We have found 19,297 posts across 4 actor forums:
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?
QUESTION: Would voice actors be hired for animation and/or dubbing work if they only have a commercial demo? by loyalmoonie2 • last post Aug 18th
I [M/29] am a fresh new voice actor looking for my very first role. I only have a commercial demo. Yet, I've been practicing and taking some informal training recently to understand working in the anime industry and how dubbing works, and I've realized that I seem to have found my niche in advancing forward. However, do I absolutely need to have an animation demo to be contacted for an audition? Or would my commercial demo alone be sufficient?
Relaxation feeling by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Aug 18th
What does being relaxed feel like? I’ve heard tension is the actors worst enemy, and I’ve read how crucial relaxation is for actors and their work, and I’ve tried relaxation exercises before. But what does relaxation / being relaxed feel like? How can I tell if I’m relaxed enough?
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post Aug 18th
Use this thread to post your headshots for feedback, get info on your age range/type, find good headshot photographers, ask any questions you may have about headshots. If you are posting a DIY headshot for feedback, and not just a snapshot in order to get feedback on your age range/type/etc, it is advised that you do at least some basic research on what actor headshots look like--composition, framing, lighting. You will find a Google Image search for "actor headshots" to be very helpful for this. Non-professional shots are fine for age/typecasting; please keep in mind that one picture is a difficult way to go about this. Video of you moving and speaking would be ideal, but understandably more difficult to post. For what it's worth, the branding workshop at SAG-AFTRA recommends a five-year age range. That's inclusive, so for example 19-23, 25-29, 34-38, etc.
UK Actors | Extras Agencies & VAT by AdroitVoyager2020 • last post Aug 17th
I graduated uni with an acting degree back in 2019, and have recently started doing some extras (SA) work alongside a part time job. But I'm confused with the fees. I've got a part time job where I earn about £1,100 a month, so I'm just about hitting the threshold to pay tax. A few extra agencies I'm with will charge between 17.5 - 20% commission and then charge VAT (another 20%). So they take 40% from me straight off. And because of my part time job income, that essentially means that all my SA work with these agencies is essentially taxed straight off by the government (another 20%) leaving me with 40% of all wages. What's the point if I don't even get the majority of my money? How do other actors go about not getting ripped off through taxes and fees if you're under the threshold to register for VAT as a sole trader? Is there anything I can claim tax back on? Or is that only once I'm hitting over £77K a year and can register for VAT? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Background Actress Payrate by Kris_Ford • last post Aug 17th
Hi guys! So, for 5 different days, I've been asked to come back as a background actress for the Apple TV series "Swagger"! (A basketball show based on Kevin Durant's life.) Because I'm 20, they had me playing a student each time.
Anyone ever taken a production company to small claims court? (in LA) by Serious-Ingenuity-82 • last post Aug 17th
hi all, I have a situation I don't know how to move forward with. I'm a non-union bg actor and for this one project, I have received half the rate that was advertised in the ad. Ad said 200/6. I was on set 12hrs and was expecting to receive around 400, but have only received 200. I have a screenshot of the original post and rate and have emailed them asking for their accounting dept. the EP emailed me back asking what was up, I explained I thought perhaps there was a mix up, just curious what happened, blah blah blah. nothing. a week later, I officially asked in email form for an additional 200. it's been a few days and nothing. now I don't know how to proceed. should I warn them I plan on taking this to small claims court? has anyone done this before? thanks and let me know.
Should I join my university drama club by ItsLostLychee • last post Aug 17th
I recently finished watching Game Of Thrones, and after watching I want to start dabbling in acting. I am 19m and am attending a university within the next month, it's not a university for theater and drama, it's just a standard university. My degree will take 4 years and I want to get it before I make any drastic changes to my lifestyle. Since this want to act is very new I don't have any acting experience. my university has a drama program, but to my knowledge, it's just run by students and it's more based on people wanting to learn how to act in plays/musicals. I can't sing and have no desire to be in plays and for as long as I can remember I have never liked them. If I was to be an actor I would only consider acting in films or TV shows. I know I will have to do smaller productions when I first start out, but I would do short films, one-off cameos, and student films. But I would never do theater or anything on stage. Is it worth joining the drama club if I have no desire to be on stage, they do 2 performances a year and even if I was in the club I would be relegated to join in on them. Is there a better alternative or should I wait till a graduate and then do acting classes when I have more money?