What does it really take to stand out, book more work, and build a sustainable acting career in today’s rapidly shifting industry? In this episode of Slate It Pod, host, Catherine Donnelly, sits down with Murisa Harba — award-winning actress, director, and founder of About The Work, a Hollywood-based acting studio she launched in 2013.
Murisa has coached thousands of actors across five continents using her signature body-based methods, helping them break out of their heads, connect more deeply to their emotions, and bring undeniable authenticity into the audition room. Her students don’t just feel more confident — they also book more consistently.
Murisa opens up about her own journey from performer to teacher, the challenges and triumphs of creating her own studio, and why she believes actors must lean into their humanity to remain indispensable — especially as AI continues to reshape the industry.
Whether you’re feeling stuck in your auditions, craving more authentic performances, or wondering how to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond, this episode is packed with tools, insights, and encouragement.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How Murisa’s body-based approach helps actors break out of their heads and into authentic performance
Why connecting to your physical instrument changes everything in auditions and on set
The biggest misunderstandings actors have about what casting and directors really want
How to know when it’s time to upgrade your training or pivot to the right class
Practical tools to prepare before every audition
Strategies for resilience, longevity, and staying grounded in a volatile industry
📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Learn more about Murisa Harba → www.murisaharba.com
About The Work Studio → www.about-the-work.com
Free Guide: The Six Keys
Instagram → @aboutthework
Facebook → AboutTheWork