We have found 19,250 posts across 4 actor forums:
When to seek an acting agent? by NRWave • last post Oct 21st
Acting has been something I've enjoyed ever since introduced to it in high school. Although theater was my intro, I bought a camera and even earned a 2 year degree in video production so that I could create performances and stories that would last on screen (also I live in a state where there's basically no other filmmakers/films being made, except the occasional short horror film shot on a potato that isn't worth the gas expense). Where that backfired is now I find myself doing gigs behind the camera more often than finding and landing roles that I would enjoy in films. I plan on moving out of state soon and closer to a city where I know films are being made and filmmaker networks actually exist. My main question is when is the right time to reach out to an acting agency? I'd like more opportunities to audition for roles but basically all are out of state (the ones I can find and interested in). I already have a decent demo reel, headshots, resume, etc, but will an agency even be interested in representing me until I'm more conveniently located or am I better off surfing actor's access for the "right" gig that I could plan and afford to travel to until I actually relocate? Any advice (especially from actors coming from "non-entertainment" states) would be appreciated! TL;DR Actor/Filmmaker located where minimal opportunities exist. Would rather act than produce/direct. Wants to move to area with bigger filmmaking networks. Has experience, demo reel, headshots. When to seek out an acting agent, before or after relocating?
Name me an successful actor under 40 who wasn't born into Hollywood by ZookeepergameWise227 • last post Oct 21st
I don't why people around here assume the attitude that if you work hard in the acting industry, you will be successful. Nearly everyone under 40 who is big was born into Hollywood. Is it because famous actors gain a benefit from the rags to riches story, or just complete ignorance
How to get better at dancing (for acting/musical theatre) by Littlebunz95 • last post Oct 21st
Hello, I’m an actor located in Western Mass. my first show since the pandemic was a musical this summer. It was my first musical in 12 years, and I loved it. Absolutely loved it. I’m going through a break-up, and I’m just focusing on things I love and want to do more of, and one of those things is Musical Theatre. I think I have a good handle on practicing singing; I play the piano and want to pivk a song I love, that’s in my range, and work on technique and see it evolve. Dancing is another story, this is probably the area of musical theatre that I need to work on the most. In college, my undergrad department didn’t require dance classes, and we rarely did musicals, so I have very little professional experience. How do you slowly get into dancing, especially as an adult beginner? I tend to get frustrated if something like choreo or instruction is too complicated or hard, so I’ve been starting off simple with dance-cardio workouts, like EmK fit’s dance routines on Youtube. Any other links/ tips would be great! Money is tight right now, and adult classes are not happening in person yet
ACTING CLASSES NYC --Having So Much Trouble Finding One! by hopeful_fieldnotes • last post Oct 21st
I am a young actor who has just moved to NYC after graduating with a BA in Theatre. I have had a lot of theatre education but still feel like I have huge ways I'd like to grow/generally believe it's important to constantly be training. Also, I want to find a creatively inspiring and challenging theatre community! (Constant isolating self-tapes aren't cutting it). Most classes I have found are prestigious two year conservatories, which I don't want since I can't currently afford it and am not sure yet if I want to invest in this or grad school down the line. Because of this, I am looking for shorter-term classes. However, I'm shocked at how much trouble I'm having. I audited a number of upper level classes at HB Studios, but felt the students had very little actor vocabulary/knowledge, not much class preparation, and generally it wasn't at the level of challenge I'm looking for. The same happened at The Barrow Group. Granted, both were on Zoom (the only way to currently audit) so maybe it's different in person, but it seems theres no way to know before shelling out hundreds of dollars. Other studios don't allow audits. What classes have experienced, working actors had success in? I am desperate and am dreading spending money I can barely afford on a class that doesn't inspire/challenge/teach me. Thanks!
Actor and Casting questions by AuroraPetsBirds • last post Oct 21st
Hello, I am a fourth-year Computer Science Student working with two other students at the University of Toronto who are looking to build a solution that would benefit both talent/actors and talent seekers such as casting directors and companies. We have found multiple casting websites and even groups on social media to post casting calls, but wonder if there is space for improvement. We would like to validate some of the problems that we have seen in this space. If you're an actor, we would highly appreciate you filling out our survey: [https://forms.gle/Hmf3b7x63ae17Ekq5](https://forms.gle/Hmf3b7x63ae17Ekq5) If you have casting/hiring experience, we also have a survey that we would really appreciate your input on: [https://forms.gle/tAjjUVGtktfiqkwq8](https://forms.gle/tAjjUVGtktfiqkwq8) Thank you all so much!
