Rich Henkels, an actor from Lansdale, started the Actors’ Think Tank nonprofit to help those in the entertainment industry stay connected during the pandemic, writes Will Kenworth for CBS Philly.

When the stay-at-home order came into place in Pennsylvania, many actors found themselves without the opportunity to even audition for work.

“I don’t want to say it destroyed a lot of actors’ ambition,” said Henkels, “but it was deflating.”

To counter this, Henkels began the nonprofit as a weekly gathering of actors and performers on Zoom that offered them a place to brainstorm and do some networking.

“It is one hour a week where we all just relax,” he said. “We’re comfortable with who we are. We’re with other actors, people who can relate to what we’re going through.”

As the initiative grew, Henkels included Q&A sessions with industry professionals, such as casting directors in Philadelphia, acting coaches, and owners of production companies.

Other prominent guests have also participated in the sessions, including actor Kavin Bacon.

“These guests bring real-life exposure to what it is they do in the industry,” said Henkels.

Watch the entire segment at CBS Philly by clicking here.

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