Sometimes an actor goes through all of the training and all of the courses and pays all their dues and does very well and enjoys the education and the process… and then steps out into the bright lights of the industry with all its mechanisms and professional trappings, takes a long look around and says: "Meh. You know what? I don't think this is for me. I don't love it."
And today, Todd Kramer and Jay Reum talk to just such an actor. His name is Rob Cairns. But don't worry about good old Rob—he's landed on his feet.
Rob trained at UEA and the Oxford School of Drama, dove deep into the craft, and came out the other side with clarity: the acting life wasn't his forever path. Instead, he pivoted into a life behind the mic—becoming an audiobook producer and founding Voice Reel London, where he now helps actors and voice artists craft high-quality showreels and narration work.
Jay and Todd recently collaborated with Rob on an audiobook project, and in this episode, they talk all things training, transitions, self-awareness, and sound waves. It's a real look at how one actor stepped back from center stage—and found a new way to perform.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Opening
03:00 – When actors realize acting isn't "it"
06:30 – Rob's acting training and Oxford journey
10:00 – The "smart quitter" mindset
13:00 – What drama school really prepares you for
15:30 – Jay and Todd's training comparison
18:30 – From actor to audio engineer
22:00 – Founding Voice Reel London
26:00 – Creating voice reels for today's industry
30:00 – Todd's audiobook adventures
33:00 – The joys and pains of audiobook narration
36:30 – Rob's pivot during COVID
40:00 – The audition disillusion
43:00 – Are you cut out for the actor life?
46:00 – Measuring passion vs. practicality
49:00 – What Rob loves about sound production
52:00 – Todd & Jay riff on zodiacs & Aries vibes
56:00 – "Manifesting" your own creative pivot
59:00 – Final thoughts from Rob
💬 Join the Conversation
What resonated with you in Rob's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways!
🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW
🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast
🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing
🌍 Rob Cairns: Voice Reel London
💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer
💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum
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