We have found 19,293 posts across 4 actor forums:
Looking for serious and positive opinions. by Matthew P Lindemann • last post Sep 20th
I wanted to ask my fellow creatives as part of ALOT of research for my next screenplay...What did you LIKE and DISLIKE about the Indiana Jones and National Treasure films and shows? Other works in the genre would be cool as well (I.e. Tomb Raider/Uncharted games) as long as you're real about it,
Hazmat
Tomorrow - Elevate Your Acting Reel by Sam Sokolow • last post Sep 19th
This is the last chance to sign up for Stage 32's 2-part acting lab where you will gain the tools and personal attention to elevate your acting reel!
Work with Kym Jackson, an actress who has worked on THIS IS US, CRIMINAL MINDS, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, S.W.A.T., SNITCH starring Dwayne Johnson, FATAL AFFAIR on Netflix, and more.
Here's the link to grab a spot while you still can: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-2-Part-Lab-Elevate-Your-Acting-Reel
3-Part Acting Lab: Develop Your Professional Audition Process! by Sydney Summers • last post Sep 19th
Stage 32 is eager to welcome Ryan Cartwright for his upcoming acting lab. Learn how to create an acting audition process that works for you, with expert guidance from Ryan Cartwright, an actor who has been featured on MAD MEN, BONES, THE BIG BANG THEORY, 9-1-1: LONE STAR and more!
Over three interactive sessions, you will learn how to approach the text - no matter the genre or character - and avoid common pitfalls in scenes. Ryan will teach you how you can and should inject your personal voice and flare into every audition while remaining true to the character. You will learn how to bring depth to your opportunities, even when you only have a few hours to prepare for an audition.
PLUS! Ryan will provide you with exclusive handouts to help you hone your audition process. Downloads include:
-The Audition Process Beat Sheet
-Audition Day Checklist
https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-3-Part-Acting-Lab-Develop-Your-Professional-Audition-Process
Part 2: 6 More Acting Reel Mistakes Actors Make - How To Make A Great Reel by Aaron Marcus • last post Sep 19th
Part 2: 6 More Acting Reel Mistakes Actors Make - How To Make A Great Reel
https://youtu.be/dPQCUmADT68
Do you have any other suggestions for creating a great acting reel? Share your comments so we can all learn from each other.
Actors opportunity by Rosie Actorsproexpo • last post Sep 18th
Young Talent Expo is on Saturday 7th October in London (performers aged 8-19)
Actors Pro Expo North is on Saturday 28th October in Manchester (performers aged 16+)
Both expos will have many exhibitors, performances, networking, on stage interviews all day for just £10 general entry
Each industry led seminar is just an additional £10 each
There is a recordings package for £95 available if you can't attend the expo but want all the insider knowledge!
www.actorsproexpo.com/booking
www.youngtalentexpo.com/booking
Both these expos have an opportunity to PERFORM FOR TOP UK CASTING DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FOR FREE
No general entry ticket needed for this!
You can book a slot for the adult expo by clicking the booking link and scrolling down to Meals 4 Monologues, or on the young performers expo by scrolling to Perform 4 Good.
A donation to our chosen charity is encouraged if selected to perform but not compulsory.
Michael Caine - On Acting by Geoff Hall • last post Sep 16th
This was a BBC programme from 1987, I believe and as much as it's about Acting, there's a lot to learn in this video that Directors can learn from.
For the creatives in this community, I hope you find it all very useful.
Enjoy.
Want Success? Start Writing Your Own Narrative! by Maurice Vaughan • last post Sep 16th
In today’s blog, Erica Wernick (author, speaker, and producer at Hollywood Success Coach) gives some great advice on how changing your mindset can help you find success.
www.stage32.com/blog/want-success-start-writing-your-own-narrative-3490
Comedy, Sensitivity, & Respect by Karen "Kay" Ross • last post Sep 15th
Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, my fellow actors!
It's Kay Ross, your friendly Stage 32 Community Manager, but I'm also a Writer | Producer | Actor | Director - and in preparation for my next directing project, I wanted to get a little deep here in the Acting Lounge.
You ready?
You ready?
LET'S GO:
I wanted to share this recent round table discussion from The Hollywood Reporter to get y'all's insight into the magic happening around the table. Yes, clearly, they're talking about comedy, they're talking about being a female-identifying person in the industry, and they're talking collaboration - things this group of actresses can all identify with. BUT because they ALSO discuss their individual battles, there is some discussion and learning about what they are going through that they can't all identify with and how they can show up for one another.
