All your actor related feeds in one place  •  Actor's Forum

Log in to Actor's Forum to favorite the posts you're interested in and discard the ones you don't want to see again.
Access filtering functionality, search and more... It's FREE!

We have found 19,446 posts across 4 actor forums:

We need your art!! by Courtney Warner  •  last post Apr 1st

Good Morning everyone here at Stage 32! Good to be here. Has anyone ever read “We Need  Your Art Stop Messing Around  and Make Something” written by Ami McNee. It really resonated with me, because it explains that our society needs art, because it is the most important tools we have for self development. Art is a mirror for humanity. There is a misconception that we are not worthy of making it worthwhile. This is why I do what I do and don’t feel bad about it. 

Directing the Actor: A USC course with Nina Foch by Eloise Anne  •  last post Apr 1st

A while ago, I took an online acting course; a USC course with Nina Foch, filmed at the University of Southern California in 2002


As a 'late starter', I found the course such an eye-opener, full of advice that (in my opinion) holds up incredibly well today. Just three minutes into the introduction I was pausing to note things down, and still find myself bringing the learnings to the surface in my acting. 

If anybody else has taken this course, or else knows of Nina Foch's work (may she rest in peace), I'd love to hear people's thoughts! 

https://www.udemy.com/course/directing-the-actor-a-usc-course-with-nina-foch/?srsltid=AfmBOorvo8JX3RYMzSs-Nrcm-y4b6d9EHCf-7BRAEZ_Y1sF-XDM7ir9B

These 2 Stand-In Secrets Changed My Acting Career by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Mar 31st

These 2 Stand-In Secrets Changed My Acting Career

https://youtu.be/vZPdn3dZbro
Have you ever done stand-in work or have insightful on-set acting experiences? If so, please share them here and on the Acting and Modeling Quick Tips Channel.

Is SAG in Control of Its Members? by Philip David Lee  •  last post Mar 30th

Rachel Zegler is rumored to be suing Disney for...... well, I'm not sure.She has single handily destroyed any good will between her and a movie audience with her attitude. Not everything she said was all that damaging, but she did not stop it when she had the chance and her follow up comments only made it worse.


Maybe....Disney should sue SAG/AFTRA. Rachel is one of their union members of which Disney is obligated to use. So if a union worker loses money for the people that are forced to hire actors from the union, shouldn't the company be reimbursed by the union? SAG is always talking up the concept of "Premier Talent" or "Bankable talent" so they can charge studios more to use their members because they'll bring in profits from the box office. So if one of their union talents does the opposite, doesn't that constitute fraud in some sense. Yes, Disney didn't have to use Rachel Zegler, but were they warned ahead of time that Rachel was an oral loose cannon?

Disney fired Gina Carano for a post that was nothing until they made it something.Gina sued and won as she deserved to, but Rachel is kind of another story. Rachel proudly boasted that she didn't need anyone's business if they didn't agree with her.

It'll be interesting how history remembers these pages being written. It will also be interesting if investors and producers learn a valuable lesson as well. I would hope actors are figuring this out.

Coffee & Content: What Does the Future of Hollywood Look Like? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Mar 30th


Sharing RB's blog about:
 How technology is reshaping power dynamics in Hollywood
The practical uses of AI for writers, filmmakers, animators, post-pros, and producers
Whether these shifts are opening new doors or making the industry more complex

https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-what-does-the-future-of-hollywood-look-like-4055

Personally it has opened my eyes to thinking a bit more about who holds the power to shape our art and whether I choose to give them that power or not. 

Controlling versus Letting Go In The Creative Process by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Mar 30th

Controlling versus letting go and trusting is on my mind recently. This polarity relates to how we approach life, the creative process and also our acting. 
Viola talks about not trying to control the outcome of a performance. She says: “Whatever I work with at home I only take it to a certain extent,….you gotta say 'yes' to your partner. If they're giving you a line in a certain way, guess what? You gotta get up off your 'A-double-snakes' and use that. - Viola Davis

I find letting go and trusting the process frightening and I don’t think I’m the only one. There isn’t one magic tool that can help us to do that.  
The recent discussions we’ve had about Improv, Meisner and Method can help us to let go in acting. More broadly we can work on challenging unhelpful beliefs, trying to reinforce more helpful ones, feeling the fear and doing it anyway. We can also work on our sense of safety in our body as we control to try to feel safe.

An EMDR tool I use to activate the neural networks related to safety is to imagine myself in a very safe situation vividly. I see the place, smell the smells, feel the body sensations and really bring in the feeling of safety in my body. I then tap bi-laterally left-right-left-right on my body to reinforce the feeling whilst telling myself “I am Safe’. I thought this might be helpful for others.

Curious to hear how you navigate letting go and trusting the creative process?

