We have found 19,250 posts across 4 actor forums:
Why Do Some Voice Actors Struggle with the Letter R? by GaryTerzza • last post Jan 3rd
Acting - Social Anxiety by breakdance_guard • last post Jan 3rd
Hey guys, I have chronic and paralyzing social anxiety and very low self esteem. Now that that's out of the way, I've been researching ways to combat that and found that acting or improv can help a tremendous deal to people getting out of their shells and be assertive, healthy and quick on their feet and their mind. Also, I have some lofty ambitions, and want to direct a short film, so I want to be able to talk to and direct actors, on top of just talking/recruiting the crew, carrying myself well on set (I've crewed on sets before). I am wondering what programs (in-person only and NYC) I can sign up for to get a handle of my anxiety. I've been reading up on different schools and "methods." For some reason, Stella Adler is calling to me, I like the holistic emphasis it espouses on paper about the actor having to take care of themselves at all times. At the same time, it is very theatre heavy and seems to focus mainly on being the character rather than being yourself. I am a die hard researcher and history fan though, so that's a plus for Stella Adler. I think Adler's focus on script analysis is also key because I am approaching acting in a multidisciplinary way. I am interested in their spring introductory programs: [here](https://www.stellaadler.com/classes/workshops/) I am wondering if the price tag of $2000 for the program is fair? I definitely need voice work. I think that is the area I will need the most help and development as well as improv skills. The only other "technique" based schools I can think of that's popular and open are the Meisner based ones. I am not sure which ones are good and which ones are worth the tuition, but they do seem to emphasize being your natural spontaneous self. Any opinions on Meisner? I am not sure about Strasberg or any of the method schools. I have a lot of trauma, maybe that can help me, maybe it won't, but I did take a few acting lessons. One of my acting teachers mentioned that affective memory is unreliable and can change over time. Also, I prefer not driving myself insane. I am neurotic enough already. Finally, I heard Improv can help with social anxiety. I understand it is not quite acting? But you can improv a whole character and scene from nothing? I'm imaging it would help someone think on their feet and adapt to any kind of interaction and help develop thicker skin (though I'm sure actors are trained to have very thick skin). The only one that seems to have regular open classes is the PIT? and maybe the Magnet? The Magnet seems to run out of space quick though. I wrote a lot but I am not sure where else to ask. Anyone able to chime in? Maybe recommend a different sub to ask this question in?
Improv Classes in NYC by enharmonia • last post Jan 3rd
Hi friends - I'm an actor in NYC who's done plenty of student films, short films, etc and a handful of TV co star roles but am looking to work in commercials more often, and I know that improv is essential for booking these jobs. Since UCB is online only at the moment, what is the best improv school that currently offers in person classes? I've taken a handful of classes at the Magnet Theater and had fun but am looking to complete a full program (ie. 101 - 401) somewhere and while of course I want to learn, I'm also wondering what school would look best on a resume to commercial agents. Thanks in advance!
I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask about this, but I am interested in being a talent agent/manager. by alic433 • last post Jan 3rd
To go into more detail I would like to be a talent agent/manager (not sure what the right term might be), but I am unsure of how to go about this. I have done some research online, but I wanna hear from a talent agent/manager themself or a actor that has worked with an agent or anything like that. Thank you for any help.
How beneficial is watching a lot of movies to acting? by moonduckies • last post Jan 3rd
Bear with me here. I’m a young actor (fifteen, if that’s young). And I study my favorite actors in movies to help me improve. But is it bad to spend hours watching movies to get better at acting? It sounds like something I should do. But it’s just so fun it feels like a waste of time.
How do I Quit A Horrible Short Film by yeshey45 • last post Jan 3rd
So our second day of filming is tonight and I am having this deep sinking gut feeling that I need to get out of this. It has been the most unprofessional experience of my life. Our second day of shooting is today and I am sick to my stomach, I just really would rather stick my hand in a toaster than go through another day of filming. How do I get out of this without completely ruining my reputation? Should I just go through with it? I can go back and explain the details later but just wanted a quick answer since my call time is 6pm today. Please help ​ ​ EDIT : So I got way more responses than I was expecting, thank you so much everyone for the advice and giving me the courage to speak up for myself as an actor and also walk away when I wasn't actually listened to. To answer some questions, \-It isn't a student film, nor was I being payed. The director is in his 30s, I only accepted the job because I had just moved out to LA (I was cast back in September) and I like to stick to my commitments, I also figured it was a way to meet people and make connections. Now that I have an agent I am only auditioning and working on paying gigs. \-This is not sag, nor was my agent involved. \-I had messaged him about my concern about never having a talk about fight choreo or intimacy directing. I told him I didn't think it was a good idea to go through with filming, and then he proceeded to beg me not to quick, and how I "can't do this to him" He agreed to take out the intimacy scene but then argued with me that there was no need for fight choreo since all he wanted me to do was shoot a gun and hit the other actor with a baseball bat. \-I still went (I know, stupid) and I realized when I got there that he never told us a specific wrap time was because he just expected us to be there until he said we could go, so I pulled him aside and told him that what he was doing was extremely unprofessional and disrespectful of everyone's time. \-This morning I messaged him a long message basically saying that I felt extremely disrespected as an actor and that my input and fear for my own safety was not being genuinely listened to. And then I turned off my phone and I haven't looked at his response... ​ ​ ALSO! Some good news, my first feature just got picked up for distro today! First it's getting submitted to festivals and then after that it comes out in October! So excited to see myself on a big screen.
Actors flaring their nostrils by gimpinmypants • last post Jan 3rd
I've noticed this across many actors, ages, etc of actors who flair their nostrils during intense scenes. It happens far too often for it to be a coincidence. I'm curious what's the explanation behind it because personally I've never seen anyone do that in real life in times of grief but it seems to be something that's taught to actors.
