We have found 19,301 posts across 4 actor forums:
Want to become an actor by Glittering-Lake5934 • last post Dec 31st
My dream is to be in the entertainment industry, but I don't have the means. I going to be 18 soon, and I want to start my career somewhere; but I live in a small town about 1000 miles away from California. I also don't have the financial means to make such a big move either. I have the motivation, but where do I begin?
Self Made Reel by Danky_Bankett • last post Dec 31st
So I’m less than a week away from moving to a new city to have a fresh start, as well as to branch out to a bigger market with more opportunities as an actor and performer. While I am in no extreme rush to sign with any sort of representation as soon as my plane lands or anything like that, I would like to at least get active as quickly as possible. My big worry right now is that I have no reel for getting started in film considering my background is entirely theatre and live comedy. My roommates and I are all writers as well, writing for comedy teams, play competitions, and even a fully produced play at the university we went to, and I’ve heard all the advice about just filming your own material to get started with a reel, but I have no real concept of how that looks, or even what that *looks like* (Self tapes of original monologues, original sketches, scenes, etc). Actors who’s first reel included original material, what was that like??
Best improv classes for a beginner in LA? by flamintamale • last post Dec 31st
I registered for classes at improvLA but it just got cancelled. I have never taken an improv class before and this would be my first time doing improv. I’m looking for classes that are best for beginner actors that would help with my anxiety. I’ve heard about Second City, UCB, and groundlings but I’m not sure which is best to go for. I feel like there’s already ppl there with experience and I’m just starting out. My plan at first was to gain experience before taking any prestigious classes. So I’m wondering how their intro classes are and what was your experience with them or any of the other classes that you’ve took?
What if I'm outside the major markets? by MaleficentSorbet4201 • last post Dec 31st
Can I make it as an actor outside major film markets like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York? I've always worried about this but I do cover the Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Western New York markets. Which does help calm my nerves but, I know there are famous actors who've made in outside those cities, but can I actually make it outside those those three major markets? Or almost anywhere in the U.S?
Book/Info On Actors Rights Non Union/SAG etc.. recommendations by TheSemiSeasonedActor • last post Dec 31st
Hey guys, ​ There's so many books on how to be an Actor/Artist. ​ But there aren't many on An Actors rights, or what's appropriate in the entertainment industry business. ​ Example what is considered a "day" in hours. ​ What is your right as an Actor Etc.. ​ If anyone have any websites or books or youtube channels I would be greatlyyyy appreciative!
Stay in Seattle with my parents (or get my own place) or just move to LA/NYC? by muhliza • last post Dec 31st
Hi there, I'm sorry this question gets asked a lot here but I'm just feeling very stuck and would appreciate some advice. (Happy New Year!) I graduated college in June 2021 with a degree in graphic design and I've built up a good career that I can fall back on. However, I want to focus on acting now. Design is very draining to me but I'm glad I studied it because it gave me a lot of skills/tools to work as an artist. I dabbled in acting when I was younger and I believe I have potential. I just need to take this seriously: create a body of work and train more. Since graduating, I've been taking classes to figure out my craft (i.e., acting, improv, sketch comedy writing) — whatever's available in-person here in Seattle or online in other cities. **However, I still live at home with my parents. In fact, I've lived here all my life, even throughout college. And I wonder if it's holding me back.** * The pros: I'm definitely saving money, I have a car to use, and I have lots of space to create. * The cons: I don't have much privacy, I can't be my true self, my relationship with my parents is sadly getting estranged, I have three rowdy dogs, and it's a bit far (40+ minute drive) from Central Seattle where everything is. **Although I have resources living at home, I feel stuck in my shell.** I'm also diagnosed with ADHD so being comfortable at home, especially since COVID, has made me unproductive and very self-sabotaging. My parents also don't understand boundaries so it's hard to fully participate in online classes and I feel embarrassed to let loose. And since driving is a bit inconvenient to attend improv nights, open mics, and events — I feel pressured to come home early even though my parents don't mind. I just feel ashamed/awkward coming home late. I still feel like a child at 22. I'm making more money starting next month so **I wonder if I should move into my own place here in Seattle?** It's going to be a huge dent to my wallet but I'll have my own place to be more productive and be much closer to things. Acting is not huge here but maybe it'll be easier to start here. However, I seriously want to get out of Seattle and start over, as cliche/naive as that sounds. **I just hate the person I am here. I'm wondering if I should tough it out until September?** I'd want to save up and move to LA or NYC but I know finding a place is tough — I have good credit but no rental history. I also probably won't be that experienced as an actor by then. I'm grateful to hear any advice or experiences. Thank you for reading!
