We have found 19,469 posts across 4 actor forums:
More experienced actors please help ease my mind about upcoming Zoom table read!! by sp00kysabrina • last post Nov 14th
Hey!! I have an upcoming table read coming up for a short film of which I'm playing a large supporting character. While I have done many short films in the past, all of them were either short enough to where I could completely remember all the lines rather then remember them as a shooting schedule was given out (all of the short films beforehand never even gave out a shooting schedule.), or my role was small enough it was unneeded. This script is 28 pages, each of which I have lines on. I already checked with the team who said there will indeed be a shooting schedule given out when we're closer to filming time. For now, I have a Zoom table read coming up and just want to make absolutely sure I'm totally prepared!!! I am SO paranoid of having it turn out I SHOULD have remembered lines when I didn't
Actors, how do you prefer being directed? by ProductionBlues • last post Nov 14th
Do you prefer: 1. When the director tells you the emotions the character should be feeling, i.e. "make it sadder," "be more energetic," or "give me lust" 2. When the director shuts up and leaves you alone to make your own choices 3. When the director takes an active interest in your personal life and gives you directions based on your own real-world experiences, i.e. "like when your best friend died," "like how you feel when you're working out," or "like how you felt the first time you kissed your wife" 4. When the director gives you directions that guide you to the emotions you're meant to portray that are not based on your experiences, i.e. "as if you just lost your baby," "as if you need to rush to the bathroom," or "as if you can't think of anything but stripping her down and taking her" I'm a director who wants to get better at working with actors. I'm curious about what Reddit's actors have to say. [View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/yvngpf)
Advice for young actor in Sydney by zestykiwithesecond • last post Nov 14th
Hi! I'm 18 and I know acting is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life. I studied Drama in high school for four years, applied to NIDA (Australia's biggest Drama school) and got rejected. I took a part time year-long acting course this year, got headshots done, signed with a small agent who primarily submits for TVC's. I applied again to NIDA this year and earlier today I found out I've been rejected again. I know being rejected from Drama school isn't the end of the world and plenty of actors have gone on to find success without it, but I feel like I never hear anyone go into detail about how they got their foot in the door without a family connection or a BFA (Acting) Degree. And I REALLY do want to go to Drama School, I think I'm someone who would thrive in that environment- I applied to two other Drama schools but haven't heard back and I'm thinking I need to start assessing other options. Basically, What do you recommend I do next year? Should I take short courses at NIDA? Any recommendations for Acting classes in Sydney? Or does anyone have any advice on nailing Drama school auditions? Cheers.
Demo Reel Filming Services in Toronto? by MaybeTooLost • last post Nov 13th
I know there are some very strong opinions on this topic, but please hear me out. I'm not a complete newbie actor, but unfortunately the only "demo-worthy" footage I have (in terms of quality) is from when I was first starting out as an actor, with basically no training. It's just not a good representation of my current skill level - AT ALL. I've since completed my BFA, which allowed me to join the ACTRA but, because of covid, and unfortunate timing, most of my cohort's performances were done over zoom, including shows and "on-camera class" footage. We had someone edit our zoom scenes, but they're completely unusable and, to be frank, embarrassingly awful. I'm having issues getting auditions. I know most of us are in the same boat right now. But, I can see on my youtube analytics, that my current demo (with the 5 year old footage) is getting SOME views, so I'm pretty sure that's what's throwing casting directors off of me completely, and it needs to be scrapped and replaced ASAP. I don't want to go the monologue / self-tape route because, as a union member, it just comes across as amateur. That being said, I've been looking into services that make a reel for you (writing and filming scenes, and editing). The few that I found in Toronto are either self-tape style, or shot in way that I can just do myself or with a friend and a tripod. Is there a service here in TO that will actually provide GOOD demo footage? I came across a company in New York called Reelarc. Looking through their website and youtube content, this would be the kind of thing I'm looking for - does anyone know if we have something similar in Toronto?
Acting and suicide by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Nov 13th
Sometimes, when I get down on myself as an actor and full of self-doubt, thinking I’m too cerebral, too in-my-head constantly, not instinctive/impulsive enough, not concentrated / can’t concentrate enough, not emotional enough of an actor, not imaginative enough, not inspired enough, not relaxed enough, don’t have any training, I have the thought of killing myself. I’ve thought about it many times before. Because acting and having the all the right tools necessary to act greatly is so important to me, if I can’t have the skills or training or tools necessary to help me with every role I may get, then I have the thought that I don’t want to live if I can’t be a great actor.
