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How many photos should you add to actor's access and other casting websites? by bruceleexdarwin  •  last post Jul 24th

Is there a limit to how many photos you should add to casting websites? Can adding too many photos become a hindrance?

SAG-AFTRA Short Contract Too Limiting? by sagaftrashorts  •  last post Jul 24th

While I have many things to say about the 2020 Theatrical Contract that just passed (ugh), I'll bite my tongue and focus on something that is impacting me in our current COVID-19 production slowdown — the short film contract. It's needlessly limiting. In my opinion, the union should view short films as acting exercises, not finished projects with the potential to be sold to studios since that so rarely happens. For no- to low-budget shorts, there are too many restrictions in the agreement, too many hoops for producers to jump through to justify hiring union actors. Hence, we union actors suffer and lose out on opportunities. Yes, union actors' compensation can be deferred, and yes, the short agreement paperwork—though annoying—is fairly straightforward, but it's *still* too much effort for most productions to go through when many are worried about scraping together $100 to feed everyone on set. For actors trying to build a reel, shorts are often the only option. Why are we being kept out of the running by our own union? One could use the oft-cited argument, "write and produce your own work!" but even the tiniest of projects starring only you is *still* supposed to be cleared by SAG-AFTRA if it's to be shared with the public/posted online (something that I don't think a lot of union members realize). So what can be done? Would my fellow union members be willing to lose the benefits of meal penalties and care mileage reimbursement in order to act in shorts? Are these losses worth the gain of reel footage for those of us who are in SAG-AFTRA but early in our careers? Moreover, if enough of us got together to petition the union, do you think they'd lighten up on short requirements? I'm genuinely curious what others think. To be clear, I am and always will be pro-union. I don't think we should sacrifice *anything* in our contracts with large companies/studios who are producing big budget features, TV, and commercials. But some guy in Sherman Oaks who wants to film a short this weekend? Surely we can make an exception for him and get ourselves some nice footage to boot?

Could Someone Explain How We Pay Taxes as Actors? by Accidental_Edge  •  last post Jul 24th

I was reading about it [here](https://www.blog.priortax.com/how-to-file-taxes-as-an-actor-or-performer/#:~:text=As%20an%20actor%2C%20the%20last%20thing%20on%20your%20mind%20is%20taxes.&text=Even%20if%20taxes%20fall%20last,on%20a%20business%20tax%20return.) It says there that I can deduct expenses that pertain to my career, and it then lists a subway fare, plane flight, etc as an example. How would I report a subway ride or a taxi fare, or a plane flight even? I've only ever done taxes through my employer (I'm 19), so this is all very unknown territory for me.

How do you continue school and act? by Ashmem26  •  last post Jul 24th

For reference, I'm a teenager and still in high school. I live in an area with little to no opportunities available. I'm wanting to audition for jobs though, and I was wondering how school would maybe work with that. Say I were to book something that's set to go in March 2021. I'd be in school during that time. When you have to travel for acting while in high school, how do you still stay *in* school? I've heard most companies bring tutors on set, but does anyone know how the whole thing works? Would a school perhaps be understanding about it? Would I be able to stay in my classes and just work online and remotely with a tutor on set? How does it work for child actors at all? Curious but also trying to plan.

Backstage / StarNow by actoruk99  •  last post Jul 24th

UK actors... what have you found more successful? Backstage or StarNow? I know a lot of people find Mandy great but I was wondering about these two specifically? I have always felt backstage to be more American focused but I may be wrong? Could you leave below any advice for online sites like these and or specifically related to starnow / backstage!

acting with anxiety? by sweetaquarius  •  last post Jul 24th

I have really bad anxiety and social anxiety and I’ve found it impossible to even do a presentation in schools (I would have an anxiety attack if I had to), but I’ve always dreamed of being an actor and I don’t want my anxiety to stop me from following my dreams. Do any of you guys experience this as well or have any advice on how to manage it while acting?