Ive just paid 99 dollars to Backstage and applied to some roles. When do I hear back? by an__awful__person • last post Dec 31st
Hi, I am incredibly new to projecting myself out there on the internet as an actor, and after reading the sidebar of the subreddit, I decided backstage would be a good place to start. I am a fairly attractive athletic 5'10 young adult. When should I expect to start hearing from people? Am I overzealous in my attitude? ​ Any advice would be great thanks everyone so much.
monologues for a less experienced actor by abrookee • last post Dec 31st
i’m a stronger singer than actor and less experienced in monologues i need a contemporary monologue from a play or musical 1 minute ish female age 15-19 any suggestions?
Is the Razer Mini a good enough mic to start of as a voice actor by Fearless_Top_9963 • last post Dec 30th
i am a fresh beginner who is utilizing all i currently have because i'm more broke than the animals in the savanna. i have to cut back on absolutly everything and that includes my mic. i use my razer mini for practice recordings and am wondering if i should wait and miraculosly get the money to but a better mic or just give up. other options are also open.
Who are your most overrated and underrated actors? by Prestigious-Bee3421 • last post Dec 30th
of all time
Who are the best male actors in their 20's? by Prestigious-Bee3421 • last post Dec 30th
who are the best 20 something male actors on the scene right now? who are your favs?
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post Dec 30th
Use this thread to post your headshots for feedback, get info on your age range/type, find good headshot photographers, ask any questions you may have about headshots. If you are posting a DIY headshot for feedback, and not just a snapshot in order to get feedback on your age range/type/etc, it is advised that you do at least some basic research on what actor headshots look like--composition, framing, lighting. You will find a Google Image search for "actor headshots" to be very helpful for this. Non-professional shots are fine for age/typecasting; please keep in mind that one picture is a difficult way to go about this. Video of you moving and speaking would be ideal, but understandably more difficult to post. For what it's worth, the branding workshop at SAG-AFTRA recommends a five-year age range. That's inclusive, so for example 19-23, 25-29, 34-38, etc.
Receive no call back/advice and I'm not sure why? by Accomplished_Win625 • last post Dec 30th
I was at a well-known come school on a one-year acting program. As our final project we did a student movie (which was about a one hour short movie that we improvised). I was the female lead in the movie. I was dealing with a lot of 'politics' in terms of the group such as not having been given a script, when shooting the movie being sent to wrong locations, the director had it in for me and would constantly bully and shout at me while the other students would snigger. I was clearly sabotaged from the get go because they did not want me to be the female lead. However the fact is is that I was the most beautiful one out of them, not to blow my own trumpet but also in the whole school, so it was going to be a given that I was going to be the lead lady. I also am a good actress and the character that I improvised was very similar to who I am. I watch the movie and so did many of my family members and they thought that I was very good. I'm not saying that I am Meryl Streep but in the context of the movie I was very good. It was an Audrey Hepburn type character and Audrey Hepburn is not a good actress certainly no Meryl Streep. I also showed it to my friends and categorically asked them to be blunt and they thought I was really good. However the casting director did not contact me. Virtually everyone else was contacted by the casting director but me. I don't understand what this is about and I am literally on the verge of tears every time I think about it. I think the very fact that I was the lead of the movie should've been enough to have received a callback from the casting director. I used the term casting director loosely because it would just be for more student movies not a professional casting director as such. but if I was that weak an actress there's no way I would've been given the responsibility of carrying a movie as the lead female. should i just swallow humble pie and accept the fact that maybe i'm not as good as i thought i was even though everyone that has seen the movie i said that i was very good and i looked absolutely stunning? i am so upset about this i cannot think about anything else. i spent all that time and energy and money on the program not to mention dealing with all the vitriolic abuse. There is no use calling the school because we were all informed don't call us we will call you if we're interested. Plus since that night I have received other housekeeping emails from them so they certainly do have my up-to-date contact information if they were interested. Edit. I am inclined to believe that it's because the class as a whole had such a big problem with me. Any work from this casting director would've been to be cast in further student films which would've meant potentially working with his classmates. But I am still literally in tears to think that I've got nothing whatsoever from them not even any feedback
SAG Global Rule One by SalaryFun7203 • last post Dec 30th
What does it mean when “SAG Global Rule One” is listed on a production breakdown I got from my Agent? I’ve done some research but could use a little more clarity. what does it mean for the production? what does it mean for the actors? Thanks!