What are the things all actors practice? by Calm-Zookeepergame-2 • last post Jan 3rd
here are the things i’ve notes myself: monolog voice bodily movement (face+body)
Do you run lines with your scene partners/partners before the cameras start rolling? by AJDon82 • last post Jan 2nd
Maybe it's because I have a stage background, but I've always felt that running lines with your scene partner/partners was very important before you actually start filming, as it allows you not just to get into the feeling of your character and scene, but to also get a feeling of how the other actor will be and what their character will be bringing. But in the last few weeks, I've had conversations with several actors who have told me they really don't like running lines beforehand, because for them, "it removes the ability to 'be in the moment' and can affect the spontaneity and natural feel of the scene." That seems strange to me, and I don't really understand it. But I 100% believe in learning from everyone and anyone. But what do other actors and those with probably a lot more experience than me feel about that? What is your preferred method of preparing/directing? Of course, there is no one way for everyone, and different professionals have their prefered methods, but I'm just looking to get some general feedback from others to see if I can get a better understanding of what people find works for them, and why. Very interested to hear others opinions on this. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and feedback. :)
I am 16 years old male and I want to be an actor by Hammer_of_Th0r • last post Jan 2nd
since i was a child, I have always been inspired by acting. Acting is my favorite thing to do in life! But at 16 years old I decided to take it serious and maybe It could be my lifetime job! However I do not know where to start from or who to talk to. And in my country there is no acting schools or anything so how am I going to reach Hollywood from far away? My Pms are always open if you want to talk.
how do i get casted or find casting. by cocokoookie • last post Jan 2nd
as a beginner i think this is the hardest part, to start somewhere. Do you guys know any good casting agents or companies who are looking for actors ?
I want to become an actor but have no knowledge on how the industry works or any previous experience. What first steps should I take? by Zeal20 • last post Jan 2nd
Hello all, I am a 21 year old male who lives in england and for the past 4-5 years I’ve been seriously considering acting as a profession. I believe I have a natural talent for it and I just love good stories and movies. It’s also become my last option so I’ve decided to take it seriously and actually start my journey to becoming an actor. However, after going through the FAQ’s I’m still unsure as to what exactly I need to do and in what order. I would massively appreciate some answers to the questions I will list below. 1) What do I need to do, step by step? In what order would you recommend I do things in? 2) Do I need to join a theatre? If so, how do I actually join one? Just walk in and ask to join or what? I’ve checked the websites of theatres in my city but none of them provide information on how you can join as an actor and take part in plays. 3) Is the theatre enough to learn and improve or will I need to take separate acting lessons? 4) Are there such things as “acting clubs” or something you can join where people help one another with their acting? 5) What movies should I watch to understand what good acting actually looks like? These are my questions for now. A massive thank you in advance to anyone who answers.
Looking for agent help by Ghend99 • last post Jan 2nd
I’ve just left my actor training after 3 years and now wanting to get into actual acting for film and TV. When I left my training course they didn’t give us any concrete advice on what the next steps would be, communication became very thin, to the point of almost nothing. Now that I’ve left I’m not sure what the steps to getting represented are, I’ve looked at agencies in London (which is closest to me), I know they are incredibly busy and also hard to get into, but I’m basically just looking for that advice on what can give me the best shot. I managed to get two short films done last year, and I’ve looked at making a home shot showreel with monologues, I’m not sure if that’s good way or not but it’s somewhere to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Honest acting by Dry-Tune-223 • last post Jan 2nd
Several of my acting teachers have told me I'm a very honest actor. Is that a good thing? What do they mean?
What one book has impacted you the most as an actor? by ediblelawns • last post Jan 1st
I'm curious to hear your recommendations on books that have helped you the most in you pursuit of acting knowledge. Is there one book that has helped you the most?
Online LA based Acting classes/ Agent workshops? by TroleOmid • last post Jan 1st
Hello loves! I'm an Atlanta Actor hoping to branch into the LA market and wanted to see which classes/studios/intensives were hosting via zoom or online in general. Thank you all!
Acting character 'type' help - Claudia Cardinale &Audrey Hepburn? by Electronic_Bell4105 • last post Jan 1st
I recently completed a 1 year acting for film program. I am seeking advice, guidance and opinions on vague feedback I was given. I was told that my character type/ actresses I should try and emulate are Claudia Cardinale and Audrey Hepburn. I have my opinion of what these actresses signify but I am interested to know what these women mean to you. For example a friend of mine was told that she was a 'Meryl Streep' type - from that I think it is meant that she is a phenomenal character actress with great range and ability. That she would need work on mastering different accents and character types of different ages to be able to develop her potential. Unfortunately Claudia Cardinale and Audrey Hepburn are not that familiar to me and that is why I am asking for your opinion on what this type is and what I would need to do. Thanks in advance for your help.
tips for aspiring teen actor? by applemacaroni88 • last post Jan 1st
edit: just read the faq and things… im still worried about how to better my chances getting booked as a teen actor. tips? im an aspiring actor who doesn’t really know how to book auditions or how to find acting jobs. im in high school and im graduating soon. i dont have an agent so networking and advertising myself is kinda hard! any tips for my situation?
What are your “one hit wonders” of acting? by Fattywithoutafry • last post Jan 1st
Who are some actors who came in and got super big off of one performance only to fade into obscurity?
Do you have some ideas examples of actors who noticeably went from bad/unbelievable/flat to really good? by actresswhowrites • last post Jan 1st
Whether it’s celebrities, peers, or even yourselves. Looking for some new year inspiration!