How can I nicely tell my coach I want to explore other techniques? by anon559497  •  last post Jul 24th

I started taking an online class with a very seasoned coach that teaches Meisner. While learning the technique, she sometimes has us pick our own scenes and it seems like I always pick characters that are very complex or too difficult, which I enjoy because I love to challenge myself and telling the stories that are hardest to tell. I find myself feeling very limited with Meisner, though. She always tells me to pick easier characters. Maybe I’m moving too fast, who knows. The class I’m in is one of those on-going, stay in for years type. I think that’s amazing for those who swear by Meisner, but as a new actor, I don’t know what I like and don’t like. I’ve been reading Stanislavski, though, and I’m very interested in his Method and I want to explore it + any other tools I may need. Like I said, I don’t know what I like and don’t like, but I know for sure Meisner isn’t the only technique in the world and that bothers me knowing I could have so much more training under my belt. I don’t want to limit myself to one style of teaching. A couple of weeks ago I did a scene using some of the things I learned from “An Actor Prepares” and she thought I did great, until I tried telling my coach I was reading about him (Stanislavski) and she seemed pretty irritated with me like Meisner was the only good technique. I’m not really sure, I could just tell it definitely bothered her. I know she isn’t going to be okay with me using techniques that aren’t Meisner, so I’m thinking our styles are pretty different. I want to be polite about it, but I’m just not sure how to word that I want to move on. She’s an awesome coach, I just don’t agree with some of her principles and I want to explore other options. What should I say?

Becoming an actor by zacmartinez  •  last post Jul 24th

Since I was a kid I always dreamed of becoming an actor, I am now a 21 year old man with no future basically at ground 0. I always talked about becoming one and always felt like I could do it and had many friends and strangers told me that I seemed like one ( sorry for sounding narcissistic). Since I’ve always talked it and dreamed it I’m finally tired of blowing smoke up people’s ass with this dream and fantasy and want to pursue this head first. -any tips or pointers for starting this journey and do’s and donts or am I too late to start?

Actors Talking About Corona Virus... by daveabed  •  last post Jul 23rd

Having any kind of reel gives you an advantage. by scsm  •  last post Jul 23rd

I'm not an actor but I've produced and directed a decent amount of ultra low budget films/web series/etc. Likely the kind of stuff people on here are auditioning for as they start their acting career. It really hit me again tonight trying to cast two small roles how many actors still don't have some kind of reel. I reached out to an acting teacher friend of mine looking for recommendations. Of the list of \~20 names they sent over only 3 had any kind of video of their performances or work. I'd also like to point out only one had a professional reel and they were the one I didn't cast. I can look past a shakey iPhone 4 video of someone performing in their living room to see the performer. Obviously. you'll want to get rid of that shakeycam footage ASAP, but starting out you can give yourself a HUGE leg up by just having SOMETHING on film. I know you have time, especially now. Prop up your phone and record yourself doing some kind of scene and throw it up online.

A question about Juilliard or any other esteemed acting colleges. by EmotionalChris  •  last post Jul 23rd