AA Breakdowns: Should I Choose Chicago or Los Angeles? by Haunter_Gurl • last post Dec 30th
So I'm not 'new' to acting by any means. However, these platforms tend to change their algorithms about breakdown regions. AA now only allows you to choose the L.A. , Canadian, or Chicago region for work notifs. So what's the difference between them, outside of LA obviously being the movie industry hot spot? I think one actor clarified previously, that L.A. & Canada were for film/TV & commercial, while Chicago was mainly modeling & theater. Wished it weren't so darned confusing! Thanks for any feedback
How to get an agent in NYC? by jhaddock • last post Dec 30th
Hello, I recently moved to NYC and i'm looking to get an agent. I've been trying the backstage route and just not enough opportunities. Does anybody in the NYC community know of any places to start looking? I've been looking at signing up for a showcase but I can't seem to find one that looks worthwhile. Also, i'm going to a New Year's Eve tomorrow where there will be a lot of acquaintances who are all represented actors. Would it be appropriate to ask them how they got an agent and potentially try to get their help? Thank you so much in advance!
Acting Slump by yellowlemonhoney • last post Dec 30th
Does anyone ever get it where they don’t feel like an actor anymore? I have drama school auditions coming up but I’m procrastinating so much because I feel like I’ve forgotten how to act. I can’t get into character and I haven’t done any acting for a while so I just feel like I can’t do it and I really have no faith in myself to get in and now I’m wondering if I even want to do it at all even though it’s been my dream forever
My open journal: why most acting classes and techniques are kinda weird. So are actors and acting by Front-Chemist7181 • last post Dec 30th
To me. It's funny I was thinking this the other day. There is a reason for commercials hate actors. It's too much and over the top. There is a reason let's say a construction commercial love to say "construction worker, or someone who good with tools a plus" in a breakdown. Often times when we think of acting we have all these techniques, "character" of imaginary circumstances, and stuff, paying thousands of dollars to be this performer. Meanwhile that celebrity you like had minimum to no training and just simply looked the part, worked hard and giving these authentic performances on screen. You probably have more training than them. But yet when you're doing a simple low budget film you're doubting yourself, freaking out, and hate your performance. Some of you probably wrote a spread sheet to relate to your character down to what your character likes, to even sucking on a peanut butter spoon before bed. You watch your performance and realize you hated it. What are we doing wrong? I'm a history buff. I started really asking older actors (60-80) about all these techniques. One guy laughed, let's just say I call him uncle in my class. He's studied all the acting techniques done theater for 40 years. Been up and down in life. He laughed at me and told me most of the techniques were developed to be able to get an actor to do what the production wants them to do on set. I felt uneasy when he said this. I thought to myself so hard when he laughed and said this as we're in our class. This class my teacher always telling us about empowering freedom of the actor. Keep in mind my teacher done all the techniques and done the tv shows and movies for decades. He really wanted to break actors out of it and teaches us practical acting to give us our freedom back. I didn't understand until just recently Then the other day. I saw a monologue of a 7 year old girl. This 7 year old girl probably had minimum to no training (she's 7) and her monolauge was her showing how it bothered her that her mom was having a baby and she won't get a lot of attention and have to share her toys. It was cute she was moving her body rolling her eyes pouty faces. She probably broke like 20 rules of monologues/self tapes that they hold us for. I realized something is seriously wrong with acting techniques or the people who review them. Next I saw a monolauge a woman does. She then is glaring damn near into the abyss of the lens. Doing her lines. Staring into the lens doing her lines very intense. Barley moving. I think to myself. Man this isnt acting. This isn't really real. This isn't even a person, nor a character. Nobody does this in real life. However, of course everyone loved it right? This is what we're told to do. So of course technically, they like our eyes because it's good for the camera. Of course. But when we're doing monolauges or self tapes. The abyss of staring into the camera. It looks just not real. As I kept watching monolauges it got weirder how copy/paste it looked. I'm not moved by anything I saw. Except for that 7 year old girl who acted with this freedom. Lol the more we learn and overthinking the more we end up hating acting because half of the things we