We have found 19,298 posts across 4 actor forums:
Can I have 1 on 1s with CDs when represented? by sailor_melody • last post Apr 25th
(FOR REFERENCE: I'm Canadian so the CD/actor relationship is slightly different than my American friends here) My friend who is unrepresented and starting their career has mentioned they have reached out to casting directors to just have chats with them, get insights into the industry and what they could be doing in their journey so far. I want to do this, not because I feel like my agent doesn't do enough but because I feel like I could learn a lot and get to know CDs I have not been in the room for, for one reason or another. Is this a sneaky thing to do? I know it's technically an agent's job to do this and pitch me to CDs.
Is it worth it to pay for acting lessons from a well-known theater in my area, if it means I might have to do it all over Zoom? by quixotic_mfennec • last post Apr 25th
Basically, with the pandemic being a dick and my having genetic vulnerabilities that make me nervous even though I'm vaxxed, I don't know that I would be able to attend these lessons in person once the case numbers start going up again in my area. It's been a couple years since I've performed, and I want to get back into it but I'm rusty. This theater is small but it's solid -- it's really well-known and has hosted some pretty high-caliber actors and amazing shows over the years. They do good work, but even without the remote issue I still feel like I'd just be some amateur with delusions of grandeur forking over money to stroke my own ego. Still wanna do it though. Would having to do some of the work (if not all for the time being) over Zoom or something be defeating the purpose? For what it's worth, I'm very interested in film as well as theater, so the format wouldn't necessarily bother me as long as whoever's directing me is fine with it.
IMDB credit by dr-donald-d-duck • last post Apr 25th
Since my last post here, a lot of you have been very helpful in guiding me. I’ve been looking at different Facebook groups to casting calls for short films and small productions. To be clear, Im not going for money at this point, but experience and networking. I’m finding a lot of casting calls that offer IMDB Credits, in addition to, or instead of payment. As a starter, I’m not an actor yet, should I even care about IMBD Credit or is that something that will help me down the road?
Should I become an actress? by Sad_Face9296 • last post Apr 25th
I’ve always been interested and curious about acting but my parents never let be because they never thought it was realistic. Now I’m 21 on my own. Yesterday I took a free trial acting class and I really liked it. We did this commercial practice and it felt right and very natural. Then I saw myself on video and I looked genuinely excited and happy to be promoting xyz product. My teacher said I had talent and I’d get an agent eventually. He sounded so certain and confident in me. My only concern is that if I invest in this and it doesn’t work out then I’m wasting my time. Obviously I want to make it big, I know that’s hard to do but im willing to work if it eventually pays off in the end. What is Hollywood looking for? I heard that who get hired are unique and memorable. I have a unique name, 4’9, I look it younger than I am and people have told me I’m incredibly charming and charismatic. Based on my looks/description do you know if there’s a chance of me becoming an actress?
Do I need to go to NYU Tisch to make it as an actor? by DelicateYet • last post Apr 25th
Background info: I'm an international student, and my parents are paying my tuition. My options for US schools are NYU (Tisch- Drama) and Boston U (college of communication). My end goal is to be an actor, although I want a backup plan in case that doesn't work out. NYU tisch has been my dream since I was really young and I can't believe I managed to get in. I didn't apply to BU for drama because, simply put, my parents wouldn't even consider paying for a school (especially overseas) if it wasn't extremely prestigious for drama. So I didn't even bother applying, and instead applied for communications, which would be my choice of career field if acting really doesn't work out. I didn't get aid for either school, although with NYU there's still possibility to negotiate which I'm in the process of doing now. (BU doesn't offer aid to internationals at all besides the merit ones which are only offered to like 20 kids, of which I was not one). Assuming I don't get aid for NYU, the cost of tuition will be about the same for both schools, although of course the cost of living in NYC will be more. Basically, the commitment date is May 1st (this sunday) and my parents are really pushing for BU. They haven't ever been keen on me pursuing acting, and I guess that's fair because of how risky it is. If I do go to NYU I plan to double major with MCC (Media, culture, communications) as a backup career for if acting doesn't work out. However, my parents want me to go to BU for comms and double major with business, forgoing acting/ drama. I'm really not willing to give up acting entirely, but I figured maybe at BU I could do community theatre, work for free, attend summer programs at NYC studios like Adler and Strasberg, and still build some sort of connections, all while getting 2 degrees that would pretty much set me up for a good corporate job. With an F1 study visa as an international, I can't work paid jobs that are outside the scope of my major, meaning I wouldn't be able to do any paid acting jobs while in college. But at NYU it's not like I can really audition tons and do acting jobs while in school? (Unless I somehow get an agent and book a job while in school, I would take a semester off, but what are the chances of that?) I know I would have a great time at BU, it seems like a great experience, but I'm just scared that I'm giving up the once in a lifetime opportunity that is Tisch, and I might really regret it. So my questions is: Is NYU Tisch worth it? Or can I gain similar training and connections by going to summer programs in NYC, doing community theatre/ joining theatre clubs at BU, and working for free in Boston? This would make my parents happy, and maybe give me a more stable life? But am I missing out if I go to BU instead, and will it severely impact my acting career?
