We have found 19,412 posts across 4 actor forums:
Can I be an actor? by cigaretteashtray • last post Jan 21st
Hi, I’m sorry if this comes off as rude, I’m genuinely just wanting insight. I’m 19 and in my first year of law school. I’m studying law because out of all the ‘mid-high paying jobs’ I chose law to be the best field for me. Small context: I’m a pretty impulsive person, money means a great deal to me so I wouldn’t really be happy without the security that I could secure a good pay in the future. Anyways, alongside impulsivity, I’m also indecisive as hell. So indecisive that after almost every decision, I find myself regretting and wondering how life would have played out picking the alternative. Because of this I’m always second guessing who I wanna be in the future. Part of me wants to be lawyer, another is a tattoo artist, another is… an actor/voice actor. TV has always been a really big thing for me growing up. Sure, I know everyone could say that but- when I was younger, all I ever did was over analyse movies and tv shows to the extent of appreciating every little detail. Anyways, I was curious as to whether in four years time I could create the option for myself to become an actor? Obviously, I have part of my schedule taken up now by university studies. But is there any small things I could do now to make becoming an actor in the future a possibility for me? I always assumed every actor put their heart, soul and sweat into acting and didn’t really have time for anything else.
First MFA Acting Audition next weekend! by Logical-Ad-8044 • last post Jan 21st
I am 25 years old and have been acting only since 2019. I am going for my first MFA audition in a weeks time at one of the major MFA programs on the East Coast. I'm being vague for privacy's sake ofc. I have three monologues prepared to present. Shakespeare, a modern comedic piece, and Chris from All My Sons . I feel as confident as possible going in to it but I still wonder how much I don't even know that I don't even know. What is the audition set up like? Is there time/space to warm up? Assuming they like my initial run, how likely is it they'll ask for a third monologue. I wont have a fourth if they ask. What sort of questions should I expect to be asked, if at all? Assuming I make it to later callbacks, what kind of vocal or physical warmup exercises are they likely to do with us. What are their expectations there? I am not a very practiced singer, how much does that work against me? All in all, I am not going in with any deluded expectations. The chances of my getting in are infinitesimal. This is more of my first real test as an actor, to see where I stand in the industry. My personal goal, that I would feel proud of and would give me the confidence to move forward as an actor, is simply to receive day-off callbacks. I would feel like I at least belong in the room then. Any advice from previous auditioners or current elite school MFA students who could elucidate things for me would be greatly appreciated. General advice outside of what I have mentioned here is also welcome. Thank you in advance for your time.
What do I call an actor who is known by a nickname? by ActingGabriel • last post Jan 21st
Next week I'm filming a small role opposite the lead, who goes by a nickname (not a stage name). His Wikipedia page shows his actual name. What's the etiquette here? I guess the safest thing to do is to call him whatever he says when I shake his hand and introduce myself? How does this work in general, for actors who are known by a nickname, and for actors who are known by a stage name different to their birth name? Is it a case of everyone calling them by their "public" name except their family and close friends? Or everyone calling them their real name except the general public?
Beginner on camera class - for newbies? by colteesAC • last post Jan 21st
I audited a beginner “On Camera” class (virtual) with a well-respected acting school. I have never acted before. I enjoyed drama in high school (long ago), and I enjoy public speaking/presenting. The school quelled my concerns about having absolutely no experience and that all were welcomed. When I audited the class though, I was completely blown away by how great everyone was? Truly, they were amazing. One even cried during their scene. While auditing, I decided to search their names and most had IMDB pages and a few credits. I could not help but feel like if I, with ZERO experience, joined I would absolutely stand out/bring my scene partner down. Is it normal for Beginner On Camera classes to have experienced and inexperienced people alike in there? I really though everyone was phenomenal and I had absolutely no business considering being there
[CASTING CALL] Chinese dub for independent NYC-based live action short film. by bigchikorita_ • last post Jan 21st
Desc: It's a multilingual action-fantasy film about an all-Asian, ragtag crew fighting for their community. For more info on the project: Link to the teaser: [https://www.instagram.com/p/Chr9OawjNwe/](https://www.instagram.com/p/Chr9OawjNwe/) Link to the project IG: [https://www.instagram.com/dont\_film/](https://www.instagram.com/dont_film/) Character is a **Police officer,** middle-aged, stern and corrupt. * $50 flat rate. * Fluent **Mandarin Chinese** or **Cantonese Chinese** speaker for appx. 10 required lines with room for improv. * **\[DEADLINE HAS BEEN EDITED\] to audition Feb. 7 11:59:00 EST. For instructions on auditioning** [go to this Google form.](https://forms.gle/CbeqwbhaqMQUpE3u5) * If you're in NYC, we can arrange a place for you to record with the director, otherwise the expectation is recording on your own with professional quality audio. * possible round(s) of feedback on submitted lines (depending on the needs of the actor - likely a minimum of 1 round of feedback). * Expecting a directed session during recording with the director (remote or in-person, based on your location) around end of Feb. * Feel free to dm if you have any questions! [Actor: Akiko Fujiwara, Photo by: Cindy Trinh](https://preview.redd.it/y2pe2zwaqgda1.png?width=733&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=dee3dd6e4441aab4313538f890c720f9f8c50ead)
Summer Opportunities for College Students that AREN'T Shakespeare? by StarkyAntoinelli • last post Jan 21st
So I've been going hard at submitting self-tapes for regional companies, training programs, anything at all that someone my age (21) can do over the summer. I've looked through jobs on Playbill and Actors Access and applied for some training programs that my peers have recommended, but it seems like the only options available for me are all Shakespeare-related. Now don't get me wrong, I like doing Shakespeare. I enjoy his plays and I see the value of learning them at an early age. But I've already done / am currently doing a TON with Shakespeare (productions and classes at school / past training programs), and I want to branch out into other styles of acting. But right now it seems like that's the only option for me right now. Does anyone know of other opportunities? I really wanna start learning and analyzing other famous playwrights (Beckett, Wilde, Moliere, O'Neill, anything contemporary). I want to find something like a summer stock program for plays, but right now it seems like no such thing exists.
