We have found 19,446 posts across 4 actor forums:
Taking Class from another city? Teacher turned actor! by checkerchickens • last post Aug 11th
Does anyone have experience taking online (like virtual live classes, not recorded) acting class/lessons with a teacher or studio in another city? I’m a music teacher and can’t relocate or leave my job at this time. I have never taken acting classes, but have quite a bit of educational and community theatre acting experience, as well as my music degree in voice. I’m looking to branch out to acting on screen and really learn more about the acting process. I feel like my research is pointing to Los Angeles as the hub of TV/Film casting at the moment. Since I can’t move yet, I wanted to try to network virtually in other, bigger markets. I feel like half of the battle of starting out is just getting in the room. I am still submitting myself for things near me to try and get some professional credits on my resume, but knowing other working actors seems helpful for the long run. Might be able to recommend me for better classes, headshots, etc. Would taking class with a studio in LA virtually be beneficial? Anyone have any LA/NYC virtual acting class recommendations?
If Mary Kay Bergman were still with us, what roles do you think she would've had since 1999? by Apart_Shock • last post Aug 11th
For anyone who doesn't know, Mary Kay Bergman was a prolific voice actress who was most famous for voicing every female character in South Park, Daphne Blake in the first three Scooby-Doo movies, and Disney's Snow White from 1989 to 1999. She was even the mentor to voice acting legends Tara Strong and Grey DeLisle. Sadly, Mary Kay suffered from severe mental illness, and it led to her committing suicide in 1999. But what if that never happened? What if she managed to get professional help and continued to do voice acting to this day? Who do you think she would've voiced since then?
Victory moment/good directing moment I wanted to share by clawhammer-cat • last post Aug 11th
I haven't taken an acting class in five years and I've been really missing it while doing show after show. I'm opening a show in two days (oh my!) and I've been REALLY struggling with a character whose tendencies are way outside of my range and experience. The director pulled me aside to talk about it and, to my surprise, he did more than just tell me to be better. He offered some strategies, we talked about the character and the scene, and once again to my surprise he *listened to how I work and met me where I'm at*. He seriously listened when I said "Well, to me this character is smoke stains but his situation is velvet" and then incorporated my method into his vision and got me where I needed to be. Received last night's notes: Praise for improvement and encouragement to keep working. I was reminded that great directors work with actors and not just characters. I know that being treated with respect and dignity in a learning environment isn't (or shouldn't be) groundbreaking, but after a while of high pressure low support directing relationships I feel really secure.
What makes actors great by Impossible-Wind-987 • last post Aug 11th
I saw “All of us are dead” on netflix, I really enjoyed it. Along with other movies and shows, what do you think makes an actor great. Can you tell when an actor is relaxed?
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post Aug 11th
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.
Declining Auditions by zendi_lyon • last post Aug 11th
I really like my agents. I had a awkward situation a few years ago where I accidentally pissed off an casting agent for repeatedly declining their auditions and had to explain to my agency that I really dont like that kind of work. (it doesn't pay well, its doesn't help my demo reel, and its not enjoyable. I had done it in the past and basically felt like that was enough. I've done my time.) They were totally nice and understanding and stopped submitting me to that kind of gig. Over the years I told myself if I was going to be more particular about the auditions I take otherwise I'm going to be burned out by all the stuff that I don't enjoy. I want to have fun with it otherwise its not worth it. And I felt justified with that decision after sitting in on an actors lecture with a great acting professor (that works with the folks in an casting agency I love and have been dying to work with) that said you should consider 1. does it help me build my resume? 2. does it help me financially? 3. does it satisfy me artistically? So I've been going at my pace, which is slower, but much more enjoyable. But... I just got nervous again after declining an audition yesterday from a casting agent that I often decline. Something about this casting agent reminds me of the agent that got upset with me 5 years ago. 1. the guy seems like a prick, so I don't care to get on his radar. just like the lady from before. 2. the auditions are just boring commercials... 3. more importantly he ALWAYS asks to see actors hands.. I once submitted to him because the rate was so good but he quickly sent a mass email back saying "NO WONKY FINGERS OR SUPRISES" I assumed that was directed at me because I have significant scarring on my hands after a bad accident. because his attitude reminds me of the lady from years ago I'm afraid of him aggressively saying something to my agent (rather than just quietly going under the radar of declines amongst the other actors)and looking bad with my agent Do you think I should reach out to my agent and explain my hand situation and all the declines before he might? I've told them about my hand and declining auditions but I wouldn't expect them to necessarily remember given all the other actors they work with. I dont want to make a big deal about it at all... but like I said this guy reminds me of the lady that made a big deal about it a while back.
