We have found 19,322 posts across 4 actor forums:
is 29 too late to jump on the acting "boat"? by roguewavesurfin • last post Mar 24th
i've wanted to do voice acting for a while. i do it sometimes as a casual thing for world of warcraft machinimas i make (and i really do put the most effort in the voice acting rather than the video editing and whatnot). i feel like actors, both voice and live action, have been doing this for awhile. like, you all have started out as theater kids who came into a full-on career on the screen. i was a band kid so i didn't have the time to devote to acting, but i was big into my speech classes and the short-lived speech club that existed at my school (it had an improv bit that i rocked, like give me a character and i'll own them). i love watching VA panels for video game conferences. i'm currently watching the 2021 blizzcon VA panel and what draka's VA, debra wilson, says about losing yourself really resonates with me. blizz is a company that likes to advertise "baring yourself" and connecting with a character on a personal level, and i'm all about that (there have been characters where i've imagined lines they might or might not say, sometimes i'm like, "is that him speaking or is that you imposing your own self on him like a fanboy") but i'd also like to break away from myself and deliver voice lines so perfectly that are so perfectly written it stays with ppl forever. i love world of warcraft and would be honored to act with them, especially as a trans man. but i feel like i'm a little too starstruck by the VA conferences, as every kid who follows the red carpets can tell you. i'm a musician so i think i understand how it feels to see a person who watches a few live concerts think they can shred on guitar without the right amount of practice. i'm here asking for a plan (and admittedly some feelgood encouragement). for now all i can think of doing is signing up for singing lessons, they offer those at my local music shop. what else should i do?
Here Are the Top 20 Platforms for Voice Actors to Get Work from Home by patricksmith84 • last post Mar 24th
Does anyone else get sick of seeing celebrities kids getting acting opportunities that would change an ordinary actors life? by appreciatorofadvice • last post Mar 24th
I swear the industry is full of nepotism and it’s so irritating. I was watching YouTube the other day and and ad popped up for a trailer of a new film staring Lily Rose-Depp (Johnny Depp’s kid) and so I read an article about her to see if she did any sort of training but not any that I could find. It seems she got offered a lead role in an indie film at 14 by her dads friend and the realised she loved acting so she dropped out of school at 16 to peruse it full time! I wish I had that luxury haha. I get that some kids will want to do the same thing as there parents and that’s great if you work for it like Uma Thurman’s daughter in Stranger Things. She seemed to try to get things the right way and even went to a top British Drama school for a bit before being offered a role, so at least she wanted to develop her skills through training but I swear a lot of these people ring up a parents friend and BAM starring role lol. I don’t want to hate on these people but I just wanted to start a discussion and am curious see what other people think about all this?
How do I handle patronizing comments from well meaning loved one? by totally_not_destiny • last post Mar 24th
For reference, my boyfriend was drinking last night and wanted to get into the topic of my career (or lack of one) for acting. I told him that with the pandemic, along with me not having fiscal/networking support that I have to work my way up from the bottom and play the waiting game (I’m wanting to do on stage musicals, so it quite *literally* is going to have to wait) For now I’m working part-time at a privately owned Texas grocery store by choice. I got told by him while I was describing how I can improve in my department, that I should consider a white collar job, which I declined because white collar = full time = takes away from acting/theatre opportunities. To paraphrase, I was told I should consider a white collar, desk job (he does IT work for a living) because what I am doing might not work out. I know he meant well, but being told what I am doing is unrealistic stung, especially hearing it from him. I heard it all my life from just about everyone, really (for the past 10 years I switched majors/careers because I listened to the negativity and it only hurt me in the end) I am aware of the pros and the excruciating cons of being a struggling actor, and he knows this. And as much as I want to defend myself and my passion, I’m afraid in execution it just sounds like me being naive. I know we’ve _all_ been told this; but how do you cope/respond to your closest loved ones hinting doubt about your acting/performer/etc. career, or your wanting to start one?
