For young actors, parents and adult learners, one of the hardest parts of acting is understanding what to do when nothing obvious is happening. No audition. No job. No feedback. No clear next step. In this conversation, Lisa is joined by Derek Barr, actor, acting coach and founder of The Acting Masters, for a grounded and practical look at what actors can actually work on between opportunities. Derek’s approach is calm, clear and encouraging. Rather than treating acting as something that only begins when a role arrives, he talks about it as a craft that needs regular attention. He also brings together three areas that often get separated: craft, mindset and the business of building a sustainable acting career.
Acting as truthful human behaviour
Early in the conversation, Derek explains that acting is about becoming a truthful and believable human being. He talks about creating real thoughts, opinions and views inside the world of the character, rather than simply pretending to feel something. For young performers, this is a useful reminder. Acting is not about adding a false layer of performance on top of yourself. It is about finding truth, connection and belief. As Derek puts it later in the episode, “There’s no right or wrong, it’s just whether it’s real.” That idea runs through the whole conversation. Whether an actor is preparing a self-tape, stepping into an audition, working on a scene or trying to understand their casting type, the aim is not to manufacture something impressive. The aim is to do the work well enough that the actor can believe in the moment, and allow others to watch them go through it.
The work of an actor happens between jobs
One of the strongest themes in the episode is Derek’s view of waiting. He is very clear that actors cannot control whether they are chosen for a role. There may be many reasons why someone does or does not get cast, and many of those reasons are outside the actor’s control.
“You’re not there to get a job, you’re there to do a job.”
That shift matters. Instead of entering an audition with the pressure of needing to win something, Derek encourages actors to see it as a chance to act. There is a willing audience, even if only for a few minutes, and the actor’s job is to do the work in front of them. He also challenges the idea that the work begins when an actor gets cast. In Derek’s view, the daily practice, training and preparation done when nobody is paying you is the real work of an actor. Getting cast is the result of that work, not the starting point.
Self-tapes, stillness and technical confidence
The episode also spends time on self-tapes, which are now a major part of the audition process for many actors. Derek describes self-taping as a skill of its own. It is not only about performance, although the performance is still central. It is also about removing anything that distracts from the actor’s eyes, emotions and connection. He talks about lighting, sound, framing, camera height, eye line and the importance of stillness for screen work. If the viewer is distracted by a shadow, a background object, poor sound or too much movement, they may not fully settle into the performance. The goal is to make the technical side feel so familiar that the actor can focus on listening, responding and being present. Derek also shares a practical approach to recording self-tapes: do three takes back to back without stopping to watch each one in between. This helps actors stay in acting mode, rather than switching into camera operator, editor or critic. Watching every take too soon can lead to over-controlling the performance and losing spontaneity.
Casting type, agents and sustainable choices
Lisa and Derek also discuss casting type and actor branding. Derek explains that casting type is not simply the job title a character has, such as teacher, police officer or lawyer. It is more about the qualities, strengths and energy an actor naturally brings, alongside how the industry can easily understand and place them. That does not mean actors are fixed forever. Derek is clear that casting type evolves. As an actor builds experience, trust and credits, the range of roles may widen. But early on, it helps to understand what feels like a natural fit and what people consistently see you for. When talking about representation, Derek frames the actor-agent relationship as a partnership. The actor still needs to keep their own side strong, including headshots, showreel, CV and readiness. The agent may bring opportunities, but the actor still has to be prepared to meet them.
What parents can take from this conversation
For parents supporting young performers, Derek’s advice is especially valuable. He talks about confidence, emotional protection and the importance of finding strategies that help the young actor stay steady. Not every actor will need the same support. Some may want to share every audition. Others may prefer to keep auditions private until there is news to celebrate. The key is to notice what protects the performer’s confidence rather than what adds pressure. Parents can help by supporting the process, not just asking about the outcome.
Keep taking action
By the end of the episode, Derek’s message is simple but powerful: keep working, keep practising and keep taking action. Actors will not always feel ready. They will not always feel inspired. Some practice days may feel messy or frustrating. But repetition still builds growth. For anyone navigating acting training, auditions, self-tapes or the long gaps between opportunities, this conversation is a helpful reminder that there is always something useful to do. Stay ready. Keep the craft alive. Protect your confidence. And when the next opportunity comes, focus less on getting the job and more on doing the job in front of you.