Be the CEO of YOU Inc.: Annie Chadwick on The Actor’s Instrument with Hassiem Muhammad

By The Up-To-Date Actor, January 14, 2026

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What happens when a career consultant who lives and breathes actor strategy sits down with a host whose whole mission is “tools for the long game”? You get a conversation that’s basically a masterclass in how to treat your acting career like the business it really is.

In a recent episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad welcomes Annie Chadwick—actor, career consultant, and co-owner of Up-To-Date Actor—for a deep dive into goal-setting, mindset, and building a sustainable creative life in 2026 and beyond.

Watch the Conversation

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA__pBQIGCs

Main Takeaways from Annie’s Conversation with Hassiem

You are the CEO of YOU Inc.
Annie urges actors to see themselves as businesses: track your auditions, bookings, income, expenses, and projects you’re targeting every single month.
Think in quarters, not just years.
Instead of vague year-long resolutions, set clear 3–6 month goals (like getting theatrical rep, booking a co-star, or targeting specific shows) and align your actions with those goals.
Define your type and top 10 targets.
Know the roles, shows, and worlds you’re actually right for—then make sure your headshots, reels, song book, and submissions reflect that.
Immerse yourself in the world you want to work in.
If you want to be on Broadway, see musicals and work your dream roles before you’re cast. If you want TV, you have to watch TV and study the style of the shows and markets you’re pursuing.
Mindset and purpose are non-negotiable.
Annie works with clients on affirmations, subconscious belief, and a clear artistic purpose so you’re driven from the inside out—not just chasing validation from the industry.
Accountability is everything.
When careers stall, Annie looks at: How many hours are you truly working on your career? Are you researching new shows, tracking upcoming projects, and bringing ideas to your reps—or just waiting for them to make it happen?
Hassiem as a model of “long game” thinking.
By creating The Actor’s Instrument and using platforms like Up-To-Date Actor to research agents, casting, and projects, Hassiem embodies the entrepreneurial, long-game mindset Annie teaches.

About Hassiem & The Actor’s Instrument

Hassiem Muhammad is a New York–based actor, creator, and advocate for building sustainable artistic careers. He launched The Actor’s Instrument during the 2023 industry strikes as a way to stay creative and to provide actionable tools, conversations, and community support for actors navigating an unpredictable industry.

Through candid interviews with casting directors, coaches, producers, and working artists, The Actor’s Instrument focuses on what Hassiem calls “tools for the long game” — the mindset, strategy, and career infrastructure that help actors build not just credits, but longevity and purpose.

As a Black Muslim Southerner and working actor, Hassiem is committed to disrupting traditional models of “success,” carving new pathways for artists underrepresented in the industry, and empowering actors to take ownership of their careers just as Annie encourages: as the CEO of YOU Inc.

Want to Work with Annie One-on-One?

If you’re ready to treat your career like YOU Inc. and want personalized guidance on your goals, materials, strategy, and mindset, you can work with Annie directly.

Learn more and book a one-on-one consultation here:
https://uptodateactor.com/resources/consultations.php

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