Who is Responsible when the prop gun an actor shoots goes off and kills someone? #AlecBaldwin #Rust by 72Eping • last post Oct 21st
The prop should be fake? right? So did the prop master mess up? The director directed the actor to do the behavior. The script writer wrote the action.. Somehow the actor who has been hired to do things dictated by others. SHOULD that person be responsible?
How to do a monologue? by TheSkyrimITA • last post Oct 21st
Hi everybody, I recently started University in which I study mainly subjects related to show history. This led me to know about some opportunities. One of these is a small production studio who is searching for actors, even unexperienced people. To start with them they're asking to record a monologue of your choice but I never acted so I don't know how to do. Any tips?
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post Oct 21st
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.
Is it weird by Teachy-McTeacherston • last post Oct 21st
I'm an American, but I have a knack for accents, particularly AUS/NZ. I get far more paid work doing Australian voice overs than I do US. Since there are excellent Australian actors - and I'm not so full of my own bs to think I'm THAT good - is it just luck, timing, or am I up against a smaller talent pool?
URGENT I received the script extremely late for a student film filming today. How do I deal with this? by FurmidableCat • last post Oct 21st
Technically, this is a hosting gig, but it is still on camera and I still have a script. I was cast on Sunday, they changed the topic three times, couldn’t find the time to call me and didn’t show up to their zoom meeting, had a hard time providing information, etc. The evening before, I just said fuck that, I’ll just have some plan and improvise based on that (which is actually the way hosting is supposed to be done anyway) and told them I didn’t need their help anymore because I would just do it this way… And they send me the script to learn by heart today at ONE IN THE MORNING even though we are filming today. To translate this in actor words, let’s say they changed the story three times and never sent me the script and I offered to improvise based on the storyline and they sent me the script at one in the morning the same day. Am I right to tell them that I’ll just do it based on my plan since I can’t learn a script so last minute (mostly considering this is not the way hosting is supposed to be done and it is way easier to improvise than to learn a script)?
Does anyone have any tricks for playing the role of a baby before? by veel2211 • last post Oct 21st
First time on Reddit so forgive me if I'm doing this wrong. Essentially, I was recently asked by a friend of mine to act in a skit she wrote. She says its a 25-30 min comedy sketch centered around a family vacation. I don't know all the plot details but I believe that' s what it is mostly about. She asked me to play the role of the baby daughter of the family. I was a little confused on why she didn't just want to use a doll and she said that she wanted to up the comedy aspect of the character by casting a real actress to show facial expressions and whatnot which I understand. I acted in high school and have done some small things with friends like this in the few years since my last play, but haven't done much in a pretty long time. I agreed to help her out and I think its going to be fun and certainly a unique role. I just have no idea how to play it. Has anyone done something similar before? Or does anyone have any tips or ideas to help me out?
Becoming rich & famous by Strict_Carpenter_661 • last post Oct 20th
A lot people say if you want to become an actor to be rich & famous then you shouldn’t become an actor but realistically speaking is there actually anything wrong with having that mindset?
[Advice][Los Angeles] Acting is getting increasingly more expensive, as this path continues. Where are we with deductions these days? by RachandRoll • last post Oct 20th
Outside of assumed costs (e.g., training, subscriptions, dues, etc), I'm finding that with my net is getting smaller and smaller as I'm gaining traction. Grateful to have this problem, certainly, but I'm looking for advice from those that have been in the game for a while. No PR or Legal yet, but after commissions, coaching, and WeAudition (believe it or not), I'm worried I'm hemorrhaging income that could possibly be avoided. They don't teach you this in actor training haha! Any insight would be appreciated, thanks.
