Maggie Bera - Founder, Actor Aesthetic
Before the pandemic, Maggie was auditioning nearly every day for acting gigs in NYC and working towards her dream of performing on Broadway. Unfortunately, the Big Apple has taken a long pause on stage performances, so Maggie is focusing all her efforts on her business instead. Enter Actor Aesthetic: a blog, podcast and online learning community designed to educate artists pursuing careers in theatre. What started as a class project quickly turned into a full-fledged business as Maggie discovered both her passion for helping others and the demand for her resources. In entertainment, you have to advocate for yourself, and Maggie is passing that insight and wisdom to anyone who needs it.
The Basics:
Hometown: Sayreville, NJ
Current city: New York, New York
Alma mater: Texas State University
Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Very first job: I appeared in HBO’s The Big C starring Laura Linney, Gabourey Sidibe and Idris Elba at age 15. It was my very first job as a professional actress!
Current job(s): Actress; Founder, Actor Aesthetic
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
My mom! She is a total boss. She finished her undergrad in three years, got married, received her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and her Certificate of Clinical Competence, and worked as a Speech and Language Specialist for seven years. After that, she returned back to school for a degree in Educational Administration and Supervision—all while raising me and my sister! She has been a principal now for 15 years, and inspires me to reach for my dreams.
What’s one essential item in your workday?
My laptop! Thank God for technology.
Favorite fictional female character? Why?
Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. She’s not afraid to lead from the heart, fight for justice, and use her God-given power as a boss!
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
When one door closes, another opens.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Barack Obama. There’s a lot that goes behind the scenes as the President of the United States—much more than what meets the eye. I’d love the chance to pick his brain.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
Because the coronavirus has shuttered virtually every performance opportunity for actors, I’ve found myself devoting all of my energy to my business, Actor Aesthetic. Actor Aesthetic is a blog, podcast, and online learning community designed to educate artists pursuing a career in the theatre industry. The work I do varies from day to day, but within a given week, I record, edit and upload a podcast episode every Monday, host Virtual Play Time (a group of displaced actors meets over Zoom to read aloud a different play every week), write at least 2-3 blog posts, maintain a large email list, post nearly every day on all social media platforms, host an Instagram Live chat every Wednesday night, hold online coaching sessions with actors, mentor clients, engage with followers and answer questions, and market my online courses and products. It’s a lot of work to run my own business, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!
How have your job, roles and industry differed from what they looked like before the pandemic?
Before the pandemic, I was an actress living in New York City, auditioning nearly every day, taking class with industry professionals, and working towards my goal of performing on Broadway. Sadly, the pandemic has shut down all stage performances in the Big Apple until at least 2021.
When did you decide to start your own blog and podcast, and what did that process look like for you?
In 2017, I began my blog as a requirement for a college course I was taking. I enjoyed creating it so much that I went above and beyond by building something I could continue after I graduated. Shortly after, I found my audience by connecting with other actors through social media and began creating for them. I now have an online course and my first eBook available, and teach a course to college programs in the United States.
How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?
As a professional actress, I quickly discovered how important it is to be your own advocate. I created Actor Aesthetic as a way to continue educating aspiring actors pursuing a career in the theatre industry—specifically on the logistics of running your own business. Being an actor requires not only a creative spirit, but a true business mindset. You can be the best actor in the world, but if you don’t know how to market and advocate for yourself, others may miss out on your full potential.
How has being a woman affected your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?
As a female actress and entrepreneur, I’ve always felt like I’ve been facing an uphill battle. Women are belittled, mocked and manipulated into believing their power is simply not as strong as their male counterparts. We have to continue to lift each other up and speak out against gender inequality. We’ve come a long way in the past few decades—yet our work is not done.
In the last year, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your career?
I never realized the importance of being physically active until the COVID-19 pandemic. In between recording interviews, writing blog posts, and creating new content, I make sure to go one at least 1 to 2 walks a day. Allowing myself a few simple breaks through the day helps to clear my mind and focus on what matters most.
What’s your advice for someone at the beginning of their audition journey?
Know your worth. There is room at the table for everyone!
What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far?
I am incredibly proud to finally be a member of Actors’ Equity Association. Ever since I was a little girl, my goal was to be eligible to join the union. To me, holding it was a credential that reflected a seriousness of purpose and pride. I wanted to be a part of the largest theater union in the country with a history that goes back over 100 years providing protections for actors. I wanted to be a professional. After I graduated college, I went to every professional audition in New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. I trekked to open calls, Equity Principal Auditions, Equity Chorus Calls. I submitted my headshot and resume to various casting directors. I signed up for an account on Backstage and Actors Access. I thumbed through the job boards on Playbill and Broadway World every day. I made it my mission to hit the ground running full force. I landed a role in the ensemble of Phantom, covering Christine Daae, with the Fireside Theatre. The producer also offered me an Equity contract, which would guarantee access to membership into the union. I signed my contract in November of 2017, paid the initiation fee, and officially joined Actors’ Equity Association. I am forever grateful for Ed Flesch and the Fireside Theatre for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity.
What have some of your most memorable roles looked like so far? What is your dream role or part you would love to play?
My absolute DREAM role is Regina George in Mean Girls on Broadway. I’ve seen the production maybe five or six times since it opened—you can say I’m obsessed. It’s one of those roles I just totally connect with —not to mention, Mean Girls is one of my favorite movies!
Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?
I admire women in the theatre industry who also have their own side hustles. Massive kudos to Jennifer Wheeler Kahn (former stage manager turned CEO of SCENERY), Caitlin Wilayto (actress and founder of LIttle Shop of Rose Gold), and Meghan Ross (actress and founder of the blog and shop, YourDarlingStyle).
How do you rest, recharge and find inspiration?
I rest and recharge by taking frequent breaks, walks around the block, and binging comedy (Schitt’s Creek is a personal fave!) I find inspiration by listening to the stories of other entrepreneurs! I always tune in to How I Built This, an NPR podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, idealists and their stories about the movements they built.
Career and/or life advice for other babes?
You’re the average of the 5 people you associate yourself the most with. Choose wisely!
Connect with Maggie:
Instagram / TikTok / Facebook Group / Email
This interview has been condensed and edited.
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