As a male actor, can I have piercings? by rentinghappiness • last post Aug 10th
Hello everyone! Hope you are all well! Saw that there are “no stupid questions” so I figured why not ask: I am going to UBC in Vancouver to study a BFA in Theater & Acting, so happy and excited to go to a new country as well (never seen snow before so that’ll be a first!) For a while I’ve wanted to get my ears pierced, however I fear that this may hinder and or limit the amount of roles I could get. BTW, I already have 2 tattoos lol, however with some makeup those can be hidden.
Why is "street casting" still a thing? by Sufficient_Aside_167 • last post Aug 10th
I just read the variety (?) article about the actress who was going to play Rue in Euphoria before Zendaya was scouted by the casting agent, which is how they cast Angus Cloud. Do they literally just go up to a random person and say "Hi, you look like you could be an actor! Come audition."? And how is that still a thing these days when social media can be used to conduct open calls?
Experience using Talent Link? by doobiestonerpothead • last post Aug 10th
Anybody here have a positive experience using Talent Link through Actors Access/Breakdown Services? Or any negative experiences? I’m wondering if it’s worth coughing up the fee or not — thanks!
How to land representation in other states? by PNW_Creative • last post Aug 10th
I am a Northwest actor with a lot of experience in the business. I have pretty decent materials, and quite a few (regional) credits. I am trying to figure out if it is at all realistic to think that I can find representation in other markets where I don’t live. The local-hire question is a big one, and the research I have done seems to indicate that in many places I would have to prove residency to be considered a local-hire. If anyone has any tips about the “How do I land reps in LA when I don’t live there,” I’m all ears.
Great actors = Enormous baggage? by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Aug 10th
A lot of the greatest actors to have ever lived (and lots of other great working actors as well) have and have had a lot of serious personal struggles and problems. Struggles/problems like family and relationship issues, drug/sex/porn addictions, mental illnesses, etc. I’m not insulting or trying to hate on them, or stating that this is fact. I’m also not saying that being a tortured soul is the only way to be a terrific actor. But why does it seem that the most brilliant and talented/skilled artists tend to be the most tortured by their demons?
Got into the best acting school of the Netherlands (Film actors academy Amsterdam) by inaszzz • last post Aug 10th
I really don’t know if anyone cares, but I’m gonna say it anyway. After auditioning and auditioning I got in my dream school. I’m so happy, I know I’ve worked hard for it.
Personal Advise on if I should go to LA or NYC for training? by seemslikegoodidea2me • last post Aug 10th
So I know there are a lot of posts about LA vs NYC, but I wanted to see if I could get some advise about my specific situation and which would end up being the better option for me. I’m really looking to move out to one of these cities to get training. That’s what I really want to focus on right now, and I’m really interested in doing a 2 year Meisner program. During Covid I did a meisner summer intensive and a 1st year Meisner program all online with a teacher in LA, and I really loved it, and want to do a full 2 year program in person. What I’m having trouble with is deciding if I should do the 2 year Meisner program with that teacher I really loved in LA, or to do it with one of the studios in NYC like Esper studio or Terry Knickerbocker studios. I really loved the teacher I had who’s in LA, and think he’s fantastic, but I’d only really be going out there for his class, as I like NYC as a city much more than LA. I like how close everything is too each other and how I don’t need a car, and how there’s lots of theater and film out there. I also have a lot more actor friends and mentors out there in LA. The thing I’m nervous about with NYC is if I don’t end up loving the teacher I get out there. So I guess to sum it up, would be better to go to a city that I don’t love as much as NYC, but I’m with a teacher who I love and trust, or do I go to NYC which has more of what I want in a city and the people I know, but go there not knowing if I enjoy the teacher I’m getting? Thank you!!!
Why are some actors signed to two different agencies in the same city? by Sufficient_Aside_167 • last post Aug 10th
I tried to find a post like this but couldn't, but I was wondering how and why some actors are signed to two different agencies in the same city, e.g. LA. And if you are signed to two, how does the working relationship between both agencies develop and work? And is there anyone here who is signed to two wherever they reside?
Self affirmations for actors? by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Aug 10th
Does anybody have any positive self-affirmations related to acting that they can share?