Support my documentary to bring peace by Svyatoslav Vlasov • last post Apr 25th
I found that "Give Me a Word" affects people hard and it could stop war and violence by power of the Word. Help me to share it and make this World better. Anything you need would be done. God bless all of you and stay safe. https://youtu.be/orIwulk8PNo
Anyone willing to watch a tape of what I’m using for a college audition for feedback before the actual day arrives? Looking for people who will be BRUTALLY HONEST! Either dm or comment! by broadway__obsessed • last post Apr 25th
Thank you all so much! I feel like I’m a terrible actress but I also have terrible anxiety so a brutally honest person who will tell me if I suck would be amazing!
Martha Graham's Quote on Judging One's Own Creativity by FiremanTodd • last post Apr 25th
I had an experience last week on a set where I was frustrated because I couldn't tell how I was doing. All I knew for sure, was that the goals I set for myself were accomplished during each take (which is really all that an actor has control of during a performance). Knowing this, a friend sent this quote to me and I thought I would share it with all of you. It's Martha Graham's words of advice to Agnes DeMille. “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time. This expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased…there is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction. A blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
Beginner questions by Primary_Mechanic_998 • last post Apr 25th
So I am taking an acting class next semester but have also been applying to roles that don't require experience. I have a few questions about some general stuff. \- I know actors need headshots but like how do I know what kind of headshots I should take. The ones I have right now look like mugshots lmao. \- Best way to practice? I have normally just been running lines with my brothers, but I have been thinking about recording myself and reviewing my body language and speech (anything else I should do?) \- How do I make an acting resume? Is it like any other resume? Or do I make a link in or something? Or do I not need one? Because I know you need to show headshots, and video reels, so how does that work. \- Any other advice would be appreciated thanks in advance!!
Does submitting after 6PM decrease likelihood of submission being seen? by TerribleBanana4466 • last post Apr 25th
Hi, I submit alot to Actors Access on projects that aren't student films and I assume are more competitive. I have tried to maximize the algorithm by adding slate shots, including a reel, etc. etc. However, I'm wondering how much time plays a factor in whether agents will see it? For example, if its posted at 4PM but I submit at 6PM, is it likely to get lost? What are some other algorithm hacks to ensure your submissions are being seen?
STOP BLAMING YOUR SKIN COLOR!!! by BigBadBootyDaddy99 • last post Apr 24th
[https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/uae5r0/black\_or\_actors\_of\_color\_what\_are\_your/](https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/uae5r0/black_or_actors_of_color_what_are_your/) Piggybacking off the thread above, and I don't care if this gets downvoted. Some people just need to get real in this business. I've not experienced such things as an actor of color, nor do I look to blame the color of my skin as to why I may or may not get certain opportunities. It's always easier to make excuses rather than to work harder. That being said, I'm a male of color and I've been given roles that production could have easily given to my white counterparts. I've even been cast in roles that were originally written for white males which tells me I was simply the better actor and my color didn't matter. I notice there are a lot of females commenting here so maybe this is being done to women of color more than men of color. I don't know because I honestly haven't had this experience. There is an Asian actress within my agency that works all the time. The agency I'm with is very diverse in clientele and we work quite a bit. Male and female. So, instead of blaming the system, try to think about what else may be the problem. Is the agent the one submitting you for these roles? If so, talk to them about that. I let it be known when I signed how I wanted to be branded and what types of roles not to even submit me for. I have an agent that gets my brand and type and that has worked out well for me and I think this is a big reason that I don't have these problems. If you really don't like they way you are being cast, simply stop auditioning for those types of roles. Believe it or not, you have a hand as an actor in how people perceive you. There are many stereotypical roles I have turned down in my career and several that I myself or my agent will not even submit me for. You can take control of this if you want to. If you don't, and continue to still audition for and accept the roles you deem stereotypical, don't complain. I'm just saying.
Probably the Greatest Sentence to Sum Up the Method by FiremanTodd • last post Apr 24th
"Our jobs \[as actors\] is not just to create, but to allow the experience to wash over us and be relaxed enough to give in to the responses."
If you are going to impersonate an accent, please please do your research and listen to authentic native speakers. by miss_meowsy • last post Apr 24th
I know this is probably common sense for a lot of us. I can't tell you the number of times how often I come across someone's profile including they can do 15-20 accents and it is so far off the mark. I just kinda cringe when I see a lot of folk saying on their profile they can do accents including all manner of European, British, etc and then it's just a very stereotyped or watery version. It takes a long time to perfect an accent. I have attended accent classes and the coach was adamant that not enough people spend time listening to normal people who live in the country of the accent they're trying to imitate. Not actors, not youtube videos of people showing how to do an accent, just normal every day people. You need to immerse yourself in the culture. So if you want to stand out on your profile by saying you can do up to 15 different accents please only do this if you can actually **do** said accent. It is very easy for natives to know if it sounds authentic.
Can you tell if your agent is submitting you on Actor's Access? by TerribleBanana4466 • last post Apr 24th
Is there a way to figure out how many submissions your agent is submitting you to?
The approval problem by daddymonster1 • last post Apr 24th
I really try not to fall into the trap of my sense of self-worth depending on someone's approval of me, but I can't escape it sometimes. I have a show tomorrow and we had a final rehearsal tonight that some local theatre people came to see, including my first acting coach, who I still work with in his theatre group and the shows that he directs. He's very nitpicky (which was, of course, good for my development as an actor) and doesn't really appreciate the work of the director of the show that I'm in now. The preview/rehearsal went kinda badly. I mean, it ran from beginning to the end with no interruptions but the energy was just down and mistakes were made. I am extremely unsatisfied with my performance, particularly at the start. I was so unconvinced by myself and I can't stop thinking about what the forementioned guy thought. I don't want to ask him until the show is over so it doesn't affect my performance tomorrow. But tonight I was the worst I've been in a while. I was so unnatural and I didn't feel relaxed at all. I'm disappointed in myself too, but I feel like I wouldn't be nearly as disappointed if my first acting coach didn't watch the show. How do I get rid of feeling like a failure when I give a bad performance in front of someone whose opinion really matters to me?
Torn on leaving a manager by sOcCeRQueen21 • last post Apr 24th
Keep going back and forth about wanting to move on from my manager, would love some weighing in! I've been with this manager for 1 year now, I've booked commercially while with them and small theatrical projects I've gotten on my own, but not through the manager yet. Here are the pros and cons. PROS: * Has a good handful of series regulars, clients in big studio features, although mostly are actors under 18. (I'm 28F) * Got me my commercial rep, who I love * For most things - responds very quickly, usually within a few hours * Sent a submission report once without me asking - just to discuss what I've been sent out on and what other classes/workshops I could take to better compete CONS: * Has a large roster for a manager - 75 clients on her own * Didn't respond when I brought up trying to bring on a theatrical rep * Can often be discouraging, i.e. in response to one audition I sent her she said "I've seen better from other people on this audition TBH", without offering any other feedback * Disliked my current headshots, which I loved, and had me get new ones. The vast concensus from classes/peers/CD workshops seems to be that the ones I loved were much better and looked more like me. She'll only use the ones she had me get. I hate those headshots! * Has only gotten me 3 auditions in a year So yeah, Idk. I've been told to move on, but it's hard. In my gut I don't feel like we're a fit, but she *did* get me my commercial rep, so I'd feel bad leaving when she did that for me. How do you guys handle these kinds of feelings?
Would going on Tinder negatively affect my public image as a soon to be Hollywood actor? by stalenmate • last post Apr 24th
I’m doing all I could to make my dreams come true, and I will not stop at anything. I really need & want a girlfriend (I’ve never had one before) and I’ve been trying talking with girls I meet but I haven’t gotten through with any yet. I’m just wondering if I should consider going on Tinder, but also concerned that it might not be a good idea, I don’t know. What do you think?
What do YOU wear to auditions? by clawhammer-cat • last post Apr 24th
I think a thread of talking about what we all wear to auditions could be a fun way to get to know the range of options depending on field, level, and person. I'll go first: I'm a regional stage actor. My go-to for auditions is black jeans that I can move in, my sneaky nice-looking casual shoes, and either a heather gray t-shirt or a long sleeve brown shirt. I wear my hair out ("down" if it didn't grow up) for auditions that are especially worried about my ethnicity, or in a topknot if not. I wear the most fun socks I can because nobody will see 'em. For dance auditions (edit: or fight call), I wear a tank top or the long sleeve brown shirt, and basketball shorts. I will still wear fun socks if I have to take my shoes off. Something I hope to never have to wear to an audition is a dress shirt and slacks. I can do one or the other, not both. I just don't feel like myself in them. I know I'll have to get over it one day soon.
I am a bit behind this week by Tracy A. Pearson • last post Apr 24th
If you could help me out with a lookey-loo I would appreciate it. Many thanks. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12117696/ While you are at it you can check out my latest Demo Reel on youtube - it's also up on IMDb.