Should I talk about my autism? by FurmidableCat • last post Mar 24th
I am a 25 female actor diagnosed recently with autism. I see it as a strength more than a difficulty. However, I was wondering if I should be open about the fact that I am an autistic actor. I recently got a job as a host specifically for that and know that people are trying to hire autistic people to play autistic characters, but one of my teachers thinks that my “condition” as he calls it can be seen in a bad way. However, I wish that more people could see how autistic people can achieve great things and be a role model for those who feel underrepresented. So should I talk about it and if so, how?
Classic/theatre-oriented training in LA (movement, voice, speech) by laviebrokehem • last post Mar 24th
Apologies for the long post, TL;DR at the bottom. Before I annoy anyone with yet another LA class post, let me assure everyone that I am fairly familiar with the sub, and with the extensive list of reputable LA coaches by Truthteller that gets posted whenever someone asks about LA classes. I have researched almost all of the entries quite thoroughly, and have taken classes at a number of those fine institutions (and audited or visited many more), but none are quite what I am looking for now, since most of the entries on the list are foundation technique or on-camera classes. Yeah, I know, I know, “No shit, it’s LA,” but I have hope. Essentially, I’m looking to strengthen my on-stage performances. I did not study theatre in college; I began my training in a two-year Meisner program, and have continued it with a variety of scene study and on-camera classes (most from the list, all great) over the past half-decade. Things are going well, and I’m comfortable in front of the camera, but there’s a stage-shaped hole in my heart, and I’m desperately looking forward to a return to live performances. However, like most LA Meisner programs, mine consisted exclusively of the technique class itself , instead of a more complete conservatory-style curriculum. As a result, while I have faith in my ability to “do” the work, I find that I have little faith in my ability to actually convey it from the stage. I feel my instrument requires some tuning, if you will. Simply put, I feel I cannot use my body and voice in the way I’d like to use them on stage. I’d really like to hit the ground running when live theatre is a thing again, so I’m already preparing a return to in-person classes. I’m already planning to sign up for Independent Shakespeare Co.’s first in-person class back, but unfortunately, most of the other big boys (Sacred Fools, Circle in the Square, Echo Company, etc) don’t seem to offer much in the way of training. I know Antaeus has an academy, and The Actors’ Gang offers...some sort of training (though it appears to be Commedia-based). Has anyone taken a class with either of them? There’s also a smaller one near me called the New American Theatre, but I can find precious little on them online. Anyone familiar? Failing that, I wouldn’t mind technique-specific coaching (such as Alexander/Williamson for movement, Linklater/Fitzmaurice for voice, IPA/Skinner for speech), if anyone knows of good coaches for those. Also, if anyone has any recommendation regarding the sequence in which to take them, I’m all ears (for example, I hear some full programs teach Alexander into Williamson into Viewpoints). Apologies again for the lengthy post, I tried to be as specific as I could in terms of what I’m looking for. Thanks! TL;DR: Wanna get better at using the physical tools of acting on stage. Anyone take any classic, theatre-oriented classes in LA? Any experience with Antaeus, The Actors’ Gang, or the New American? If not (or even if so), I would really appreciate any recommendations for classes or coaches to work on movement, voice, and speech. Thanks!
Alternatives to Central Casting by Foreveroptimist88 • last post Mar 24th
A casting director I spoke with recently mentioned that Central is not the only way to get work as a background actor in LA. Is anyone familiar with other agencies or CDs that you can register with to get BG work? Thanks!
Demo Reel Debacle by Impossible_Wave_2970 • last post Mar 24th
So we all know that having a reel is essential to booking substantial jobs. It seems like you need one to even submit a self tape. Let’s have a reel discussion. Has anyone successfully made their own reel? Just filmed scenes/monologues yourself? Has anyone paid a company to produce a professional reel for you? I’ve done 5-10 projects that promised a copy and I never got one. I’m also mostly a stage actor, therefore I don’t have a ton of me on film. Any tips for creating a reel are welcome!
Interview with Fallout 4's Captain Kells, Tim Russ by NeoYossarian • last post Mar 23rd
Tim Russ sat down and discussed Fallout 4 and other topics on the podcast Movie Reviews from an Alternate Earth. [https://alternatemovies.buzzsprout.com/1391980/8190218-tim-russ-interview](https://alternatemovies.buzzsprout.com/1391980/8190218-tim-russ-interview) Tim also talks about the experiences he's had doing voiceovers for World of Warcraft, The Last of Us 2, the Elder Scrolls, and others; and he, of course, talks about his long history as an actor on TV and Film.