learn is to litteraly bend the creative freedom of acting to the productions needs and it puts the actor in a box. Of course acting is a job. That's why you see so many celebrities blow up with a few movies and slowly disappear their passion died (or had a end goal which is good). Some of my favorite scenes in movies half the time were those unscripted things that the director says. "That was it! That was perfect!" Even though it was unplanned, there was no planning. It was in that moment. That word "moment" a lot of people say. "I was in the moment, I felt a connection". I was crying and felt them. That character is imaginary. How do we bring an imaginary circumstances to life? You hear that word and many acting techniques trying to make you "in the moment" or evoke emotions. Some acting techniques have people think of something traumatic to evoke emotions to be in the moment (crazy right?) that's why a lot of people learn techniques that makes them think of the character relationship, or write a spread sheet, or other things. Mark up a script like a bible praying that moment is coming from all this work on the script. Then it doesn't work. I remember someone said something about this one actor. I think Betty white is(Im not good with celebs so I'm not even sure if she is an actor sorry lol). The director wanted her to give a simple line. She does it 18 times in 18 different ways those same lines. Thats probably the way of creative freedom to do that. Let's say the lines are "I would like a large pepperoni pizza, no cheese, yes that's weird, im saving calories" most folks will probably freeze up because they marked up this script, sat down meditated on the character for a month and now the director wants you to change tones all your plans are gone. Done. How do you prepare? Freedom. Only freedom can. Ever order a pizza in a rush? Really slow cause you don't know what you want? Trying to talk over the vaccum your mother is using? While the game on? This isn't an acting technique. This is what we do in real life everyday. All the time. Then all the sudden the actor says "I was in the moment when the director told me to change the lines." You weren't. You simply stopped the prepared "moment line" and did something honest for once and the camera felt that. You were vulnerable (that word). Because you stopped the silly acting technique you payed 30K to learn. No matter 1 scene one line or 58 scenes. I realized that's why commercial calls don't like actors. We don't want to be honest and vulnerable we want to do something prepared that we're comfortable with. Then I learned practical acting and it pulled me away from all of that. Anyways this isn't an advertisement for that either lol. These are my thoughts so far of acting in the world as in pulling up to bigger multi million dollar sets, getting signed to an agent. I been looking at more and more techniques, bigger and bigger famous actor fri new and it's just getting weird how were acting. I want it to change soon. We will see. I'll write another open journal someday in the future.
2021 Audition Stats from an Aussie by stanislobster • last post Dec 29th
For any Australians out there, I'm putting up my stats as an actor in Sydney. My age range is in the 20s, though leaning to the younger end, and I'm a POC. I am also not a graduate of the top acting schools in Australia (NIDA, WAAPA), but rather have consistently trained at various schools and done private coaching and workshops. I'm also new to Sydney and have no connections to the industry. All of these things will have some influence over my numbers and I hope someone out there will appreciate the perspective (at least, I would have). **Background** I've been a major lurker in this subreddit for a long time and only recently moved to Sydney in order to open myself up to more opportunities. I was able to secure a mid-tier boutique agent during the pandemic and I started tracking stats properly in 2021. **Stats** |**Type**|**# Auditions**|**Booking %** **^(1)**| |:-|:-|:-| |TVC|10|0.0%| |Short Film^(2), Web Series|22|26.3%| |TV & Film|5|0.0%| |Theatre|5|0.0%| |All|42|13.8%| ^(1) Booking % only compares against initial auditions and doesn't include callbacks or chemistry reads etc. ^(2) Short films are largely made up of student-led productions, however I am very selective and will only audition for productions from specific institutions based on their reputation. Note also that Sydney went through a large period of time locked down in 2021. I understand that the Australian market is extremely small, especially for a POC, however I'm hoping there will be more opportunities to audition for professional sets in 2022 but I will not hold my breath.
IMDb Page by euphoricadrenaline • last post Dec 29th
I am an aspiring actress with a degree in theatre. I worked as PA on a tv series this summer and to my surprise there’s a IMDb of me (credited as PA). Is there a way for me to add a headshot and also edit this page with a small bio? Thank you for reading.