SAG-AFTRA Warn Casting Websites Against Charging for Auditions by Jack Binder  •  last post Mar 29th

SAG-AFTRA has sent out a notice to casting websites offering auditions and charging actors. This is illegal in NY and California. Check out the article:


https://deadline.com/2024/01/sag-aftra-letter-casting-websites-charging-fees-auditions-1235798882/

5 Tools You Need To Build A Voiceover Business by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Mar 29th

Melanie Scroggins shares her list of the five essential tools you need to build a voiceover business in today’s blog.

This is a great blog for anyone who wants to build a voiceover business!

If you have any questions about building a voiceover business, post them in the blog comments so Melanie and other members in the community can answer them. If you have any experience building a voiceover business and you want to share tips/insight, post them in the comments too.

www.stage32.com/blog/5-tools-you-need-to-build-a-voiceover-business-4054

Check Out the Ask Me Anything Event Today (Friday) and Tomorrow (Saturday) with James C. Clayton by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Mar 28th

James C. Clayton—a Canadian filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and actor with 25 years of experience. He’s best known for his work on Lionsgate’s Bullet Proof and its sequel Get Fast (now streaming on Amazon Prime), and he’s currently prepping his next action-thriller feature, Briefcase, 8, which he wrote, is producing, directing, and starring in.


James will be answering questions in real time while actively prepping for production—giving you a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to take a script from the page to the screen.

Whether you want to know how to make your scripts more director-friendly, understand where writers and directors often clash, or learn how to stay involved once their script is in motion—this is the moment to ask.
Curious how many of your actors also write?

How That ‘White Lotus’ Monologue Came Together: Sam Rockwell, His Acting Coach and a Leap of Faith by Richard "RB" Botto  •  last post Mar 28th

Insightful article on Sam Rockwell, his process and his relationship with his long time acting coach.


And, of course, that WHITE LOTUS monologue.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/sam-rockwell-white-lotus-monologue-acting-coach-1236175014/

Anyone Here I can ask an NDA question of. by Jill Godley  •  last post Mar 28th

Does anyone have time for a quick Zoom? I have a question about an NDA. 

Let’s Talk Negotiation, Self-Worth & Longevity in Acting by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Mar 27th

Hey Actors!

Whether you loved Grey’s Anatomy or not, there’s no denying Ellen Pompeo made a massive impact and she fought hard to know and demand her worth as a lead actress.

In this recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Ellen sits down with Alex Cooper to talk candidly about:

- Navigating double standards in the industry

- Becoming the highest-paid woman on network television

- Salary negotiations and advocating for herself

- Her thoughts on Meredith’s most iconic moments (and chaotic dating life)

- What it really takes to last in this business

Watch it here >> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jex1tGfWpno 

It’s such a raw, empowering conversation especially for actors navigating career longevity, contracts, and the pressure to “just be grateful.” It’s a reminder that knowing your value is not the same as being difficult.

Let’s open this up for discussion:

Have you ever had to negotiate your value as an actor? What’s one thing you’ve learned about advocating for yourself in this industry?

Drop your thoughts below. Let’s learn from each other’s journeys.

Casting a series in Europe by Sabrina Culver  •  last post Mar 27th

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36304453/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk European based actors especially based in Amsterdam/ Belgium we will be looking for a few people to round out our cast in the next few months

Do You Use Music To Develop Your Characters? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Mar 26th

Hey all!

I've just been reading the answers that Rob Lowry is posting in his AMA today and tomorrow. I felt inspired and wanted to share here. He explained he sometimes gives character playlists with actors or the party playlist if there is a party in the film. This is fun and exciting to me and reminded me about what i've heard recently. Namely that music reaches many parts of the brain including those to do with motion, memory, and reward.  Including the retrieval of autobiographical memories which allows actors to access personal experiences that resonate with their character's journey. This process, known as Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memory (MEAM), can lead to more authentic and emotionally rich performances.  I found this video on the impact of music on emotional memory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhoaU34HQxY
What are your thoughts? And what is the song/piece of music that most helped you when developing a character? 

Taking the temperature of the room vs. Setting the temperature by Matthew Cornwell  •  last post Mar 26th

In our weekly video that we released Monday, I talk about the metaphor of being a thermometer vs. a thermostat. Waaaaay too often, actors fall into the trap of being the thermometer. That is, taking the temperature of the room. Trying to figure what is the accurate answer to how to play the role. Owning a taping service for over 15 years, I see this EVERY DAY.


A much more powerful approach is to be the thermostat. SET the temperature of the room. And the room can be your self-tape studio, a Zoom callback, in-person audition, or being on set.

If you don't take ownership over the role and confidently bring your signature performance, then you risk becoming a carbon copy of the other 80% of actors who are all being thermometers, trying to gauge "what Casting wants." 

SET the temperature.

