This an opportunity to hear from leading creator, writer, script editor and producer Michael Lucas (The Newsreader, Five Bedrooms, Wentworth, Rosehaven, Offspring) In Conversation with Danielle Cormack.  Michael will discuss the actor/producer/writer relationship, the current screen landscape, what goes on behind the scenes of a screen production before actors are cast, what is involved in the creating, writing and producing a television show, casting, self-taping, rehearsing and much more. There will be plenty of time for audience questions.

Michael Lucas In Conversation with Danielle Cormack

Equity's Livestream Program continues with casting directors Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler of Chicken and Chips Casting, in conversation with Queenie van de Zandt, talking all things auditions, casting,  current and past projects, the actor/casting director relationship and answering all your questions. 

Their recent achievements include the success of the Australian thriller Birdeater (SXSW 2024 & SFF People’s Choice Winner 2023), 2024 AACTA Nominated for Best Indie Film A Savage Christmas, the 2021 AACTA Award-winning Ellie & Abbie (and Ellie’s Dead Aunt), Cannes Series-selected Deadhouse Dark and the anticipated My Eyes starring Adam Garcia & Tsushan Chambers

Casting Directors Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler In Conversation

Equity's Live Stream Program continues with esteemed casting director Dave Newman, of McSweeney Newman Casting, talking to actor Sharon Johal about all things auditions, casting, current and past projects, the actor/casting director relationship and answering all your questions.

McSweeney Newman Casting cover Australia and New Zealand for international and local projects. Credits Include: Blacklight, Love and Monsters, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Nautilus, Darby & Joan, The Castaways, No Escape - The Blue, Rock Island Mysteries, The Family Law, Australia Day, The Inbetweeners 2, Mako Mermaids, The Pacific & East West 101

Casting Director Dave Newman in Conversation with Sharon Johal

Would you like to better understand how a film set works and how actors collaborate with the Second Assistant Director? The 2nd AD is the main point of contact for all actors on set. During pre-production, they break down the script, organise fittings and rehearsals, and arrange transport and facility requirements for cast members. Once filming begins, they prepare the next day’s call sheet, ensure actors are ready when needed, and coordinate transport, make-up, and wardrobe schedules. Working closely with the 1st AD, they help keep everything running smoothly. Join Second Assistant Director Nick Hadland and Equity member Monica Main as he shares insights into his role, how he works with actors, and what you need to know about on-set protocols—so you can feel confident and prepared when you step on set. 

Credits: Nick has worked on a diverse range of film and television productions in the Assistant Director's department including: Heartbreak High, Last King of the Cross, Mr Inbetween, Interceptor, Total Control, Ruby’s Choice and more recently Stan's Sunny Nights and the film SOS: Send Help.

The Actor and the Second Assistant Director: Nick Hadland in Conversation with Monica Main

The role of intimacy director is now a familiar one - so where are we now? Given the impact and significance of the role this is a chance for an update by one of the most successful intimacy directors, Chloe Dallimore AM with Helen Dallimore in the interview chair. Topics discussed include:
- How to work effectively with your intimacy director (ID)
- What can you ask the ID when you are on set…
- How you can go with not knowing how to work with an ID to realising that you can’t work without them.
- What can/does the ID director bring to the set?
- What can actors and crew do to ensure correct protocols on set without an ID

Intimacy On Set - An Update with Chloe Dallimore and Helen Dallimore

Steven Tylor O’Connor, a two-time Emmy and multiple Artios Award winning Casting Professional at Aufiero/Horn Casting in the US, will talk to Equity member and actor Danielle Cormack  about the US casting process, the actor/casting director relationship, his advice for actors and what he has learnt along the way. 

Steven has won Casting Associate of the Year at the Heller Awards in 2024. Steven also sits on the Board of Directors for Casting Society and serves in Executive Leadership as their Treasurer / VP of Finance.

US Casting Director Steven Tylor O’Connor In Conversation with Danielle Cormack

This is a chance to work with Katherine Beck on what it takes to master NOT mimic the US accent. Attendees will work on the placement of sounds and how to achieve the accent authenticity in just 66 days.

Katherine Beck is a leading voice and dialect coach who works regularly with actors at The Actor’s Hub, The Actor’s Pulse, Screenwise, International Screen Academy and on film and theatre productions. She is the co-founder and co-author of Hollywood Speak: The Australian Actor’s Resource Guide to Creating an Authentic American Accent. Born and raised in Chicago, Katherine is a native American accent speaker.

How to authentically perform with an American accent with Katherine Beck

This is an exclusive in conversation with legendary filmmaker George Miller AO — the creative force behind the Mad Max franchise, Happy Feet, Babe and so much more. George will sit down with Equity President Jason Klarwein to reflect on his remarkable career, share insights into his bold creative process, and delve into his unique collaboration with actors. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the craft, this is an unmissable chance to hear from one of the world’s most imaginative directors.

George Miller AO In Conversation with Jason Klarwein

Learn how to deliver under pressure with actor, WAAPA grad and founder of The Resilient Actor, Damien Strouthos. This practical session gives you the tools to stay grounded in high pressure auditions, emotionally connect to character and give your best work even when the stakes are high. And maybe even a cheeky crying hack or two. 

Damien Strouthos is an award-winning actor, best known for his work in the Foxtel series The Twelve and HBO Max/BBC’s The Tourist, with a career spanning film, television, and theatre. On screen, he’s appeared in Heartbreak High(Netflix), One Night (Paramount+), Last King of the Cross (Paramount+), Home and Away, and Pieces of Her (Netflix). His feature film credits include Transfusion, directed by Matt Nable, I Am Woman, and Peter Rabbit 1 and; 2. Damien is also an accomplished theatre performer, having worked with Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Belvoir, and Sport for Jove, most recently appearing in Death of a Salesman opposite Anthony LaPaglia.

The Resilient Actor: Emotional Connection and Thriving in High Stakes Auditions with Damien Strouthos

Join Director of Photography Emma Paine (Colin from Accounts, NCIS - Sydney, Watching You, Four Years Later) and Queenie van de Zandt as they explore the actor and DOP relationship. As an actor it is important to understand every role on a production and how your work intersects with all involved. DOP's are an integral part of the storytelling process as they are responsible for creating the look of the film. Their primary duties include developing a film's visual style, determining lighting and composition and planning camera angles. The conversation will also cover Emma's extensive work locally, how the DOP’s process impacts actors’ and what we see on screen. This conversation may be particularly useful for actors with a theatre background who are not as familiar with the complexities of screen acting. Audience members will leave with a better understanding of how to work effectively with a DOP on their next job.

In Conversation with Director of Photography Emma Paine and Queenie van de Zandt

The Equity Foundation – the professional development arm of Actors Equity – was established in 2002 to oversee Equity’s publications, awards and extensive professional program.

The mission of the Equity Foundation is to enhance the lives of Australian and New Zealand actors by investing in programs which help them in their professional endeavours and the communities in which they live. Our professional program, which connects with performers in Australia and New Zealand through an extensive masterclass and workshop program, is developed in close collaboration with performers.

The Equity Foundation is independent from Actors Equity but offers substantive services to Equity members, free of charge. The Foundation relies solely on the support from grants, corporate sponsorships, bequests and individual contributions to maintain our programs and create new ones. Our mission is to assist, educate and inspire actors.

How to authentically perform with an American accent with Katherine Beck

Equity Foundation Podcast

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