We have found 19,296 posts across 4 actor forums:
What do you see as the biggest challenge for being in the moment ? by cryoncue • last post Sep 14th
The one thing we all talk about as actors is “being in the moment” The challenge is acting teachers, directors , casting directors and other actors will often tell you… “ just be in the moment…” but what they are not understanding about acting is … Acting is not REAL life … everything is done under fake / imaginary circumstances … Without understanding this massively important reality , they’re expecting actors to create TRUTHFUL human emotions and responses without ever actually teaching the critical skills that make it possible to BEHAVE TRUTHFULLY under imaginary circumstances. What do you see or hear from people that either helps or makes this a bigger challenge for actors ?
Book Recommendation by Impossible-Wind-987 • last post Sep 14th
When to move on from an acting class? by ActorActingInLA • last post Sep 14th
I want to preface this by saying that I love my acting class. It has helped to drastically improve my acting. My teacher is incredibly kind and supportive, and never misses an opportunity to tell me how proud they are of me when I book something. I feel a little conflicted currently tho. It's an ongoing audition technique acting class in LA, and each session is 4 weeks long. I've been at this studio for a year now. Continuing to renew after the 4 weeks is up. Its a group of 10 of us in class, and its a solid 7-8 actors that renew and enroll every month, so I'm around the same group of people for the most part. I'm fairly "new" with the group, since I've only been there for a year, others around 2-4 years. So they are all friends. And I'm friends with them too, we just don't have as long of a history... These last few months I've been feeling that class has become more of a social hour. Students memorizing the scripts right as we get to class VS the whole week we had prior. As a class, we get off topic a lot, and tend to talk about unrelated things for a good 15 minutes, a few times a class. A lot of students have been friends for years, so they'll sometimes go off in little groups and talk about personal lives. And also a handful of students aren't pursuing acting seriously, they are doing it more as a hobby? We only have about 3 of us in class who are booking things. Now I don't mind the extra banter and off topic-ness, cause I'm guilty of it too. But thats exactly my point... I feel like I'm too comfortable in class now. I put in the work, and memorize my script, and make my choices, and perform, and 95% of the time I'm happy with my performance. But these last few months, I feel like I'm plateauing. That I'm not having any breakthroughs? Is this normal? Is it time to switch things up? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable again? Will the same process happen when I enroll in another class and continue to go month after month? (Also, this isn't my first acting class. I've studied at a few of the big schools in LA. This is just the first acting class that I loved enough to keep continuing, even after the initial session ends)
Is voice acting still doing remote gigs or are they going back to studio time? by PaxtonButlerVoice • last post Sep 14th
So I’m still a relatively new voice actor, but I was wondering if since the pandemic the industry has since gone back to studios, or is it still possible to get gigs remotely? I want to find out before I move and that’s *if* I move in the first place. So, would I need to stay put? Or could I still have some potential security?
Do you HAVE to take Drama in school? by Relevant-Mission27 • last post Sep 14th
Love acting but I hated drama, I dropped it in S3. Acting is fun, I love it, I’ve wanted to be an actor and stuff. My mum said that I can’t because I’ve not taken drama for the last two years. I’m now S4 (Year 10?/11. Grade 10)
Will the quality of my home studio make me more marketable? by Forbesington • last post Sep 14th
This might sound like a dumb question and on its face the answer is probably yes, but I guess I'm wondering how big of a difference that makes. And before I get a bunch of "your skill as a voice actor will determine your success" comments I want you to assume I'm good there. I specifically want to know if having a well treated home studio with industry standard VO gear and the ability to professionally edit my own audio will be a serious selling point or if it will help only marginally. Thank you in advance for the feedback!
Did I Get The Part?! by Cold_Programmer_6676 • last post Sep 14th
So hello. I’m going to give you a quick introduction first. So we had singing auditions first, which I believe I actually did quite good(I am NOT a good singer but my voice was blended in.) I’m not bad but I’m Not Ariana Grande. We had dancing yesterday, which I absolutely… FLUNKED. I kept messing up, I didn’t know the dances, people were in my way etc.. And finally, today we had acting. I got up and I was a small roll and she asked us to do it a second time. And commented that ours was the tiniest bit slow. I only had 3 lines and I tried to show it with emotions and made sure I didn’t over do it. She asked me and a couple other people to exit the room, which I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing and she had a little chat with the others, one really good actor came out with me. I don’t know if it is a good or bad thing, I asked a couple other people who auditioned and they said I was really good and that I just needed to project my voice a little more. I don’t want to wait till next week, advice please?
