We have found 19,250 posts across 4 actor forums:
Best book or technique on acting for a complete beginner that is shy and overly self conscious? by jamesjimmybyrondean • last post Apr 14th
I know that most actors are shy and self conscious but I don't want to feel that way when I'm acting. What fascinated me about acting is how actors just become the character even if they are shy in real life. I know practice really helps but what book or technique did you read that really helped in making you less self conscious and shy on camera and made you get more into the character. There aren't any acting classes where I live and I can't go to an acting school so a book would be a useful guide
No acting Acting classes in my city by GoldPrism391 • last post Apr 14th
So I live in a very small city that has 2 theaters but no classes any where in the city, and there's is no way i could possibly get my parents to even consider moving to LA. I'm a teenager and i really want to become an actor but the place i live is really the only thing holding me back. I'm very social and don't have a problem standing in front of hundreds of people, but I want to get started now to have a head over most people who become actors. I just need to find out how i can the experience to become an actor even though there are no acting classes near me.
Meeting my favorite actor by RAWhitmire • last post Apr 13th
Hi so I will probably get to meet my favorite actor from a very popular television show. I was wondering how everyone deals with being starstruck and also what acting questions you guys think I should ask. Thanks in advance for your responses!
Is there any actor based in india here? by kaustubh_shahi • last post Apr 13th
I'm an 18 year old guy with a massive interest in films and acting, i haven't done anything formally or professionally but i wanna learn the craft, i plan on doing college in Mumbai, so is there any advice anyone can offer here on how to begin, what places to look for and how to learn better? thanks!
Is there any actor here based in india? by kaustubh_shahi • last post Apr 13th
I'm an 18 year old guy with a massive interest in films and acting, i haven't done anything formally or professionally but i wanna learn the craft, i plan on doing college in Mumbai, so is there any advice anyone can offer here on how to begin, what places to look for and how to learn better? thanks!
Demo Reel Lockdown Motivation from ActorPlaybook by ActorPlaybook • last post Apr 13th
**Guest Blog Post by** Ian Lyons Hi all, with this unforeseen downtime we’re having, along with appreciating our health and our loved ones, it’s a fine time to get our promotional materials prepped for when things start to pick up again. **As I’m a fellow actor and demo reel editor, I thought a few pointers about reels might be helpful to get you motivated.** I’ve edited demo reels for actors at all levels of their careers, from those just starting up in indie/student films to those well established in studio film and TV projects. While the quality and quantity of the footage may vary, how the reel is constructed remains generally the same. I’ve heard conflicting opinions regarding how long the reel should be, should better known projects be at the front and so on… There is no real definitive way. Some of the longest, most painfully boring reels are the ones by the most successful actors who are maybe too precious with their work (I’ve been guilty of this); while other actors want their reels under a minute.. I generally **aim for around two minutes**, but that can vary depending on the actor’s desires. It’s always a good idea to check with your reps, so you can best shape the reel to their needs. When I first receive an actor’s footage, I look for what scenes **best demonstrate the actor’s abilities and range**. If you’re editing your own reel, definitely share it with friends or industry professionals for their opinions and advice. What I’m really looking for is what rings most true to me. It may not be the scene with the most shouting or crying, but it’s the work that looks most effortless and natural. Of course the quality of the footage can often dictate which pieces I choose. Poor image and/or sound can be a huge distraction and can adversely affect how one views your reel. The last thing you want is someone to turn it off. So you’ve chosen the scenes you want to include, now you have to trim it into a cohesive whole. The main thing to consider when editing is to keep the focus on the actor whose reel you’re editing. Sure that actor opposite you is a great guy and really delivers those lines with pizzazz, but you’re not trying to get him the job. He’s got his own reel. Trim as much out of the other actor as possible so the scene still works. Maybe even cut out some of their image and underlay their dialogue below your reaction shot, but always keep the focus on you. If you want to show you’ve worked with a well-known performer, that’s fine, but don’t spend too much time on them. You don’t want the casting director wondering which actor’s reel they’re watching. Now this next part is about being too precious. Remember casting isn’t watching your reel to be entertained or told a story. They are crazy busy and just want to know how well you can act and if you’re right for their project. So when you edit that scene, don’t be too concerned if they’re going to fully understand what’s going on. That doesn’t matter. Just show them you can act, don’t worry about the story. Lastly, to include contact info or not? Again, if you have representation that’s a good question for them. If you’re reaching out to the NYC market then you’ll need your materials on Actors Access, which prefers no contact info on your reel and/or clips. The way I see it is, if someone is looking at your reel then they already have your contact info, cause you’ve either emailed it to them, your agent shared it with them or they found it on a website which includes a way to contact you. It’s absolutely your choice though. It doesn’t look bad if you’ve included your contact information, but it will lengthen your reel by a few seconds. I generally have a quick title card with only the actor’s name at the beginning and end and that’s it. **Thank you for spending these few minutes with me. I wish you the best in your endeavors and most importantly wishing you and yours much health and love in this trying time.**
Which voice actor does the most voices on popular animated shows? by PSGyourNext • last post Apr 13th
