We have found 19,322 posts across 4 actor forums:
I'm reading a book on the history of acting and it's very eye-opening by thisisnotarealperson • last post Feb 27th
*The Art of the Actor* by Jean Benedetti, whom you may recognize as the author who did the new translations of Stanislavski's work that people recommend over the ones most of us have read. Anyway, it has dispelled some misconceptions I've had about acting back in the day. Greeks and Romans actually did value performers who really experienced things on stage, rather than the more presentational acting I assumed everyone before the late 1800s did. There's a famous quote by Horace, "If you want me to weep, you must first feel grief yourself," that has been used by actors and acting theorists throughout the centuries. Of course different societies through time have valued different styles of performance, but the questions we have now about how authentic an actor's experience should be are NOT as new as I'd thought. Of course, there have been ridiculously artificial standards as well. Here's a description of the state of Russian acting before the people who influenced Stanislavski started a new style: >Words like love' or 'hate' had to be shouted at the top of the actor's voice. Any approach to normal speech was considered incompetence. Before making an exit, an actor had to raise his right hand. One unfortunate actor, who forgot, was almost off stage when he remembered his mistake, returned and raised his hand. Exits had to be made backwards, so as not to turn one's back on the audience. This caused much fumbling for the unseen doorknob. No one seems to have been aware of the absurdity of these conventions. I love learning about this stuff because before the era of film all we have are various secondhand accounts of famous actors; turns out there are a decent amount of primary sources from those performers as well. The progression of taste in performance hasn't been as linear as I thought, though the style of writing seems to have had more of a progression that actors have had to adapt to. The conversations we have here about what it takes to be a good actor certainly aren't new. It's a pretty academic book but I recommend it if you're interested in learning more about the history of acting.
Has there ever been an a list actor who reverted to background acting unironically? by figtarr • last post Feb 27th
Meaning, top of the Hollywood list of acting talent, to extra work as a means to put food on the table.
Connecting iPhone to the Studio? by TEO425 • last post Feb 27th
Ok, perhaps a little off topic for this sub, but I figured I'd give it a chance. Given voice actors (and related industry folks) seem to be a significant presence on Clubhouse, it's gaining notoriety as a place to be heard. Given it's iPhone-only at present, what are people using to get higher-quality audio into/out of their iPhones? Similarly, I'd like to patch my iPhone into my studio rig as an alternative Zoom patch for clients (rather than using two computers, or running Zoom and my DAW on the same machine).
Share your voice training experiences? by Mr_Salami • last post Feb 27th
I’m finally taking the leap and have invested in professional voice training and boy is it kicking my ass. My voice coach is a bit of a hard ass and I had no idea how hard it would be to meet professional expectations. Is this normal for other voice actors? How was your voiceover training experience? What was your voice coach like? Please share :)
What are some acting terms a beginner actor should know? by VAZMA46 • last post Feb 27th
Building relationships with Casting Directors by SabReale12 • last post Feb 27th
A lot of Casting Directors offer paid services for actors now. Self taping, portfolio review, career guidance, script analysis etc. Would you say that’s a good investment in order to let them know about your work and maybe call you up for auditions later? What’s your experiences with that?
Regret my undergrad degree by ThatNeverlandGirl • last post Feb 27th
So basically I’m about to turn 23 and I already feel like I’ve wasted my youth and really set myself up for a tougher time in this industry. I know that everyone’s pathway in the acting world is different, but I honestly just feel like I screwed myself over. I got my theatre degree from a university in 2020 and I just feel like it wasn’t enough. I know it’s my own fault though. Basically in high school I had some pretty severe depression. I wanted to act, but I also barely had the motivation to get out of bed and go to school. My parents desperately wanted me to go to college though and continued to nag me to apply to schools. I had no energy to do the proper research on a place I actually would’ve wanted to go to. I just didn’t care about anything at that point. They just had bought a house in another state and were about to move, so they were like “why don’t you just go to this school right by our new house!” And I was just like k. I applied. I got in. I ended up having to pay some pretty high out of state tuition for a school that just wasn’t worth it. Considering I lived in the state of ny growing up, I could’ve paid a fraction of the price and had the opportunity to go to a fantastic school like SUNY Purchase, but nope, I didn’t even apply. I’m not saying I would’ve even gotten in, but I didn’t even give myself the chance. Instead, I applied to one school. One single school. A school with a 70% acceptance rate. Anyways, I got my degree and now I just feel sick thinking about how I don’t feel prepared at all for any sort of acting career. My school didn’t even have a showcase. Hell I didn’t even know senior showcases where you could perform for agents were a thing until my senior seminar where my professor told us how most schools have them. A girl in my class asked, “Are we going to have one?” And he pretty much laughed and was like “Uh no. No agent would want to come here anyway.” Overall my school really hasn’t tried to help the graduates out at all, which just kinda sucks a lot. I don’t completely regret going there though. I did learn a lot in some of my classes. I certainly know more about acting than I did in high school, but I know that I could’ve learned so much more at other schools. Ever since I’ve graduated I’ve just had this constant tension in my chest as my brain reminds me on the daily that I have zero guidance, not nearly enough knowledge and probably not nearly enough talent to succeed. Since I graduated I’ve been trying to my hardest to make up for lost time. I’m currently signed up for a ton of acting classes on zoom and I’ve been constantly applying to projects on backstage and actors access. I know I can’t just sit here and wallow in self pity, but it’s hard knowing that I made this journey so much harder for myself. I’m not giving up though. Acting is the one thing I’ve never given up on, and I refuse to do so, despite the fact that I know it’s going to be difficult. Anyways, I just gotta know if anyone else at all is in a similar sort of situation where you just feel like your education was a waste? I know what’s done is done and I can’t change the past, but it’s just hard to get over it. Any advice at all on how to get over this constant feeling of regret would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you for reading. Sorry that was so long!
