How I Became an Actor: From a Shoebox of Dreams to a Life on Stage with Host Hassiem Muhammad

How I Became an Actor: From a Shoebox of Dreams to a Life on Stage with Host Hassiem Muhammad

Author: Hassiem July 1, 2025 Duration: 42:28
We’re celebrating two years of The Actor’s Instrument with a very special anniversary episode—and this time, the script gets flipped. Acclaimed actor Lana Young (Bull, WandaVision) takes over the mic to interview our very own host, Hassiem Muhammad.In this raw and revealing conversation, Hassiem opens up about his journey from reenacting cartoons in a crowded South Carolina living room to becoming a multi-hyphenate artist in New York City. He reflects on the formative moments that shaped his career, including his time at a performing arts boarding school, getting rejected by Juilliard (and everything that came after), and how he rediscovered the confidence and rawness that first sparked his love of acting.From chasing dreams with nothing but a shoebox full of savings to earning a full ride to one of the top drama schools in the world, Hassiem shares the lessons, heartbreaks, and wins that have made him the artist he is today.Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been riding with us since day one, this anniversary special is a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the power of staying true to yourself.🎧 Press play and get to know the voice behind the mic like never before.

The Actor's Instrument: Tools for the Long Game with Hassiem Muhammad is a conversation for anyone who has ever stepped onto a stage or in front of a camera and wondered what comes next. Hosted by actor Hassiem Muhammad, this podcast operates on the belief that a lasting career is built not on a single role, but on a deep understanding of the craft and the business that surrounds it. Each episode features honest discussions with the people who shape the industry-working casting directors, veteran actors from Hollywood and Broadway, and other behind-the-scenes professionals. The focus here is on practical wisdom and the nuanced realities of building a life in the arts, moving beyond simple inspiration to actionable strategies. You'll hear about navigating auditions, the importance of personal resilience, and how to cultivate the professional relationships that sustain a career over decades. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about developing the tools for the long haul. Tune in for a candid look at the work that happens between the roles, designed to help actors at any stage demystify their path forward and build something enduring.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Actor's Instrument: Tools for the Long Game with Hassiem Muhammad
Podcast Episodes
Trust Your Gut with Mamma Mia’s Caro Daye Attayek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:40
Broadway star Caro Daye Attayek joins host Hassiem Muhammad on The Actor’s Instrument to share her inspiring journey from Elon University to her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! (Revival). In this episode, Caro opens up abou…
From UPS Driver to Dexter Resurrection With Darius Jordan Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:24
In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Darius Jordan Lee (Dexter: Resurrection, The Last OG, Power Book II, Will Trent, Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway)…
Should I Get an MFA Degree? With Godfather of Harlem’s Devin Kessler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:53
Should you get an MFA in acting—or not? 🎭 Actor Devin Kessler (Godfather of Harlem, A24’s Crystal Lake) joins host Hassiem Muhammad on The Actor’s Instrument to talk about her path from UNC School of the Arts to NYU’s MF…
Inside IP Driven Projects on Broadway with Jason Thinger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:25
In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Jason Thinger of the Jim Carnahan Casting Office — the powerhouse behind Broadway hits like Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Merr…
There's Always a Solution with FBI Producer Alec Chorches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:18
What does it really take to be a successful producer in Hollywood? In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Mohammed sits down with studio film & TV producer Alec Chorches (FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: Inte…
No More Slow Seasons with Talent Manager ChiChi Anyanwu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:41
Want to book more roles, grow your network, and work with top reps? Talent manager ChiChi Anyanwu shares insider tips on agents vs. managers, networking, and staying proactive so you can stand out in Broadway, film, and…
Season 4, a Distribution Deal, and Tools for the Long Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:27
We’re kicking off Season 4 with a huge announcement: The Actor’s Instrument has officially joined the Next Chapter Podcasts network! Next Chapter is a theater-centric podcast platform with over 10 million downloads — and…
How Being Helpful Gets You Hired with Tony Award Winner Francis Jue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:10
Welcome back to another season of The Actor’s Instrument. In the season premiere, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with 2025 Tony Award winner Francis Jue (Yellow Face, Pacific Overtures, Thoroughly Modern Millie) for a d…
10 Traits of Highly Successful Actors — Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:44
Before we launch into Season 4 with a brand-new interview and a major announcement (dropping next week!), we’re closing this chapter with one more look back at some of the most impactful insights ever shared on the show.…
The Importance of Self-Promotion: A Content Creation Compilation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:09
As we gear up for some exciting changes to the show (announcement coming in just two weeks!), we’re continuing our anniversary celebration with another powerful compilation episode—this time focused on self-promotion and…