As a background performer, how do I venture out into bigger “background” type roles? Do I need an agent? by Thankyounext07 • last post Mar 23rd
I apologize if I am using the incorrect term here. By “bigger background role” I mean someone who is not in a giant mosh pit or crowd of people. For example someone who directly interacts with a principal actor... and may have a small speaking role. For example a waitress who directly serves the principal actors/actresses at a restaurant, maybe says thank you etc. I do not have an agent. I am located in canada. . and I get bookings for background work through a casting company that only hires for background roles. Ive been in a couple well known tv shows. Never had any speaking roles . I’m super new to this and would love to explore more. Thanks for the help :)
Is there anything more I should be doing to develop my acting career by Pkemi05 • last post Mar 23rd
Im a 15 year old girl and I’m an aspiring actress. Due to Covid I can’t join a stage school or anything but I’m working from home. Right now I’m practicing my emotions,developing my skills,looking for online castings(I’ve already auditioned for one) and just improving myself etc. Is there anything else I should be working on. I want this to be my career so when I’m 18 i won’t be 100% starting from scratch.Any advice aswell? Thank you
Am I a fraud by Iceycat1234 • last post Mar 23rd
Am I a fraud Hi so I had an audition back in January went real received a callback, callback went great as I’m being moved up in a small window of actors for a lead roll in a feature film. The problem I’m struggling with is 1. I’m nonunion, 2. My acting experience is only about a year and a half, and 3. I have no representation currently and my credits are slim. Am I overthinking this? Do I need to get an agent to get this role ASAP? What should I do any help?
What Surprised You Most When You First Started Working? by trisarajanetops • last post Mar 23rd
I’m trying to put together a list of things that can be unexpected or shocking once you start working. If you don’t have experience but want to contribute a question you have about how something is done, that is also helpful!! I’m putting some examples below. Anything about the industry, audition process, or behind the scenes bits also appreciated! Any cool tricks or practical effects also welcome, no matter how small or silly. ... Film: -Shot lists. I never knew how out of order things were shot or how short some takes are. Did not know how different it would feel doing tiny bits and pieces out of order. -Salem the cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a puppet with a remote control and was operated by 3 different people. -Studios, backlots, film ranches, or sound stages and thought if a scene took place in a house, the scene was shot in a house. -ADR (how much you may need to do and how challenging even though it’s your own face) -1st and 2nd units, body doubles. -How little the director works with the actors by comparison to theater directors. -Alternative materials for realistic looking props. -Anything green screen related. -I always assumed all animated stuff was completed first and voices were added and had to sync with the drawings. Oh and cels/different artists working in one image. -so much of Harry Potter was not CGI!! Theater: -I didn’t know about how loud cap guns could be til I used one on stage and had to do the whole scene with earplugs. -How quick quick changes really were. Also how you need to change in front of other cast members. -Lights and sounds are not programmed or pre-recorded and are done live. - You physically need to put colored filters over lights and they don’t just have every color option already up there. -responsibilities of an understudy. Industry: -Just learned about Fi-Core -What producers actually do -How movies/tv networks make money and how TV shows are funded. -what constitutes a Broadway production -how much crew any production has -much of the time casting directors just report best candidates to the director, who makes the finally casting call, rather than the casting director making final call. -also do you know how many actors have insane backstories??? -golden age Hollywood feuds crack me up. I know some are sad but sometimes pretty funny how petty people could be. Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra? So funny. -obsessed with scottpropandroll on Instagram and tiktok. Insider on YouTube has great stuff too. ❤️
The Actor and the Target by TheWalkinFrood • last post Mar 23rd
I found this book while browsing on my kindle and it's amazing. It makes so more sense on an intuitive level than anything I've read or been taught up to this point. Has anyone else read it or found it helpful?
