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OPENING DOORS: The Young Actor Workspace Podcast

OPENING DOORS: The Young Actor Workspace Podcast

Written by: davidkaufman23
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 Young performers and those who support their dreams face unique challenges in today’s evolving entertainment industry. Join Lisa Picotte and David Kaufman, renowned acting coaches and owners of L.A.’s celebrated Young Actor Workspace, as they interview top artists and industry professionals, answer your questions, and share insights that will help you open doors and grow your career.Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Art Careers Economics Entertainment & Performing Arts Personal Success
Episodes
  • Talent Manager Roundtable

    Talent Manager Roundtable
    Jan 8 2026
    Join Lisa and David for a wide-ranging discussion with four incredible managers who represent young artists: Rikki Dale, Ashley Doss, Nikki Mincks, and Robin Spitzer Miners. This week’s Mailbag question: “What etiquette is expected in the waiting room of a casting office?” RIKKI DALE Rikki Dale is a talent manager representing talent in TV, film, and theater throughout the country. She has clients working as series regulars on prime time TV and streamers, in Oscar-winning films, and on Broadway. Rikki began her career as an actor and acting coach. After starting a family, she transitioned to management to use her own experience and knowledge to serve the next generation of performers. She believes in fair representation, support, nurture, and laughter to make dreams come true! ASHLEY LANE DOSS At Doss Talent, it’s never just about the bookings, it's about the adventure. Watching young actors step onto set for the first time, sign with their first agent or land that dream role is what drives my passion for the work. Every milestone, no matter how big or small, is a step toward something extraordinary. I have built Doss Talent with a genuine commitment to creating positive and supportive environments for the artists I represent and their families. My accessibility, patience and dedication set me apart. My journey in the entertainment industry began in 2003 when I moved to Hollywood to support my young son’s acting endeavors. Inspired by my experiences as the mother of a working actor and 16 years working at a talent management company, I found my calling for developing and supporting young actors and their families. Since venturing out on my own, I have built a robust roster of clients who have appeared as series regular and recurring roles in prominent TV shows such as “Will Trent”, “General Hospital”, “Mad Men”, “Shameless”, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, “Man With a Plan”, “Fresh Off the Boat”, “I Feel Bad”, “Pretty Freekin Scary”, “Gordita Chronicles”, “Marvel's Runaways” and many others. Also, in notable films including Tim Burton's “Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children”, the Robert Rodriguez film “We Can Be Heroes”, and “21 Bridges” with Chadwick Boseman and more. My clients have been nominated for Young Artists Awards and a Children and Family Emmy. With a commitment to integrity and a strong devotion to the industry, I’m dedicated to guiding young artists and prioritizing their well-being. NIKKI MINCKS Nikki Mincks is a seasoned talent manager with over a decade of experience guiding actors from early dreams to professional success. She began her career in 2007 as a hands-on mom helping her own children navigate the entertainment industry, which quickly grew into a passion for developing talent and building sustainable careers. Her journey led her into headshot photography, where she gained a deep understanding of branding, casting, and what truly makes talent stand out. That foundation naturally evolved into full-time talent management. Today, Nikki works closely with many of the industry’s top agencies and is known for her personalized, strategic approach to representation. Nikki represents actors ranging from children to adults, with clients appearing in major television series, feature films, and national commercials. She is dedicated to nurturing talent, advocating for her clients, and helping actors build long-term, successful careers. ROBIN SPITZER MINERS After 17 years as an agent representing actors, celebrities, and models, and after building two kids’ departments, Robin went into management where she could concentrate on her passion: developing young actors’ careers. RSM Management has been in business for 17 years. Some of the successes are: Grace Kaufman - The Sky Is Everywhere; Resurrection; Man With A Plan Alexa Havins - All My Children Forrest Wheeler - Fresh Off the Boat Tyler Sanders - Just Add Magic: Mystery City Cole Jensen - Crash & Bernstein Ryan Ochoa - iCarly Raymond Ochoa - Polar Express Chloe Csengery - Paranormal Activity III THE YOUNG ACTOR WORKSPACE was born out of a single request — a mom who was looking for help with an audition for her son. At the time, the young actor was doing a play with Lisa Picotte and David Kaufman. They were both happy to share their personal insight and advice on how to approach the particularly difficult audition material. He booked the job. Word of mouth ensued and a studio was born. In the past 20 years, Lisa and David have worked with hundreds of young actors, both in weekly classes and private coaching. Some of the young actors who have studied and coached with them have gone on to tremendous success — Millie Bobby Brown, Taylor Lautner, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Grace Kaufman, Tanner Buchanan, Haley Ramm, Brenna D’Amico, Bobby Soto, just to name a few. While these young actors’ success is a point of pride for ...
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    59 mins
  • Studio Teacher Kristin Minkler

    Studio Teacher Kristin Minkler
    Dec 4 2025

    Lisa and David talk with studio teacher KRISTIN MINKLER, whose work includes “Abbott Elementary” and so many more of your favorite shows, about both the education and child welfare aspects of her job, and how young performers and their parents can best collaborate with the studio teacher. Topics covered include work hours, work permits and what to do when confronted with particular issues that can arise for minor actors and their parents.