General Advice Wanted by acorncharm • last post Oct 20th
Hey all, finally plucked up the courage to search for this forum and looked through the basic FAQS and links before posting this. I think Im just looking for some general insight and advice from other actors about my current situation, Id appreciate any thoughts on how I should move forward or encouragement. Ive been acting since I was 7 years old, im 23 right now and acting has always been a huge part of my life. Its been about the only thing Ive ever felt confident that I was "good" at doing. However when I was 18 I got a scholarship to go to a university as a theater major, the scholarship was given to me based off tapes the theater chair saw that I had recorded and was basically the only reason I could afford to go to college at all. Long story short, I was already dealing with a history of mental illness and abuse in my life, and for some reason all but one the professors in the theater department decided that they were going to single me out and harrass me. It got to the point where I nearly killed myself and had to drop out of college entirely. They did various things like marching me up to the front of the classroom to make fun of how I was tearing up, encouraged my classmates to join in on the harrassment, and told me during my audition for the departments musical that I was too ugly to ever get any roles. Needless to say this experience left me traumatized and I only acted in two productions back at the theater I grew up in my area around home before taking a break for about three years, leading up to now. During the pandemic Ive been overcome with a feeling of missing acting and have been wanting to get back into acting. But not only that, Ive been inspired by different actors in shows Ive been watching and have been wanting to see if I can try to do any kind of TV or film acting, even with minor roles. But I keep feeling held back by this past experience, remembering how the teachers told me I was too ugly to act despite my scholarships and different awards from my theater for the roles ive played in the past. Does anyone have any advice for not letting comments about being too ugly get me down or just becoming more confident in my appearance, since I already have some confidence in my skills? I really would like to move past feeling insecure about being "too ugly" but it feels very difficult when so called professionals of the industry were the ones telling me I was too ugly to succeed. Also, I am a member of the LGBT community and am worried about bigotry and how that might complicate anything with wanting to pursue acting. I do not want to go by my birth name if I were to get roles, does anyone have advice reguarding that as well? Thanks so much if youve read this far and if you have any thoughts. Really appreciate all the advice and posts this forum has to offer.
Advice on better survival jobs by bknybambam • last post Oct 20th
I’ve gone back to waiting tables “post”-pandemic and I just don’t think I can do it anymore. The money’s decent, but the amount of physical/mental exhaustion, being treated like shit, etc., the usual. My current gig, I get to pick my schedule every week, which is tough to find. I also had a nanny gig (exhausting in different ways) just finish - will still pick up occasional work, but nothing consistent. I’m thinking about investing time/money into finding a less draining way to support myself. Any tips? I have a friend getting a CELTA certificate (redundant) to teach English as a foreign language. She’s hoping to do one on one tutoring (probably online) and seems to think she’ll be able to make decent money hourly. Anyone have any experience with this? Any advice on things to look into? Have thought about coding but I just had another actor-friend spend lots of money on a course and then had trouble finding a job. He did eventually get hired, but it’s full time. Anyway, any input is helpful. I’m NYC based. Would really like to know what areas are actually worth investing in. I would like to make at least 30/hr ideally, but want flexibility/work that doesn’t make me feel like shit. And if it’s really worth it, I feel ready to invest several months/several thousand dollars. Was thinking about doing dog walking (I have a lot of experience pet sitting), but I can’t figure out how to break into it. Something like that, id be willing to make a lot less per hour because the work can be often enjoyable. My current job is so exhausting now that I don’t have the energy to be working on acting “stuff” on my days off. Sorry for the rambles. Thanks to all help!
If you can't take constructive criticism... by Bobasmoba • last post Oct 20th
Then you need to try out a new hobby this industry is full of it and it's not always nice, all to much I see actors post something there proud of in a Safe environment and then when it gets criticized they go into defense mode and don't better themselves through the criticism
A MONOLOGUE FOR TEENS by Crafty-Revolution-94 • last post Oct 20th
(For The Serious Young Actor) "Tommy Boy" (Teen Monologue, Male)\*Humorous\* Tommy is in high school. He's a nice looking teen, who loves to be around his friends. He is outgoing, except when it comes to standing in front of everyone in class to do a presentation. Tommy's talking to his friend Ivan after school while waiting for the bus. Type: Teen coming of age drama Gender: Male Age Range: Late Teens Tommy: Dude, you'll never believe what happened to me today. It all started when I woke up this morning. You know usually I press the snooze button about four or five times...but today was different, when I heard the alarm, I just sprang out of bed and said to myself, "Today is going to be a great day!" I don't know why I said it, but I was feeling great! I got in the shower and found myself humming a cool song I heard the day before. While I was combing my hair in the mirror, I noticed that not only was it a great hair day, but my skin seemed different too....alive and glowing, and no it wasn't that new acne cream I'd been using...it was LIFE! So instead of dragging around, I threw on my clothes and headed