Great actors have range and subvert expectations. Daniel Craig + Taika Waititi!! Wow. by Mongoos150 • last post Nov 13th
How long does it usually take for casting directors to get back to you after you send a submission? by lets-snuggle • last post Nov 13th
Hi! So I’m an aspiring actress (22f) and I’m signed with nine9, an “unagency” they call themselves. On their website, there’s castings listed and I emailed one with my headshot and resume on Sunday, they sent me sides and requested I read for 2 characters on Tuesday & asked to have them by the end of the week. I sent the self-tapes on Thursday and haven’t heard back yet. The listing said they were going to film between Nov 17-20. Do casting directors usually work on weekends? Will they email me whether I got the part / callback or not?
Is MMG a good agency by Known_Practice1789 • last post Nov 13th
Does anyone know if MMG is a good talent agency for actors or have experience with them? Thanks.
How do you afford an agent? by lets-snuggle • last post Nov 13th
Hi! I know I just posted like 2 minutes ago about something else but I have a different question. How did you find an affordable agent? I’m with nine9, which I’ve just been told is a scam. (I’ll do more research on my own before I drop) but I really do want to become an actress. I’m not rich, so an agent I have will have to be affordable. Where do you find them? On a similar note- is discoveryspotlight a scam too? I have an audition in December with them, but I’ll cancel it if it’s the same as nine9.
Looking for another Voice Actor for my Minecraft Mod! by BitofaCatalyst • last post Nov 13th
Hey! I posted here a few weeks ago, and I am so glad for everyone who offered! I'm looking for another voice actor now! It'd be a bit of a 'whisper in the bushes' sound, preferably feminine, and I'll be wanting 10 sounds. Each sound will be like- 1-2 words so it's pretty easy. Paying $10!
Audition advice by SillyBilly369 • last post Nov 13th
So I’m a senior in high school and I am applying to the acting program at CCM (University of Cincinnati) and it requires a two monologue audition. I’m planning on performing a Cassius monologue from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar but I’m a little stumped on what to do for the second. Now I’m aware for most auditions like this you should perform monologues from stage plays, however besides Shakespeare, I’m not much of a theater actor and I’m leaning towards acting in front of the camera. So for my second monologue I’ve thought about performing the monologue “Hark!”performed by Willem Dafoe in The Lighthouse because I adore the type of character he plays in it. Should I go for it or should I find another stage play monologue?
Do you think actors should be paid to audition? What other changes would you like to see when it comes to auditioning? by Pretend_Presence_323 • last post Nov 13th
Apparently in the original SAG contracts when it was very first established there was a stipulation about actors being compensated for auditions but obviously this has never come to fruition. Also in the past when we would audition more in person we would at least know that someone was watching our audition in the room. Now with so many auditions being self tapes I think it would be nice to have a way to see that casting watched the audition tape (in full). Any other changes you would like to see?
Do casting directors remember bad self tapes? by princezzofdarkness • last post Nov 13th
A couple years ago, I sent a really bad self tape to a huge casting director. I mean so bad that I’m pretty sure when editing it and uploading it, I forgot to cut out an irrelevant convo at the end with my reader (though might be possible they never watched all of it?). However, now I’ve been signed to my agent for almost a year and have done some pretty good commercials. I’m trying to work my way into booking work on tv and films but I’m worried that if I ever resubmit to that casting director, they’ll dismiss my work because of the horrible audition I’ve sent. I’ve sent them submissions through emails multiple times in the past for open casting calls but have only been responded once to send in a tape. Do casting directors hold that against actors or would they expect the next time the actor submits to the project they’re casting, they should have grown their skills?
I froze on set, my lines disappeared--help by Jhg178 • last post Nov 13th
"How not to freeze up on your lines is considered the infamous actor’s nightmare. . ." Driving home I remembered every line, every word. Fuck! Any suggestions?
Agent didn’t approve ecocast by AbFab22 • last post Nov 13th
I uploaded all of my files for my audition to Actors Access yesterday and normally my agent approves it right away and sends it off to casting. But they haven’t approved it yet or given me any feedback for changes. Now, I can’t get a hold of my agent and the deadline is approaching at 3pm today. What happens if they don’t approve the materials? Does AA just delete my audition and I miss out?
UK actors - can you search through other actors' profiles on Spotlight? by lovetempests • last post Nov 13th
I'm really confused. I thought those with acting profiles couldn't search or filter through other actors profiles on Spotlight, but I keep hearing that other people (even without profiles or accounts) can. I'm very confused. Can you only search through profiles if you have a casting director/agent account? Or am I doing something wrong/looking at the wrong place?