(UK) What are the main London Drama Schools actually like?? (Musical Theatre) by reddit_account_446 • last post Feb 27th
Hi, I’m not sure if this is the right place for this so if it’s not please just tell me and I’ll delete!! I am F16 and from another part of the UK but I am hoping to go to drama school in London when I am 18 (so straight after 6th form with no gap year or anything) BACKSTORY Honestly, I have no idea how good I actually am tbh - I don’t want to sound full of myself but from what I can gather I am a pretty good (or at least okay???) singer and actor - I have got pretty good roles in shows and I know my singing teacher is really known as pretty much the best in my (very small!) country and has a good success rate of getting people to drama school. He is strict and has loads of qualifications in vocal health and technique and makes you do an audition before you come to him so I am hopefully at least average in those areas! (Hopefully!) but I know I am NOT a dancer - I only started ballet and tap and jazz lessons last year as I knew I needed to catch up with everyone who has been dancing from age 7. I THINK I have good stage presence but it’s hard to tell because of course your friends and family and teachers are going to tell you you’re amazing to be polite! I am completely set on going to a proper drama school and not studying MT at a regular uni - I have pretty good grades at school and have a whole backup plan worked out to study art history at a UK uni so if drama school doesn’t work out that’s what I will do. My thinking is if I don’t get into one of the top drama schools then honestly, there are too many people who are better than me, and I will not get jobs when competing against them in auditions. I guess it’ll be very upsetting for me if and when this happens, but I’m a reasonably sensible people, I know that this is a dream and not something I’m entitled to, and I will hopefully find my career in art history okay. END OF BACKSTORY I compiled a list of all the schools I know of: Italia Conti Mountview Trinity Laban Arts Ed Urdang Academy And I was wondering if anyone could tell me about them because I have absolutely no clue?? 1. Do they all have a vibe (e.g. is Mountview known for being bitchy, Italia Conti known for being a little bit hippy-dippy and abstract and focusing on feelings and mental health over strict training, Urdang known for being very strict and hard on its pupils, ArtsEd known for all the students partying) etc if that makes sense 2. Which one is considered the best? Is one considered the best? What is the Oxford/Cambridge of drama schools? Is there one? 3. MOST IMPORTANTLY is one more for singers and one more for dancers etc? I’ve heard Urdang is for dancers and so I shouldn’t audition for Musical Theatre there - is this true?? Which one? 4. Honestly which one would you recommend? For some reason I’m leaning towards Trinity Laban from like looking around the website and getting a sort of vibe off the Instagram and stuff but I just don’t KNOW and maybe I’ve got it all wrong?? Also, I know I’m young and it’s not like I’ve actually got IN to one of these schools (I wish lol), but I like to have something to aim for and if I can plan something I will - I like to be in control and know what I’m doing if I can!! Thank you for reading all the way to the bottom and I would enjoy so grateful if you can tell me literally anything!!!
Looking for actors in NYC by larskittel • last post Feb 27th
I am casting a Jekyll and Hyde musical that will be filmed and I'm still looking for actors to fill some of the roles. I also posted a listing on Backstage but I thought I might as well offer anyone on here a chance to apply if you are in the NYC area. It is not a paid gig, we do not expect to make money from it but it's being filmed so it is a great chance to get reel footage. I'll list off the roles we still want applicants for. Archibald Proops-Lawyer on the board of governors. He is a middle aged man. General Glossop-One of the board of governors. He is an old army general who was wounded in combat and now has a hard time getting around. He is around 60+ years old. Bishop of Basingstoke-Eminent churchman and philanthropist who uses his power to prey on choir boys and young girls. He is an older man 50+. Lord Savage-He is on the board of governors and thinks Jekyll is wasting his time trying to save madmen. He is often spending time with the other governors. He is around 60. Lady Beaconsfield-She is on the board of governors and doesn't respect Jekyll at all. Her husband died 30 years ago. Sir Danvers Carew-Father of Lisa and father in law to Henry Jekyll. He is concerned for Lisa and Henry as the musical progresses becoming more fed up with Henry's obsession. He is 50+ Simon Stride-The ex boyfriend of Lisa, he is upset that she is now dating Jekyll and tries to convince her she should leave him. 25-40 years old. Mr. Poole-Dr. Jekyll's butler. He is a kind respectful man who serves Jekyll's needs and once served Jekyll's father before he went ill. He doesn't sing any lines and should be an older gentleman 50+ Ensemble members-We are looking for people of all looks, ages to be part of the ensemble and some Let me know if you're interested in any of these roles and I'll gladly let you audition for me as well as answer any of your questions.