For example, at one point, the term "Indian" is used, and Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs) kindly informs them that they prefer people outside the community to refer to them as "Indigenous People". So often, we only allow for this kind of learning in an academic setting, but it's so crucial to employ gentle pushback so that every encounter is a productive learning experience, and thus a productive empathetic experience.
What do you think about gentle pushback? What was YOUR big takeaway from this round table discussion?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck3OUiRrJ0I&t=3s
Chris Pine's "Poolman" by Matthew Gross • last post Sep 15th
I was so excited for the release of "Poolman" because Chris Pine selected me for an uncredited role in his directorial debut film. It was wonderful getting to work the scene out with him, because I'm such a huge "Star Trek" fanboy; and any chance to work with Captain Kirk is a dream come true. Unfortunately, the movie is a huge flop. Audiences are walking out on it at the Toronto International Film Festival, and critics are slamming it. The exposure I hoped it would bring my career isn't likely. No one wants to be in a terrible picture. I'm simply heartbroken. It won't have a direct negative impact on my career, but it won't help me get more chances. Ugh! The only thing I can think to do is order some Thai food and relax. How do you deal with professional failure, defeat?
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/chris-pine-poolman-film-rotten-tomatoes-b2412010.html
Advice for Voice Over Success by Tammy Hunt • last post Sep 15th
"Find the Hints in the Script to Determine the Direction of Your Read.
You are usually given direction as to how your read should sound. Sometimes the direction can be a little confusing and even conflicting.
For instance, a message can be encouraging, inspirational, upbeat, excited, or empathetic. Know how to identify words and visual explanations in a script that will give you strong hints as to which direction your read should go. Some key words to look for to know what sounds to apply include “dimly lit” (intimate/close to the mic), “personal” (one-on-one/friendly), “you can be assured” (trustworthy), “imagine” (inspirational), and ”children playing” (warm and friendly). Written descriptions of how the spot is framed such as “pan in,” “tight shot,” or “wide shot” also send you direct messages regarding the emotional feel that your voice should convey.
Expect to Be Pulled in Many Different Directions at the Final Recording Session.
The producers can’t afford to have you back to re-record and pay you and the studio a second time, so they may direct you all over the place to cover all possible choices they anticipate the client may want to hear (as the expression goes) “in the can.” Don’t get jittery or nervous. Having you record many different choices does not mean you’re doing it wrong."
- Terry Berland Commercial Acting
#voiceover #actor
5 Tips To Make Networking Opportunities Valuable by Ashley Renee Smith • last post Sep 15th
Hey, Performers!
As we kick-off this month's Introduce Yourself Weekend today, be sure to check out these 5 Tips To Make Networking Opportunities Valuable on today's blog!
https://www.stage32.com/blog/5-tips-to-make-networking-opportunities-valuable-3489
Dear Actors, You Are Enough by Maurice Vaughan • last post Sep 14th
In today’s blog, Rebecca Reaney talks about three behaviors that prevent actors from feeling they’re enough, and she gives practical steps and techniques that’ll help actors trust that they’re enough.
As Rebecca says in the blog, "*So my dear actors, when it comes down to it, the acting industry needs you to be you. The real you. The fully alive you, perfectly imperfect you. You are not broken and you do not need to be fixed. Instead, accepting yourself with embracing compassion will be the start of feeling fully alive. And then trust and know that you are enough because you really are.*"
Rebecca is a Movement Coach for Actors, Movement Director, and Intimacy Director. She has worked in the performing arts industry for nearly 25 years.
www.stage32.com/blog/dear-actors-you-are-enough-3488
D-Tips in 30: How to Network without being Annoying by Diakeim Lyles • last post Sep 14th
D Tips in 30: Networking Webinar
Networking can play a big part on an Actors journey to a rewarding career. I've got some Free tips on how to do it and NOT be annoying! Hope you find them helpful on your journey to success. And Stay tuned for more D tips in 30! Coming this Fall at https://lnkd.in/eTQEat4t
Today - Alessandro Fiorucci comes to Stage 32 by Sam Sokolow • last post Sep 14th
Earlier this year he walked the red carpet at Cannes as a cast member of KIDNAPPED, which was in contention for the coveted Palme d'Or. Today, he coms to Stage 32 to for an exclusive webinar where he will discuss acting craft, how to best prepare to work with A-List directors and to answer your questions.
