Welcome to Studio NEWS

My Creative Journal of Tips, Collabs & Industry Thoughts

Finding an Agent: It’s a Lot Like Dating
Actors Advice NataliaKos . Actors Advice NataliaKos .

Finding an Agent: It’s a Lot Like Dating

Looking for a talent agent can feel a lot like dating—full of unknowns and big decisions. At Owning IT Acting Studio, I break down how to find the right agent, spot red flags, and give your representation the tools they need to succeed. From updating your headshots and self-tapes to understanding commissions, mandatory classes, and unrealistic promises, this guide helps actors navigate the tricky world of agent relationships. Learn how to choose an agent who will truly support your career and avoid common pitfalls in the industry.

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Are You Tracking Your Auditions? If Not, You Should.
Acting Advice NataliaKos . Acting Advice NataliaKos .

Are You Tracking Your Auditions? If Not, You Should.

Auditions aren’t just about booking the job — they’re about building relationships and spotting patterns in your career. I’ve kept a spreadsheet for years, logging everything from the casting director’s name to whether it was a self-tape or callback. Over time, I’ve noticed certain casting directors keep bringing me back, even if I haven’t booked with them yet. That tells me they see potential, and it motivates me to keep delivering my best work. Tracking auditions turns rejection into data — and data, my friends, is power.

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Why Every Class Matters (And What I Wish I’d Known in My 20s)
Acting Advise NataliaKos . Acting Advise NataliaKos .

Why Every Class Matters (And What I Wish I’d Known in My 20s)

A recent conversation reminded me why I need to show up fully for every class I teach — because I don’t know what it’s taken someone to be there. In this post, I reflect on my own struggles as a young actor without a safety net, what I’ve learned about money, survival jobs, and mental health, and why this career is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re trying to build a life as an actor, I hope this helps.

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Don’t Get Stuck in the Same Acting Class (Yes, I Said It)
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Don’t Get Stuck in the Same Acting Class (Yes, I Said It)

Are you stuck in the same acting class, hoping it will finally change your career? Here’s the hard truth: if you’ve been in one class for years, you’re probably getting comfortable—not better. Growth comes from challenge. Here’s why exploring new classes (and the right teachers) might be the best move you ever make as an actor.

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When Should You Pay for a Self-Tape Session?
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

When Should You Pay for a Self-Tape Session?

Actors in London are some of the hardest-working people I know—hustling multiple jobs, jumping from gig to gig, and still trying to keep their craft sharp. So trust me when I say: paying for a self-tape should never be your default. It should be your strategy.

Build a solid setup at home. Tape those one-liners and commercials yourself. Save your budget for the big moments—the casting that could shift your career, the Netflix pilot, the role that demands more. And when you do pay? Demand quality. You’re not just booking a studio; you’re booking a partner in your success.

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Zoom Auditions: How I Prep (and What I Learned from My Latest Callback)
auditions NataliaKos . auditions NataliaKos .

Zoom Auditions: How I Prep (and What I Learned from My Latest Callback)

Zoom auditions can feel awkward at first, but they don’t have to. After booking roles straight from Zoom, I’ve learned a few simple tricks—like setting up your tech, using the right eyelines, and even recording your auditions—that can make a huge difference. Here’s what’s been working for me and might help you nail your next audition too.

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One-Liner Parts and How I Deal With Them (Without Losing My Mind)
Audition, Casting NataliaKos . Audition, Casting NataliaKos .

One-Liner Parts and How I Deal With Them (Without Losing My Mind)

Struggling with one-liner self-tape auditions? You’re not alone. Whether it’s “Here’s your drink, Mr. Bond” or a single line of dialogue in a big scene, many working actors wonder why they’re even taping for roles that feel like background noise. At Owning It Acting Studio, we flip the script. Learn how to turn minimal dialogue into a standout performance, understand what casting directors are really looking for, and discover the best strategies for sending two takes — one safe, one bold — without overthinking it. Audition smart, tape with purpose, and move on like a pro.

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Parenthood and Acting: Can You Really Do Both?
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Parenthood and Acting: Can You Really Do Both?

A lot of actors come to me with the same question: How do you juggle being a parent and still keep your acting career going?

Usually, they’re about to have a baby or thinking about starting a family, and they're scared. Scared that their career will slow down or stop altogether.

I get it. I was there too.

This blog isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s my real story from being pregnant on set, to taking time off, to unexpectedly booking a big job while still deep in new-mum life.