Follow up on my talent manager meeting: Trying to prepare a self-tape by lemonstrangers • last post Jan 21st
Hi guys! First off, thank you to those who commented on my last post for the wonderful advice! I listened and did my due diligence, researched the manager, their company, the roster, etc. and it went very well. Also really emphasized this time around that acting is my priority over my day job (duh) and I’m staying up to date on my training. Now I’m trying to prepare a self-tape. She said I could do a monologue or scene, specifically asked to see variety to see where I’m at. After talking to a fellow actor friend, I’ve figured it’s best to do a scene since the management is based in LA, but I’m really struggling to find a good script. I even checked my nearby Barnes N Noble for some books but they didn’t have literally anything acting related. Been looking for a couple days now, of course I know it can take a while to find the right script for my type, but I thought I’d hop on here for some help. Any tips/resources you use yourself to find scripts? Or your advice on self tapes for the LA market? Thanks in advance as always
Question for film actors.. by _themob13 • last post Jan 21st
So Im still a newbie (couple commercials, but only thing Ive done with lines was a student film oner.) Volunteered to act in another student film for more experience, and the stop and start after only one or two lines to set up different camera shots for an entire 6 page script was brutal... Took a solid 7hrs, and it was so hard to be in character and figure out action (We did not work the scene at all ahead of filming today. ) How normal is this? Mostly the stop and start.. makes me worried how I'll be able to play realistically in a couple jobs I have coming up. Thanks for any input/feedback/thoughts!
Just got a huge audition for an Emmy award winning HBO show by Joe1237 • last post Jan 21st
Hey actors, I just wanted to come on here to share some exciting news. I just signed with my first agent still pretty recent (June 2022), and I just got a huge audition for an HBO show. A little background about me, I’m currently 24 and have been acting since 2019. I actually started off as a commercial actor, doing mostly regional commercials, but had some luck booking Union commercials, which made me eligible to get my SAG-AFTRA card. Fast forward to 2022, I was able to get a meeting with a NYC/LA agency, by getting a referral from a good friend actor of mine. I got signed last summer, and had a slow start, I wasn’t really booking anything for a couple of months. But I finally got a huge audition for the first time in my career!! I know that I don’t have the role yet, but every big Audition is a win, and I know I’m gonna kill it. Anyways, I know I sound like a child, but this is huge for me, and I just wanted to share it with fellow actors for hopefully some hope and motivation. We all know how much of a mean business it is, but just keep your head and hopes up. PS: wish me luck
Killers of the Flower Moon by Norma Jean • last post Jan 21st
Well, some concrete advertising is actually happening and I'm just so excited! I know I posted in the Fall that a published release date was upon us - that didn't happen. However, if you check your Apple TV today you'll find some advertising! Yesterday at Sundance, Lily Gladstone did a short interview with Variety that is gaining momentum. Here it is - enjoy! (For those who don't know, I play Vera, Lily and Leo's Head Housekeeper in the film. This is the first major film role of my career.) #scorsese #killersoftheflowermoon https://variety.com/2023/film/news/killers-of-the-flower-moon-osage-nation-changed-scorsese-vision-lily-gladstone-1235496848/
Tips on getting W2s from specific payroll companies (electronically)? by larrythefatcat • last post Jan 20th
After 2 (mostly) rough years, 2022 was the first year I was able to make the majority of my income as a SAG performer in LA. I did quite a bit of BG work, but I was also fortunate enough to finally try my hand at being a stand-in and (almost literally) stumbled my way into being a stunt performer for a day. **/humblebrag** Now, as an actor, this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to dealing with multiple W2s (and 1099s, etc.) when tax time comes, but after exclusively getting set-related work through Central Casting for a few years, I'm realizing that there are a *lot* of entertainment-related payroll companies out there besides Entertainment Partners! (who, bless them, have thankfully already delivered 2 of my W2s via their [web portal](https://my.ep.com)) I believe I've tracked down all the payroll companies that I still need to get W2s from, but I don't know if there's a way to get any/all of those tax documents electronically or if I'm just going to have to potentially wait until the