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attending school/attempting an acting career? Need advice by Strange_Clothes_4382  •  last post Jul 3rd

So, I've always loved acting. I LOVED watching behind the scenes, making little films as a little girl with my littlest pet shop pets, just wanting to be behind the camera even though I was always so awkward. I liked to watch auditions and would try to make my own on my laptop or phone. When frozen came out, I literally wanted to purchase the whole script. I would read books and would try to imitate them, and see how much I could memorize. I admire how actors can play drastically different roles, and seeing their success. And cinematography in professional films is just so cool too. I've played with cameras all my life. I some of my reasoning for acting is my longing to "break" into Hollywood, because if I pursue acting I want to be able to make a good living out of it. I mean, come on imagine being able to voice act for Disney or Pixar, or work on a set for a film that you can show the world. I saw this interview with Kristen Stewart that explains this perfectly: [https://fb.watch/e2b-WUfdfN/](https://fb.watch/e2b-WUfdfN/) I know I know, only a very small percentage of people actually make it to this point and it has everything to do with connections, years of experience, and luck. But I don't know, I have this feeling in my stomach. Kind of like a pit in my stomach, maybe a little bit of hope. Maybe some disappointment and pessimism, or FOMO. I don't know if its my gut instinct but something is telling me "do it, do it, do it" at the same time. I'm currently a junior in college, pursuing a career in the medical field. Its interesting for the most part, but I feel like its just a placeholder for my real dream and just a means to make steady money. I just feel like I'm not in the right place because theres so many other people that are actually wanting to be immersed in medicine and they feel like its their calling. My mindset at this point is I work to live, not the other way around. But I really do want to find a job I find fulfilling!! If I ever have the chance to make a good living out of films I'd 100% do that instead. I've just been watching more and more young people like me, especially more diverse people getting their big break, or watching films that would just be a blast to work on (Top Gun: Maverick for cinematography and The Summer I Turned Pretty for the other reason). I'd consider myself an attractive person. I don't know if I'm lead character attractive, and I don't really have any feedback from a professional, but I feel like I have a decently versatile face. I am planning on taking an intro to acting in the fall, as I've never had any "serious" experience. I'll see how I feel about it, but if that peaks my interest I would really want to try to juggle my plan A career with acting. would this be possible? I'm not sure how to build my acting career while pursuing a medical career. I guess my plan would be if acting doesn't work out, I'll already be set and working for Plan A. I want to try to audition for smaller films, like making a profile on Backstage and filming during summer break, but then I feel like I should be spending that time accumulating volunteer hours or working an actual job. Now that I'm thinking about it, I could try and accumulate some films and try to gain some friction on social media by posting some demo reels or auditions, or perform some film scripts. I do know that acting takes serious dedication, and this kind of disappoints me because I feel like I'll never get a chance to work at my passion, and I will have to settle while I watch people live my dream. Or if I do, I'll never make it. I'd like some advice. Thanks in advance :)

I’m lost I want to be an actor I think but I’m not confident in actually landing any roles. by Individual_Slip887  •  last post Jul 3rd

I am 17 and been fascinated by acting for years but I am having hard building confidence and putting myself out there. I have starred in a student short film and did some VA work but that was out fun and boredom I know some actual professionals and they make everything so scary. I’m wondering whether If even want to be an actor anymore

Voice actress/actors needed! by AlexTheIdiotAnimates  •  last post Jul 3rd

I'm making a show on YouTube and Im in need of actors. DM me on discord for more information and auditions Disclaimer: YOU WONT GET PAID. IM ONLY 14 TheLoneTrumpet#1624

Should I go to a highly recommended drama school or an unknown drama school? by sg1256  •  last post Jul 3rd

I’ve got accepted but I don’t know which one to choose. The unknown one has got positive reviews with professional actors training you but there’s no guaranteed that you will get an agent just a certificate.

Does private school give you a leg up? by justcomeupwithanamee  •  last post Jul 2nd

Most actors i have researched especially aussie/British ones have attended private high schools and i was just wonder if its the schools that give them a leg up or more so their parents money they have to fall back on? I dont see many working class actors which can be very discouraging but is it because of the schooling/money or the fact that the risk is much bigger for working class people that they don’t even try?

