefit? You can walk in without overthinking things! Think about it like this, if you get the job, you're not going to be able to carefully curate yourself every day in rehearsal so why would you do it for the audition?

In the penultimate episode of the series, Emma and Charlotte touch on: having fun in auditions; journeys; waiting room chat and how to avoid negative conversations. Charlotte also describes how the pre-audition ritual of a coffee helps her get into the zoneee!

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod Twitter @magneticactors

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @emmastellabentley (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Charlotte Merriam @C_Merriam (Twitter)

Edited by Karis Taylor

Artwork by Reyes de las Heras @nigiribarbells (IG)

Title Music by K Minor @kminormusic (IG)

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep6 LEXIE MCDOUGALL

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT

When it’s the first audition you’ve had for 6 months, it’s quite tempting to show the panel EVERYTHING you can do. Candian born, London based voiceover artist and actor, Lexie McDougall talks us through trying to resist the temptation to show off the fact you can be an all-singing, all-dancing triple threat hero … especially when you’re auditioning for the part of a ghost.

Preparation is a key component to any successful audition, but in this episode we discuss gaining the ability, especially as you mature in your career, to occasionally take a step back. Lexie’s knowledge from being on the other side of the process as one of the founding members of The Streatham Space Project, is also invaluable!

I also mention a thoughtful idea handed to me by the wonderful acting coach Sarah Jane Butler. You can keep an eye out for Sarah’s online workshops with The Monobox here: https://www.themonobox.co.uk/industry

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod Twitter @magneticactors

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @emmastellabentley (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Lexie McDougall @LexieMcD (Twitter)

Edited by Karis Taylor

Artwork by Reyes de las Heras @nigiribarbells

Title Music by K Minor @kminormusic

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep5 MATTHEW MORRISON

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:00:13 GMT

Emma speaks to Matthew the Magician! Star of the BFI Flare film Boy Meets Boy, Matthew Morrison is one of the most chilled out actor’s you’ll ever meet. In Episode Five of the pod, Emma figures out how he has got to that sweet spot of caring about your career but at the same time trusting that everything is going to be okay.

Matthew describes a skype audition where, despite a dodgy wifi connection and his Uncle doing the washing in the background, he managed to keep his cool and maintain his focus.

Boy Meets Boy is part of the BFI Flare festival and currently SOLD OUT but stay tuned @thecosmicproductions of how you can watch at a later date.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod Twitter @magneticactors

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @emmastellabentley (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Matthew Morrison @matthew_james_morrison (IG)

Edited by Karis Taylor

Artwork by Reyes de las Heras @nigiribarbells

Title Music by K Minor @kminormusic

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep4 LAURA SMITHERS

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Watching TV can sometimes let the negative feelings flood in: “I want to do that! I could do that! ... Why aren’t I doing that?!” But Emma and Laura discuss how you can allow the jealously to let you plan for the future... it’s not a totally a negative thing that you have aspirations!

CONTENT WARNING: The conversation begins with Laura discussing a serious illness in her family and how this has affected her life, if you feel like this may be something that you will find triggering then skip to around the 12 minute mark where we get into a more general conversation about acting.

Laura’s group audition scenario shows us how you must resist the urge to push yourself forward and just focus on the job at hand. Engrossing yourself in the role is far more important than making yourself “stand out” from the crowd. Thanks Laura!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep3 JONATHAN CASE

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 05:00:42 GMT

Have you ever thought about how powerful it could be to spend some time really imagining yourself in the role you’re up for? This week Jonathan Case explains how they found the confidence to really believe they could do a dream role. And guess what, manifesting works kids!

This episode is a double audition whammy. Emma and Jon also discuss a TV audition and how it’s important not to get bogged down with trying to remember those lines. Take the permission to hold that script if you need to.

You *might* be able to catch Jonathan back on stage at the Palace Theatre playing Scorpius Malfoy in Cursed Child when Theatres reopen. Stay tuned!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep2 POLLY JORDAN

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 07:00:41 GMT

In this episode, Emma talks with Polly about an audition where the energy was not flowing easily for several reasons. They learn that it’s not always the best option to say yes to everything and instead negotiate terms that are comfortable for you. But remember, there’s no need to regret any of these past decisions, they’re part of the rollercoaster of life!

Have you ever tried to get to an audition that just didn’t really work with your schedule? I’m sure the answer is yes. Unfortunately, auditions and jobs always tend to clash, some say it’s just a coincidence, others (Emma!) would say it’s the laws of attraction at work. But how do we choose to negotiate those awkward diary clashes to the best of our ability?

Polly is running GET INTO DRAMA SCHOOL bespoke acting workshops with James Cooney (RSC) online. If you'd like to work with the lovely and insightful Polly (MA in Contemporary Acting at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) then get in touch via her Instagram (info below) or email pollyninajordan@gmail.com!

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod Twitter @magneticactors

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @emmastellabentley (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Polly Jordan @PollyJordan (IG)

Edited by Karis Taylor

Artwork by Reyes de las Heras @nigiribarbells

Title Music by K Minor @kminormusic

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, Ep1 CHIOMA NWALIOBA

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:00:33 GMT

“ We shouldn’t be suffering heartbreak over something so simple as "you didn’t get the job." ”

Nigerian born, London raised, actor Chioma Nwalioba doesn't let rejections get to her. On the day of Chioma getting one of those dreaded emails, she and Emma discuss how important it is not to let the "no's" get the better of you, as they simply aren't a reflection of your talent.

Chioma talks us through an audition where she managed to put all the actions in place to move her attitude from a little unsure to confident, prepared and, well, perfect for the role actually.

You can listen to Chioma playing Annabelle Cane in the horror fiction podcast, The Magnus Archives written by Jonathan Sims and produced by Rusty Quill: https://play.acast.com/s/themagnusarchives/.

The Call Back

IG: @thecallbackpod Twitter @magneticactors

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley @emmastellabentley (IG) @Emma_J_Bentley (Twitter)

With Chioma Nwalioba @ChiomaNwalioba

Edited by Karis Taylor

Artwork by Reyes de las Heras @nigiribarbells

Title Music by K Minor @kminormusic

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1, TEASER

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:07:54 GMT

Hey there you! Thank you for making it to the Teaser for Series One of The Call Back. Emma Bentley, your host, tells you what and who you can expect to hear in the first episodes of the pod.

Actor and writer Emma Bentley speaks to an array of actors from all corners of the industry about their memorable auditions with a special focus on mindset. Having spent the best part of her twenties in a negative spiral about the acting industry, she is on a mission to turn it all around and approach auditions positively. Join her on the journey as she ditches the feels that it’s never gonna happen and finds out the best way to get that Call Back.

EPISODE 1 drops on 1st March, so hit subscribe now and you won't miss a single thing.

We are over on Instagram @thecallbackpod, where you can find all the release dates, nuggets of positive thoughts and more info about our wonderful guests.

The Call Back

Produced, written and hosted by Emma Bentley

Edited by Karis Taylor

Artwork by Reyes de la Heras

Title Music by K Minor

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-call-back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.