10d (edited) • The Kooky-Loopy Method
The Resilient Artist – Self-Tapes, Sanity & Survival with Michael Schaeffer
In this episode, I sit down with actor Michael Schaeffer to talk honestly about the modern actor’s reality: self-taping, pressure, rejection, creativity and mental resilience. This is a conversation about process — the parts no one teaches you — and how to stay grounded when the industry keeps shifting under your feet. Michael shares his evolving self-tape method (Line Learner, learning fast, “sliding into” takes), while I break down my own approach — cutting scenes, reshaping text to reveal essence, and using tools like teleprompters to free rather than freeze you. We dive into the mental health toll of the job, how to reclaim authority and agency in your tapes, and why building your own creative practice (like Michael’s 10-year poetry podcast, The Poetry Exchange) is essential to survival. 🎭 What You’ll Hear Why actors rarely talk about process openly How self-tapes became their own art form Fear, procrastination & the Friday 5 pm audition email Michael’s method: reducing friction, learning fast, Line Learner, using solo time well My approach: cutting scenes, bending text, personalising material, teleprompter freedom Reclaiming authority and playing on your terms Why perfection kills instinct — and how to avoid it Ghosting, rejection & separating self-worth from the outcome Self-taping as practice, not punishment Creativity and community as tools for survival 🔑 Key Takeaways Self-tapes are the norm — learn to own them, not resent them Your method only matters if it releases behaviour and aliveness You are allowed to adjust material to serve your essence Casting directors want something real, not perfect Editing should feel like play, not punishment Resilience is a skill: mindset, preparation, perspective A private creative practice helps support your mental health Community reduces isolation and pressure Self-taping can become meaningful artistic work
⏱️ Chapters (Approx.) 00:00
– Welcome 02:00
– Why actors hide their process 05:00
– Complaints vs creativity 10:00
– Michael’s method: learning lines & Line Learner 14:00
– “Sliding into” takes & freeing behaviour 18:00
– Elliot’s approach & cutting scenes 27:00
– Reclaiming ownership and authority 39:00
– Teleprompters, Instagram & camera literacy 53:00
– Editing & ditching perfection 56:00
– Mental health & control 1:01:00
– Poetry, practice & community 1:06:00
– Closing thoughts on resilience
🧠 About Michael Schaeffer Michael has a long, distinguished career across stage, TV and film. He also created The Poetry Exchange — a beautiful, decade-long podcast about poems that become “friends.” Search The Poetry Exchange to listen. https://www.thepoetryexchange.co.uk/
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The Resilient Artist – Self-Tapes, Sanity & Survival with Michael Schaeffer
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