Looking Back - The Best and Worst Things about being an Actor in LA by rosencranzand  •  last post Jul 2nd

Hey! I respond to a lot of posts, but thought to do something different! I moved from LA, but spent a good amount of time there, 11 years, Half of it as a union actor. Here's what I think are some of the best and worst things about being an actor in LA! Best #1 - The Film Schools. Whether Union or Non-Union there are just SO many film schools. There's also a ton of variance in quality but that's also a good thing. You start with a class-room exercise at USC and years in you do an AFI thesis. Its a great way to become accustomed to the work on set, from skeleton crews to full sets, while still being low-pressure. I still keep in touch with a handful of talented folks, and who knows? Along with my acting studio I consider my on-screen training indebted LARGELY to student films, due to the 50+ I did over the years. It made me that much more ready when I did my first Co-star with a big intimidating star on a huge show. Worst #1 - The Loneliness I experienced it, and I would run into this all the time. Newbies to LA who can't seem to make friends. Nobody has time it seems. Everybody is on the other side of town. People are all friendly and super extraverted (actors of course) and want to hang and then ghost you. I don't think its as widespread as people say, and largely I think people just don't have time/are very networky by a kind of cultural forced habit. Still...I always felt bad for the person when they tell me something like this. Best #2 - Antidote to Loneliness - The Studios, The Improv! The Training I honestly don't know how much bad or scammy training there is in LA. I think a lot. But if you're careful there's quite a bit of good too. It's imperative to find a "home" even if its temporary because the best "networking" you do is not networking, its building meaningful creative relationships by doing good work in class, or doing improv etc. The other overlooked fact is that there are small theatre communities that are legit and can be good places to find refuge, or at least it seemed to me by colleagues experiences. Worst # 2 - The Life Balance You've developed a way to block it off and normalize it, but its going to bite you in the ass when you see that billboard with that girl/guy you don't like, who you know that just landed a pilot on that show. LA is like a constant reminder that you should be grinding harder, which is not the best thing in the long run. The fabric of the city is very difficult to find a life balance too, especially if you're broke. It's hard to find a cozy neighborhood, there are not a lot of easily accessible hikes...ugh, I won't go on. IF I could do it all over again (especially in this time of self-tapes) I would prioritize finding somewhere that I really really loved living (even if its pretty far from LA) for walkability, nature etc (doesn't really exist, but there's always a little bit better) and plan for vacations almost like clockwork. Best # 3 - The industry When I worked, it was great. I've of course heard of people having bad times with bad people, but my experience was that people in the industry are pretty good at being professional and pleasant. I mostly worked in the VO sphere, but I really enjoyed the big gumbo of people from all over the USA who meet up in Hollywood to pursue a familiar thing. There are a few macho jocks, sure, but mostly its creative, smart, geeky types who are good to be around. Worst # 3 - Being Outside The Industry It sucks. I didn't get to feel the ultimate feeling of suckage. I worked in VO, did Indie and Student Films (as mentioned) to express myself on-screen, and despite my efforts, almost never had good reps and auditioned so so so so little for legit projects. I would hear people complain about not booking, and be like...well, at least you get (on-screen) auditions! I was somewhere in the upper middle as far as industry experience, whereas most people I knew would be 1, 2, 3 years since their last booking. It's a very very common thing as some of you know. It makes for some intensely sad feelings, which would not be there quite so much if you weren't around people constantly reminding you of it. Wishing you all a happy holiday weekend!

Colby Minifie is one of the best actors to ever exist by coclover12345  •  last post Jul 2nd

Does anyone else think so? She’s on par with Leonardo imo , just consistent greatness

Hiring $100 maybe idk never hired for this by ahauss  •  last post Jul 2nd

Looking to fire a voice actor in about 2 mouths. I’m making a cells at work comic thing. But inside a 3d web page I’m making. Going to hire a artist to draw the comic. Going to be 4 pages. You can see what the webpage looks like here. I think there will be 3-4 voices probably 500-1000 words. https://youtu.be/-10LhXnLWug

Finding Reps Question + Agency Recon by Connect-Industry-702  •  last post Jul 2nd

Anyone have any experience with Tangerine Talent? General question: How much do you pay attention to an agency’s star meter on IMDb? I have a few actor friends who are with various agencies who have a great ranking, but they rarely go on auditions/have a relationship with their agent. Any insight/opinion on this is greatly appreciated!