What are the people in the industry actually like? From an outsider looking in. by NotAnotherDingBat • last post Apr 13th
I've been watching this guy on Youtube named "ProducerMichael", in one of his videos he shows a clip of people coming in and out of a room for what I could only assume to be auditions. Now all industries have different type of people, I understand that this could be summed up as "They're just normal people", but what is the industry sentiment really like? I am not an actor, have never auditioned - but it's just so interesting to me. We've all heard the Hollywood nightmares of actors freaking out if someone looks them in the eye or other trivial things like that yet I am more or less speaking of the other people. The ones that cast you. The ones that give you call backs, agents. Is it as cut throat as it is made to be? Some of the threads on here indicate that producers and higher ups sort of stick their nose up at smaller places on the map which make sense if you live in LA and are worth millions upon millions of dollars. Are you nervous entering a room for an audition? Careful of what you say because word gets around fast? Is it old hat or is each audition always something new? Things like that. I look forward to hearing your answers. Hollywood and the acting industry has always fascinated me just because of how, uh... esoteric it is to the normal person.
Hiring voice actors by AinzOalGown-Overlord • last post Apr 13th
Voice Actor Request: Hello all, we are looking for a voice actor who can do a voice that replicates that of a narrator. In addition to this, we are also looking for voices that to be used in our webcomic dubbed audio. We are searching for the following characters below: A young feminine voice (16-18 years of age) Motherly Voice Youngs mans voice, Sauve, and persuasive Of course, there will be more characters in the future however, these are the immediate roles that need to be filled and that they will be consistent throughout the entire story. The pay for this will be around $5 for 200 words. Of course, the payment will be via Paypal and the pay for the commission is also negotiable upon being selected from the audition. Please DM me with your portfolio that has some audio clips. This will make the vetting procedure, even more, easier for us.
Looking for acting friends and tips (Australia based) by SolarianWarrior • last post Apr 13th
Hi all. I'm looking for acting friends to just overall hype each other up and help each other out. I'm a 23 year old female. I'm also incredibly shy and insecure and constantly question myself because I think how can I be an actor when I can't even go to workshops because of my anxiety? RUNDOWN OF WHAT I'VE DONE SO FAR: I started properly trying to get into it last year and signed up with an agent and have been put forward for some extra roles, and got a casting call to be an extra in something two months ago (but obviously filming has halted on most things due to the virus so that's not going to be moving for a while) I did a workshop a few months ago and it was amazing! But the fear leading up to it almost made me not go and I feel like is there something wrong with me? I know there's a lot of introverted and shy and anxiety filled actors out there and I wonder how you do it? I did drama in high school and it was easier and I felt comfortable because it was around people I knew. I'm trying to push through it but I spent the past few years accustomed to being isolated and trying to do this is much harder than it used to be. I wanted to do a performing arts course during high school but my mum refused because it was too far away and I missed an opportunity to do it after graduation because I had to work full time, and haven't done anything acting related since because of life getting in the way. So now five years later I'm trying to get into it all and I've gotten started, but now I don't know where to go from here. I read articles a lot, I visit websites for sources. I frequently use StageMilk to find resources. I've got a start, I just need pointers on where to continue. I'm planning on doing another workshop as soon as this virus is under control but that will be awhile probably. I also wanted to do an online one that they are offering. I also feel embarrassed putting myself out there. Are there any actors out there like me that can share how they manage to push forward despite the anxiety/fear? I just don't have anyone there for me that cares about this and I only admitted to people two years ago for the first time that I wanted to be an actor because I was scared I wouldn't make it because of how I am. But I feel like I can actually do it now, just struggling to really push through it sometimes. Also doesn't help that my family doesn't care and have an idgaf attitude when I talk about my struggles with anxiety. It was easier going to tafe for something unrelated (fashion design), but the thought of going to workshops with less people is more daunting because I know I'm going to suck and it feels like I'm gonna be made fun of lmao When I