For August’s feature, we have a special one: a badass woman and creative I deeply admire and am lucky enough to have in my orbit (as you’ll see, she’s just… the coolest). Saydee Dickinson is the real deal, sharing the blueprint she’s building in this interview - and it’s a rich one. With upcoming roles on Netflix and in feature films, and a beautifully varied body of work behind her, Saydee is the definition of a working actress in motion. She’s also a powerhouse in the voice over world, a beloved teacher at Margie Haber Studio, and a business-minded coach who cares deeply about helping actors rise.

If any of the following applies to you, you’re going to love this one:

Actors who want to build a sustainable, multi-faceted career across voice over, on-camera, coaching, and general artistry.
VO-curious actors who have no idea where to start - or want to level up.
You’re figuring out your acting process and want permission to trust your instincts over perfection.
Teen and young adult actors (and their parents) looking for a mentor who actually gets it.
Anyone wondering how to build momentum without burning out - and craft a fulfilling external life along the way.
You need to hear someone say: fall forward into the mistake. The scene is life, continued.

Saydee is smart, grounded, and generous with the wisdom she’s earned across reps, roles, and recording booths - and she’s dishing it all out below. Soak in the wisdom from one of the most energetically bright people I know in this business!

About Saydee!

Saydee Dickinson can be seen opposite Marc Maron in comedy In Memoriam coming out this year. She can also be seen in Season Three of Netflix’s Monster releasing this year, and Season Two of Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal on HBO Max. A few of her other credits include Netflix’s From Scratch, opposite Zoe Saldaña, and a series regular role in the Apple TV+ pilot Habata with Jake Johnson. She has also starred in numerous commercials over the years.

Beyond her on-screen work, Saydee has built an impressive career in the voice over space. She is a series regular on Nickelodeon’s series Big Nate, has narrated audiobooks, voiced scripted podcasts, brought numerous animated and video game characters to life, and even voice-doubled for multiple celebrities.

In addition to her acting work, Saydee teaches at Margie Haber Studio, where she has coached hundreds of teen and adult actors, helping many book representation and secure impressive roles. With a background in casting and working at a talent agency, she brings a sharp business perspective to her coaching and shares tips with her audience on TikTok (@saydzz). She is especially passionate about mentoring teen actors.

You’re carving out such a layered career across acting, voice over, coaching, etc. What did the early days in LA look like for you, and how did your path evolve from there?

I went to Chapman University, and got my BFA in Screen Acting and Minor in Television Writing & Production. I did a performance my senior year of school and signed with representation from that show - then moved to LA and was auditioning right out of the gate.

Oh my gosh - I was so eager and hungry at first. Some of those tapes were rough. I remember one of my first auditions, where I literally taped in front of a door wearing a robe and had a full face of makeup on. I re-watch it now and just think, What was I doing? My manager at called me and said, “you need a backdrop.” But I also have so much love and compassion for myself looking back, because despite the cringe, I put so much effort toward my dream. I was trying so hard.

The same applies to my voice over auditions. I was getting amazing auditions right out of the gate, and when I listen back to some of those first reads, I’m like - yikes. But at the same time, that phase is so essential. I slowly got better and better, and then I began to work. Consistency is everything.

When you first get an audition or begin building a character, where do you start? Are there anchor points you always come back to, or does the process change every time?

My process is actually quite messy! It changes a little bit every single time. I find reading the sides out loud with someone over and over again is very helpful - I have them read all the stage directions, too. I let my imagination take over as I’m hearing it, and really visualize everything. The more I read it out loud, and hear it out loud, the more little details jump out at me.

It’s less intellectual and more instinctual. I can analyze a scene all day - I always break it down - but I also find it really helpful to feel my way through it. I try to find one little seed about that character that intrigues me or I identify with.

Do you have any personal rituals before a shoot - something you do in your trailer, the morning of, or right before stepping on set?

If I’m in my trailer, I always take a moment to ground myself before I walk out. I say a little prayer. I set all the prep down, almost like a surrender; I give it up. I’m a sensitive person and my nervous system will go haywire if I don’t take a moment to breathe and come back to myself. Also, a tip that helps me so much: I almost always leave my phone in my trailer! So the moment I leave, I’m in a state of connection with everyone around me on set. You’d be surprised how just being an engaged, warm human being will get you hired again.

