We have found 19,377 posts across 4 actor forums:
Asking questions when auditioning for a role by telepathicchess • last post May 5th
Hello! So I got asked to audition for a role in a student play. I was given a dialogue to perform and a brief description of the play's concept. While they did say I can ask questions if I had them, I don't want to overstep/sound like an ass when I do ask questions, so: Would it be weird to ask more info about the character or the scene I'm supposed to do? I don't know if these things are vague on purpose to find actors who understand the role better. This is the first time I'm auditioning for a specific role instead of just a general spot in a production. If there are more appropriate questions to ask so I can have a better audition, please also let me know. Thanks!
A love letter to my little booth by futureslave • last post May 5th
I know voice acting isn't for everyone and there are elements of performance that can't be replicated in my dark little box, but over the course of the pandemic it has kept me sane. And there's so much I can do in there! Solid HOURS of acting, far more than I've ever had at once. I tell myself that even Broadway stars who get double cast as leads in two shows at once don't get to act as much as I do when I'm in my booth. There's so much less stopping and starting, no waiting for someone else to be off book, no director working me into their own agenda. No executives and agents making demands... except perhaps at the very end. For those, like me, who can work creatively alone, nothing can beat it. After narrating an emotional passage from an audiobook I will stumble out of there shaking and empty and need hours of recovery. It is such a satisfying feeling of completion I've rarely achieved in live theater or on a film/video shoot. And then there's the pleasure I get from storytelling, narrating articles on science and nature, turning complex ideas into easily understood phrases that help others out while giving me a better education. I swear, since I started working with a youtube channel on ancient history I've basically been giving myself a graduate level course in Egypt and Assyria and the Hittites. And then, if you're like me and you're also a writer, the booth gives me the ability to bring my own fictional worlds to life in ways I never could before. I started a podcast of literary episodes that is an open-ended structure to showcase my own stories. As someone who grew up in the 70s-80s before any of these digital dreams could come true, the ability to write a script on my laptop, record it, produce it, and even make a video with it still feels very much like magic. And if you aren't a writer? If you're like most actors, you don't want to be responsible for an entire production. You just want to bring a single character to life authentically. You miss acting so much and can't wait to audition but you don't even know where to start with something like a vocal booth. To you I say this: Your phone probably has a voice memo function. Or you can video yourself. Climb into your closet or parked car. Find a monologue or short story told 1st person. Record yourself. Listen to it. Try again, improve your performance. When you're happy with it put it in Audacity or Garage Band and play with the levels. Remove extra breaths. Edit it until it sounds just as you want it. Share it with others. Ta da. You just completed a work of art. So much of what we do is half-made and incomplete. Scripts that lie around on shelves for years waiting to be produced. Audition sides that you never get cast in. Monologues you've memorized for plays you don't know. For once, take a piece of text all the way from rehearsal to sharing it with an audience. It feels great.
My family always had high expectations of me academically. During high school, I didn’t have time for acting. I was busy with AP classes (I took 10 of them). Continue by LopsidedWestern2 • last post May 5th
I know I wanted to act, I’m dramatic and I’m good at impersonating ppl and improvising. But my parents want me to be a doctor, so I’ve never actually been in an acting class. Today I’m 19, and on my first year of university- biomedical sciences degree. Few days ago I did something that made my mom go (half jokingly) : “you know what you would have actually made a pretty good actress”. And you know what? I know she didn’t actually mean it since my whole damn family is pressuring me into finishing my degree and going to med school, but I want to start take acting classes. I found a pretty legit acting class for beginners with somewhat famous actors as guest teachers. The course costs 1000$. Many ppl liked it and had positive reviews. I have a zoom meeting with the director of the class tomorrow (he’s also an actual director), he probably wants to see if I’m fit to the program or something? Since the people who go there will have a book in the end and will be represented by an acting agency upon finishing the course. So tomorrow I need to impress the guy, I don’t want him to think that I kinda sorta wanna do acting but my main thing is med school. I want him to see passion in me. But the problem is that i was NEVER trained before. I kinda took some sort of acting class in 9th grade but it was pretty much nothing. I really wanna shot at this acting thing. Is 19 too late to start training to be an actress? How do I know if im good enough to even try?
Vancouver Actors - Industry Known Schools/Teachers? by azthemansays • last post May 5th
I'm looking at taking some Vancouver classes to punch up my resume for submissions (and learn a thing or twenty) on the west coast, given the current market when it comes to online classes. Over here in Toronto, some of the major hitters that are recognized by CDs are Pro Actor's Lab, LB Studios and Armstrong... what are equivalent "casting director recognized" studios and/or teachers over there? Also, what is your major improv training school, at a similar level to Second City improv training... Blind Tiger Comedy?