If you're an actor wondering, “Can I still do this?”—I promise you, you can. It might look different. It might stretch you. But it can also make you a stronger artist and a deeper human. In this post,

I’m diving into my real experience with acting and motherhood, and why becoming a mother didn’t weaken my artistry—it deepened it.

If you're wondering whether it's possible to return to acting after having a baby—or if you’re afraid to pause your career to become a parent—read on. This one’s for you.

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Be the Sharon: A Tribute to the Kind of Lead Every Actor Should Aspire to Be
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Be the Sharon: A Tribute to the Kind of Lead Every Actor Should Aspire to Be

Working with Sharon D. Clarke on the UK series Ellis reminded me what true leadership on set looks like. In this post, I share how her kindness, professionalism, and presence inspired me — and why every actor should strive to lead the way she does. If you want to grow as an actor, this is a must-read.

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Stop Building Every Job Up: The Reality of Acting Work
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Stop Building Every Job Up: The Reality of Acting Work

"I used to believe that the next acting job would change everything."
A big audition would come in, and suddenly I’d be dreaming of red carpets, agents calling nonstop, and finally proving myself. But after years in the industry I can tell you the truth:

Most jobs don’t change your career.
And they definitely don’t change your life.

In this blog post, I break down why building up every role can lead to disappointment, how I learned to protect my mental health, and what actors really need to focus on if they want long-term success. No sugar-coating. Just the real talk I wish I’d heard in my twenties.

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Why I Go All In On My Self-Tapes (And Why I Always Will)
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Why I Go All In On My Self-Tapes (And Why I Always Will)

As an actor, self-taping gives me the rare chance to take full creative control. I pour everything into each audition—not because I’m “overdoing it,” but because this is my career, not a hobby. In this post, I share why going all-in on self-tapes has helped me book more roles and stay true to my craft.

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Pink Pages in TV Acting: Why Your Script Changes Overnight
On Set NataliaKos . On Set NataliaKos .

Pink Pages in TV Acting: Why Your Script Changes Overnight

Ever shown up to set only to find your script has changed overnight? Welcome to the world of Pink Pages—last-minute TV script rewrites that can add new lines, cut favourite scenes, and challenge even the most prepared actors. Learn what they are, why they happen, and how to stay grounded when the pages turn pink.

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Finding Your Own Path in an Industry That Still Boxes Us In
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Finding Your Own Path in an Industry That Still Boxes Us In

“There’s so much more to me. I don’t want to box myself in.”

That moment cut right to my heart—because I get it. I feel that too. Every single day.

Even with a steady career, even after years of working consistently, I still feel like my full acting potential hasn’t been reached. Not even close. That aching feeling of there’s more never really goes away.

In the end, it’s her tape, her career, and her choice. I will absolutely support whatever scene she decides to shoot. But our conversation left me reflecting on something important:

There is no one-size-fits-all path in this business.
You can’t base your career on what others have done. You can’t wait for permission or mimic someone else’s roadmap. You have to find your own way—and commit to it fully, with everything you’ve got.

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The Constant State of Change as an Actor
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

The Constant State of Change as an Actor

This week, the production schedule on my latest job shifted at the last minute — which meant I had to rearrange the workshops I’d already booked. That sudden change reminded me just how unpredictable life as an actor truly is.

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On Set of Ellis, Belfast – Tips for First-Time TV Actors
On Set NataliaKos . On Set NataliaKos .

On Set of Ellis, Belfast – Tips for First-Time TV Actors

I’m currently on set in Belfast, filming the second season of Ellis, and I’ll be here for the next eight days. My first day was a whirlwind — I had my make-up test and costume fitting. Going through those motions again reminded me of a few important things that I’d love to pass on to any young actors who haven’t had their first TV job yet.

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Work Breeds Work
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Work Breeds Work

Have you ever heard the expression: Work breeds work? I think it’s absolutely true.

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Actors Sunday’s
NataliaKos . NataliaKos .

Actors Sunday’s

This Sunday, 15th of June at 6PM, I’m honoured to be joining Actors Sundays, a beautiful initiative run by the wonderful Nynya Angelica Martin.

Actors Sundays is a safe, welcoming online space where actors come together via Zoom to:

  • Talk openly about mental health in the industry

  • Support one another through the ups and downs

  • And simply chat all things acting

When I first came across Nynya’s heartfelt initiative, I knew I wanted to be part of it. It’s such a valuable and much-needed space of support, and I’m so looking forward to joining the conversation and connecting with you all.

Come and join us — you’re very welcome.

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