Here's a link so you check out Alessandro's webinar: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Actors-How-To-Prepare-To-Work-With-An-A-List-Director
When does an actor deserve to ask for more money? by Matthew Cornwell • last post Sep 13th
In full disclosure, I've been at this acting thing for over 20 years (professionally) and still regularly face the dilemma of working for scale (the lowest wage allowed by SAG-AFTRA) or not working at all. And while many actors, writers, and crew are in the same boat everyday, this strike season empowered me to voice the issue.
I've gotten great response from actors and other industry professionals so far, so I invite any additional feedback or anecdotes from your own career.
From Cringe to Confident by Anne Alexander-Sieder • last post Sep 13th
Whenever I found myself in a high-stakes meeting—be it an audition or a crucial session with an agent, manager, producer, director, or really anyone who held the keys to my acting career—I'd experience a sinking feeling. I knew they were going to start the meeting off with a big smile and the seemingly innocuous question, "Tell me about yourself.” My heart would start to race and my mind would go blank. I'd be caught between not knowing what to say and trying to figure out what they wanted to hear. I would usually ramble off stats from my resume (that they were holding in their hands).
One time, after fighting particularly nasty traffic, I used that precious time to complain. It could see their eyes going from eager curiosity to the dull stare of someone who was bored and maybe even a little disappointed.
In that moment, I felt like I had blown my chance. This setback would cast a shadow over my confidence, affecting the entire duration of my audition or our meeting. Even on self tapes, when nobody else was on the other side of my camera, I would hear myself droning on about something and imagine the light going out of the casting director’s eyes. I knew that if I could just let my true, authentic self shine through, we could connect on equal ground instead of me feeling like they had the upper hand.
The struggle to convey my essence became a roadblock in my acting journey. It was clear that I had the talent, passion, and potential to excel when I was portraying a character. After all, it was usually my acting that got me into the room in the first place, but I needed to unlock the power of authentic self-expression when it came to just being me.
---
I actually live in Germany where this nightmare question of “Tell me about yourself” has turned into a piece of marketing material that is almost as important as your showreel. It’s called, “the About Me” video. If that’s not bad enough, the trend is spreading quickly through Europe and I'm sure it won't be long before it spreads around the rest of the globe.
I get it. The powers that be want to see how you authentically act and react on screen. They want to see your true essence. They also want to make sure you’re not a psycho, and bonus if you can come across as fun to have on set.
I watched quite a lot of these “About Me” videos from my colleagues and honestly, most of them bored me to tears. It was much easier for me to objectively see where they were going wrong when I wasn’t emotionally connected to the outcome. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure what to do to fix the problem either.
That's when I began to obsessively watch other actor’s “About Me” videos to try and determine where my interest would lag and where it would peak. I also began to interview casting directors (because they’re the ones who watch most of these) to ask them what they thought made for a good “About Me” video. Lastly, I turned to my screenwriter’s group.
You see, I’d been a storyteller for years. I’ve written numerous screenplays and know how to structure them to create maximum impact but for some reason, I never applied this ability to my own “Tell Me About Yourself” answers.
My screenwriter’s group also had invaluable insights. It was through talking to all of these people and watching hundreds of videos that I began to unravel the art of storytelling and the importance of sharing one's authentic narrative. It wasn't about rehearsing lines; it was about tapping into the core of who I was and conveying it genuinely.
One mentor, Sarah, in particular, helped me understand that high-stakes interactions demanded a "Stage-Ready Version" of my story—one that could captivate at any moment, no matter the setting or the audience. She also made me realize that I needed more than one story because different situations demand different introductions. For example, I have a really funny little story that I tell about what my very first word in German was. It always makes people laugh in surprise when they hear it. (It was Fahrvergnügen (the joy of driving) in case you’re interested). I can tell this as a quick one-liner to break the ice in an elevator or as a three-minute story to entertain at a dinner party. But I definitely wouldn’t want to use that story if I was being called into a room to audition for something dramatic. I have other stories for that.
As I refined my ability to authentically express myself, auditions and meetings transformed. I started to connect with industry professionals on a personal level, which helped to level the playing field. And the best way I've found to put me on equal footing with everyone else in the room is for them to view me as a person they can relate to; not just an actor. I mean, c’mon - actors are already the lowest on the totem pole, so we’ve got to find a way to get up to eye level with other people in the industry.