I created a free Android app to help actors make stronger choices for their verbs / intentions! by appsbylynic • last post Mar 23rd
**NOTE: Link to download the app from the Google Play Store is in the comments!** If you're an actor you are probably familiar with the idea of *verbs and intentions*, in other words **how you are going to get what you want** from your scene partner(s). This app serves as a reference to help you make stronger choices for your verbs and should be used as a complement to your scene analysis. The app features 300+ verbs and all are categorized by their general intent (loving, manipulative, etc). There are books which serve the same general purpose (e.g. *Actions The Actors' Thesaurus*), but the best part about this app is that it's totally **free**! There is a small ad at the bottom but it is non-intrusive. Let me know what you all think, I welcome all feedback!
I just started voice acting and an author wants me to voice act a commercial for his new book. What should I do to make sure it will turn out great? by ryan337250 • last post Mar 23rd
I recently have gotten into voice acting and one of the professors at my university knows a childrens book author who needed a voice actor for a commercial on one of his new childrens books he is releasing, and my professor told him about me, and he is interested in letting me audition for it, this is a HUGE thing for me, and I want to know what I should do so I don't screw this up. (Sorry about my poor grammar, english IS my first language, I'm just dumb lol)
Read Jenna Fischer's book - it'll answer your questions! by ActionOn4 • last post Mar 23rd
I think I've seen it mentioned in the comments here before, but I just want to reemphasize that **Jenna Fischer's book "The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide"** is absolute must-read material. I'd venture to guess it answers 95% of the questions I see posted in this sub (though of course there are always additional insights you can gain from posting here). I'm listening to the audiobook now and it's super enlightening and encouraging. Being from St. Louis and not knowing anyone in LA, she took a similar path to what many in this sub would need to follow for success. That includes patience, hard work, fearlessness, and a little bit of luck. To top it off, I literally saw this clip posted on FB at the same time that I was listening to her chapter about auditioning (and she gives details about her audition for The Office too). Note the strong, decisive choices the actors are making. They know who their characters are already. It's fascinating to hear Jenna describe her approach to the audition and then see her put those choices into action. [https://youtu.be/sItKwZdGkTM](https://youtu.be/sItKwZdGkTM)
The career seems to keep calling my interest! by ButterfliesAreCute • last post Mar 22nd
Acting has actually been my childhood dream since I was a teenager. I'm 30 now and still have not started my career yet. I'm actually not deterred by that because there are people who started professionally acting in their 30s, 40s, shit even their 50s I heard. Anyway, due to lack of resources I could never seem to get my career off the ground. Also, around I wanna say 2009... ish... I became less interested in acting and more in filmmaking. I still love the art of TV and film production. It's fascinating to me to see movies being made and filmed on location. I did take one acting class when I was in community college taking classes. I was a backup dancer in two high school plays and I had one of my teachers keep recommending i audition for one of the plays at this theater playhouse thing a couple towns away from me. Never did... yet. My interest in acting resumed in like 2010-2015 or so as I decided I wasn't all that much interested in acting after all. Well guess what, now I'm interested again. I guess I've always been interested in acting! I suppose what I'm learning here is you don't choose the career, the career chooses you. I really am starting to feel that being an actor is my calling. Where I hope to go with my acting career is I would like to do stage plays and theater work. Oh, and note this important thing: I'M NOT LOOKING FOR FAME. I DON'T WANT TO BE A BIG-NAME CELEBRITY though I would love to have some film and TV credits under my belt. Soaps, primetime TV, indie films, short films, things like that. That's where I hope to take my acting career. I guess I kinda do know where to start -- get a professional headshot, visit LA or NYC where the business is, find a talent agent somehow, etc. that sorta thing. I guess I'm not actually asking a question here, but posting this just as an OMC (off my chest) type of post haha...
A QUESTION ALL TEENAGERS HAVE by areyan07 • last post Mar 22nd
Hi, I am 17 and I live in india. I will be pursuing my further studies in the US and I have decided to do my major in theater. A lot of people told me to do else and keep a BACKUP but if I really love the craft, I don't see a reason as to why I should do anything else. The question that I have is that I find it difficult to envision a roadmap as to where I am right now and how to pursue a career in it. Being an international student, I won't be able to work my student visa also. How would I be able to connect those dots and be able to become an actor?