We have found 19,248 posts across 4 actor forums:
Question for Meisner Students/Meisner Technique Actors by rainbowsprinkles14 • last post Jan 11th
Sorry for then length here, but would love to discuss! I had studied with a Meisner-based instructor about a decade ago, and have since studied techniques like Method (Strasberg) and Adler-- but I was revisiting the book Meisner On Acting, and I still get a bit conflicted with parts of his teaching fundamentals and how it seems to contradict certain aspects of auditioning and performing. (For context, I mostly do on-camera work now) For example, I know that getting out of your head and acting instinctually is important, but I feel like all of my script analysis, choices, and character development in preparation for understanding the story/scene and the character's backstories goes out the window when you get a really weird scene partner or audition reader while acting off of instinct in playing directly off of their energy in that moment. To explain, while I understand that it's very amateur and unprofessional to ever blame your scene partner, (if they're new to acting or whatnot, and the scene doesn't appear to have a connection or flow) and I'm not blaming anyone, but just as an example, I had a scene partner who frankly looked physically uncomfortable acting in front of a class and seemed as though he was just focused on spitting out his lines in one note before he forgot them-- which was totally the opposite of how the nature of his character in the scene was written-- So, my instincts were playing off of that and his energy, (while sticking to the dialogue, of course) instead of trying to "stick to my choices" in my head, which would go against the very basis of the Meisner technique. Needless to say, the scene came across as extremely awkward. The instructor questioned me on why I was playing my role so differently than how the character was written, (brassy, full of sass on the outside, but secretly lonely), and it was simply because my instincts were going off how my scene partner was behaving while continuing the scripted dialogue verbatim, which understandably came across as very odd given what the scene and characters were about. This might be an extreme example in the particular scene partner I was with, but my point is that this can occur in a myriad of acting situations. Again-- I do not want to come across as like I'm making excuses or blaming anyone else for what goes on, as we know anything can happen, especially in scenarios like casting directors/readers who don't give you much to bounce off of in the audition room and we gotta make it work! But my question is how people who follow the Meisner Technique handle this approach to acting while also using their choices, backstory, objectives, understanding the story, etc. Thanks!
Any actors you find overrated? by Early-Psychology7966 • last post Jan 11th
I find Renée Zellweger very overrated. I hardly think any of her performances are that convincing.
State of Submissions by BinThrowaway7 • last post Jan 11th
I usually get this kind of info from classes / my circle of actor friends but I’ve been kind of a hermit through the pandemic so putting it on here. What’s the current state of things in terms of submitting materials to agents? I have new headshots and finished putting together a new reel this week and would like to start submitting, but in normal times the next month is the beginning of pilot season. Is pilot season getting back to normal? I picked up the UTD Theatricals Agents Directory and it seems to have a lot of people looking. EDIT: Forgot to say I’m in NYC.
Backstage or AA? by princess-2021 • last post Jan 10th
Hello, I hope you are all doing well! I live in NYC and I have been wanting to be an actress for a long time. I have taken acting classes for 4 years but I feel like I am falling behind because I do not have an agent, headshots, and reel etc. I feel like doing backstage can help me get me a reel and towards an agent. But I am having a lot of doubts if it's worth it. I was considering Actors Access but most of them want headshots and reels which I obviously do not have. I don't want to be too late at this, I feel like I stalled so much for this :/ I'm losing hope in a way but any advice to help me get me started and if I should start with backstage to get me started with everything would mean a lot :)
Is fivver that bad? by junkthrowaway8 • last post Jan 10th
I’m doing everything I can to learn before I start a career and lean into my artistry inside but whilst doing so I’ve heard that fivver actors get black listed or are looked down upon. Anyone with experience have anything to say on this and how truthful it may be?
Experiences with Talent Link through Actor's Access? by dpb73ca • last post Jan 10th
$35/month and they supposedly submit your profile to agents and managers. This would be for Los Angeles in my case. Like anything, I've heard good and bad. Obviously, it's going to depend in part at least, on the quality of your profile but I'd love to hear anyone's experiences. $35 ain't steep and you can cancel anytime so I'm probably going to give it a go for at least a month.
Kate Micucci and Kristen Schaal were the breakout voice actresses of the 2010s. by Emotional-Chipmunk12 • last post Jan 10th
Kristen gained major fame from her roles as Louise Belcher, Mabel Pines, and Sarah Lynn and Kate went from small roles and side characters in shows like Ben 10: Omniverse and Steven Universe to main characters like Velma, Webby Vanderquack, and Dr. Fox in the span of a few years.
