We have found 19,244 posts across 4 actor forums:
Self-tape tip (from the casting side) by taggwest • last post Aug 19th
I've been reviewing a lot of auditions lately, and I've noticed that the self-tapes that are a little more "produced" (simple light, microphone, clear backdrop, etc.) feel so much more effective than the badly lit ones with bad audio and a cluttered background. I know they *shouldn't*. I consciously remind myself to evaluate the performance, not the appearance of the footage. But I can't help but admit that it really helps with *focusing* on that performance. Clear audio helps me hear the details in the voice (instead of the reverb of their room), lighting helps me see the shape of their face and nuance of expression, and a simple background helps me focus on what the actor is doing. The clarity just helps you make a bigger impact with your performance. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. A phone with a basic lav mic, a wall or sheet behind you, and a cheap lamp off to the side can give your performance a little boost over a lot of other tapes the casting director might be seeing. Anyway, was just thinking of that and thought I'd pass it along. Hope it helps!
Need Advice from Actors in Sydney about MCTV. by genevieve1408 • last post Aug 19th
Hi everyone. Would love some advice from other actors in Sydney on whether or not MCTV Agency in Sydney is a scam and whether it is a good agency to work with for actors. I'm new to Sydney so I'm not really sure and from my google research, majority of the reviews are about employees in the agency itself so it wasnt very clear. Theres also a fee of $240 for two years which is a pretty big sum of money. According to the email, this fee includes all the photographs I need as well as my online profile for two years. Is this alot or is this the usual amount to be paid. Would love some advice, thank you all for your time!
James Ciccone Class NY by ActorWriter24 • last post Aug 19th
Just curious for all my NYC actors - has anyone taken a class with James Ciccone?
What should go into a one man show? by AlexanderBlaide • last post Aug 19th
I’m 17, almost 18 and going into my senior year of high school. I’ve been involved in theater all the years of high school and helped out with independent theater productions outside of school. I’ve gone from being “older sister’s brother” to my own person with my own identity. Anyway, signing up for theater as a freshman more or less changed my life. It’s made me realize what I want to do as a career and gave me the confidence to be in front of people as an actor, comedian, and singer. It’s made me realize how to improve my writing, both on and off the stage. I’m figuring out college stuff and I want to write a one man show about these last four years and how I went from someone who was more or less lost in his own world to someone who has a goal. What would be important to add?
Figuring out type by NervousCourage6301 • last post Aug 19th
Hello! I am an actor who’s making the move from New York to LA in the upcoming weeks. I have a commercial agent and I’m currently seeking theatrical representation. I’m nonunion but working towards eligibility as well as have extensive training in TV/film and multiple short film credits. When I have been struggling with for a while is my type. I am not sure exactly where I fit in, and at times I think I fit in multiple categories. I thought it would be a good idea to receive the opinion of strangers in the business to get an objective opinion on what I would be. I’ll attach some headshots and reel clips. Some more information that I think would be helpful: I’m an old soul for my age, confident yet reserved (but not shy), mature and organically speak in an American Standard dialect. I’ve been told that I am sweet, kind, passionate and emotionally strong. I appreciate any feedback!
I got more auditions with my smaller new agent than I do currently with my top agent by MaveInfinite • last post Aug 19th
I use to be with this new agency, I dont know how but she gets new actors seen. Not only that, but within five years, she opened SAG offices in LA & ATL. I left her for a more well known agency. This agency has actors as leads on shows. At first they were getting me weekly auditions, but then it just stopped. I haven't gotten an audition in a month. I signed an 18 month contract..I know its breakable but I want to wait at-least a year before I leave...but wow, I wanted everything to join this agency..I don't want to give the whole story, but I paid a manager $1800+ because he is connected with this agent and I thought he could help me get signed with them...after I was dropped by this manager I ended up getting with them on my own..the irony. but still..let this be a lesson..dont assume the top agent will be the end-all be all...if you are content with you little agency...stick with them and grow together.
Agencies specialized in representing foreign actors by Opening-Race6586 • last post Aug 19th
Do you know any acting agencies based in the US (preferably NY or LA market) that are specialized in representing foreign actors or do you have experience with any of them?
Is it necessary to take classes before getting into voice acting? by Vixpluto • last post Aug 18th
Do I have to take classes to become a voice actor?
Instagram account reached out, best response? by Athena_07_ • last post Aug 18th
Ok so an Instagram account called Urban Art House Films just reached out to me, and I don't know what to say. I don't really know why, as I only have one thing on my account that signals that I am interested in acting(im private), and it has to do with the school I'm attending. I have no pictures of myself on there, and there is literally no reason why something like this would reach out to me, but here we are. I feel like I am definitely overreacting, as all they said was "are you an actor?", but I still feel like there could be a chance for me to take my first step in my acting career, but once again I'm most likely getting ahead of myself, and they probably saw the emoji (
Starting an instagram acting account with social media anxiety by glamatovic • last post Aug 18th
So, I'm 20 and just finished theater conservatory, I've had a lot of anxiety in what comes to social media (except for twitter and reddit), and to this point never had an instagram account, the problem is that unfortunuately at this industry anyone without instagram account is kinda doomed to fail (so far haven't met any other actors without an instagram account). So anyway tldr I'm looking for tips on how to start a pro instgram account with social media anxiety?