practice a scene by myself it's really good imo, but then having to do it in front of others I forget how I intend to do it and I do it really differently because I'm just going off instinct. I got told yeah that's good but because it comes out differently than planned it feels bad, and kinda lowkey feels like I'm just told it's good to be polite. ​ So feels like that was kinda long, but I'm just looking for friends that I can look at for role models and inspiration, and also being friends with someone who's into acting makes me feel more like it's more possible. Does that all make sense? I also want someone to tell me candidly everything right and wrong with my acting. ​ SO if you've read all this thanks lol it's probably a lot. Give me some tips and pointers. If you suffer with anxiety and manage to do acting/workshops/courses through that then tell me your secrets. If you're Australians based then personal reviews of workshops you've done would be great (I'm QLD based). Have you done private one on one acting lessons? How were they? Do you prefer those or group workshops? I'd love to hear your personal stories of how you started and got to where you are, and how to plan to keep improving and learning, I also love following actors on instagram and youtube so link those I'm here to support you! :)
Hello! An acting related question. What is the name of this effect/phenomenon where an audience reads into the emotions of an actor even though the actor has a very neutral expression on his face. by spiritofmen • last post Apr 13th
I remember reading some interview where some actor said that in a closeup shot (that was really famous) he really wasn't thinking of anything. But rather the circumstances of the scene caused the audience to automatically 'understand' the emotions of the actor. But I think there is a name for this psychological effect. Help. Please!
Feeling jealous/bitter regarding other actors who are more successful? by Yaars23 • last post Apr 12th
I know you should aim not to feel this way but I do! I feel jealous of more succesful actors, of better actors, of famous folk. How do you deal with this?
Once this quarantine is over, I want to get serious about finding a LEGIT agent. What resources are available for that? by balboafire • last post Apr 12th
I know that’s everyone’s goal here, so I don’t mean to come across as self-entitled. But as I’m sitting here binge-watching gifted and talented actors here in the quarantine, I’ve never felt more inspired to “go for it” when this is over. So that’s what I’m gonna do, come hell or high water. And if I make an ass of myself in the process, then who cares. I’ve become pretty nihilistic about that after repeatedly making an ass of myself over the years anyway. So what’s one more time of making an ass of myself gonna hurt, right? What advice, recommendations, or resources are there available to get hooked up with the right agent? Do I sign up for one of those scammy classes in Hollywood in hopes that they call there scammy producer friend and recommend me? Do I cold call agents? Do I do extra work? I’ve done quite a bit of student films over the past year from USC, UCLA, LA Film School, etc. Is there any value in continuing that beyond for demo reels and resume building? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. And if it doesn’t work for me, hopefully someone else can get something out of this thread! Thanks!
Need advice - I'm inexperienced but trying to seriously pursue theatre / film by imnahc • last post Apr 12th
Hi! I am currently a 19 year old sophomore in college majoring in business administration and I am on track to graduate a year early in May 2021. (This thread is a bit long I'm sorry :-( ) I know I'm a business student but for as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to become an actress - unfortunately, because of prior circumstances, I've never had to opportunity to be a part of any type of theatre production / film. In other words, I have no experience I can put down on my resume. The only exposure I've gotten to acting and training are the classes I've been able to take in college. I've taken an Intro to Acting Class my freshman year and I'm currently in an Intermediate Adler-Method Class. I'm not interested in applying for MFA programs because as of now, I have no intention to teach in the future and I would prefer not to be in a crazy amount of debt after I graduate. So, currently my goal after graduation is to join a conservatory so I can further my training and develop my skills in acting. Because I'm already based in New York, I've been eyeing Stella Adler, Circle in the Square, William Esper, Terry Knickerbocker, Maggie Flanigan, etc. I'm just very concerned with whether or not I have an actual chance to attend any of these programs with my lack of experience - I've heard that these conservatories are competitive but then again I'm not sure exactly how competitive. I would want to participate in a theatre production this summer to at least have something on my resume but with this crazy coronavirus still going around, that doesn't look like it's gonna happen anytime soon. Should I apply for these conservatories this coming spring or should I take a gap year to try to develop my resume then apply to these programs after? I'm not even sure if I can really build an impressive resume in one year to be honest. Also, I know that there is the issue of non-union versus union jobs (I'm obviously not a part of any type of union). These programs are 2-3 years long and I'd just want to kickstart my (currently nonexistent) theatre career as soon as possible. Also, I know that mastering the art of acting takes years and years of practice and exposure - that's also a big reason why I want to start as early as possible. Any advice?