—
Now that I’ve shared my story I’d love to hear yours. When we share our cringe-worthy moments, it's a reminder that beneath the polished surface of social media and #actorslife, we're all just human. In an industry that often demands perfection, it's these authentic, imperfect moments that connect us and make us relatable to one another. And they make us stronger when we realize we're not the only ones who struggle with these challenges!
So, what's the most challenging part of answering the "tell me about yourself" question for you? Have you ever frozen up or blown a networking opportunity?
The 1 Biggest Acting Reel Mistake Actors Make - How To Make A Great Reel by Aaron Marcus • last post Sep 12th
The 1 Biggest Acting Reel Mistake Actors Make - How To Make A Great Reel
https://youtu.be/JKOfeq4tEaA?feature=shared
Having a great acting reel can be very helpful. But, it is very hard to do when first getting started, and don't have the clips to use.
Watch this video and learn how to avoid common mistakes actors make, and how to get content that can be used for a great acting reel.
Having a great acting reel can be very helpful. But, it is very hard to do when first getting started, and don't have the clips to use.
Watch this video and learn how to avoid common mistakes actors make, and how to get content that can be used for a great acting reel.
Webinar soon! Actors: How To Prepare To Work With An A-List Director by Sydney Summers • last post Sep 12th
Stage 32 is excited to welcome Alessandro Fiorucci for his upcoming webinar! In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, Alessandro will teach you his acting process so you can prepare yourself to work with A-list directors. Alessandro is an actor, director and screenwriter with decades of experience in the entertainment industry. Alessandro has worked with acclaimed directors such as Marco Bellocchio (THE TRAITOR), Paolo Virzì (MAGIC NIGHTS, THE LEISURE SEEKER), Stefano Mordini (THE INVISIBLE WITNESS, THE PLAYERS), and many others, including working on set for Ridley Scott (BLADE RUNNER, GLADIATOR, ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD).
PLUS! Alessandro will provide you with an exclusive handout to help you hone your acting craft. Downloads include:
-Comprehensive Acting Technique Guide
https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Actors-How-To-Prepare-To-Work-With-An-A-List-Director
SAG-AFTRA re-elects Fran Drescher president as strike enters ninth week by Geoff Hall • last post Sep 12th
The voting to recast Fran Drescher as President of SAG-AFTRA was unequivocal enough.
Drescher whose words at the beginning of the strike resounded with many, and still does.
“These are dynamic times and as one member body, we will weather the storms, stand on our principles and make sure our major contributions to this collaborative art form shall never again be diminished but rather be exalted.”
Here's hoping she is able to get the deal for her members that is so needed, so that we can all move forward.
https://www.screendaily.com/news/sag-aftra-re-elects-fran-drescher-president-as-strike-enters-ninth-week/5185754.article?
Actors Are Your Loved Ones Supportive? by Tammy Hunt • last post Sep 11th
When you just start your acting career and begin to navigate the unknown maze that is your options for acquiring skills as an actor, you really need all the encouragement and support you can get. This, of course, applies to your friends and family foremost because they are your trusted loved ones who are supposed to have your back no matter what. Right? Not always.
If you feel as though everyone you know is negative and just plain doesn’t “get it,” then take a moment and see your choice to become an actor from your family and friends’ perspectives. An attorney, a doctor, an accountant, or another mainstream occupation is more acceptable than what they perceive a struggling artist’s life to be, schlepping from audition to audition unpaid and having to attend classes in order to hone your skill set. Your spouse probably sees your decision to be without the proper consideration for your collective future together.
One of the best ways to deal with possible negativity from your family is to try and understand that they really do have your best interests at heart, and their intentions are good.
When your parents or significant other responds to you with anything other than, “Don’t worry. You’ll book the next role,” or “Hey, can I help in any way for your next audition?” simply display that you’re being responsible and earning a living doing something while pursuing your acting career.
If they do see that you are completely immersed in this career and are busy with every opportunity in moving forward then that shows you are to be taken at your word and they should see your commitment to your craft.
Whatever the outcome of your specific relationships, always think positively and embrace the challenges and adventures as you navigate your way as an actor. This is a truly exciting and invigorating process. You can be a part of evoking emotion from strangers as they sit in front of their TVs or in an audience by making them cry, laugh, get angry, and be entertained. You can make them forget everything for just a moment. Now that is worth more than you know.
#actors #support #goals