You work so closely with other actors through coaching - what are the things you find yourself saying over and over in the room? What do you wish more actors understood about the craft or the business?

Oh, wow. I could go on and on here. But a couple things I find myself saying all the time: Are you experiencing or are you showing? Of course, we always want to lean towards experiencing. Fall forward, into the mistake! The scene is a continuation of life - I don’t want to see an actor performing as soon as the camera starts rolling. The first moment of the self-tape is really important: I want to see that you’re completely invested in the world, already in the middle of life.

Take what works for you from every acting class and leave what doesn’t. There isn’t one “right” way to create as an actor. And if a teacher says there is, I call bullshit. Trust yourself. You don’t need to push. Use your framing and the medium of film to your advantage.

Business: The rule is, there ain’t no rules. There isn’t one way to get to where you think you should be going. Get out into the world and meet other creatives. Network with the intention of connecting instead of trying to get something, and water those relationships.

What journey brought you to voice acting? Does the approach change or feel different from your on-camera work?

I feel so grateful that voice acting really found me. I was fresh out of school, and CESD brought me in for potential theatrical representation. Someone from the VO Department happened to hear my voice and pulled me in to audition for their department instead - they thought I could do a good job voicing young male characters and little kid roles. It’s something that I didn’t know I was good at before that moment.

Although my approach to voice over is definitely quite different from on-camera work, at the end of the day it comes back to being a good actor. Just because you have a unique voice does not mean you should do voice over. You’ve got to be a competitive actor to work in this space, and an interesting voice is just icing on the cake. There is so much room for play in voice over work - I voiced an animated character on a Nickelodeon show for three years and it’s truly the most fun job I’ve ever had in my life.

As someone who wears a lot of creative hats, how do you protect your passion when the industry gets loud - or when self-doubt creeps in?

I have to protect my energy. I’ve gotten more diligent with who I spend time with, and try to limit my time with people who just complain about the state of the industry. It’s a hard industry - we all know that. But I don’t need to be reminded of that every ten minutes. I do a lot of work on myself to cultivate happiness from within, and have a fabulous life outside of work.

I also have to really check myself with my consumption of social media and comparison, and come back to myself. I’ve gotten so much better at stopping myself when I begin to compare. Remember everyone is struggling in their own way, at every level - you just don’t see it. Stay in your own lane and cheer for those around you.

What’s a favorite book (or two) or something you’re currently reading that’s inspiring you?

In all honesty I can’t remember the last time I finished a book front to back, but I did recently get The War of Art and have it sitting by my bed. I’ll periodically pick it up and read some of it, and always find a nugget of helpful wisdom. Mainly I consume a lot of podcasts. Some of my favorites are: Armchair Expert, Diary of a CEO, The Wellness Process, Move with Heart, Call Her Daddy, Ride, and Smartless.

What would you tell your younger self who was just beginning their journey as a creative in Los Angeles?

Fall in love with the process. Dear god, stop obsessing over men and just put all your energy towards your career. Feedback is good! Criticism is a gift, you don’t need to freak out when you get a note. Care less about what anyone else thinks of your work. Stop putting other people on a pedestal. Utilize social media, don’t resist the times. Take the vacation - you’re not going to miss the audition that changes your life. You need fulfillment outside of acting.

What’s next for you - anything you’re promoting, projects, or releases coming up that we should have on our radar?

Yes! I will be in the newest season of Monster on Netflix coming out this year. In addition, I’m also in a move relating this year called In Memoriam opposite Marc Maron. Finally. I’m teaming up with Jay Shetty for a project that I’ll be writing, producing, and directing.

What’s one product, potion, or practice you’re loving right now? Something that’s bringing you joy, grounding, or a little luxe delight.

Ooooooh, fun question! I’ve been very into Melissa Wood Health and her workout platform. I’m obsessed with her workouts - they’re amazing and you can truly do them anywhere. I’ve literally done her workouts at the airport. Her platform is the best when you have a crazy schedule, and I just adore her energy as an instructor.

In addition, I’ve been studying Kabbalah, which is a spiritual teaching. It’s been such a game changer for my mindset in business and life. David Ghiyam has a fantastic podcast where he shares a lot of wisdom, if anyone is interested.