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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social

@dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
720 followers 847 following 289 posts

Entertainment Industry Career Advisor. Columnist for The Stage, the world's longest established theatre & acting newspaper.

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The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 27/11/2025
From January 2026, The Stage will no longer appear as a weekly newspaper but rather as a monthly magazine designed for deeper reading, says Alistair Smith. Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
I'm sure there's a US & international equivalent seasonal earworm but this is ours in UK 🌲🙃...
Couple Christmas shopping with man saying 'I wish we didn't have to hear I wish it could be Christmas every day song everyday between now and Christmas'.
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Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 05/11/2025
Obituary: Nabil Shaban — Actor who co-founded disabled-led theatre company Graeae and performed at theatres including London’s Royal Court and the National Theatre 👇
thestage.co.uk
Obituary: Nabil Shaban – actor and Graeae co-founder
Actor who co-founded disabled-led theatre company Graeae and performed at theatres including London's Royal Court and the National Theatre
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Richard Power @wyrdsofpower.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
I once sat in a room with Elon Musk. I watched, listened, waited ... This is it? This is the genius we’re all supposed to be in awe of? I remember feeling underwhelmed. Unimpressed ... mediocrity in this man and others like him is so normalized, so falsely praised - @duvernay.bsky.social
substack.com
Elon Musk: The Illusion of Genius
I once sat in a room with Elon Musk.
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globaltimoto 🐸 @globaltimoto.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
@duvernay.bsky.social fantastic acceptance speech. www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ma...
theguardian.com
Director Ava DuVernay calls on artists and historians to resist ‘criminal’ Trump
Oscar nominee warns ‘truth itself is under revision’ while receiving award at Smithsonian American history museum
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Yashar Ali 🐘 @yasharali.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, is asking for people to pray for her sister’s health.
Verified Facebook post by Freida Parton. The caption reads:

“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me. She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you! ❤️”