where should i go to college (if at all)? by scarlettdevries • last post Apr 12th
hi! i’m looking for advice on where i should go for college if i want to be an actress? i’ve heard yale and nyu are great, but i feel like i should go somewhere near LA. i also don’t know what i should major in, or if i should even go to college when i could just focus on acting with a full time job, such as waitressing. i am not intending to brag in any way, but i am going to be valedictorian so i feel as though i am capable of receiving acceptance into the prestigious schools aforementioned; however, like i said, i think LA is the place to be.
What's the BEST "Pay to Win" Voice Over/Acting Website? by BlueBooth • last post Apr 12th
Hi everyone! Long time aspiring voice actor, first time poster here. I've been dabbling into the realm of online voice acting services such as UpWork, forums, and other "free" websites. Despite these services being "free" I always run into an issue down the line where I end up reaching a threshold, or needing to pay to continue to use the site "freely", plus you're not guaranteed to get any result or business going the free route. I know services like voices123, voices.com, voicebunny (even though I tend to hear bad things about it) and other "voice" work and related websites pretty much NEED to be a paid, subscription service, in order to get ANY kind of auditions or work! SO! What ARE the best website(s) you or I should give money to? What's the success rate, turn over rate, community, services, ease of use, communication, etc. I'd love to hear everyone's opinions, stories, and general education on the matter. Thanks everyone for listening. Hva e a good one!
As a voice actor, what form of direction do you prefer? by Tristan_Dean_Foss • last post Apr 12th
I've been thinking about this for a bit and I'm curious. What form of direction do voice actors prefer? Live direction where you get feedback as you're recording lines, doing lines a few times to ensure they sound alright, or perhaps writing how a line should sound on the script? Or something else?
Does anyone know Steven Silver or Hina Abdullah? by WinonaPortman • last post Apr 12th
I'm getting close to concluding my [3-year pilot season study](https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/fmdaj4/young_adult_pilot_bookings_2020/) and these are the only two actors for whom I still haven't been able to find sufficient information about their educational and training backgrounds to classify. This is the Steven Silver who was on *13 Reasons Why.* Hina Abdullah has a lot of guest stars and recurrings along with independent film credits going back to 2008. Please feel feel free to DM me if you know anything.
ActorsTrade app. by Charming-Internal • last post Apr 12th
I just wanted to share this app because it is super helpful for me to rehearse my scenes during the lockdown. In this app, you can rehearse and read for other people. It is the only free live-rehearsal app for actors. Use the referral code if you want to sign up and try it out for free minutes. Use this referral code: -M2XOfC1ZO9wJF0\_AqBn To sign up click the links below: [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/actor-trade/id1260291254?ls=1&mt=8](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/actor-trade/id1260291254?ls=1&mt=8&fbclid=IwAR3MWCTRWQO66OiW3vFHHLZMiOEd_vCnKwWsUXWhBudsaX5ibYyenRZmAXI) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.actortrade&hl=en\_US](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.actortrade&hl=en_US&fbclid=IwAR3rP_r4uzPTzkjPleq_trkpTw-Mc2TSKwAR702a_fuXwFru2FCN1p4jn14)——-
Beginning of a career by Michael_The_DC_Fan • last post Apr 12th
Hey guys. I just joined this subreddit and I'd like to ask a few questions. I am a 15 year old boy from a small European country of Slovakia. Ever since I was a small kid I wanted to become an actor. I attended an acting class for a year and acted in a few small theatre plays for schools in my town. But nothing special. So how can I start acting on a higher level? Where can I find auditions? How can I get a role in Theatre/Film? Is it really necessary to have an agent at my age? If yes how can I find an agent? Your help would be greatly appreciated. I will be glad if anyone could help me. Thanks