HELP. HELP. HELP. Please. by Abstract_Corduroy74 • last post Aug 10th
I feel the constant, consuming need to be good/great as an actor. I’m trying to shed the need and desire to be a great actor in favor of trying to create as an actor/artist for the love of it and the character that I’m portraying. It’s so damn f\*\*king hard though. I don’t know if it’s working. Not only do I feel like I need to accept, succeed at, and be truly proud of my performances, but that other people love and praise my performances. I constantly worry that I’m a failure as an actor and that I’m not living up to my potential and that my potential is not as great as I want it to be. I’m always second guessing myself and the things I do in acting and I want it to stop. I worry that my personal views and definitions of success and failure are so f\*\*ked that it’s nearly impossible to redefine them and make them more realistic, practical and achievable. I’m constantly worried about the quality and results of my work rather than taking the time to actually practice and take the time to improve and explore my craft/technique and make discoveries. I feel like it’s really hindering me and my progress. I feel like I NEED to shed my ego and my worry about being a good/great actor, otherwise, I’ll spiral down a really dark hole and my acting/performances and mental health will suffer from it. My acting professor/director once said that she isn’t sure if what I want is to be a fully trained and skilled actor or to be considered “the best”. And the truth is, I’m afraid of what it may be. Because I guess I believe one is admirable, the other is disgusting. And I’m afraid the truth might be the disgusting one. Because I’ve come to the conclusion that the disgusting one is a guaranteed route to absolute catastrophic failure. Someone once said “if you want success, acceptance, and praise, this is not the career for you.” (I’m paraphrasing). But honestly, success, acceptance, and praise is what I feel like I need in order to feel good about myself. And acting matters more to me than pretty much ANYTHING. I don’t want to worry about whether I’m a good/great actor or not. Because then I think that will take a huge burden off me and I will be able to live joyfully and fully. I don’t want to derive my self-esteem only from acting, but there’s nothing else that gives me the fulfillment that acting does. Playing guitar, hanging out with friends, painting, doing well in school, spending time with family, none of it gives me the fulfillment acting does. My life revolves around it. My relationships do not feel fulfilling to me, and I don’t know how to fix it. I am afraid at this point that acting is causing me more stress/anxiety and harm than good. But I can’t quit. I will not quit. If I quit, I’ll feel like I’m worth nothing. I don’t know what to do. Does anybody have some helpful advice about any of this for me? Thank you all.
Moving from LA to NYC and transitioning from Film/TV to Theatre by Lunafeather • last post Aug 9th
Hello there! I have searched the subreddit extensively and haven't really found much of an answer to my question, which was surprising, but alas. So I've been in LA for 4 years pursuing jobs in film/TV. I'm Meisner trained and have gathered a lot of useful resources and knowledge specifically about building a career in film/TV -- podcasts like Audrey helps actors, groups on FB like TMFA, casting director social media profiles, workshops, etc. I've realized that I am really unhappy in LA and that I would much rather pursue stage acting like I originally intended to -- and it's been my goal to live and act in NYC since I was 13. Unfortunately, it's been a bit harder for me to find groups and resources about getting your footing as a stage actor in NYC. I know that the process is similar in some ways (self tapes and having an agent) and different in others (headshot styles and the way the union works), but there doesn't seem to be the same kind of guidance for theatre as there is for film/TV -- or at least I don't know what to trust and what is garbage. I am SAG Eligible and know that I can bunny hop unions if I join SAG and am in good standing for a year. I already have a financial plan in place, so not super worried about that. I don't care about starring on Broadway, I would be happy doing plays anywhere in New York -- I can sing well and can dance if I try really hard, but I prefer plays to musicals. Does anyone have a list of resources for an actor switching from film/tv to stage? Are there any good groups to join, books/articles/guides to read, communities to join, specific people in the theatre industry to follow on social media? Do I just move there and submit to Playbill/Actors Access/Backstage and hope for the best? Thank you for all your help!
Worried bad acting will ruin my film by redsushifellow • last post Aug 9th
I'm making a film, just a casual project, but I want to make it as good as possible. I'm acting in it, as well as another actor. I'm worried that our lack of acting skills will ruin the film. Is there anything I can do, or should I just accept that it might lower the overall quality of the project?
Actors Access or no? by TomKunzman • last post Aug 9th
I’d love to hear peoples opinions and experiences with Actors Access. I’m considering renewing my account. Thanks!
PR by correctstatement2022 • last post Aug 9th
Hello! When should actors get a PR team behind them? Does it help up-and-comers get more roles/visibility - especially if they aren't in a current show or movie? I have worked professionally in film, TV, commercials, VO, but I do have solid rep. Auditioning actively for high profile projects and waiting for that series of roles to has propel me into the public eye. Any opinions?