umpteenth of February for the snail mail versions. (Yes, I know W2s aren't officially "due" until January 31st, but I like to get a jumpstart on my taxes... especially since it's taken multiple weeks/months to receive my refunds the past few years.) Does anyone know if there's a way to get electronic tax documents from the following (not crossed out) payroll companies? - Elevate - [~~Extreme Reach~~](https://ps.extremereach.com/w2-request/) - [~~Cast & Crew~~](https://my.castandcrew.com/login) - [~~New CAPS, LLC~~](https://my.castandcrew.com/login) - Sessions As I began compiling this post, I remembered that CAPS is part of Cast & Crew (along with Media Services) and I see that I *should* receive my W2s electronically via [their website](https://my.castandcrew.com/login) when they are available. A bit more digging has also helped me find the [electronic W2 request form page for Extreme Reach.](https://ps.extremereach.com/w2-request/) The link provided to https://mytaxform.com is currently not working due to site maintenance. My search results suggest that Elevate is somehow affiliated with EPIC (the [EPIC login page](https://portal.epicset.com/views/login) appears at the top of my searches for "Elevate Payroll login"), but I don't see any section on the EPICset website that will eventually provide access to my tax documents. Sessions appears to only have [a portal for clients and any attempts to make a new account result in an error.](https://www.sessionspayroll.com/login/) If anyone has any information for the remaining payroll companies on my list, it would be greatly appreciated! Also, since I worked out the majority of my issues while preparing this post, it only makes sense that **anyone else with similar questions reply with them in the comments and hopefully we can help each other work this out together!**
Professional Credit UK by seanbradley793 • last post Jan 20th
So I recently acquired a short line on a TV series, however the TV series hasn’t come out yet and I’m not sure on what the role would be named. Am I still able to add this as a credit on Spotlight or do I have to wait until it is aired? UK Actors
How do teenage actors go on jobs during school season? by OmarESS_ • last post Jan 20th
It would be quite significant for them to skip school, do they get a tutor with them and do the work seperately?
Finding conflict in scripts and discerning objectives by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Jan 20th
We all know that conflict is what creates drama. But sometimes, it's hard to find conflict in certain scenes. I've read that there's conflict in every scene. But the problem is that it's hard to find conflict in EVERY scene. Isn't conflict when two character's objectives contrast each other? Isn't it when one character wants something and the other character wants something different? I've read that if you can't find the conflict, it's up to you as the actor to create the conflict. But how can I do that (and on top of that be confident that I've created the right conflict for the scene)? How can I find conflict in any scene, even when there appears to be none? Further more, how can I as the actor create the conflict when I (and my scene partner) just can seem to find it? To add to that, what do I do if I've discerned what I think a character's objective in a scene is, but I'm not 100% sure of it? And what if I'm not 100% certain with every objective a character seems to have in scenes? What do I do?
How did you guys know that y’all wanted to be an actor? What was that big “I want to become an actor moment.” by _savannah_jenkins_ • last post Jan 20th
I’m curious and would like to know when did y’all know that acting was what y’all wanted to do? Everyone’s “I want to become an actor” moment is different so what’s yours?
Headshots questions by Movie-Connoisseur • last post Jan 20th
Hi. Currently I’m reading Jenna Fischers “The Actors Life: A Survival Guide” and loving it. In the book she mentions how you should ask other people (no friends or family, only actors, teachers, acquaintances, etc.) for 5 adjectives on what they think of you based on first impressions and to get headshots which present these. Also for you to reflect and find the characters which come easily to you. When talking to my acting teacher she mentioned how she thinks that I should stick to getting general acting headshots rather than the “type” headshots, her reasoning being that I can play many roles and that I should start getting the “type” headshots later as it will be costly for the time being. I would highly appreciate any advice, even expanding on the “type” headshots would be appreciated. For example, my best roles would probably be in the “depressed, anxious, paranoid, etc.” types of roles but I’m not how I would reflect this in a headshot without looking sorta weird.