How do you deal with jealousy in the biz? by HunterXero • last post Sep 14th
Depression can play a factor too. There are times when people who want to be actors but never really pursue it, audition, or anything will get a big part in something because their buddy is a director. Not saying I wish that person didn't get it, but it's just frustrating is all. I'd never wish poorly on people, but I guess I find it hard over the years to be "happy for everyone" all the time. I try to stay off social media and just focus on myself. I just turned in last night a 10-page self-tape with high emotions for a feature. I swear, it was like a one-act play. By the time I was done filming it (physically and emotionally), editing it, and sending it to my manager I was exhausted. Then I read someone I know got the lead in a "big feature" (which who knows what that means), but they are staring with one of their best friends. So I know they were cast by who they knew, but it's just frustrating because I know this person doesn't pursue auditions. No agent, manager, or even updated headshots in like 10 years. Every role they've gotten has been through a buddy or something. Again, nothing wrong with that, but just kind of makes me pull out my hair when it's 1am and I'm trying to send in my tape to be seen the next morning--most likely with no response. Sooooo, I'm sorry if I sound a bit negative, maybe this was a bad time to type this, but I think I just needed to rant. I hope the sub reddit here is understanding. Again, I'm so sorry if it's too much, I hate feeling this way, but what advice do you have to deal with stuff like this?
How long could you record yourself speaking naturally (per day) before your voice would get strained? by Cece1616 • last post Sep 13th
Hello! I teach English, and in trying to do some very simple recordings for my students, I've realized it's not quite so simple as just recording myself :( So here my questions if anyone could please answer them (and I'll include more info below): 1. Could you record yourself speaking naturally like you do to your friends easily for say an hour each day? Or would you still need to utilize your training (eg breathing techniques) to avoid vocal strain? (you would just be reading off lists of simple sentences) 2. Unfortunately, I have no background in singing or acting, and my goal is to sound exactly as I do when speaking in conversation. (so, I don't need to focus on resonance or enunciation and actually should avoid that) What would you recommend I look up on youtube? eg I found one breathwork video aimed at voice actors (by Voiceover Masterclass), otherwise most are aimed at singers. 3. Speaking of which - um I feel so ignorant saying this, but I've noticed a lot of these youtube videos are aimed at singers, but I imagine whether it's for singing or for people recording themselves it's the same sorts of exercises right??
How to overcome a lack of attention to detail when you don't like your job? by AutoPilotScan • last post Sep 13th
I posted this in another subreddit for career guidance but I wanted to share it here since this is a reddit for creative people and I'm sure many of you have went through this I was recently separated (mutual agreement) due to poor performance. I am a copywriter in the pharmaceutical advertising space. I used to work as an IT desktop support specialist. The poor performance was due to a lack of attention to detail, understanding and following processes, and not fully learning what we were doing. I'm not gonna lie. In both professions, I had the same problem. When I'm bored or unhappy with my jobs (basically every single job I've had), I just can't pay attention to detail, and learning technical stuff becomes mental torture. I try to force myself to pay attention, or I re-read stuff over, but it doesn't work. Studying for IT certifications was a miserable experience, but so is doing technical stuff. I've taken ADD and anxiety medications before and tried both CBT and analytical psychology therapy, but it doesn't work. In my last job my manager and I tried many different methods to improve my performance and they noticed an improvement but just not up to expectation. I tried waking up early (though it didn't last too long because I became a bit depressed into the job) and I tried creating manuals and re-reading my work. I tried eating healthy. But nothing works. I've had the same problems with IT. Not following processes, not understanding the stuff (or really lack of care), and not paying attention to detail. In all of these jobs I was somewhat unhappy to outright miserable. This surprisingly doesn't happen when I'm learning complex concepts in music theory, composing and producing my own music, singing (doesn't really require that much attention to detail) or when I'm making an acting video on TikTok or writing a poem or song lyrics. I can catch mistakes and solve problems in those instances (and believe me, composing and producing music involves as much problem-solving as intuitional creativity). The only job I ever liked was an advertising internship that was a bit misleading about the nature of the work. We were tasked with creating big picture campaigns, stories, and scripts for health brands. So much of the work was nonprofit or socially impactful stuff and all they asked for was "give us ideas". I felt like an artist and a journalist because we had to convey something complex in a simple yet creative way. I felt in the zone when I was doing the graphic design part because my graphic design partner was lazy. I also once volunteered to write journalistic articles on the side as a volunteer and I could catch myself making mistakes. Sometimes I needed to be told about them) but at least it wasn't terrible. I still use Grammarly though. I know that most of us don't have the privilege to pursue our artistic passions full-time. Has anyone else been through something like this before? How did you guys overcome this? How do you get yourself to perform at a high capacity when deep down, you feel like a highly privileged waiter? For the actors pursuing acting yet somehow surviving their dreadful full time jobs and paying attention to details, how do you guys do this?