Below the caption is a photo of Dolly Parton standing outdoors in front of lush green ivy, hands clasped in prayer, wearing a shiny silver outfit with lace-trimmed sleeves, her signature blonde hair styled in soft curls, looking upward serenely.
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Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
KOJAMF🤘🖤🤘 @kojamf.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
My late Dad's absolute favorite show. He'll be queueing up at the Pearly Gates for an autograph 💔 #RIPHyacinth
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Saying it with my whole chest: #OnwardWithAvaDuVernay #Substack showcases one of the world’s great filmmakers & community leader's writing: powerful, potent & timely as her screen masterpieces. Grateful to @duvernay.bsky.social for the tee & your ongoing work for justice in art, activism & beyond.
a bald white man with sunglasses standing outdoors wearing a maroon tshirt with 'Onward with Ava Duvernay' logo
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Well, that didn't escalate quickly...
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Writer Question for Parents, Grandparents, Teachers or anyone else with 3-5 year olds around: if they have a tablet (ie to watch cartoons, play games etc) what do they call it: "My tablet" or something else? Thank you 🙏🏻
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
I’m currently researching a feature for The Stage on the role of drama schools in today’s industry. While schools will be invited to outline the advantages of training, I’d also like to represent UK based voices who feel drama school is not the only viable route. DM or dearjohn@thestage.co.uk
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Beyond Spotlight: How Actors Can Still Be Seen and Get Work.
How to keep finding castings, stay visible, and move your career forward even if you can’t afford the casting directory subscription.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
With the UK High Court case brought by #Equity against #Spotlight ending in favour of uncapped fees, my latest piece is for the increasing number of #Actors who cannot afford to stay (or join in first place) #Theatresky open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Beyond Spotlight: How Actors Can Still Be Seen and Get Work.
How to keep finding castings, stay visible, and move your career forward even if you can’t afford the casting directory subscription.
120
Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
Fair Political Coverage - we want to hear from ALL our parties @fairpoliticsnow.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
If you’re waking up to yet another news programme on tv or radio that is over platforming REFORM with 4 MPs and not mentioning any other opposition party, you know what to do. Sign here and get anyone else you know to sign. Fair coverage now. Takes 30 seconds petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Ensure plurality of political coverage across UK broadcast media at all times
We want to ensure that a plurality of views from all political parties in Westminster are represented and the nations parliaments are heard all year round, not just election times. The rules for coverage during elections should apply at all times.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Once a year I run a Pay What You Can Weekend for ADHD creative coaching. Link is now open. Book before 8pm Mon 25 Aug & discount applies (sessions can be taken later). You don't need a formal diagnosis. Please share for or DM for more details. johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com/l/fsbhju
johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com
1-to-1 Specialist Coaching for ADHD Creatives (Actors, Writers & Artists)
Your brain works differently. Your coaching should too. Lived-experience one to one support for creatives with ADHD — from someone who has built a successful 30 year career and helped many others do t...
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
If you are going to doubt any aspect of yourself today, make it your doubts. That way you can focus more energy on your talent.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Not even a year yet, and Washington is now a sundown town 😡😪
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Those who refuse to learn the lessons of history are busy making sure nobody else learns them either 🤢
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
Looks like #AI is here to stay. Would welcome thoughts on how #actors might use it in ways that practically-and ethically-help their process, career etc?
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
substack.com/@dearjohnbyr...
substack.com
Surviving Toxic Mentors
What too many performers and creatives endure—and why it’s time we called it out.
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Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
The ‘Big Break’ That Nearly Broke Me
(and why I’m still in the game.)
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Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Acting industry myths mess with actors’ heads. “You’re only as good as your last job.” “Stage confidence = career confidence.” “Talent should be enough.” My course starts there. Bust myths. Build a plan that works. 👉 tinyurl.com/ActorReboot
Acting myths make the job harder (white text on blue) You are only as good as last job-untrue  (white text on blue) Confidence onstage should equal confidence off. Nope-you are human (white text on blue) Talent is all you need. Untrue  (white text on blue)
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
substack.com/@dearjohnbyr...
substack.com
Surviving Toxic Mentors
What too many performers and creatives endure—and why it’s time we called it out.
001
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
The ‘Big Break’ That Nearly Broke Me
(and why I’m still in the game.)
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Matt Green @mattgreencomedy.com · 06/08/2025
I'm sad to say that since leaving Twitter/X my sales for live shows have dropped quite a lot - it turns out that even though it's a dreadful place it was still useful for getting the word out about events. So any shares / RTs of my posts about live shows are hugely appreciated!
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Acting industry myths mess with actors’ heads. “You’re only as good as your last job.” “Stage confidence = career confidence.” “Talent should be enough.” My course starts there. Bust myths. Build a plan that works. 👉 tinyurl.com/ActorReboot
Acting myths make the job harder (white text on blue) You are only as good as last job-untrue  (white text on blue) Confidence onstage should equal confidence off. Nope-you are human (white text on blue) Talent is all you need. Untrue  (white text on blue)
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Have found some space in the diary for One to One Acting Advice sessions this month. A great way for new grads to get a kickstart in their careers...but always a joy to hear career updates from the many experienced actors who have also found them useful. johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com/l/vzoam
johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com
🎭 1:1 Acting Career Advice Session with John Byrne from The Stage
If you're an actor who wants to take control of your career— this session is for you.I'm John Byrne — resident career advisor of The Stage, the world's longest established stage and screen publication...
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
With the latest wave of new acting grads joining the industry, this piece on representation & self-representation might be helpful to somebody you know. open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Dear John: How important is an agent or manager to an actor's success-and how do I get a good one?
Given that I have spent the past three decades as a talent agency director and personal manager, I’m obviously of the opinion that we are very important to an actor’s success.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