Questions from a non actor - so forgive my ignorance by REFlorida • last post Jan 10th
Hi So non actor here who's experience doesnt surpass that I dressed up as a rat in a Pipe Piper school play once and did an open mic night at a comedy club and was meh. I watch movies, I watch TV and have a few acting friends(one had a role in a pirates of the Caribbean movie and then back to struggle town) and my question is this. I apologise if they are dumb but I always wondered ​ 1) - While there are some very good actors my uneducated brain seems to notice a bunch of people who kinda are average but just look the part and get a role. In a "someone good looking enough who could hold a conversation/wasnt a complete horror could probably do a year of acting classes and do that role" - Im aware of the old adage of "If they make it look easy they are good" but even so. ​ 2) what are the odds of making it as a career i..e. you make enough money from being on TV or movies and not going into other aspects of it like production etc ​ 2B) Is it like an athlete that if you aren't a name by a certain age you are kinda out of luck (I feel this could be more something female actors face with the main character a lot of the time being an under 30's girl) ​ 3) - how likely is a rocky / always sunny situation where you are unknown and write something and basically become huge. ​ finally - how important is social media and having followings on YouTube etc to be selected as I see more and more Social media / YouTubers making name for themselves. ​ final final - unrelated but I always wanted to be an extra in a movie, thought it would be a cool experience. Any suggestions on how I could do that (im aware it is 100% different to acting) just thought it would be cool ​ Thanks for taking the time
Open audition for energetic males and females by LalloMachine • last post Jan 10th
We are starting auditions this week for actors/ actress for our company. Must be 18+ this is 100% remotely work.
Made a short with New Actor David Alvarez from West Side Story! by lukeamomo • last post Jan 10th
What are some warm ups you should do to get into the groove of voice acting? by Tuershenn • last post Jan 10th
I'm currently a beginner in voice acting so I'm not very familiar of what typical voice actors do to get them warned up. I usually just warm up my voice just like how I would when I sing, and then I do tongue twisters and that's about it. Are there any other things I should do to make me feel more ready? Maybe it's because I'm a beginner but I still feel after I warm up I can't seem to express my emotions through my voice and I feel like that could be fixed with better warm ups?
Main role to supporting role by Strict_Carpenter_661 • last post Jan 10th
How do you guys think actors feel from being the main role from one production to a supporting role from another production. E.g. Wentworth Miller from prison break to Legends of Tomorrow
How to stay safe online while using Twitch connected to my (real name) acting Instagram? by TeaSconesDragonBones • last post Jan 10th
Hey all! I’m an actor who has just begun a streaming hobby, and I’m loving it so far. I want to link up my Twitch activity with my acting Instagram, because I feel they’ll go hand in hand, but my Instagram is aligned with my real name for actor branding. I do want to make sure I’m staying safe as possible when I do this, and that I don’t expose myself to being swatted or doxxed. I’m going online and erasing accounts I have that are connected to my address and previous workplaces, but are there any other precautions I can take before I make my real name accessible to my streaming audience? Thanks for any input!
Does anyone have any experience with contract negotiation? by RicePaddyFarmer69 • last post Jan 10th
I just got a short film script of mine accepted by a producer! We estimate about $25k for expenses and film festival submission fees - of that, I am on the hook for $5k and the production company will take care of the rest. I'd receive top billing as an actor, as well as Written By and Story By as well as a 50% cut of revenues. I'll attach a blacked-out (blued out?) image of the contract with more details: [https://imgur.com/a/xI7CgQV](https://imgur.com/a/xI7CgQV) Overall, I think it's more than fair, but I just wanted some people familiar with the industry to sanity check it for me! Love you all <3
Central Casting - not working? by goinghardinthetaint • last post Jan 10th
Does anyone know if central casting is accepting new background actors at the moment? Or maybe the website isn't working? I've checked multiple times a day for the past week to try and register an appointment, but the the calendar is always greyed out and the time under "checking times ..." never shows a time where they will post more dates. Any help appreciated!
[Hiring!] Actors for generating testimonial / UGC style advertisements! ($50-200 / project) by Art_Scripts • last post Jan 10th
Hi everyone! Sorry if this isn’t allowed - Please inform me and we’ll take the post down. Our agency is looking for a few talented content creators interested in creating content on a repeat basis at a rate of $10 / video, with each project usually including at least 5 videos, to upwards to 20+ ($50-$200). To elaborate, you’d usually be recording yourself while seated or in selfie mode reciting a script for short form ads. Brief example given here; “So I just downloaded {insert brand here} and ive been obsessed. I get the best offers sent right to my phone, so im not browsing endlessly anymore. Plus its free this week so ya’ll gotta go check it out, I already saved $300!” A read of this script would pay $10, and each project would include various scripts. We usually assign 3-4 projects a month! If you’re interested in working with large brands on a variety of products please shoot me a message and include your reel or any social media / previous work. Further requirements: - High definition visual recording capability (iPhone X+ or professional camera) - High quality audio recording capability - Lighting setup / ability to record with optimal lighting. *Please note this is contract work, and not an full / part time employee position. Looking forward to hearing from everyone!