Can a SAG actor do UGC promotions? by Theunpolitical • last post Sep 13th
First, I just want to thank everyone in here for giving me some of their positive vibes and mojo on getting my SAG card. I JUST GOT IT!!! I swear I never thought I would. Such a relief too! Okay, my question. I've been doing the UGC (user generated content) promotions for a little while now. If you don't know what that is, think of all those annoying ads on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram where its a real person trying to sell you something and it's not coming across like a commercial. It's a real person using or telling you about a real product that they use. My SAG orientation meeting isn't until next month and I couldn't find this on the website. I was able to find "new media" and "influencer" info but it's not specific enough and left me confused. Am I allowed to still do these or are these considered non-union? Thank you in advance.
What to do by FarmerIvan54 • last post Sep 13th
I’ve taken a couple acting classes and my instructors pointed out an eye opener for me when they stated if we want to be big into this business, that we had to take classes, audition and network within the major cities that focus on what we’d like to work on. I’ve been watching videos and researching and to me it seems that Atlanta would be a good start for beginning actors. What is your take on this and what advice would you give?? Am I over thinking this too much? What do you guys think that have been doing this for awhile?
Shooting self tapes at school bc I live with 9 people by Saaaintniiiick • last post Sep 13th
Just felt like letting it off my chest … I’m back at school and living with 9 other people in a house. I barely can do self tapes from home so I book study/meeting rooms at school at obscure hours to do them, but I can’t help but think of the people who get coached for everyone audition and go to a studio to have it done I’m doing whatever it takes to film auditions so I can be a professional actor but knowing that there’s always people with a leg (or multiple legs) up is disheartening Like I can bet most people in my pool don’t have to do this
What should I prepare for before my 2 Year Acting course? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! by Supaturkk • last post Sep 13th
I just discharged from army and back to my civilian life (Still adjusting to it). I auditioned last week with NO ACTING EXPERIENCE and got accepted to the Academy of Film, theatre & Television Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting) course. I smashed my Shakespear and a scene from Vikings Monologue! This made me so happy!! Acting is just something I’ve always been drawn to. It is something that I am deeply passionate For. And I have decided I will pursue this as a full time career! I love the way an actor can relate to the characters they portray. My goal is to be an actor who embodies the characters and roles they land with authenticity and realism. I understand that this is an art demanding passion, dedication and hard work. I believe I have shown commitment and motivation to be continuously learning and trying to improve myself in all aspects. During my time as an Australian soldier, we lived values of courage, teamwork, Respect and initiative and with these four core values and the support from my family and Fiance, I believe it will help my passion to succeed As an Actor. My course starts in a month, is there anything I should study to help my life in the school easier? I actually can’t freaking wait!! any advice would be appreciated thank you
Best ways to get started and learn about acting? by Other_Commission220 • last post Sep 13th
I (14F) started highschool recently and decided to take some sort of action in a passion of mine. I've always been interested in the IDEA of acting but never tried to gain any experience. I joined drama class and if this continues to interest me, I plan to take professional acting classes but since I'm young and have a tendency to switch interests, I want to hold off on potentially wasting money until I'm sure this is what I really want. In the meantime, I really want to LEARN about acting. Business-wise and what my future would look like. I also want to learn some extra skills that may pose themselves useful and what they may be. All in all, useful skills people look for in actors, things I should know and where I should learn them, and future classes that would be useful to take. I know acting is a VERY hard and competitive career so I want to push myself to learn as much as I can before I waste money on training for a career I don't know the ins and outs of, so I can be aware of the work I have to put in and the negatives of this career. Mostly in a way to attempt to scare myself off and see if it's true passion and worth my time.