I feel conflicted about my voice by ActorWriter24 • last post Aug 18th
Hey everyone! I audition pretty regularly and I feel as if my voice is holding me back. I have a hearing loss so, my voice is “different” and nasally. I keep having a feeling that I don’t book as often because of the way the sound of my voice is. Where are my fellow actors with weird unusual sounds to their voice.
You guys are awesome (notes from an indie filmmaker) by taggwest • last post Aug 18th
After a long time working in the marketing/video industry, I'm finally working on my first major creative (i.e., not corporate) film project, and it's been an eye-opening experience working with actors in this way for the first time. Just wanted to share some quick observations from an outsider, in case any of it is helpful: * Casting really is 90% of directing: I've heard it said before, but now I actually understand it. I knew I wanted genuinely talented actors for this production (rather than going the "just have your friends and family say the lines" route) and it has really made all the difference. They can take something and run even further with it than I thought possible. I thought I knew the characters from having written the script, but the actors are revealing more about them than I would have been able to direct them toward. * It's a real set of skills: Watching the actors closely (and spending a lot of time editing the footage), I've started to pick up on some of the more subtle things they do. The way they use their eyes. The way they express things through their breathing. The changes in tone. The microexpressions. There's a TON of technique happening all the time. Some of it may be instinctive, but I'm sure a lot of it has been practiced until it became reflex. * It's absolutely worth paying for: Even though this is an out-of-pocket, *very* low budget project, I decided early on that I wasn't going to ask anyone to work for free. Good actors bring so much value that multiplies the production that it would be crazy to not to compensate them for their time and talent. Honestly, my only regret is not being able to pay them more. * The application/audition process is brutal: I'm using Backstage to find talent. I invited 946 actors to apply. About 300 actually applied and were invited to audition. I received about 150 self-tape auditions, and of those, actually hired 3 actors so far. I have a ton of respect for those who keep plugging away, auditioning for roles they may only have a slim chance of getting, and staying polite and positive the whole time. There have been a few weirdos, but overall I've been impressed with everyone's professionalism and determination. * I've had to turn down a lot of great actors: Sometimes the audition is really great, but there was another one that was a *slightly* better fit. Sometimes they're amazing but not for the role I had open (in which case I put them on a list to consider for future projects). Sometimes their look was too similar to another actor in the production. Sometimes the timing of their availability wasn't right. There are countless reasons why an actor might not get a part after auditioning, none of which have to do with the quality of their talent. * Talent beats look: Even if an actor didn't quite fit the profile I had in mind for a character, I quickly found it was worth rewriting around the right talent if I could find it. * It's all about the audition: I also learned that it's nearly impossible to tell anything from actor profiles, headshots, and even reels. I was surprised (positively and negatively) countless times while reviewing auditions. There's just no way to tell how someone's going to do until they audition, and some of those I've hired (or plan to hire) were ones I'd initially written off as probably not a great fit until I saw their auditions. * The competition might not be as tough as you think: I feel bad for what I'm about to say, but I'll be frank. After going through 150 self-tape auditions, I'd say that the majority of them were...not great. It felt like people just reading lines to a camera, with relatively little actual acting happening. I had to go through a lot of those (and start to wonder if that was just how acting went) before I started to stumble on those very few who really knew how to do something with their performance. If you're a good actor, you'll stand out. * My thumbs up / thumbs down guideline: After going through a lot of auditions, I quickly realized that there was a clear difference that separated the yays from the nays. It was all about whether I could see the actor or see the character. If I felt like I was watching an actor deliver a performance, I passed. If I felt like I was watching a character coming to life, I immediately shortlisted them. It was really that simple. Anyway, I'm probably rambling. I like to hang out here because I want to learn more about working well with actors and also just because I'm impressed by what you do (since I can't act for crap). You have my respect and admiration. Thanks for doing what you do, because I couldn't do what I do without it.
Actor’s health insurance by TerribleBanana4466 • last post Aug 18th
How does this work with actors, since they are self-employed? I’m currently working a 9-5 so my employer pitches in for insurance, but I’ve recently been very curious about the process for actors. Does SAG-AFRA help?
Represented by agent but no contract by TerribleBanana4466 • last post Aug 18th
An agent has agreed to represent me, but I never signed a contract (I’m assuming because I am a beginner actor), but he sends me on about 3 auditions a month for about the past 5 months. What does it mean if you are represented without a contact? Should I be worried?
Steal Away by Zamirayah • last post Aug 18th
In case you hadn’t heard, this movie is still casting for roles. https://www.stealawaymovie.com/cast-and-crew Would love to see someone from here cast! Be blessed y’all
Los Angeles - New Headshot Photographer looking for Experience by Resident-Culture3398 • last post Aug 18th
Hey LA actors I'm a long time hobby photographer (mostly travel and nature) with a nice camera and some decent gear looking to branch out into headshots and portrait photography. I'm looking for some actors who would be willing to let me take your photos for practice and to build my portfolio, no charge to you. I can't promise they'll be perfect, but if you need some updated looks it might be a great chance to collaborate. Send me a message here and let's take some headshots!