Hi there, I am a 17 year old and I will most likely be graduating early in order to start working towards becoming an actor. In the time that COVID-19 has given me I've had a lot of time to think about whether or not I should go to a purely acting related school or go to a regular college and enroll in the drama or acting programs and do some other degree as a backup plan since acting can be extremely unpredictable from what I've seen and heard. Luckily I have a very supportive mother who after being asked by me where I should go to hone my acting skills, immediately suggested Juilliard and I was shocked given the extremely low acceptance rate and simply because its fucking Juilliard, they have a 5.9% acceptance rate, holy shit. Now even though the idea of even auditioning scares me, anyone can audition so I started thinking about how I should go about auditioning and trying to find the required 4, 2 min monologues that are needed in order to audition. And while taking a short break I stumbled upon a video interview of an actress named Gillian Jacobs, and in her interview, she talked about how Julliard in a very unappealing way, and talked about how there was a cut program (at the time that she was enrolled) and if you weren't good enough the teachers would bring you into an office and tell you everything you were doing wrong and then send you off to Christmas break, without even trying to tell you how you could succeed (or at least that's what it seems like since she didn't say anything about getting any positive feedback before she went on break). Anyways, my point is that it seems like that's the norm for every branch of Julliard, the instrumental branch, theatrical branch, etc, and it scared me and I feel like I don't want to audition and possibly be enrolled in a school that doesn't attempt to help you do the thing (Acting) that you've spent what could be up to months preparing to get enrolled for, and I want to know if this feeling of me wanting to not audition is me being lazy or if it is because of the seemingly negative experience of being enrolled at Julliard, and it's not like I have a surefire way of getting into Julliard because duh (5.9% acceptance rate) so I'm just wondering as well if I should put my time into looking into other programs or schools elsewhere preferably more close to film acting areas like Los Angeles, Atlanta, etc. btw I am preferably interested in film acting, so if possible could I also get some advice on if places like Julliard are a good place to learn film acting? or should I see acting purely as acting? sorry for the huge paragraph.

What was it like to move to London as an actor from another country? by stephrenaelau  •  last post Jul 23rd

Hi everyone, I'm trying to do some research on what it's like to live and work in London as an actor if you do not hold British citizenship. Would really appreciate your input! I am a 26F from Asia and I speak fluent English with a neutral North American accent, so language is not going to be an issue for me. I hope to secure a place in drama school but that's not guaranteed. When Covid is over, I'd like to leave my hometown to work in London regardless because there are lots of shows and workshops to help me hone my craft. However, I'm most concerned about the healthcare aspect because I don't think I get any access to NHS services except the ones that are free (which are..??) I also worry about not being able to even get a day job as a barista or server in this economy, and who would sponsor my visa if it's not like a typical desk job? If you can please share about your experience and anything you wish someone had told you before moving to London, please leave me a comment below! Thanks :)

Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Jul 23 by AutoModerator  •  last post Jul 23rd

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.

Who do I contact for copy to add to my reel? by devy_stated  •  last post Jul 23rd

Hello all! I was wondering how I get copy of a commercial I shot to add to my reel. I’ve shot 3 commercials professionally, and the 2 that came out so far just came out on TV. I had people text me and tell me they saw it. I didn’t get information about when it would air or any copy. Is this normal? One of them was online so I was able to get it on my reel, but the other one I can’t find online anywhere yet, just on TV. They were all legit and booked through my agent. Who on the production team would I contact to get that copy so I can put it on my reel? I don’t want to seem unprofessional and contact the wrong person, but I know there must be a professional way that actors get copy of the work they’ve done. Still very new at all of this. Thank you! :)

Backstage or Star Now?... by actoruk99  •  last post Jul 23rd

UK actors... what have you found more successful? Backstage or StarNow? I know a lot of people find Mandy great but I was wondering about these two specifically? I have always felt backstage to be more American focused but I may be wrong? Could you leave below any advice for online sites like these and or specifically related to starnow / backstage!

How to leverage first success? by JoeinVA  •  last post Jul 23rd

I just got my 2nd paid voice acting gig. Each is a one-off but either of the producers could come back to me for future stuff. Neither gig paid very much, but still! My question is, how to I take this and make it work for me? What's a good way to show that I'm -- at least *technically* \-- a working voice actor without making more of it than it is?