I want to become an actor. Maybe. by Cold-Handle-827  •  last post Jul 2nd

So I’m watching all these tv shows and it seems to really inspire me to want to give acting a shot. Now I understand that the chances of me even becoming a person standing in the background of a show can be extremely hard to get. I am currently 16 and have no experience with acting. Yea I’ve don’t little skits with my friends, but nothing official with tv or YouTube, etc. Another thing to take note is that I’m more on the shy side. When I get to know people I am probably to most confident and outgoing person in the room, but in a room of new people, I do not really show my true self. Another thing is just voice acting. How hard is that? What are some things I can do to get started with acting?

Tense while performing monologues by Abstract_Corduroy74  •  last post Jul 2nd

I just rehearsed a monologue twice, but I feel like my body isn’t relaxed enough for me to let go and just truly immerse myself in the monologue and enjoy it. I tried to do a short relaxation exercise beforehand, so I need some pointers as to what could help me get more relaxed before doing my monologues. Also, what is the ideal amount of times an actor should practice their monologues in a practice session? Thanks!

I am an actress, but I don’t want to have social media and the idea of fame makes me uncomfortable. by throwawayforprivacyi  •  last post Jul 2nd

I’m the least fame driven. I’m a very private person. I have been acting for years now and just got signed to a pretty legit agency. My issue is that I don’t want to have social media and the thought of being in the public eye makes me SO uncomfortable!! Am I wasting my time here? I don’t want to give this up. I’m getting great auditions and I’m finally on the right track… but now I’m getting cold feet. I’m terrified by the idea of fame… when most of my friends want to be famous. I’m wondering if I should start thinking realistically and consider doing something else, because I want to be a successful actress and I know fame/notoriety could be a biproduct of that.

I'm 35 am I too old? by anAverageJoe5  •  last post Jul 2nd

I have been watching anime as far back as I rememeber. I am 35 years old and I know its a long shot but I've always wanted to be a voice actor, unfortunately life has put other things in my path a wife a couple kids almost 15 years in the military. I dont even know where to start. I have started visiting all the sites listed in the about section of this reddit it is just a bit overwhelming. Any tips for this old man, or should I just quit before I let myself.

Having social media as a major actor by ZookeepergameNo3630  •  last post Jul 2nd

This has just been on my mind recently So we're speaking hypothetically I have social media now, but if I were to become a successful actor at some point, would I be allowed to keep using the same accounts I've been using or would I have to make a whole new business account? Follow up question. Are actors allowed to comment on YouTube videos, Reddit threads, social media posts (that aren't posted by major accounts), etc?

where? by PersonalityBig6551  •  last post Jul 2nd

okay ik this isnt the right sub to post this but the people here respond quickly l. so my question was, i wanna be an actor but I don't know anything about acting, in short my skills are super duper bad and i can't join acting classes until I move out. so I just wanted to ask that how can I improve my skills? does books help? can somebody recommend any books? classes? free ones? and yeah YouTube isn't helping haha. thanks if you read it upto here<3

What makes a good actor better than others? How do I know if I am a good actor? by Cold-Handle-827  •  last post Jul 2nd

I’ve done skits before with a few friends, and sometimes people tell me that I am a decent actor, and others don’t take note of anything going on, just watching. But how can I tell if I am good? What can I do?

How some people can Rock and become superstar overnight? by SpiritualFighter  •  last post Jul 2nd

How there are actors who just discovered in a restaurant with zero acting experince or a few experince and get rock and famous for just a show or in a short period of time??? Is Acting mostly about appearance, Right moment (right place+right time+right person) and connections rather than acting ability?

An introduction to majoring in acting or theatre by ShiningAway  •  last post Jul 2nd