Demo reel critique?? by MJtrashwizard07 • last post Jan 20th
Hello!! I’m an 18/yo amateur voice actor and recently I decided to write, voice act, and edit my own demo reel. Mind you, I have no experience in audio engineering and this was my first try. I’m also completely self taught in voice acting and I’m wearing braces if that means anything. If you wouldn’t mind listening, I would love some critique! Thanks a lot!! btw if you see this and it looks familiar it’s because last night I posted it in r/VoiceWork by mistake hehehe. Anyways hope you enjoy! ​ https://reddit.com/link/10h3u9y/video/esbwowyvn8da1/player
Feelings of loneliness in the field of acting by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Jan 20th
This isn't related to the craft of acting, but it's a part of my own experiences with other actors and students of acting. For a large majority of my time as a student actor (I'm a 22 year-old male in my senior year of college), I've never felt like I have truly socially belonged in my university's theatre department, or amongst any of the people in the shows that I've done. What I mean by that is that, I've always felt a deep internal loneliness despite being amongst the cast and crew of the shows that I've been a part of during each show's respective time. I've looked at a bunch of the fellow students in my university's theatre department, and everyone in their own groups I suppose seems to love each other. In fact, everyone seems to love each other. But I don't feel that love. I feel like a black sheep. Someone who's there, but just doesn't really...belong. I've been in a majority of the shows that the theatre department has done since I've been attending. I don't mean to toot my own horn or sound like I'm bragging, but I am one of the most reliable and most-frequently cast male actors in the department. And plenty of others get cast frequently too, though not as often as I do. That's not meant to be bragging or anything negative, I'm just objectively stating a fact. You'd think that as much time as I spend in the theatre department, I'd be kind of close with everyone, but I don't really feel like that's the case. The worst experience of loneliness in the theatre I can remember is when I spent a summer doing repertory summer stock theatre. I was an actor and a sound designer / set builder. There were twelve company members in all, all college aged. I remember going into the summer thinking all twelve of us are going to become so close, and such good friends, like a family in a way. Within three weeks I had never felt so lonely while working on shows. The loneliness was so bad I relapsed on my addiction that I had been clean from for a month, which kind of pushed me further into isolation. I confided in my roommate the loneliness I had been feeling about a month or so into the summer, and he assured me that he sometimes felt the same way too, and that he felt like nobody hated talking to me or being around me, as I felt. I actually felt like the company hated me. To this day I am still so thankful for my roommate, because without him, I would've had the most miserable summer of my life. Sadly, I've fallen out of contact with just about everyone from that summer of theatre, even my roommate who was that spark of hope and happiness outside of acting that summer. And I feel bad for falling out of contact, especially with my roommate. But I also sometimes see on social media that four or five members of the company still stay in touch quite frequently, which makes me feel bad. Not just for myself, but also because I haven't been initiative with keeping in contact with them, which makes me feel like I'm bad because I could correct it, but I feel like it's already too late. The only time I can remember truly feeling like I belonged and was included was when I did a community theatre production of Newsies. I just felt like all of us were just a big family and just supported each other and boosted each other up, like we were in it together. That was almost four years ago. I don't just experience loneliness in theatre too. I've felt lonely practically my entire life. I have only one close friend who has been probably the most consistent friend I've ever had. Most people just seem like close acquaintances, not really "friends". Not people who I can share some of my deeper thoughts and feelings with. Now I admit, I am an introvert, a loner and a hermit. I am socially awkward and it's hard for me to engage with new people; it makes me very anxious and conscientious about what I do. I don't go out much and I get very anxious and nervous around a lot of people...especially people I don't know. It's hard for me to make CONNECTIONS, which is arguably what some portion of success in the industry is built off of. So I know and recognize that I have some responsibility on my plate. I just don't know how to handle that responsibility. But I've always been searching for people who can just truly accept me and support and love me; a group where I can just be myself, free of judgement from everyone. But I haven't really found them yet. And I worry at this point that I never will. I'm conflicted about who or what is to blame for my loneliness. Is it mostly myself or other people who don't seem to accept me for who I am? I don't really know if who I truly am is this loner, or that "loner" is a protective shell to stop me from making a fool of myself or allowing people to know me, which thus increases the risk of rejection. I don't know. Has anything I said resonated with anybody who has read this far? Does anybody have any advice or words of wisdom for me? I'd appreciate it if anyone did. Thanks everyone.
Small town folk by GoogleMenu • last post Jan 20th
Any successful actors who came from a no name town of a no name state, what was your journey like? What you did, how old you were, certain things you regret doing or not doing. Overall obstacle’s?
What is it about being "Shakespearean trained" that makes such actors so reliable? by MisterJose • last post Jan 20th
I'm not an actor, and I've seen and heard of 'Shakespearean trained' actors my whole life without ever actually knowing what that involves. What do they actually teach you in that school of acting? What makes it different from anything else?