Tips for Learning Lines Without Getting Stuck in a Delivery by Critical_Might_3423 • last post Nov 13th
The headline was hard to word- so here’s an elaboration on what I’m asking: When I read a script for the first time- my brain likes to lock how I read it/ heard it my head the first time. For example, I read one of my lines: “Oh, my goodness! It’s such a pleasure to meet you!” Now every time I read it or deliver it I struggle with not repeating it exactly the same way with the same tone and inflictions. This is a struggle because reading for the first time, I’m not familiar with the context or the characters relationships and motives. This also feels very much like how if you watch a performance of a play you tend to get that delivery stuck in your head. Does anyone have any tips for this? -Chronic Overthinking Actor Thanks!
Is this a realistic goal? by BackgroundTop7827 • last post Nov 13th
I live in the Bay Area, I’m 18, I have some experience of acting in school. I’ve always loved it but never had the support from family. I always dreamed of being the next black Panther or one of the first black spiderman, or even becoming a character in voice acting or a random dude that dies 5 minutes into a film. Always, ever since I was a kid. I just wanna try to see if I can make it and enjoy it.I’m currently school in sf for cc , i don’t rly like school but Ik it’s something I have to do. I also pursue in modeling. I’ve had mother agencies but I never got any job postings that fit the criteria lol. I have backstage and actors access but It feels like I never have time with work and school to pursue casting calls. I plan to move to sf next year since I commute now. When I move I want to really try to get myself out there, no matter how busy I can be. I’ll literally limit work and schedule times for school around acting. I know starting with backstage and actors access, but really don’t know how. How everything works haha. Once I move I want to start going to some casting calls. Realistically how can I make my dreams come true?
Has anybody leveled up agents / managers in their 30s? by dogsarecool1800 • last post Nov 13th
i'm just really afraid i'm going to be stuck reading for co-stars for many more years than I ever thought. and it was hard enough to even get here. I was pinned 7 times in the past year, i've had so many repeats from casting, 31 offices out of the 67 I've read for have given me repeats, all major offices. I've come close so many times to booking but I still haven't. It's really frustrating. I just had my 161st theatrical audition. but now I'm starting to fear that because I'm getting older, it will be harder to level up to better reps once I do finally get some credits under my belt. I know this is just a fear and there probably isn't any merit to it. but I can't help but feel this way. Can i ask, outside of finally booking some co-stars (and better roles after), for those that leveled up agents / managers as you were getting older... how did you do it? I'm in NYC, not LA, but I'd really like to get a reputable bi-coastal agent eventually, as well as a manager with more clout to get me seen for bigger roles, as well as reps I can actually have a personal relationship with, discuss strategy, and communicate more intimately on a more regular basis. People that I feel like are actually really invested in my success and aren't just throwing me against the wall like spaghetti with a bunch of other actors. i haven't been in a class in a long time because of finances, so I never even developed a network of people / got referrals from actors further along / teachers, all of my reps have been from cold emails and 1 referral, so I feel like the whole act in a good class around working actors thing will definitely produce results in terms of quality referrals once I can finally afford to put myself in those situations. But, outside of that, for those that walked a similar path, how did you level up reps?
Problems with jealousy and the ability to actively listen by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Nov 12th
Last night, we were having a KCACTF respondent for our college Shakespeare show. He praised the actor who played Don Pedro tremendously. And this made me jealous. He praised their ability to actively listen and he could see the gears turning in their head and that the energy they were giving out did not falter once. This is an actor who constantly is praised for their performances (which I admit, they ought to be because they’re so good), almost to the point where people kiss their ass. As someone who struggles with being confident in my skills and abilities (especially my listening skills as an actor because of my inattentive ADHD), this set me off down a little path of jealousy and insecurity. The actor who played Don Pedro has also been nominated for many Irene Ryan awards during their time here at my University, and they even won the Irene Ryan scholarship for the region our school is a part of. Meanwhile I have not been nominated once. Now I’m not saying they don’t deserve it, but it makes me feel like she is far more capable than I am at acting in general, and that her skills are far more developed than mine, which makes me feel jealous and insecure. (Granted her role was bigger than mine, so that may factor into it, but nevertheless). Now I know I shouldn’t compare myself to her. We are nothing alike, so we shouldn’t even be compared to one another. But I cannot help it. I cannot help but feel a large amount of insecurity whenever someone doesn’t praise or just glosses over my work with compliments in favor of praising another person’s acting. And I can’t help but feel bad for being insecure and jealous. How can I not let the praise of other actors get me down and feeling insecure about my own abilities and skills? How can I develop my ability and skill of actively listening more, despite listening being difficult for me?