How to get people from different countries? by swollendreams • last post Feb 27th
Hello I am a complete newbie, who wrote my own film project and the rules etc for the actors, along with what they will be doing, i think the idea is interesting, never done before, now my issue is i am 1 person, i came up with the idea, i have a video camera (please let me know which is recommended as best quality? Closest to youtube movie quality please) and i have the items i will give them (basically each actor holds an object/represents one) my main issue, id like to cast people from all over (redditers here that want a break) but realistically what if i like someone from the us? I am in spain right now, a small city within it at that, I will pay the actors all for participating but it just seems off you know? How can 1 guy do it? I dont wanna have people come from another country just like that, they do their scenes, get paid and bye... i want someone to realistically give me help on this please.
What technique do you use? by hackinwackinsmackin • last post Feb 26th
I'm a pretty new actor and I'm about to take my first technique class, in Chubbuck. Has anyone tried different techniques and found they didn't vibe with any of them? Or if you did choose one, why do you prefer it to others?
Frustration with Latina casting types by Omniiglass • last post Feb 26th
For the most part, it seems like there are two types that I see in completed productions and in casting calls. It’s either the IG music video baddie type Latina, or an older and hardened cop. Just gotta get that off my chest lol please feel free to share your experiences with this as well I don’t have many other Latina actresses in my circle.
Age in acting/ Appearance on Shows / Do you have to play older always? by June_Etoile • last post Feb 26th
I was on a show that was really dark and darkly lit. It made me look a lot older than I am. I am a WOC and when I saw people in real life they said I look a lot younger in real life. In the same year I was in a short that made me look much younger (late 20's). My question is now I keep getting sent in for older than what I am by CDs and agents because of the dark show I was on. I feel if I am in my 30's playing 40's there is no where to go but up in age from here. Are there any actresses here that play a wide range - like play 26 in one show, then 37 in another show, then 32 in another show? Or do you keep aging up?
What are you doing for side hustles!? by davidreec3 • last post Feb 26th
I’m just curious what you actors are doing during this pandemic world for supplemental income? I lost both of my very trusty side hustles bc of COVID and they won’t be coming back, unfortunately. I’m just truly lost and with such a saturated job market it’s been really difficult for me to book an interview! I’m open to any thoughts or suggestions or if you’re dealing with the same issues and how you’re getting through! Thanks :)
What's your biggest drawback as a voice actor? by 3DThrills • last post Feb 26th
Acting? Reading nuance? Editing? Equipment? Voice? Environment?
How do child voice actors do different voices from their own? by BobsBurgerLover1998 • last post Feb 26th
Hi there are people younger than me that do voices different from their own, is this a genetic thing or maybe they did it since they were younger? Any ideas
I Need a Better Bio by Starwind_Amada • last post Feb 26th
[Alex S. Kramer | Voice over actor | Voice123](https://voice123.com/alexkramer) How can I write something that's more descriptive of my vocal range? You can listen to the demo. Plus I have no way to prove my apparent credentials so that's a concern.
Would you feel comfortable shooting at a residential apartment if no one lived there? by TimPrice2 • last post Feb 26th
I could really use feedback from actors on this. I'm thinking about renting a small apartment for when I need to shoot in LA. I would NOT be living there. It would be set up as a studio only. There would be no furniture or personal items in it. Just lights, cameras, a set, and loads of food in the kitchen for actors. As an actor, would it deter you from taking a job? Since I know someone will want to point out that it won't work out because you can't have a bunch of people in a residence or make noise, I want to mention that all of my "shoots" involve one actor only. I make cutscenes for video games and my scenes are all monologues. There's only me and the actor on any set. Look up Her Story or The Infectious Madness of Dr Dekker if you want examples of the type of games/shoots I'm talking about.
Do famous actors really not take classes? by hackinwackinsmackin • last post Feb 26th
I noticed that it's rare for famous actors to talk about their training, if they had any. I feel like a lot of them do take classes/have coaching but don't reveal that publicly. I think if more actors revealed that it would make acting seem less magical, and more grounded in hard work. What do you guys think?