Should I stop thinking about pursing acting? by Accurate-Fly2116 • last post May 5th
I'm 20 at the moment and in college studying biology in the US. I've loved acting since I was little, and I was in a few productions in high school and one in college. I've also done some comedy writing in college. I've love to pursue acting, but it makes me kind of sad to think about it knowing that I probably will never get to do it. Should I stop thinking about pursuing acting all together? I feel like maybe I should and just focus on biology since I just get so depressed that I'll never get to be an actor. Should I do more college productions and take some acting classes and just see what happens? Should acting just be my hobby? Should I go to grad school in something science-y and try to be an actor on the side? Should study something easier so I have more time to try out acting? I'd love to hear any thoughts yall have.
Actors with strong arms? Sesame Street's big birds definitely win by lamboredini999 • last post May 5th
Have you ever wondered as kids (or adults, I just learnt this today) how is it possible for actors to move and act inside the big birds muppets in Sesame Street? Certainly only strong-armed people dare to audition. Read more about the origin of Sesame Street [here](https://considered.substack.com/p/sesame-street) in this newsletter! https://preview.redd.it/3ghidlz9edx61.png?width=397&format=png&auto=webp&s=ddcd68e924a8720aee58beae2dc58dcfd49c5dc6
On average how many actors are called in to audition for a co-star role on a network tv show? by hithirteen • last post May 5th
Just wondering!
Can non-Americans apply for SAG-AFTRA? by AmetrisB • last post May 5th
I am a Canadian actress - can I apply for SAG-AFTRA? If so, what are the requirements for non-American actors?
Acting for the Wrong Reasons? (attention, belonging etc) by teadr1nker • last post May 5th
Storytelling has been so instrumental in helping me heal from self-loathing and finally accept a part of myself that I tried so hard to repress for years. This past fall, I watched a documentary on Netflix called “Disclosure”, which featured many trans people from the industry talking about how trans representation has changed people’s perceptions. Particularly, it was focused on how predatory or repulsive depictions of trans people have made our existence into a joke. As someone who had spent so long repressing my identity as a trans man, the idea that I deserved to be more than an object of disgust or ridicule changed my world. I watched another film starring an actor who had been featured in the documentary about a man battling PTSD and depression, and booooy was it one of the most beautiful performances I have ever seen. Even in the silent character movements he was so engaging and heartbreaking and connected. I saw myself in his character. He was nominated for an ACTRA award for this movie and dang, did he deserve it. In December, the actor I mentioned earlier opened an acting challenge for young trans actors (can play under 18), with some finalists being chosen for a master class with him. I had never acted before, but I decided to put my all into it because of how much his work had helped me in accepting myself. I got coached and practiced for weeks. I didn’t get chosen, but he sent me a very touching email that encouraged me to press on. He even said that it’s hard to believe I had no acting experience, which was such an honor to hear from someone who had inspired me to start acting. I felt a rush of determination. I started taking classes, auditioning for local productions, reading books and plays, and making practice self-tapes. It was pretty exciting at first! Still, something has felt so wrong this whole time. I don’t know if it’s my gender struggles, but I’m not having much fun with this. I don’t really see myself fitting into any role in particular. Female roles feel wrong, and male roles just remind me of how not-male I still look, so early on in transition. I’m always so worried about doing the “wrong” thing, showing the “wrong” emotion, or looking ugly, and I get extreme anxiety. I auditioned for a community theatre play about a young trans man who is navigating his relationships with his family, friends and boyfriend through his transition. “Perfect”, I thought. As embarrassing as it sounds, I imagined my not-so-supportive family seeing me playing the role and finally understanding everything I go through. I felt pretty disappointed when I didn’t get the role. I was listening and reading a lot of stuff from Larry Moss where he talks about how you shouldn’t get into acting to be loved or to heal yourself from your past. That was kind of a wake up call for me. I came to a pretty stunning realization: Am I hoping to be an actor to validate myself as a trans person? I have all of these self-aggrandizing fantasies about being in some great work that makes a person finally accept themselves, just like the actor I mentioned did for me. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. I know I’ll always have the air of desperation and low self-confidence if I need to feel loved by audiences and casting directors and teachers. I don’t even know what to do anymore. Acting classes feel like a slog lately. I’m afraid I may have gotten into this whole thing for all the wrong reasons, which is why I’m not having much fun with it. I’d just love to do something that makes someone feel less alone or open dialogue about important social issues. I just hope I’m not trying to heal myself or seek out the acceptance I lack in my life through acting. If I’m all focused on my own agendas, how will I ever be able to deliver an authentic enough performance to connect with someone? It’s not about me, it’s about the work. It’s frustrating how egocentric I am. I wish I could just forget about myself and lose myself in a character. I’m getting therapy, which I’m hoping will bring me a little closer to what I’m looking for. Maybe it’s just not the right time. I realize I’m the only one who can say if acting is right for me, but I thought getting some outside opinions might help. Sorry in advance if this isn’t the place for this. Does anyone have any advice that might help me put things into perspective?
