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EMBETH DAVIDTZ: Hold Onto the Thing in Your Heart

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Release Date: 07/08/2025

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

In this episode, Alyshia dives into the trap of relying too heavily on character breakdowns—and why it can sabotage your auditions. Casting directors aren’t looking for someone to play at the breakdown; they’re looking for the actor who brings the puzzle piece they didn’t know they needed. Using Katherine LaNasa’s Emmy-winning performance in The Pitt as a powerful example, Alyshia shares how ignoring the breakdown and leaning into humility helped her stand out in a sea of actors all playing the same “note.” Plus, hear insights from past guest Sheila on how finding a single moment...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Today we sit down with Sheila Carrasco, who brings “Flower” to life on the hit CBS comedy Ghosts. After earning her BFA at NYU, she spent three years self-producing plays without an agent before pursuing an MFA at Harvard’s American Repertory Theater, where she honed her comedic skills and character work. That path led her to the Groundlings’ famed Sunday Company, where she found her voice and signed with CAA. Sheila shares the twists of her Ghosts audition including the COVID shutdown that nearly derailed it to the creative choices that shaped Flower. She also gives insights on...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Today’s episode offers a special glimpse into The Practice Track Membership, where actors not only train but also get the rare perk of connecting directly with industry professionals. In this conversation, our members had the chance to sit down with comedian, writer, and actor Michael Strassner, whose path into Hollywood is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Michael shares how a simple Instagram connection with Jay Duplass sparked the creation of an independent film based on his life. He opens up about the hurdles of indie filmmaking, the courage it takes to be vulnerable in your art, and the...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Ravi Patel returns to the podcast with a wide-ranging, candid conversation about a career that refuses to fit into a single lane. Since his last appearance, Ravi has been everywhere—from Animal Control and Ghosts (where he’s now a consulting producer) to new documentaries, a musical, and even Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Ravi shares how he’s learned to thrive in “chaos with poise,” balancing multiple creative pursuits while working fewer hours, prioritizing family, and taking bold, unconventional swings. From walking away from a bad offer only to land a starring role on...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Casting directors don’t actually know what producers want at the start of the process — they’re sending in choices to help define the role. So if you’re trying to “play what they want,” you’ll end up too vague to stand out. In this episode, Alyshia shares why specificity and authenticity are the keys to landing in the selection pile, why breakdowns are written for reps (not you), and how to stop wasting money on things like “actor slates.” Plus, learn how Slaytember flips the script: instead of paying for workshops where casting judges you, you’ll work material...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Imagine moving to LA and just nine months later, finding yourself auditioning for, and landing, a role in the biggest movie ever, Top Gun! Chicago native, Jack Schumacher, will take us through his "ignorant bliss" audition process for Top Gun and the surreal moment he learned Tom Cruise was watching his audition tape. He also shares the excruciating, six-month audition saga to win the role of "Yancy Gray" in the new hit Netflix series, Ransom Canyon. Hear about the invaluable advice he received from Jon Hamm on the Top Gun set about listening and authenticity, his struggles with imposter...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

In this episode, "What if casting wasn’t about rejection — but about selection?"In this solo episode, Alyshia shares a powerful reality check on how to approach your auditions with authenticity, confidence, and story-driven choices that make you the answer casting directors are searching for. Learn how to: Casting directors don’t respond to “performed” acting — they respond to authenticity. This episode is all about how you can show up with truth, story, and specificity in every tape. 🔥 And if you’re ready to put this into practice, join us for Slaytember, a 3-week live...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

From pre-med at Columbia to a Tony nomination on Broadway, Gabby Beans has carved out one of the most unique journeys in the industry. She shares how she navigated early setbacks (including being dropped by her first big manager) to build her career from the ground up with fearless off-Broadway work. That perseverance has more than paid off: Gabby earned a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in The Skin of Our Teeth. Most recently, she’s stunned audiences on Broadway in Sam Gold’s Romeo + Juliet, taking on the dual roles of Mercutio and Friar Lawrence. On screen, Gabby’s credits...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Description: 🎭 Actors often feel their biggest obstacle is themselves—but what if that’s just a limiting belief? In this episode, Alyshia talks with Melanie Curtis and Mark Collin, two world-class coaches who help people dissolve self-doubt and rewire the subconscious patterns holding them back. With expertise in trauma-informed healing, nervous system work, NLP, Reiki, and more, Melanie and Mark share how to break through the invisible walls of fear and step into unshakable self-belief—on stage, on set, and in life. 💪 Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

From the vibrant streets of Belize to the soundstages of Hollywood, Arlen Escarpeta has built a career defined by resilience, versatility, and heart. His path took him from performing arts schools to his first role on Boston Public and eventually to booking the “game-changer” American Dreams, where he learned to balance art with business and the importance of teamwork and human connection. In this episode, Arlen shares honest insights on sustaining a career, diversifying into voiceover and looping work, and his “tent pole” approach to building layered, specific characters—offering a...

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In today's episode, Embeth shares the extraordinary journey that shaped her voice as a storyteller—from her upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa to her unexpected entry into acting through a university drama program. She reflects on being discovered in a play by a William Morris agent, catching Spielberg’s attention through a TV movie, and ultimately choosing to pause her career to raise a family. That pause led to a creative reawakening and a nine-year quest to adapt a memoir into her directorial debut, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight. Embeth offers heartfelt, hard-earned wisdom on the power of saying “yes,” surprising yourself in auditions, and writing what you know.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Embeth Davidtz right here.

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

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EPISODE CREDITS:
  • WRITER: Erin McCluskey
  • WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
  • ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
  • SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri