We have found 19,247 posts across 4 actor forums:
Is a tear stick cheating? by KJHough • last post Apr 12th
Hello acting community. I still have not mastered the art of crying on cue. I am feeling the emotions of the scene however it seems I am never hydrated enough to cry or something. Dry eyes always but I definitely feel my body crying. I’m considering getting a tear stick until I get a hold on this. I think it might also be rooted in the shame my life and upbringing has attached to crying. I know those opinions are toxic that it’s not okay to cry because it is, however I can’t help but think that something is damaged in me keeping me from crying and I want to fix whatever that is however I feel I might need to use a tear stick until then because it will probs take a long time. Am I a terrible actor? I definitely feel I’m in it, but those tears aren’t coming. Help!
Should I sign up to IMDBPro? by Aniawd • last post Apr 12th
I’m 17, 18 in July. I’m thinking about how to start my acting career and I was wondering about IMDBPro. Is it a good site to start an acting career on, or is it more for experienced actors? I’m based in the UK.
Can Actors Follow Up with Casting Directors Who Follow Them Online? by froge_on_a_leaf • last post Apr 12th
The digital age is throwing us for some new loops, but I wanted to know if there is any way I could ask a casting director for feedback on an audition and if I should approach my agent about it or send a brief note myself. Recently, I've had some bigger auditions, and didn't overly think of them until a month later when the main casting directors followed my social media. I also worry like everyone else that my self-tapes aren't getting seen on platforms like CastingWorkbook so I would love a bit of feedback if nothing else. They also 'connected' with me on LinkedIn which is like, a step up from following. Is there any way I can take initiative here or should I just let it be? Thank you !
Spotlight Advice for UK actors by booboothefewl • last post Apr 12th
I am an actor who never went to drama school and had to build a career from scratch. A huge thing in the UK as an actor is having a spotlight profile. It is extremely difficult to get anywhere without it in terms of Agents and CD (aside from open calls). Many industry professionals view it as a stamp of approval, certifying you as a professional actor. In fact there was a situation where I was putting on a show with a few other actors. Myself and another cast member emailed a ton of agents many of which were over lapping. I had emailed first, a few weeks before she did, at the time I didn’t have a spotlight profile but had very strong headshots and showreel. I didn’t hear anything back which I was expecting, except from a very boutique agency who was interested. I figured there was no harm in trying. What I didn’t expect was that the other cast member with a spotlight, but not much more experience as me, similar strength headshot and showreel to me, did get responses. None of them were interested in them either but a week after sending their emails, they received ‘rejection’ and ‘we are not interested’ emails from agencies that had completely blanked me. I suppose they viewed them more as a professional actor and me as more amateur. Spotlight being the only difference. So now that I have gotten one through the 4 professional credit route, I’ll share my tips on how to do so. 1) whenever you are looking for a job bare attaining a spotlight profile in mind. Student films can be helpful but they don’t count as credits. Look out for open calls from casting directors, Backstage and Mandy can be helpful (not so much for me) but when using them look for paid listings and short films that will be entered into BAFTA qualifying festivals. Also if you are under the age of 25 try joining a reputable youth theatre or young company, you could get an agent through that, who could sponsor you to get one through the young actors profile or once you have done your performance many youth company keep in touch for other castings at the theatre. 2) remember that a human being will be reviewing your profile. There are many people who didn’t necessarily meet the parameters, but had something to redeem them. For example: you have been in 3 qualifying credits: but you have been going to a well known/ reputable acting class for 3 years/ you have been in tons of short films on top / you were in an unpaid film that then went on to be a massive success. 3) if you feel like you meet their criteria but when you apply you are rejected, email back. I have noticed through my own experience and other actors I know, if you haven’t gone to an accredited drama school or been in something huge that someone can immediately recognised, you are immediately rejected, however if you email them back with more info on your credits they tend to evaluate your profile more closely which can result in you being approved after immediate rejection. 4) be patient Those are my tips, but I also like to say that Spotlight may not be what you think. Many think that once they get a Spotlight they will be able to get castings for top productions on the BBC/ITV/ Netflix, however, especially when you’re unrepped it is more of a necessary evil. You are basically paying more for people to take you seriously. Many of the top castings that go out are sent out only to profiles who have agent listed even sometimes only those with top agents listed. However, a lot of agents and CD’s only take you seriously if you have one. So if you don’t already have an agent it can be almost useless to you in terms its service and actual purpose but having one can make a significant change to your position in the industry.
I was wondering, would yourecommend aspiring actors to try to start in videogames or to focus on movies? Is it so different that acting in a videogame would not give you contacts in the movie industry? Why no more actors start in videogames? why would you by alxbse34 • last post Apr 12th
I was wondering, new stars that had become famous in the last years, and talk about how hard it was, i feel like, since they really had talent, they could have also worked in videogames, before movies. Because i assume there are more actors going for movies than videogames. So i was wondering, why therre are more actors going for movies? Would you recommend aspiring actors to go to movies or videogames? Is it easier to succeed if you focus on only one industry or playing videogames also gives you hollywood contacts? Acting for videogames is different enough to not be completely attractive for movie castings? How much demanding is acting in a videogame, like in time not just acting, but time you get recognition. Why a lot of videogame actors are not as famous as movie actors? is it just the accesibility or the recognition, you recognize a movie actor faster than a videogame actor.
American actor looking at Vancouver by mars3429 • last post Apr 12th
I’ve been in nyc for nearly 8 years. I’m Sag-e and Ive done theatre and commercials. I’ve written some pilots (that never amounted to anything other than a learning experience). I am not new to the industry. I don’t want to stay in nyc and I don’t love LA. To continue with my craft at a high level, I feel that Vancouver could offer me a higher quality of life that bodes better with my personality, while still allowing for film and tv opportunities. I am more into nature and simplicity over nightlife and the scene. Do Canadian agencies represent American actors? Obviously americans film constantly in VC, but they’re being cast out of LA and nyc. Is there legitimacy to living in Seattle and snagging Vancouver reps? I’d love to have a peaceful personal life and a career. Thanks! ❤️
Confused on how commission works for an agent? by SelfTaughtSongBird • last post Apr 12th
Hello, first post here. I am not an actor-actor per say, I just work a few BG roles as my normal job. My brother is an actor however and when he signed with an agent my mom convinced me to sign too. She sent me an audition for a well known youtuber skit guy. I auditioned but they did not book me for that role. However, they work off a database of actors who previously auditioned and kept me in their system. I’ve been working several Bg roles for them. This morning they asked me for another non speaking role, which I said “yes” to but just noticed they also CC’d my agent. I went back and noticed they sporadically CC her when asking availability but not every time. And I’ve only worked/been asked for BG. How does commission work if she only sent me a speaking role that I didn’t book, but the content creators themselves continue to ask/book me for BG roles? I don’t want to get in trouble or jilt her, any advice is appreciated thank you.
What Are My Odds? by TinyTim3765 • last post Apr 12th
So before I get into it, yes, I understand completely that there are so many factors that go into being successful in voice over. My question is if I started voice acting in the next 2 weeks completely from scratch, focused on it for 7-8 hours a day, and 5-6 days a week just auditioning for everything possible, and marketing myself very hard, how likely would it be for me to start getting jobs within the next 3 or 4 months? Kinda just want to know if it's possible and if I'm thinking too ambitiously lol. Thanks voice actors of Reddit!
AUDIO DRAMA CASTING (PAID) - MALE (40's) by SubsisterPodcast • last post Apr 12th
Hello everyone, I'm casting a last minute role for my Audio Drama after the previous actor dropped out. This one is going to have a tight turnaround so I'll be looking to cast as early as possible. It's not a huge role but the rate will be $50. The character is named CLARENCE. He's a big fan of a reality TV show and writes fan fiction and podcasts about it in his spare time. As the title describes, he's a male in his 40's/50's. Here are a couple of lines. Send your auditions to [subsisterpodcast@gmail.com](mailto:subsisterpodcast@gmail.com) and I'll get back to you. Thank you everyone, have a great week! >Me? You think I-? I've never heard that clip before in my life. >To be honest, I'm not sure. I usually write full seasons out, usually Super Star seasons with lots of returning players. But, I just really had a strong sense to write this.
some casting people are getting straight up disrespectful.. by VariousTwo9032 • last post Apr 12th
getting 5 scenes to do 9+ pages with a ONE DAY deadline to do it all is absolutely ridiculous. Whatever COVID led to has meant casting throwing as much material as they can against a wall knowing full well they aren't watching more than a scene or two at most I just don't get. Have none of these casting people ever been actors before?? do they realize you aren't getting people's best work with such a limited time? If you like someone, just have them tape another scene or two on a callback? Giving SO much material off the bat is just disrespectful to the auditioners time, really frustrating bc this pattern has been going on a LONG TIME.
I Need Help Deciding What School to Attend by Flimsy-Recover5117 • last post Apr 11th
Hii!! This is my first post here ever, so please be nice. Decision day is coming up May 1st, im a senior in high school and currently i’ve been accepted to 3/6 of my top choices (i’m waiting to hear back from one more school) I will be majoring in acting in most of these schools, if not a theater major with a concentration in acting. My only issue is all three schools have me the same amount of help, financial aid, and scholarship money it’s hard for me to choose. My top three right now are Pace University in NYC, Temple University in Philadelphia, and University of Hartford in well Hartford. For context I do live in New York City, so these schools are also pretty close to home for be. Pace being VERY close to home. I’ve asked many peers where they think I should go and it’s been some mixed answers, so because of that I decided to ask reddit. I’ll list the benefits from each school. Pace University- Accepted to the Film for Acting in Television, Movie, and Commercial. Awarded a 91k scholarship and given 20k in financial aid, basically got a full ride for the school Temple University- Accepted into the theater program, given 20k in financial aid and accepted into the Fly 4 Grant Program University of Hartford- Accepted undecided, waitlisted for Actor Training. Given a 26k scholarship redeemable per semester As I mentioned I live in New York, I think I might be nervous about leaving home but I want to know what others think before a decision is made. Advice is welcomed!!!
Auditioning for female roles as a non-feminine woman. Anyone else relate? by bobasquish • last post Apr 11th
I just finished an audition and I’m feeling really disheartened. I’m a young girl who usually sticks to comedy. Stand up, improv, you name it. Not to toot my own horn but I’m really good at those things too. I’m well known in my area. I occasionally go out of my comfort zone to do traditional acting. I’ve been a lead in a play before and have also been cast in more serious roles. I don’t have the traditional “feminine” energy. I dress like a grandpa and I have very crass humor on stage. I get uncomfortable auditioning for more female roles because I know I don’t fit the part well. I’m tall and of a medium build. Today I said fuck it and went to audition for a sexy bimbo role. I was worried going into it because I knew I wouldn’t look like the traditional sexy blonde but I thought my humor would carry since it’s a comedy. Did my audition and got the most laughs out of everyone there. Then I got sent home after my short read. I’m feeling really disheartened right now and could use support. The other women going for the role had high heels on etc and I just felt so… out of place. I struggle with my femininity a lot and usually revert to comedy because comedy is about what you say not what you look like. Any other “non traditionally feminine” female actresses experience this? I feel so out of place among the other actresses sometimes. Makes me feel like stopping traditional theatre all together.
Any actors here who live in Chicago? by FadedSirens • last post Apr 11th
I currently live in a place where there isn't much work for actors - I'm starting to plan out the next steps in my life, and I've become really interested in moving to Chicago (mainly because the cost of living is so much lower there than LA or NYC). What is the acting scene like there? Good opportunities? Good agents? I want to do theatre as well as Film/TV work, and I have a BFA in Acting. Anyone who knows anything about what it's like to be a working actor in Chicago would be very appreciated.
Falling out of love with acting... or not feeling the magic anymore. How do you re-ignite your passion? by anonymousplatypus456 • last post Apr 11th
it's just been a way more depressing journey than i ever could have imagined. just so much sacrifice, for so little in return. the more time i put into this, the more unfairness I experienced and observe. people putting decades in for breadcrumbs vs lucky kids born into money plucked right away after college. i dont really know how to reconcile this anymore, because the "unjustness" of this reality hurts my brain. that, mixed with auditioning over 150 times over the past 2 years without booking anything other than short films, just self taping into the void, receiving no feedback, not feeling like i'm building any relationships with casting since I'm not actually meeting any of these people, it just all sucks. all i want to be doing is acting on set and i so rarely get to do it. to just put so much time into it and to have it all still feel so inaccessible after all these years just sucks so much. especialy due to money, and not meeting the right people to collaborate with, etc. etc. i don't know, i feel like im losing hope, im certainly not having fun, and i haven't felt the magic in a really long time. it seems like the real artists get trampled upon in this world, and the piss faces with money get their perspectives glorified and shown to the masses. do i even want to be a part of an industry that operates like this? plus covid and how fucked up the world is, i dont feel creative, i dont feel like even from a writing point of view like i have anyting to say anymore, this world is such a nightmare, poor people struggle no matter what, rich people just exploit us and gaslight us at every turn, fighting to get a short film made, like i just dont give a fuck anymore, what story is more important than the financial suffering of billions of people in poverty right now? i dont feel like hustling hard to get my "idea" out there is even important, in this world, after everything that has happened at this point. when 22 year old rich kids get handed keys to the castle and i'm waiting tables next to 55 year old co-star actors. it's just all fucked and i dont know if i have it in my soul to keep pursuing this.
Getting Back in the Game - But Can't Find Auditions (NYC) by jlm792 • last post Apr 11th
Hi all. I just moved back to NYC from LA last month and I'm ready to get back into the acting game. I went to NYU and got my BFA in acting and then moved out to LA to pursue it about four years ago. Didn't have much luck in LA, and then COVID hit and I sort of took a step back from the industry. I just moved back to the East Coast and am looking to get back in the game here in NYC, but cannot find auditions. Like I mentioned, I went to NYU and lived here for two years post grad so I'm familiar with the scene. I'm on all the usual sites (Actor's Access, Casting Networks, Backstage, etc) but somedays there are literally 0 roles I fit on any of the sites. Are other actors feeling like this? What are you doing to get auditions? I've been in the acting world for the last decade, and while I did take a break the last year or so, I am very familiar with this industry. I've taken a million different types of classes and workshops (theatre, on-camera, commercial) both here and in LA and have professional headshots, a reel, and a BFA. However, I'm still non-union and my "type" is extremely saturated but I'm really not sure what else I can be doing. I'm going to be getting back into class next month and I've taken a couple CD workshops through One on One/Actor's Connection but they never seem to amount to anything even with follow ups and getting good feedback.. I know there's not much anyone can do, I'm just curious if others are feeling like there's a lack of auditions on the sites. Previously, I feel like I could at least find a few things to submit for everyday. I know the major appointments come through agents/managers but I haven't been able to find rep and feel like I need to freshen up my resume and reel with some new credits before reaching out, ideally something that is more "legit" but I don't know how to do that. Guess I'm just looking for any thoughts from any NY based actors.
Is Florence Pugh a good actor? by Jazzlike-Moment-6923 • last post Apr 11th
Is Florence Pugh a good actor? I’ve seen many mixed opinions on this
I want to be an actor, but I have minor appearance issues, among other things. by krb501 • last post Apr 11th
Hi, I'm in my 30s and I kind of want to become an actor, but I feel like my appearance would hinder me. I'm kind of fat, for one thing. I know we've got body positivity and stuff going on in the media, but I'm still self-conscious about it. I've tried to lose weight, but I have trouble starving myself. Plus, when I get back to eating normally, I just put the weight back on. It wouldn't bother me so much, but I present as female, so I look pregnant. Eww, gross, right? Also, I'm not super comfortable wearing makeup. I get acne easily, I think, and I don't want to deal with the maintenance that might come with wearing and removing makeup. I guess I shouldn't be that bummed about being overweight, but it's just the way the weight settles on me. I don't look like anyone I've seen on TV, even people who weigh significantly more than me because the shape isn't right; it's almost all in my belly, face, and neck. I'm also just not very expressive. I'd probably have to take acting classes to understand how people "act" naturally .... I was thinking about hiring a disability life coach, but I'm wondering if I should also consider hiring an acting coach. What are your experiences?
where should I move to? by bellafairyyy • last post Apr 11th
I'm an actor living in the north of the UK. I know that there's so much work down south, in and around the London area. However, so many people I know in the industry are making the move to Canada because of how much is now filmed over there. Would I be wasting my money if I moved to London, is Canada really where it's at instead?
Had my first paid live directed session today and idk how to feel by KobeKastle • last post Apr 11th
So this is my first live directed session. Up till now I’ve had like 13 paid voice jobs (not many) but I only send auditions in as a mean to see what sticks and where my skills are and if I find my skills are lack luster I get coaching. Overall I’m a very insecure actor and voice talent and think there’s no way I could EVERRR compete with the top players in the industry. My live session was immediate. They just told me what was what and said ROLLING
Ongoing solo professional practice by louisasnotes • last post Apr 11th
I have just finished reading a great book on Acting dating from about 50 years ago. Amongst the 'tops' were several exercises that actor can do alone to maintain their sharp edge for upcoming auditions and bookings. I'm interested to see what actors, here, do to 'keep their hand in' bearing in mind the restrictions of our craft.