    This week’s Mailbag question: “Is it better to have my child take acting lessons or participate in a program where my child will play a role in a full production?”

    KRISTIN MINKLER

    Kristin Minkler began her teaching career in 1999 after graduating from Pepperdine University. She immediately began teaching English at Granada Hills High School where she was blessed to be mentored by some of the most amazing teachers. Growing up in Southern California, Kristin attended a small private school where many of her friends were working actors. She always knew about studio teaching and decided to get her green card to work during the summers instead of teaching summer school. She fell in love with the job and decided to work full time in the studios. In 2005 she took a little time off when she had her identical twin boys who worked in the industry when they were little. It was at this time Kristin experienced what it was like as a parent which greatly shaped how she approached her job as a studio teacher.

    Kristin spent over 10 years as the lead teacher working on Nickelodeon shows including “School of Rock”, “Instant Mom”, “Wendell and Vinnie”, “How to Rock”, and “All That". She moved to network with “Life in Pieces” and streaming with Netflix’s “Mr. Iglesias”. Her current show “Abbott Elementary” is the most difficult but most rewarding show she has ever worked on and hopes it runs forever.

    https://thestudioteachers.com/

    THE YOUNG ACTOR WORKSPACE was born out of a single request — a mom who was looking for help with an audition for her son. At the time, the young actor was doing a play with Lisa Picotte and David Kaufman. They were both happy to share their personal insight and advice on how to approach the particularly difficult audition material. He booked the job. Word of mouth ensued and a studio was born. In the past 20 years, Lisa and David have worked with hundreds of young actors, both in weekly classes and private coaching. Some of the young actors who have studied and coached with them have gone on to tremendous success — Millie Bobby Brown, Taylor Lautner, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Grace Kaufman, Tanner Buchanan, Haley Ramm, Brenna D’Amico, Bobby Soto, just to name a few. While these young actors’ success is a point of pride for Lisa and David, they are just as proud of the many other young actors who are also working regularly, or simply gaining the skills to go out into the world feeling confident in their ability to speak in front of and honestly engage with others in whatever paths they eventually choose. While the studio continues to thrive, Lisa is now a sought-after set coach for young actors. She has worked for ABC, CBS, Showtime, Apple TV Plus and Disney among others.

    Instagram: @lisapicotteworkspace

    Facebook: @lisapicotteworkspace

    Website: www.youngactorworkspace.com
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    41 mins
  • Actor Bobby Soto

    Actor Bobby Soto
    Nov 20 2025

    Lisa and David talk with the incredible Bobby Soto about his journey from child actor to adult star, his respect for acting and everyone involved in the filming process, and the importance of not outsourcing your own power.

    This week’s Mailbag question: “As the parents of young performers, do you have any tips for dealing with rejection?”

    BOBBY SOTO

    Bobby Soto can be seen in the Amazon feature film, A MILLION MILES AWAY starring opposite Michael Peña and Rosa Salazar. He can also be seen in the Disney/ Searchlight feature film, FLAMIN' HOT, directed by Eva Longoria. Soto’s credits include the Netflix series NARCOS: MEXICO, created and developed by Jose Padilha and Eric Newman, and THE LISTENER with Tessa Thompson and director Steve Buscemi.

    In 2020, Bobby was seen in Scott Teems' THE QUARRY, opposite Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham. Additionally, Bobby played the lead in David Ayer’s film THE TAX COLLECTOR opposite Shia LaBeouf. It takes Ayer back to his filmic roots of END OF WATCH and TRAINING DAY, wrapped in a modern-day GODFATHER type crime world.

    Instagram: @bobbyjuniorsoto

    THE YOUNG ACTOR WORKSPACE was born out of a single request — a mom who was looking for help with an audition for her son. At the time, the young actor was doing a play with Lisa Picotte and David Kaufman. They were both happy to share their personal insight and advice on how to approach the particularly difficult audition material. He booked the job. Word of mouth ensued and a studio was born. In the past 20 years, Lisa and David have worked with hundreds of young actors, both in weekly classes and private coaching. Some of the young actors who have studied and coached with them have gone on to tremendous success — Millie Bobby Brown, Taylor Lautner, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Grace Kaufman, Tanner Buchanan, Haley Ramm, Brenna D’Amico, Bobby Soto, just to name a few. While these young actors’ success is a point of pride for Lisa and David, they are just as proud of the many other young actors who are also working regularly, or simply gaining the skills to go out into the world feeling confident in their ability to speak in front of and honestly engage with others in whatever paths they eventually choose. While the studio continues to thrive, Lisa is now a sought-after set coach for young actors. She has worked for ABC, CBS, Showtime, Apple TV Plus and Disney among others.

    Instagram: @lisapicotteworkspace

    Facebook: @lisapicotteworkspace

    Website: www.youngactorworkspace.com
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    37 mins
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