Feeling stuck in your acting journey or searching for a spark of inspiration? You’re not alone. Keep reading to learn how these three talented John Rosenfeld Studio alums carved their own paths in this unpredictable industry. From saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities, to shifting your mindset around booking, to leveling up your audition prep—Hannah Pilkes, Steven Krueger, and Ryan Garcia each share candid reflections on what helped them move forward in their careers. Their stories are not just motivational—they’re full of practical insight you can apply to your own artistic journey today.
Hannah Pilkes – The Power of “Saying Yes” To Your Creative Joy
Hannah Pikes recently booked a series regular role on Chuck Lorre’s upcoming Netflix show, Leanne, where she will star across from Leanne Morgan and Kristen Johnston. After a standout Zoom audition, Hannah was invited to meet with Chuck and the showrunners—who revealed they had already been following her social media content and were familiar with her work at the Edinburgh Festival.
“That’s when I realized when you say yes to all these things along the way- it’s for your career, but it’s also for your joy so you can keep acting while you’re waiting for the bigger thing…it’s all for something and it’s all worthwhile. I’ve invalidated so much of what I’ve done over the years because it didn’t get into [a certain] festival or in front of [a specific] person and then looking back, it felt like this full circle moment. Everything I have done has culminated in this.”
Listen to more of Hannah’s journey on the April 4th, 2025 episode of the #ACTORLIFE podcast.
Steven Krueger – Progress + Perseverance = Success
Yellowjackets star Steven Krueger shares sharp insights on the mental game of acting. In his episode, Steven dives into how shifting his mindset to what’s within your control and getting yourself in a position to book a job, regardless of the outcome.
“The one quote I have in my head from John Rosenfeld is: ‘Booking is a mistake.’ You put yourself in the position to get the job. Whether or not you actually get it or not is a complete accident. As you go further in this industry, you realize all I can do is get into those final rounds…and if the job actually comes through- great. That’s what changed my mentality. Keep putting myself in the position where I’m being noticed, I’m progressing through the stages of auditions…and eventually things will break my way.”
Ryan Garcia– Preparation Leads to Deeper Work
Ryan Garcia, who recently recurred on The Lincoln Lawyer, believes that rigorous preparation opens the door to more meaningful, exploratory work. As a JRS faculty member, he’s noticed a shift in how actors approach audition prep—especially with the rise of self-tapes.
“For auditions, we used to have to prepare so differently when they were in the room because you had to be on your game. You don’t know what the room or the reader will be like. I used to, and I still do when it’s in the room, run my lines with multiple people so I’m ready for any curveball that comes my way… But now with self tapes, you can come in and be like ‘well, I’m kinda figuring it out…and we’ll get off book as we run it.’ And then you do the tape and it’s kind of half here or there. I wonder if that’s affecting how much exploration people are doing because they’re not having to prepare as much as we used to.”
How John Rosenfeld Studios Helps Support Your Acting Journey
None of these working actors became successful overnight. Behind each booking is a long road of training, commitment, and resilience. Building a sustainable acting career means embracing the long game—and surrounding yourself with the right support system.
At John Rosenfeld Studios, we’re here to support your long and fulfilling creative journey. Whether you’re seeking guidance, collaboration, or a strong sense of community, we help you stay grounded with a marathon mindset and surrounded by people who get it.
JRS Presents #ACTORLIFE Podcast
Hungry for more insight from the incredible actors John interviews? Tune into the #ACTORLIFE podcast—new episodes drop monthly and are available on all major podcast platforms. Whether you’re out for a walk or heading to your survival job, fuel your artistic spirit and pick up something new with every listen.
Classes at John Rosenfeld Studios
Our in-person and online acting classes are designed to cater to all skill levels. They focus on scene work, skill development, and audition preparation—helping you strengthen your craft while building confidence. All of our faculty members are professional, working actors who understand the importance of keeping you motivated and inspired throughout your acting journey.
Audition Coaching and Support
Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is everything. At JRS, we offer professional audition taping and coaching services to help you present your best self during auditions. Our experienced team provides constructive feedback that helps improve your performance, ensuring you’re ready for every opportunity.
Mentorship and Community Building
As an actor, it’s important to develop relationships with other actors and industry professionals who can guide and mentor you. JRS provides a community where you can learn, grow, and feel supported by people who understand the highs and lows of acting. Whether you’re just starting out or are looking for a new perspective, our workshops at JRS can help you build connections with the right people in your industry and harness new skills to add to your resume!
Join the JRS Community & Take The Next Step to Success
The insights from Hannah, Steven, and Ryan are powerful reminders that your journey is uniquely yours—and it’s all part of the process. At John Rosenfeld Studios, we’re here to support your growth, help you sharpen your skills, and keep you inspired along the way.
Join our community today and start investing in the actor—and artist—you’re becoming.