In honour of The Stage's 7500th issue: What I have learned from interviewing 2000+ actors. open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
What I learned from over 2,000 Actor Interviews.
The Stage newspaper is the longest established entertainment industry trade publication, has just passed its 7500th issue, and has been published weekly from London since 1880.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
With a new campaign being launched to protect young performers from scams it is worth re-upping this piece. Please share with any performers, teachers or parents who might find it useful. (PS in tough times normal caution can be dropped at any age.😬) open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
What I learned from over 2,000 Actor Interviews.
The Stage newspaper is the longest established entertainment industry trade publication, has just passed its 7500th issue, and has been published weekly from London since 1880.
001
Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Dear John: How do I choose the right actor training for me?
This Substack is reader-supported.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com/l/actorcaree...
johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com
The Actor's Launchpad Video Course
The Actor's Launchpad: Take control of your career today! Unlock Your Potential and Navigate the Acting Industry with ConfidenceAre you an actor looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling career? T...
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
What a timely show! Yellow 👇👇👇
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
The Dahlia Files looks brilliant 👇👇👇
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Back in the glory days of real Twitter I used to use my actual blue tick to amplify anyone who has a show at #EdFringe they'd like to promote. Happy to do the same here. Drop your show in this thread and I will shout out as many as I can.
Pic of John Byrne Stage career advisor in front of tower bridge talking about coming to London with no agent and what he did Pic of John Byrne Stage career advisor in front of tower bridge talking about deciding to self represent as a performer Pic of John Byrne Stage career advisor in front of tower bridge talking about how self repping put him in control of career Pic of John Byrne Stage career advisor in front of tower bridge with link to his new video course & workbook on career planning for actors. Link is https://tinyurl.com
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
August’s coming. Castings are slowing. But this isn’t a an acting dead zone — it can be your reset button. The Actors Business Plan Video Course gives you the plan, tools + workbook to use this time well. Structure always beats stagnation. tinyurl.com/AugustPowerUp
tinyurl.com
The Actor's Launchpad Video Course
The Actor's Launchpad: Take control of your career today! Unlock Your Potential and Navigate the Acting Industry with ConfidenceAre you an actor looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling career? T...
011
Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Dear John: I missed out on my dream role. What now?
I recently heard from an actor who poured their heart into preparing for a dream role — a part they felt perfectly suited for, in a show where they’d already proven themselves during college.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
August’s coming. Castings are slowing. But this isn’t a an acting dead zone — it can be your reset button. The Actors Business Plan Video Course gives you the plan, tools + workbook to use this time well. Structure always beats stagnation. tinyurl.com/AugustPowerUp
tinyurl.com
The Actor's Launchpad Video Course
The Actor's Launchpad: Take control of your career today! Unlock Your Potential and Navigate the Acting Industry with ConfidenceAre you an actor looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling career? T...
011
Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
If I’ve learned one thing from 30+ years as a working creative with ADHD, it’s this: There is NO 'one-size-fits-all' career path. I've created coaching designed for ADHD and neurodivergent brains. Booking info below. Share if you know someone who needs this. tinyurl.com/NeuroCreatives
tinyurl.com
1-to-1 Specialist Coaching for ADHD Creatives (Actors, Writers & Artists)
Your brain works differently. Your coaching should too. Lived-experience one to one support for creatives with ADHD — from someone who has built a successful 30 year career and helped many others do t...
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Reposted by dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
For Actors, rejection is not so much an occasional work setback as part of day to day work...here's how the wise ones deal with it. open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Dear John: How can actors cope with rejection?
Rejection can be especially painful when you gave your all in the audition.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
My piece on the secret of #acting success (spoiler: it isn't a secret) :) open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Dear John: How do I get my Big Break in Acting?
The ‘Big Break’ is the stuff of Stage and Screen mythology.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
If I’ve learned one thing from 30+ years as a working creative with ADHD, it’s this: There is NO 'one-size-fits-all' career path. I've created coaching designed for ADHD and neurodivergent brains. Booking info below. Share if you know someone who needs this. tinyurl.com/NeuroCreatives
tinyurl.com
1-to-1 Specialist Coaching for ADHD Creatives (Actors, Writers & Artists)
Your brain works differently. Your coaching should too. Lived-experience one to one support for creatives with ADHD — from someone who has built a successful 30 year career and helped many others do t...
012
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Dear John: I missed out on my dream role. What now?
I recently heard from an actor who poured their heart into preparing for a dream role — a part they felt perfectly suited for, in a show where they’d already proven themselves during college.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
#BerniceKing is one of my heroes. This is just one more reason why. 👑
Picture of Martin Luther King posted by his daughter with the caption: Now, do the Epstein files.
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dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
Dear John: How do I choose the right actor training for me?
This Substack is reader-supported.
001
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
With a new campaign being launched to protect young performers from scams it is worth re-upping this piece. Please share with any performers, teachers or parents who might find it useful. (PS in tough times normal caution can be dropped at any age.😬) open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
What I learned from over 2,000 Actor Interviews.
The Stage newspaper is the longest established entertainment industry trade publication, has just passed its 7500th issue, and has been published weekly from London since 1880.
001
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
In honour of The Stage's 7500th issue: What I have learned from interviewing 2000+ actors. open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
open.substack.com
What I learned from over 2,000 Actor Interviews.
The Stage newspaper is the longest established entertainment industry trade publication, has just passed its 7500th issue, and has been published weekly from London since 1880.
011
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social @dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Just caught a rapper using AI to write his lyrics. I knew because he used the Eminem dash. 🤪
media.tenor.com
a teddy bear is singing into a microphone while wearing a tie .
Alt: Fozzie bear is telling a bad joke into a microphone while wearing a tie .
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