out. When I got on the bus, the girls seemed to look at me differently. I thought maybe it was my confidence, or the hair, but then I thought who the heck cares, they were looking at me! So I looked back at them and they giggled. I was on top of the world! I went and got a seat in the back of the bus...then it came to me, I had a presentation due in first period... I wasn't about to let that ruin my day. I knew the material and I was on a roll. A few moments later, walking down the hallway, it was like a movie, almost every group of girls turned to look at me, it started to become really spooky actually. My next thought was, with my luck, I should be playing lottery. I got to my first period class and sat down. It's almost like I could feel Jamie, that hottie that sits behind me in class, staring at the back of my head...It felt great! And of course, I was called first to read my presentation to the class, so I strolled up to the front of the room with a gleaming smile...I actually winked at this girl who snickered at me in the front row...man was I getting bold! I couldn't help myself though, this never happened to me before, it was like a dream, and right when I was getting ready to start my presentation, I got so nervous I felt like I was gonna puke. Then I asked myself ‘’Oh, why did I even sign up for this class?’’ and suddenly all my confidence was gone. It’s not fair. Sometimes I get so afraid that everybody will be looking at me, judging me. If I do one thing wrong everybody is going to notice, and laugh at me, and I’m going to be so embarrassed. The lights will be beaming in my eyes and my hands will start shaking like crazy. My throat will get really dry and I’ll stutter like there’s no tomorrow. I’ll fidget and play with my hair. I’m so nervous, what if I suck? What if I’m horrible? What if people start throwing things; or worse, tell everybody about my presentation, and how much I sucked. I’ll be embarrassed everywhere I go. I’ll have no escape. People are always going to remember me as the person who couldn’t do a stupid presentation because he was too afraid of people, the person who can’t ever talk in front of a crowd. I don’t want to do this. But I wanted to get it over and done with so I told myself “You know what; actually maybe I can do this. I’ve practiced for hours. I know all my words. All I’ve got to do is go up there and do it the way I know I can, the way I’ve rehearsed it dozens of times in the mirror, and if I do that I’ll be fine. In fact, I’d be better than fine, I’ll be amazing. I just have to stay calm and relaxed. I can do this. I’m ready” And you’ll never believe what happened next, it just hit me and I vomited in front of the whole class. Looking back on how my day started when I felt good about myself, I didn’t think this would be me now
Be More Than Just an Actor by FurmidableCat • last post Oct 20th
I used to dedicate my life to acting. All my time and money was dedicated to it. I thought that I could only be a professional actor if that was my only job. And it turns out that I am much more successful as an actor now that I am focusing on something else. Here’s why: 1. It gives you life experience. It would be hard to play different types of roles if all you have ever done is being an actor without going through meaningful experiences and experiencing different things. Life will teach you about emotions way more than an acting class will. At the beginning of my career, I had been told that I couldn’t act because I haven’t lived anything and they were right. 2. You learn special skills. I have been cast several times as a waitress because I have worked as a waitress for a year and so many times as a stripper because I learned how to pole dance, strip, and lap dance. Now that I work as a host, I also get many acting opportunities that have to do with that. 3. You earn money to invest in your acting career. Having a steady job is sometimes much more important than taking classes or doing volunteer films because you want to get more training/experience because you want to do acting full time. Your steady job is what allows you to pay for classes, headshots, stuff for your self-tapes, etc. 4. You have a better network. I am getting more and more normal jobs that require an actor at some point so they end up hiring me because they already know me and don’t know how a normal casting process works. I have also met several casting directors because they liked the articles I wrote about acting. 5. It makes you more interesting. Casting directors don’t want you to only talk about acting when they ask you to talk about yourself. Every actor has something to tell about acting, but you’ll stand out much more when you talk about unique stuff that others don’t do. “I have been studying acting for ten years and have had amazing teachers (…)” is boring. I get much more reaction from casting directors when I tell them about stuff that make me stand out and they are genuinely interested in knowing more. 6. It can make you happier. And people want to spend time with happy people. Instead of starving and being upset every time you don’t get cast, find something else that makes you as much happy as acting because that energy will attract people and give you the chance to appreciate life even more. Be more than just an actor. Focusing on something else is sometimes the best way to get work.
Cannot get representation by LeastExamination1594 • last post Oct 20th
I have been taking acting pretty seriously for the past few years and although I am still a teenager, despite taking classes, getting headshots etc I cannot seem to get any representation. I’ve reached out to around 20 managers in LA and many agents in Chicago (where I am located) and not one has gotten back to me. If I could pm my actors access account could anyone give me advice? Thank you
Are these 2 scenes good enough to add to Actors Access? by Euphoric-Wash-5659 • last post Oct 20th
Don’t want to waste funds on adding if not. Also, give editing suggestions since it’s tricky trying to fit it all in but still keep it cohesive and watchable lol YouTube link: https://youtu.be/mgAsnrD4PXs Thanks! :)