the beginning

The Actors' Think Tank is a weekly, Wednesday afternoon 3:30-4:30pm, Zoom gathering of actors and performers from New York to Atlanta, where sharing, supporting and inspiring one another take center stage!

For just about everyone in America, Spring of 2020 was a very strange time. "Going to work" was either impossible, or it meant rolling out of bed, grabbing a cup of coffee and logging onto your computer; that is, for people who COULD work from home. For "Gig Workers", like actors and performers, uncertainty was the only constant. There were no productions to audition for, no commercials or corporate videos to act in, no TV shows, films or web series to report to set for.

Seeking to fill at least a little bit of the gap created by this new normal, Philadelphia-based actor and instructor, Rich Henkels organized an initial Zoom call on April 22 with talent he'd either worked with or taught over the last few years. That first call has blossomed into a weekly information forum the likes of which most members have never before experienced.

Rich's initial objective was to establish a safe and inviting place for actors to get together, talk about the industry and share ideas about how we can make this time productive, and continue to educate ourselves and grow as actors/performers.

The Actors' Think Tank now includes guest Q&A sessions with industry professionals, including but not limited to casting directors and their associates, acting coaches and owners of production companies that cast talent. The Actors' Think Tank is nothing short of a creative, supportive, optimistic, and forward thinking environment for more than 20 talented professionals!

our founder

Rich Henkels is an Emmy Award winning former Sportscaster who navigated his way through two careers to arrive at his third, as an actor/model/instructor. Henkels walked away from a lucrative corporate sales job in October of 2016 and has since booked work on broadcast, web-based, and corporate video projects for a wide range of clients. His familiarity with live-TV, telethons and personal appearances continues to pay dividends as an instructor for a Philadelphia-based Casting Agency.

One of twelve children, Henkels learned from his parents that giving, unconditionally, is the only true route to success and happiness in this world. The Actors' Think Tank is a reflection of that philosophy, as he treasures the relationships he builds and leverages for the betterment of all its members and future members!

For more on Rich's career and work history, check out his website: www.richhenkels.actor