Technique question and preferences by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Aug 18th
How do I find the right acting technique to study/practice for me? I know that it’s helpful and beneficial to be open and exposed to as many techniques/tools as possible, but I would assume that most actors have a solid foundation/base rooted in a particular technique/method/approach. Should I try to find a technique that plays more into my strengths and builds them up even stronger or should I try to find one that builds up and strengthens my weaknesses? This is a particularly strange and maybe illogical question, but is it possible that certain types of actors with certain archetypal traits and preferences gravitate towards certain techniques of acting? What kinds of actors prefer Stanislavski Strasberg? Stella Adler? Chekhov? Meisner? Uta Hagen? Etc. How do I know if I should choose Chekhov, Stella Adler, Stanislavski, Strasberg, Meisner, etc as my primary approach to the work?
Too old for MA/MFA in Acting? by NancyFromTheCraft19 • last post Aug 18th
I am 32 years old. I've been acting for years but haven't gotten any good roles, no agent or manager. And I graduated with my Bachelors in May of 2021 from The New School where I studied acting, theatre, and film. I have always wanted to live in London, and further my acting career by getting an MA/MFA in London, right now I'm thinking LAMDA or Guildford at Uni of Surrey. But I'm concerned that: 1. I'm too old? I don't want to be the oldest in the program by far, and struggle to relate/make friends 2. Would an MFA even help my career? Would I be able to work as an actor in London? (since I'm American). I am a paid-up SAG member though. Any information and advice is helpful, thank you :)
Should I give it a try? by Overthinker517 • last post Aug 18th
Hi everyone! I live in Latin America, but I want to be an actress. I have been taking classes since I was in high school, but I was never admitted in my dreamed college here in that major, I'm supposed to graduate from other major during the following year. The thing is that I decided to give it a try in AADA, I auditioned, and was accepted. I'm scared because I truly want to give it a try, but as a migrant I'm scared of feeling like a failure in a country where I'll be completely alone. Have anyone experienced something like this? Do you have other recommendations?
Advice/Information needed about acting class/possible casting situation by CTFDYDB • last post Aug 18th
SORRY FOR THE LOOOONG POST lol First off, I'm most likely overthinking/misreading the situation. I do that, so it's definitely a large possibility lol. Ok, now some info: I'm a SAG-AFTRA actor in Los Angeles. I have some credits, but I'm still green on many things. I've been taking classes from an acting coach who's also involved in casting. I'm aware that casting directors have come under fire in the past for "workshops" that at least imply if you pay money for the workshop, you might be cast in a project of their's. This is not like that. He constantly brings up that this class is for educational purposes only and he's generally very sheepish about any projects he's casting. He doesn't mention them and if someone else does, he's very guarded about any details. His body language very much says that he doesn't want everyone bugging him about trying to get a part, so he generally keeps class and casting very separate. I've never thought about inquiring about projects with him as I always thought that would be lame and unprofessional. I realize class and casting are separate so I just try to do my very best in class and if he ever did think I was right for something, I figured he would bring me in to read and be considered. He's a great guy and teacher but not one to throw out a lot of compliments. He's definitely supportive, but also blunt to an extent. I've been taking classes steadily for 6 months and I can say I've improved. He's always been helpful, and encouraging, but again, not overly complimentary. I'm not there just to be complimented lol so it's fine. Anyway, in the last class, I had a great read. This was a two person scene, and he is the reader for the other part, so its basically like you're auditioning for him. I got the scene a few days before and prepared something. He's always big about actor's trying new things, taking risks, etc so I did that and it went really well! After class, he pulls me aside and says "that he's a FAN of mine" and that I'm a wonderful actor! This is the advanced class and he explained why he placed me in that level, he said it was my attitude/work ethic and that he never knows what I'm going to do in a scene and that he loves that. Again, he's not overly complimentary so this is flooring me at this point lol. He's been encouraging in the past but these compliments felt personal and not just him being a supportive teacher. Then he said "and now I've got to cast this movie and I'll have to go through all these self tapes of people who don't take risks and bring something like you do" and he kind of looked at me annoyed about having to do that. THIS IS THE PART WHERE IM PROBABLY READING SOMETHING INTO NOTHING but he sort of held his stare as if I was supposed to clue into something there. "Does he want me to read for his movie???" I thought: "No, he's a blunt guy. He's not going to fish around and hint about me possibly being cast, he'll just ask... ...unless he can't? Is that some unethical thing about casting/classes that I don't know about?" Can he not just outwardly ask me to read for a part since Im a student? So I guess I'm wondering if I'm reading too much into something or not, and I probably am. I think I'll just ask him in class before it starts and say "tell me about this movie?" and see what he says. I'll do it early before a lot of people are there. Thanks for reading my novel lol. Any thoughts?