My Childhood Comic Is Doing An Audio Movie And Looking For YOU Talented Folks! by spec_a • last post May 4th
I say news because this was posted as an update on the ElfQuest Facebook page. Long ago, it was rumored to be an actual film. Then it got shot down. Used to be a cartoon on CBS but got so flattened by censors it became "ElfBabies" as Richard and Wendy put it. As I'm not an actor but greatly appreciate you and those that I'll be hiring for my work, I thought I'd share this with all of you. Great comics in my very biased opinion. Give it a look! Would be cool to know someone here got a role! https://dagazmedia.com/casting-notice-elfquest/?fbclid=IwAR2iFHPQEGxT0YzCYljiFe8_FztyGhKVshI0YcJ_meo9BlQxhXCESanOuYw
Looking for advice on how to become a voice actor by LOG1C_xd • last post May 4th
Hello! I've been thinking about giving voice acting a shot for a while, but I need some advice. Who should I contact to tryout? How should I do it? What equipment do I need? Thanks!!
Scared to commit to being an actor by ashlyn8983 • last post May 4th
I have always wanted to be an actor, but why am I so scared? I’m not even so much scared ab acting in front of people it’s more that I’m scared of committing to it, cause I’m scared it’s not gonna work out. I’m scared that im gonna commit to going and studying at a a university, and not have it pay off. I also live in Canada, and I’m not sure that there r many opportunities for me here. Does anyone have any advice?
What are some books unrelated to acting that have helped you with your craft? by drewlar • last post May 4th
There’s a lot of info out there about the best acting books to read, but I’m curious what unrelated books you’ve read that have still helped you with acting. A book that's helped me is Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price. Here’s some hopefully helpful ideas I read that correlated with acting. * “Your achievements are not your worth.” In America, where the Puritan work ethic is so ingrained in life that work *is* life and if you’re not productive you’re viewed as failing, this helped remind me that regardless if I reach some type of success in this field I can still be a compassionate person who cares about others and be just as valuable as a famous Oscar winner. I’d like to think it also makes working with famous actors a less intimidating process: if you don’t tie their achievements to their worth, you see them as just people living their lives like you. * The book also talks about “savoring” life, and how beneficial it is to really be present for moments, where you focus on the experience happening, stay mindful, and push distractions away. This obviously relates to acting, where the goal is to stay present in the scene. Price also recommends practicing “compassionate curiosity,” where you not only listen with compassion, but are genuinely curious with what is happening with the other person. This seems similar to the idea of active empathy and active listening for acting. I think that viewing performing in a scene as “savoring a moment,” as well as practicing compassionate curiosity in your daily life to enhance your ability to stay present, translates nicely to acting.
What exactly IS acting? by naseemthedays • last post May 4th
I know it's a weird question, but in terms of education, I've been thinking a lot about the type of degrees and professional work in "acting". Today, there is mainly the branch of theater and dance, and the branch of cinemtography and audiovisual film. Can anyone relate? Is acting just becoming some archaic term? Why's it so annoying that you have to tell someome "I'm acting" in order for it to be appreciated as an artform outside of a stage or camera? Why does acting also have some negative connotations, like the actor being viewed as hard to trust, weird, or crazy?
Auditions by 10zetti • last post May 4th
Hello Everyone, I am based in bay area, CA. I was in an acting workshop pre covid and was definitely building up my skill as an actor, but covid put a stop to that. Wondering if anyone had some advice or tips to get back on track. Is it worth it to audition for roles right now? What would be the best way to get back on track in your opinion?
where can i audition? by Fragrant-Can-2178 • last post May 4th
where become a child actor? I can cry on cue, my parents have given me practice lines and etc. i feel perfect for it, I wouldn't be in it for the fame nor money, I've been practicing for a few years, I enjoy it. but where are some places in LA where I can audition?
ooking for voice actors! $5/per line (can vary depending on how much someone would like :D) looking for a younger male teenage voice for my boy jax! by johnnian • last post May 3rd
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Resources for becoming a voice director/producer? by gameangel147 • last post May 3rd
Hello all! I hope this is an appropriate place to ask this, although it seems like the best choice. I am a game developer and eventually plan to work on my own, bigger games that will require voice actors. Since I am a solo dev, I plan on doing the directing/producing myself. While this will be a long ways away, I thought it would be a good idea to start learning early. I haven't been able to find much; I am always redirected to voice acting. I do plan to look through interviews with voice directors, as well as learn about the voice actor experience, but I was wondering if anyone had any good resources for voice directing. Perhaps behind the scenes videos of directing? Alternatively, I would like to hear from all of you! I would love to hear about your experiences with directors, the directors that did a good job and the ones that didn't... Also, I would love to hear what you, as voice actors, ideally want out of directors and an experience, as well as what you need. Feel free to comment or send a DM, and I look forward to hearing from all of you!