Actor Aesthetic

what i'm investing in as an actor (and what's not worth the money)

What is actually worth spending money on as an actor?

In this week's episode of Actor Aesthetic, Maggie is sharing the investments she's making in this season of life (from dance classes and rehearsal studios to career tools, wellness routines, and even the little things that make everyday life easier).

After going through a major career transition and taking a closer look at her finances, she's realized that not every expense is created equal. Some purchases help her become a better performer, some protect her peace, and some are simply worth it because they make life more enjoyable.

In this episode, Maggie talks about:

• The best investment she's made this year (hint: it's dance 💃)
• Why she spends money on rehearsal studios even when she doesn't have an audition
• Career expenses every actor should budget for
• Wellness purchases she refuses to feel guilty about
• The convenience splurges that save her time and energy
• The one expense she's actively trying to cut back on (Uber Eats... you know the drill 😅)
• Why intentional spending matters more than trying to spend less

Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of a creative career, freelancing, auditioning, or just trying to figure out what's actually worth your money, this episode is a reminder that investing in yourself doesn't always have to look glamorous—it just has to support the life you're trying to build.

Resources Mentioned

• Actor's Access
• SAG-AFTRA
• Actor's Equity Association
• Ripley-Grier Studios
• Pearl Studios
• HelloFresh
• Squarespace

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actor insurance: the conversation we need to have (pt 1)

Health insurance can feel intimidating, especially as an actor.

In this episode, Maggie shares voice memos from actors across the country who open up about their real-life experiences with health insurance, including:

• Qualifying for Equity health insurance through theatre work

• Getting coverage through employer-sponsored plans

• Using marketplace insurance after turning 26

• Navigating Medicaid and state healthcare programs

• Finding actor-specific healthcare resources

• Balancing survival jobs and healthcare benefits

• What actors wish they knew before choosing a plan

One of the biggest takeaways? There isn't one "right" way to get health insurance as an actor.

Every performer's path is different, but the more we talk openly about these topics, the easier it becomes to navigate them together.

If you'd like a Part Two featuring additional actor stories and insurance experiences, send Maggie a message on Instagram @actoraesthetic.

CONNECT WITH ACTOR AESTHETIC

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Website: actoraesthetic.com

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps more actors discover the show.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Healthcare.gov
• Entertainment Community Fund
• The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts
• Actors' Equity Association Health Benefits
• Covered California
• Florida Blue

we need to catch up

After a long break from the podcast, Maggie is back for an honest life update about everything that’s happened over the past few years... from working in performance marketing and fashion, to burnout, identity shifts, getting married, and figuring out what resilience actually looks like in your 20s and early 30s.

In this episode, Maggie talks about:

• stepping away from acting and creative content
• navigating high-pressure corporate environments
• balancing ambition with mental health
• burnout, productivity, and self-worth
• career pivots and evolving dreams
• rediscovering creativity after feeling disconnected from it
• what resilience really looks like outside of social media

If you’ve ever felt behind, lost, burnt out, or unsure of your next chapter, this episode is for you.

FOLLOW ACTOR AESTHETIC:
Instagram: @actoraesthetic
TikTok: @actoraesthetic
Personal IG: @maggiebera

Thanks for listening and for growing with me ;)

let’s talk money: the side of acting no one prepares you for

Hot take: If you're relying only on acting income to survive in 2025… you're either incredibly lucky, or dangerously stressed.

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Maggie breaks down the real financial blueprint behind her life as a working actor — including exactly how much she makes, what she pays in rent, how she saves for her wedding, and why a full-time job hasn’t killed her theatre dreams (in fact, it’s helped her thrive).

• What she earns
• What she spends
• How she saves
• And how she’s still performing

Whether you're fresh out of school, deep in the hustle, or just tired of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.......... this episode is your permission slip to build stability your way.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

building an audition rep book that actually FEELS like you (plus 100+ song suggestions)

Feeling disconnected from your rep book? In this episode, Maggie Bera shares how to rebuild your audition binder with songs that reflect your personality, casting energy, and vocal strengths. She breaks down why most sopranos struggle to find current, callback-worthy material—and how to fix it.

Plus, Maggie shares the origin story behind one of Actor Aesthetic’s most popular downloads, now completely revamped for 2025: 100+ Contemporary Audition Songs for Sopranos.

🎵 Grab the updated list here → actoraesthetic.com/shop
🎭 Perfect for college auditions, callbacks, and rep book refreshes.

 

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

why I got cervical disc replacement surgery (and what recovery has really been like)

After nearly a year away from the mic, I’m back... with a story I never thought I’d be telling.

On May 13, I had cervical disc replacement surgery at C6-C7. In this episode, I’m opening up about what led me to that decision, how the recovery process has really felt, and what it’s been like returning to the stage, the audition room, and my full-time job after surgery.

If you’ve ever pushed through pain or felt like your body was holding you back, this one’s for you.

We’re talking:

• The car accident that started it all
• Years of treatment that never fixed the problem
• What it’s like to go from a 9 to 5 to full stop
• Getting back onstage just two weeks after surgery
• My first in-person audition post-op (spoiler: I forgot part of my cut lol)
• What I’ve learned about rest, recovery, and building a new normal

If this episode resonates, share it. Post it to your IG story, tag @ActorAesthetic, and send it to someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

side jobs for actors, sickness, and how the theatre industry changed post-pandemic

Thinking about moving back to NYC to pursue your career in theatre? Now that the pandemic has subsided, here's what you need to know.

Also discussed on this weeks podcast is side jobs for actors (remote and hybrid), balancing your part time and full time gigs with acting, working towards financial stability outside of the arts, EPA's and ECCs, and how to deal with sickness during auditions, rehearsals and performances.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

a beginner's survival guide to TECH WEEK (ahhhhhh)

The spookiest week of the year... and it's not Halloween (even though TJMAXX put out all their Halloween decorations already... can't we have one more month of summer?!)

Going into a tech week of her own, host and actor Maggie Bera breaks down exactly what to expect walking into tech week for a musical.

Buy the Fontus lozenges here. 

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

what to expect if (AND WHEN!) you book a regional theatre contract

If you're not performing professionally on Broadway, on tour, or on a cruise ship, where might one find work? Regional theatre!

In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera breaks down booking regional theatre jobs, packing and travel tips, Non-Equity vs Equity contracts, Equity Chorus contracts vs Equity Principal contracts, out-of-town actors vs. local actors, housing for regional contracts, auditioning in NYC, and MORE!

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

I went to 5 Equity Auditions in NYC in one day... here's what I learned

From working your side job in the holding room, to playing the waiting game, to Equity audition rules (and unspoken rules), to running around NYC signing up before the audition closes, this episode literally has it all.

40 minutes of JAM-PACKED info you'll want to hear before your next audition.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com