I'm seeing a sudden influx of school-related questions regarding what to major in, whether it's worth it or not, and what exactly you're signing up for. As a BA Theatre Studies (aka Theatre Arts in some places) major who has taken conservatory classes and been accepted into drama schools, I aim to demystify the different variations of theatre majors and what you will actually be doing in each one, so that high school students and mature candidates alike can make an informed decision. DISCLAIMER: Because different schools name their courses differently, the course name that you are interested in may not always match the descriptions I write here. You should still research on the individual classes of each degree course to figure out if you really want to study that. ## Types of degrees **Full-time conservatory training** * BFA in Acting * BFA in Musical Theatre * BM in Musical Theatre * BFA in Theatre * BFA in Performance * BA (Hons) in Acting (UK) * BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre (UK) Generally, a course which advertises itself as a BFA should have acting, voice and speech, movement and audition technique classes. Musical theatre majors should expect to spend their time on singing, acting and dancing. It has also expected these days that BFA programs have at least one semester of on-camera training to prepare its students for screen and new media projects. Note that in the UK, courses in drama school are denoted as bachelor of arts (BA) courses. That said, their training is often just as intense as US courses and top UK drama schools have been known to surpass US colleges in terms of intensity. This is because while US colleges have general education requirements and electives, UK schools focus on deep specialization which means that every class taken is subject-related. Usually, an audition is part of admission requirements for such programs. **Performance-based liberal arts degrees** * BA in Acting * BA in Musical Theatre * BA in Theatre Performance * BA in Theatre Arts * BA in Theatre * BA in Theatre Studies * BA (Hons) in Theatre (UK) Once we arrive in the liberal arts degree category, it is a lot harder to determine if a course will give you the training you need just from the name of the course alone. You will need to cross-check between this category and the next one (Academic-based liberal arts degrees) to figure out if the degree you are interested in focuses more on performance or academics. Some degree programs even give their students the opportunity to choose their own specializations, so a program is not limited to one category. A performance-based BA is not as intensive as a typical BFA due to the number of hours allocated to general education classes and electives. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Pace University offers a BA in Acting, while the American University offers a BA in Musical Theatre. In both schools, auditions are necessary to enter and a considerable amount of time is dedicated to practical conservatory-style training. However, the vast majority of liberal arts degrees do not require an audition. **Academic-based liberal arts degrees** * BA in Theatre * BA in Theatre Studies * BA in Theatre Arts * BA in Performance Studies * BA (Hons) in Theatre (UK) * BA (Hons) in Theatre Studies (UK) Most prospective actors would not find those courses very appealing as they tend to spend a lot of time on contextual issues such as culture, history, politics and performance theory rather than what we came to college for - which is acting. However, there are academic-based courses which allow students to take performance-based electives. The less rigorous structure of the BA also frees up time for projects and training outside school. This category of courses usually do not require an audition. **Alternative pathways** * Community college * Performing arts high school * Full time conservatory in a studio * Private coaching * Audition-only youth theatre Those are just some of the various options you can consider if you prefer a non-traditional route. ## So what should I choose? Here are some things you should consider as a student: **Cost:** * How much are you willing to spend on university? * Does your dream school require you to pay out-of-state or international tuition? * How much financial aid or scholarship money do you have? * Can you work part time? **Location:** * How far do you intend to travel? * Do you need a passport or visa? * Are you able to stay for work after graduating? **Prospects:** * Do you want a second major or minor as a parallel career track? * Are you able to fit that into your course requirements and graduate on time? * Is the (in)ability to participate in external auditions and projects a dealbreaker to you? **Interests:** * Do you feel ready for conservatory life? * If you're coming from a highly academic background, would an academic/hybrid liberal arts degree be more suitable for your needs? * Do you believe that understanding performance theory and dramaturgy can help you as a performing artist? ## Questions **Is a BFA better than a BA?** If better means "being able to book work", no. Neither degree guarantees that you will book work, and it all comes down to your own audition or selftape. If "better" refers to how intense/demanding the actor training will be, then the BFA is better than the BA on average, ceteris paribus. This assumes that two students of equal intelligence, ability and resourcefulness are put in each program with no external guidance or networking opportunities. However, from personal (anecdotal) experience, having an academic BA in Theatre can become a solid talking point with the director or casting director. That point alone has netted me a few bookings. Of course, ymmv depending on how well you handle casual conversations. **Do I really need training?** See Young Adult Pilot Bookings for 2022, 2020, 2019 and 2018. **How do I start?** Go to an acting class, in-person if you can. Trust me. That's your first step as an actor and if you want to be considered for any of the audition-based programs, you must first understand what acting is about. **I have more questions.** Ask them in the comments! I'll try to respond as fast as I can.

Should you really pay $$$ for acting “demo reels”? by Representative_Sir_5  •  last post Jul 2nd

I live in LA I’m SAG from years ago, but have no demo reel to begin acting again & have no agent. After researching supposedly legit companies that make acting reels, why do all the reels look terrible with shadows/bad lighting, shaky camera, edits that aren’t right and the actors are all terrible? They ask anywhere from $1 -5K for these reels that are not fooling anyone that it’s a real production. Would reps & casting directors rather look at a well-acted self tape with a scene partner off camera? Perhaps 90 seconds with clips from 3 different scenes? Seems very scammy & $$ for a SAG voiceover/singer older actor getting started in the business again to do on-camera work. Don’t they just have you submit a self-tape of audition material and upload online?