We’re doing it wrong by manifesting6-6 • last post Sep 13th
No offence, I do not mean to offend anyone by how I say this. But I am a firm believer in the fact that if we’re hoping to become “successful” in this industry relying on talent isn’t enough. What do I mean by this? Let’s take for example another lucrative industry like the music one. The knowledge I’m about to share on how record labels operate comes from me personally knowing an employee at Capitol Records. They only sign on new talent once they have picked up traction and have an established fan base and it seems profitable to sign them. Otherwise they don’t even look at the “talent” people claim to possess. Doesn’t matter how good you are, you need a profitable fanbase. Look at artists such as Tekashi 6IX9INE, absolute GARBAGE, but he has a very strong fanbase who for some weird reason like his music. I saw a post by some guy complaining about Harry Styles getting roles. Imagine the starving amazing musicians in LA who aren’t making a name for themselves but 6IX9INE is. How do I translate this into the acting industry? Pretty simple, you as an actor need to build your fanbase. Not go to auditions 24/7 and have a “lucky” breakthrough. But you need to make your own content and make sure it’s being seen. Take for example Issa Rae, Emmy nominated actress. Many people think Insecure was her first gig, but if you study her story that wasn’t the case. She had her many web-series on YouTube which led to her following. She then came up with her breakthrough show titled “Awkward Black Girl” which had a massive following. In fact it became so huge that it needed a fundraiser and ultimately had Pharrell Williams as an executive producer for the second season. This led to her rise to fame. No auditions, no “Hollywood is based on nepotism”just her building a solid fanbase and a show. If you’re on this sub and you’re “trying to make it” based on auditions, I’m afraid you have to do much more than just audition. You need to create and push. I’m starting my campaign soon, you’ll only understand once it’s too late.
So do i need to live in Los Angeles to work as a voice actor? by Dependent-Source831 • last post Sep 13th
i want to get animation and videogames mostly, i heard a while back that because of covid the requirement of living there might be a thing of the past and people can get good recordings from their homes, i dont know much about it honestly. I'm quite the beginner in this and i don't really want live in LA but i will if i don't have much choice
NY vs. LA by Abirando • last post Sep 13th
I’m well aware that NY is theatre and LA is film/tv, but I’m curious about the challenges/differences/practicality of seeking film/tv work while living in NY. My HS-junior son is an aspiring actor/screenwriter and wants to move to LA after graduation to do the typical wait tables while doing creative work thing. However, although we currently live in Austin and I work remotely, the center of what I do is in NY and I would actually like to move there. My son has no connections in LA and both cities are, of course, outrageously expensive. It would make more sense for him to simply come with me. He likes theatre, but he’s not a singer/dancer. He likes drama and (to some degree) comedy. He doesn’t want to go the traditional college route but he *does* want access to workshops/coaching. I feel like there might not be enough of that for writing or acting in NY with a focus on the screen. Thoughts?
ADVICE NEEDED! TAKING A BREAK! by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Sep 13th
I've been recently thinking about taking a break from acting. I'm 21, a senior in college, and have been lucky enough to be involved in pretty much every mainstage show in my university's theatre department as an actor since I was a freshman. I'm going to audition for the upcoming mainstage Shakespeare play and if I get cast, I think that might be the last show I'll be in for a bit. The reason I'm thinking of taking a break is because * I feel like I'm starting to be burned out * Low on creativity/inspiration * My own love of the craft and my craft is dwindling, and it needs to be rekindled. * I've got to shed my negative mindset about "I have to be a good actor because if I'm not, then I'm not worth anything". I feel like I have to develop a more positive mindset towards acting. I've been wondering if maybe if I stepped away from acting for a little bit, then maybe I will recharge, be re-inspired, my creativity will be fed, and maybe when I return to acting, my craft and creativity will be richer and my acting will be more informed, specific, and hopefully more authentic and truthful. I've also been getting advice through comments from some people on this subreddit. I've come to the realization that I don't have strong friendships and relationships, and that I don't have much of a life outside of acting. Maybe I need to find a purpose/value/joy outside of acting, so when I return to acting, maybe my acting is more informed and richer. Although, I am worried. I'm afraid if I take an intentional break from acting, my craft/skills won't be as sharp or I won't be as skilled when I return to acting as opposed to if I didn't take a break. I'm afraid if I stop the grind, I won't be as good as I could be. Like I'm afraid of not doing any active work to help make me better as an actor, such as monologues, reading acting books, sh\*t like that. It's almost as if I value my potential success more than my own personal overall health. Is there/could there be any objective truth in my conclusions? Should I take a break? Any advice/positive affirmations? Words of wisdom?
The Claudius Diary by louisasnotes • last post Sep 13th
2 months of 'Actor Nerd' coming up, fellow thespians, as I take you through the invention of a Human Being in the person of Shakespeare's greatest Villain. I do not foresee any packed houses, so I'm looking at this time as the almost orgasmic joy of rehearsals, with any actual bums in seats as a 'cherry on top'. Now...I'm off to learn the Ghost's role, too!