Now, the rub is that it takes years of training and experience to get to a place of understanding this concept (specifically what your signature performance is), because blind arrogance is just as bad as being completely passive. I guess in the metaphor that arrogance is like being a broken thermostat? The metaphor isn't perfect ;)

Here's the video from our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/7EJDM0u9OcQ

FREE live webinar with Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival by Leonardo Ramirez  •  last post Mar 25th

This Wednesday, March 26, Stage 32 is hosting a FREE live webinar with Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, moderated by our very own Managing Director Amanda Toney.
Why this webinar matters:
•    Learn how to use your badge to its full potential
•    Build a strategic schedule and navigate key venues (Palais, Riviera, Village International)
•    Understand what buyers and collaborators are actually looking for in 2025
•    Avoid common missteps and gain a tactical advantage
•    Walk into Cannes with confidence and purpose
•    Register here: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-navigate-the-cannes-film-festival-marche-du-film-1

How Does The 'Right' Music Turn Your Performance As an Actor into a 'Goosebumps' moment? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Mar 25th

Come and find out in the next "Ask Me Anything' Session Tomorrow Wednesday in the Composing Lounge with acclaimed music supervisor Rob Lowry. Rob will be answering questions over a full 24-hour period about Using Music as a Narrative Tool in film and TV—a must-follow topic for filmmakers, producers, composers, editors, and storytellers of all kinds. He currently has three films in theaters right now—Companion, Heart Eyes, and Novocaine—and this is a rare opportunity for our community to hear directly from one of the most in-demand music supervisors working today.


He’s been featured in Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, THR, and more—and this is a huge opportunity for our members to gain insight from someone who has helped shape the sound of modern cinema.

Here's the link  https://www.stage32.com/lounge/composing/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-3-26-Using-Music-as-a-Narrative-Tool

These 3 Self-Tape Editing Mistakes Will Ruin Your Audition: Watch and Avoid Them by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Mar 24th

These 3 Self-Tape Editing Mistakes Will Ruin Your Audition: Watch and Avoid Them


https://youtu.be/vUu-vEFCzbI

Do you have a great audition tip? If so, please share it here so we can all learn from you.

My New Website

Want to let you know that I have a new website: https://howtoactandmodel.com/

You can sign up there to be on my special mailing list. I send out helpful industry information. And, after signing up, you will receive a great video: 6 Secrets to Mastering Home Auditions.

Read about How A24 Became One of the Most Iconic Indie Brands in Film And Consider Which Negative Beliefs Are Holding You Back by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Mar 23rd

In his blog today RB gives us a video about A24 the film distribution and production company. I was particularly interested in their strategy of not spending loads on mainstream marketing but finding ways to do viral marketing, which worked! Here is the link https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-breakthroughs-brands-letting-go-of-what-holds-you-back-4048
RB then goes on to urge us to let go of negative beliefs, emotions and experiences that are not serving us in our creative careers. Coincidentally I was thinking about this today. I reflected that I had an ‘unworthy’ (of success) belief lurking around in the background. Rationally I believe I’m totally worthy of success (and success means different things to different people). However I realised the above from certain responses and reactions i had observed in myself. For example a split second of thinking ‘oh gosh, I don’t know if I can help them’ or feeling like an imposter when a new client wants to work with me. I notice these negative beliefs in my clients too and how they can lead to self-sabotage. For example, not putting oneself forward for things, not fully selling oneself or really going for what we want. The way I tackled this belief today, and one way I suggest to clients, is to write down all the counter-evidence. All the reasons why we are worthy of success or whatever the belief is.

So, with this in mind, i'm interested, what negative beliefs, emotions or experiences are you ready to let go of that you believe are delaying or blocking your creative process and progress?

Actors: My Advice as a Manager by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Mar 21st


One of the biggest traps actors fall into is settling. Don’t do it. You’ve got something special don’t aim to be good when you have the potential to be great. Push yourself. Keep learning, sharpening your talent, and stay in classes and workshops.

Don’t get lost in the weeds. Headshots, agents, managers, auditions, they matter. But zoom out and look at the big picture. Keep your eyes on your larger vision. That’s what shapes your path.

This business is all about relationships. Learn to connect, really connect. Listen. Make a genuine impression one that isn’t just handing over a resume. Volunteer at events, go to festivals, attend mixers for industry professionals.

Stay grounded. I love ambition, but be real about where you’re at. If you’re just starting out, maybe don’t expect your agent to book you the lead in a huge network series tomorrow. Aim high but keep your feet on the ground while you reach up.

Sometimes, just listen. You don’t always have to fill the space. You can learn so much just by observing especially from those with more experience.

Be skeptical. This industry is full of noise. Just because someone says they booked a pilot doesn’t mean it’s true. Sometimes “pilot” means a YouTube sketch their roommate filmed on an iPhone. Take it all with a grain of salt.

Not every opportunity is a good one. If something feels off, it’s okay to say no, whether it’s a sketchy photographer or a role that crosses your boundaries. Trust your instincts.

Keep taking creative risks. You made a bold move pursuing acting don’t stop now. Stay open, stay curious, and keep challenging yourself.

Take care of your head and heart. Rejection is part of the job, but it doesn’t define you. Learn to move through it without letting it break you.

Most importantly live your life. Don’t pause it for your career. Acting is about channeling real human experience, and you can’t do that if you’re not living. Make time for the people, places, and passions that feed your spirit. It’ll serve you well as an actor, and as a human being.