Tips for actors who “go blank” in the middle of a performance. by Kaleidoscope-Vision • last post Jan 10th
This happened to me A LOT when I first started out. I’d be in the middle of a scene and just completely freeze out of nowhere, despite analyzing my character and memorizing like my life depended on it. I started to get really down on myself about it to the point where I considered giving up acting all together. If you chronically struggle with this I suggest that you consider whether you suffer from trauma and if you do, how do you cope with it? I personally had an extremely traumatic childhood and I learned early on to “check out” as a way to cope with distressing situations. Well that worked when I was a child but it didn’t help so much with the other areas of my life, including acting. I realized I was going blank during performances because my body was responding to the stakes/tension/conflict of the scene as if I, the actor, were in actual danger. I was essentially dissociating on stage. No amount of intellectual analysis or memorization could prevent this from happening so knew I had to readjust my approach and focus heavily on my body. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years to stay grounded in performance: 1. If you are able, see a therapist who specializes in trauma so you can begin to process your unique responses to trauma with a safe person. IFS therapy, in my opinion is great for actors because it explores the different facets of the psyche. EMDR is also great. Both are trauma focused. 2. Ground yourself into the present moment throughout the day. Literally imagine your feet have roots that are connected to the core of the earth. 3. I know it’s cliche but practice meditation, yoga, breath work, etc. It will help you develop more awareness of your surroundings as well as build your tolerance for uncomfortable thoughts, sensations and feelings in your body. I swear by the box breathing method. 4. Take care of your body through proper sleep, rest, nutrition, hydration and exercise. You are more likely to dissociate when your body is feeling depleted. 5. Notice when/if you check out or go blank throughout your day and practice bringing your attention back to your surroundings or your breath. This will prepare you to respond in the same way if it happens during an actual performance. 6. This one is huge: DO NOT study with anyone who makes you feel unsafe. We all know the type of coaches I’m talking about…the ones who belittle, humiliate, dismiss or otherwise harm their actors. They are seriously not worth a second of your time and if you have a history of trauma you are at a high risk of getting retraumatized. Find someone you feel safe with, it may take time but you deserve a supportive coach. 7. Have a pre and post performance ritual for yourself. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. It could be as simple as privately repeating a mantra to yourself. The idea is that the rituals will act as book ends to contain your performance and help you step in and out of character. 8. Find ways to calm your nervous system. Some examples are dance, singing, humming, yoga and cold showers. 9. Record and track your triggers in a journal so you can become aware of possible ways to approach and cope with them in the future. 10. Remind yourself that you are on stage/set to have fun! Acting is not therapy but one of the reasons it can be therapeutic is because it is playful. Put your attention on your scene partner(s) and allow yourself freedom to play. This ended up being way longer than I expected! It might not resonate with everyone but I hope it helps someone out there! A lot of acting training covers some of the stuff I mentioned but I think it might be useful to look at it from a different angle. Edit: forgot to mention to try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and drugs as these can make anxiety worse.
Advice on pursuing acting by kickdooowndooors • last post Jan 10th
Hi guys! Hope you’re all doing well. I’m 20, in my second year of four at university in the UK, studying engineering. I’ve always been passionate about drama (got experience with school theatre as well as short films), and have for a long time wanted to make it my profession. Thing is, I know how hard it is to succeed in the industry, so I pursued my academic strengths and put acting to one side. The plan (agreed to by my supportive parents) was to get a degree leading to a good industry, and then take a year out straight after uni to try acting full time. If it didn’t work, I had a strong backup. I should say I do love the area I’m studying, and am not opposed to working in it later on. I’m just far more interested in acting on screen. My problem is that I’m finding a lot of family members being less encouraging about the plan as I get closer to enacting it (no pun intended). My mum and uncle recently tried to persuade me to go straight into engineering, and leave acting for when I’m 30 or so. My uncle’s slightly contradictory argument was that he once wanted to be a musician, went into law for 20 years, and then tried music, but didn’t make it and found he wasn’t actually very good. Or talked about my other uncle, who wanted to be a fashion designer, was doing well and was then encouraged by them to go into law. He’s now a slightly sad Goth who can’t let go of his youth. Tbf he does have a nightclub. Ended up just reminding me of the Going Out Of Business shop in You Don’t Mess With The Zohan. I’m just worried that if I listen to them, I’ll get to 30 and probably decide that my career isn’t worth giving up for a dream I had when I was a kid. Or if I do, I’ll have missed the boat. I don’t want to be another old man who had a dream but wasted his life lmao. I’m currently waiting for auditions to a uni play to open. Can’t hurt to make absolutely sure I’m actually a good actor and not just delusional
Neurodivergent people on this subreddit, has learning how to act helped you mask in social situations? by Normie_account_ • last post Jan 9th
Im not an actor, but I was diagnosed with autism a month or so ago. My inability to socialize suddenly made a lot more sense, and I was wondering if acting would help me mask myself better. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Im sorry if this isnt that relevant to the sub
Is there a way to filter clients when looking at agencies on IMDBPro? by TheRadHatter9 • last post Jan 9th
Doing my research before sending out submissions and for some agencies it'd *really* help to be able to see how many actors they have that are *at least* in my age range. I've generally been scrolling through the first 100 clients and just noting how many are similar to me to have a general idea of how "rare" I'd be on their roster (although any agency with 50+ clients has at least several with my look, so I'm not naive about it). But with agencies that have 300+ clients, they could have 100+ clients similar to me and I wouldn't know it.