How to Book 20 Co-Stars with Criminal Mind's McKenna Kerrigan

How to Book 20 Co-Stars with Criminal Mind's McKenna Kerrigan

Author: Hassiem June 24, 2025 Duration: 33:58
Less than 1% of aspiring actors will ever land a speaking role on television—and today’s guest is in that elite club 20 times over. Actress and educator McKenna Kerrigan joins host Hassiem Muhammad to share her hard-won insights into building a sustainable, fulfilling TV career—without losing the joy. From the challenges of crafting compelling self-tapes to embracing the “short film” mindset, McKenna breaks down her audition prep process step by step. She opens up about her time in New York, LA, and now Philly, and explains why staying grounded, finding community, and keeping the work fun is just as important as booking the job. This conversation is a must-listen for any actor navigating the early stages of a TV career—or anyone wondering how to stay creative in a career full of uncertainty. 🎧 Plus: prop acting, late-night taping, the “glasses moment,” and why co-star roles deserve way more respect.

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
Affording International Travel featuring Co-Host Andrea Laing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:25
In this installment of Finance 4 Freelance, Hassiem Muhammad and co-host Andrea Laing dive into the real financial habits, strategies, and splurges of working creatives. From shocking gig-economy stats to choosing betwee…
From Junie B to Broadway Dreams with The Path's Courtnee Carter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
Broadway actor and rising film/TV star Courtnee Carter joins Hassiem Muhammad on The Actors Instrument to talk about her journey from Jacksonville to the Broadway stage and into major Hollywood projects — including her u…
Twin Cities, Double Bookings! With Anna Hashizume [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:12
🎭 Can you really make it as an actor outside NYC or LA? Hassiem Muhammad talks with Twin Cities performer Anna Hashizume about thriving in Minneapolis–St. Paul’s vibrant theater scene, balancing opera and musical theater…
Actors Thriving In The Capital With That 70's Show Cody Nickell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
What does it take to build a thriving acting career outside of New York or L.A.? In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with award-winning stage actor Cody Nickell to explore life and…
Working in the Big A with NCIS' Andrea Laing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
This week on The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, host, and model Andrea Laing to explore what it’s really like to build an acting career in Atlanta — the “Hollywood of the South.” Andrea s…
Working in the Windy City with Lord of the Rings' Jeff Parker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
Actor Jeff Parker shares how he built a 35+ year career in Chicago theater, film, and TV—proving you don’t have to live in LA or NYC to succeed. From Goodman Theatre to network shows, Jeff reveals the realities of workin…
How to Book Three Broadway Plays with Camila Cano-Flavia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Camila Cano-Flavia, a rising star of stage and screen. From Broadway productions like Network, Patriots, and the up…
International Opportunities with City on a Hill's Callum Adams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Callum Adams (FBI, City on a Hill, The Blacklist, BritBox’s I Jack Wright) for a candid conversation about bu…