Characters and Voice Actors - Paradise PD by Jurda12345  •  last post Jul 23rd

How do I shake off feeling like a bad actor? by throwaway74917373  •  last post Jul 23rd

Hi all! I don’t have a lot of experience with acting but I’ve done a commercial, an improv workshop, stage managed a play, and watched a lot of plays/films growing up. I’ve always been interested in the craft/art (I love storytelling and entertaining people) and I had some level of natural talent. I got the acting bug pretty bad this semester so I applied for a summer conservatory to get more training and I got in! I was a bit surprised but they saw that I’m a hard worker and I had potential so they took a chance on me. But now that I’ve been in the conservatory for several weeks I’m doubting myself and I wonder what they saw in me. I’ve gotten much better, I’m more knowledgeable about the craft, and I feel like I am improving. But a part of me still feels like I suck compared to other people in my class and other people I see in the industry (like in movies or on TV). I know they’ve had more training and experience than me, but I can’t help but compare myself to them. I feel like everyone thinks I’m the most untalented one in the group but won’t say it (they haven’t expressed that but idk I feel like that’s what they’re thinking). Earlier this week we practiced a cold read for a on camera class and it went well. My instructor said I did good, but I needed to commit more to my actions during the read and make sure I’m showing the right emotions for the situation. Nonetheless, I feel kinda bad about my acting and I’m wondering if I’ll ever be very good. I’ve never been much of a quitter, I’m very hard working and I’m determined to get better with more classes. Plus, I really enjoy the work and it’s something I can really see myself doing as a career. I’m just a bit doubtful and feeling like I’m not as good as everyone else. Thoughts??

No Small Parts by Karen E Ross  •  last post Jul 22nd

I'm digging this series promoted by IMDb - have y'all seen it?

How bad do you want it? by I_am_u_as_r_me  •  last post Jul 22nd

I recently decided to finally suck it up and start coaching actors. Shocked to find out all my years has begun cultivating a new acting theory and style of coaching built in presence and connection and ego work since all of us actors live and love off becoming another ego. I am not going into details yet or meat of it but figured I’d drop this by since I haven’t been on Reddit in some time. It’s the harsh and real but beautiful reality that is not just acting but any career: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT? In other words what are you willing to sacrifice? First and foremost, there was probably some quintessential moment of feeling high for you when you acted once. That transcendental moment when you’ve left your own ego, body, soul to be wholly heartily, even for a split second, connected to the scene, the moment, the “reality.” This is important. Anchor that. Now what is the one goal every actors aims for: an Oscar (or maybe Tony). The quintessential recognition that you are talented at acting. Think of your career as a linear spectrum to choose. And for simplicity sake let’s say it begins from 1 to 100. 1: Entertaining friends at a party acting 100: Winning an Oscar Now between that are all your other life choices: falling in love, kids, marriage, other hobbies, pets, parents, money, etc. 1: no sacrifice whatsoever 100: every single thing is sacrificed for it Now there are 99 or I suppose 98 other options here. Community theater to a recognized household name. BUT. Go back to the anchor. That is what we hunger for, that’s the crack we can’t get enough of and THAT is from and within you! That can be found alone in your room, that is what makes the difference between reacting on camera vs being on camera (or on stage). So stop chasing a Golden god and do the inner work; you. Once you focus on that the joy of everything in between will be beautiful and the pressures “to be an actor” will release you. I’ll leave with this. Marlon Brandon (and yes I’m paraphrasing) in one of his last interviews (HOW do SO MANY ACTING LEGENDS have so few YouTube views when you really dig in to search, the world is at your finger tips people, all your education is right here on the web!) when asked what made him such a good actor told the interviewer I’m not acting, all of you are. I’m just doing what you all are doing. Every. Single. Person. On this planet is an actor. From the convincing little white lies to loved ones or the solid cover up of an “I’m good” to a friend when you aren’t or hell anyone in customer service. We just choose to make it a career. And lastly. Cause I always say it. Would you have chased that high in acting when you had to travel by covered wagon in pioneer days from saloon to city parks never being known or in the 20s when fame and fortune was barely something that started and it was a lifetime of poverty. Don’t feel bad if not, it’s just a good rule of thumb to consider where you want to be and to release the societal pressure you have to be famous. I’m sure there are grammar issues. Apologies. And know I don’t know everything.