We have found 19,373 posts across 4 actor forums:
Am I On Track? by evaaaaa12 • last post Feb 22nd
Hello! Post HS theatre *mostly* lead actor/ITS Officer, looking to completely throw my safe and predictable life out the window because I’ve been told me whole life to professionally pursue acting, and singing in particular... Queue my Grandmothers story, whom I’m named after, and was a Polish Jewish singer/performer in the 1930s in Europe and was only allowed to escape the war after being held in an interment camp with her two children, one of which was my father, because she was an “artist” (from her immigration card which I found online LITERALLY yesterday) sorry just a little back story on why I have a passion for the performing arts... SO! Now I’ve landed myself 52 days into the new decade promising myself that everyday I will work on my craft. In route of getting myself back into the swing of things before getting myself “audition ready” and really starting to apply myself in all that that entails... Currently I have several books purchased from Half Price Books. Play anthologies, modern and contemporary monologues and scenes, scene study and analysis, and a rather recent college textbook that covers the basics on history, technique, terminology and several spokes of the tech theatre wheelhouse. On top of this, I *try* to keep myself current with all that is going on with new and resurgent productions on and off-broadway. I want to get myself into a local improv group within the next month or so. I have always had a strength for improv and enjoy it just for fun tbh... I do hold down a 25 hour a week position as an in home caretaker, which I feel lucky to have since it allows me to focus a considerable amount of time on these efforts. So my plan is to study, read, “play rehearsal” with myself (not sure if anyone else does this lol), interact with our community as much as possible and fashion my own way into the industry I am so very ready to be in... I frequent this sub (so I know what a lot of you are probably already going to tell me haha) and a few others to stay current on discussions but I would love any other feedback/ advice you may have to give on my specific situation. P.S. that is my real grandmothers story and I am in the very beginning stages of writing her narrative as a screenplay so any discussion on that would be appreciated as well! Thanks!
Acting opportunities in the Washington, DC area by sipsnspills • last post Feb 22nd
Hi! I’d love some advice from any DC-area actors. I’m an actor based in NYC. I have no desire to leave but my boyfriend’s career will likely pull him towards DC eventually and so I’m trying to get a sense of the scene there. My general sense is that there’s some theater but very little TV and film, and that what is there is largely either non-union stuff like IDTV or is largely cast out of New York and LA. What’s been your experience? Also interested in what ongoing training opportunities are there — any good scene study, on camera, voice teachers or studios you like? Thanks in advance!
Aspiring Voice actor help by blvckstarlord • last post Feb 22nd
Hey everyone, I hope all of you are having a great day! I just have one question what are some practice methods that you all use? I’m just starting off so I’m a little green
I live in Kuwait but am finding it hard to find ANY acting opportunity...PLS HELP by AWK2545 • last post Feb 22nd
I am 15 and am an aspiring actor who has done school plays and parody commercials. I have done a lot of research and read monologues and am planning to move to LA or NY after finishing high school. But, as for now I really cannot find any projects that would help me gain experience. Anyone who lives in Kuwait who wants to work on a project with me or cast me in one of their projects, please DM me.
Is a VO coach necessary for a trained stage/film actor? by SaideeWynning • last post Feb 22nd
I see a lot of people recommend getting a voice over coach for those starting a VO career, but what I'm not clear on is what exactly a VO coach does and if one is truly necessary if you've already had professional acting training, including vocal training for dialects, annunciation, projection, techniques, IPA, etc. I've been acting since I was around 3 years old, so just over 30 years now. I have a BA in theatre, taught drama for years, and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood for 2 years. Along with acting methods, styles, and others, we did vocal training for the whole two years. A few years ago, I developed a chronic illness which has disabled me and makes it pretty much impossible for me to act onstage or on camera anymore, or even to teach or direct anymore. I am considering trying to get into VO work, maybe audiobook narration with ACX, but I can't drop another 2 grand on more training/coaching, especially if much of it will be redundant to what I've already studied. I already have good quality sound equipment and my husband is very familiar with editing sound and stuff through his media degree and job, so he's said he can do editing for me. I'm just trying to get an idea of how realistic it is to try to break into this without shelling out for a coach, with my particular experience, or if it really requires such very different skills. I miss acting!! It's been my life for so long, so I'm really hoping VO and/or narrating will be a way for me to continue some form of acting while also accommodating my erratic schedule and health needs. TIA!!!
Why are most student films Union now? by CaliforniaStoked • last post Feb 21st
I'm SAG-E and I submit to unpaid student films if I feel like the writing is good and I could use it for my reel. I've noticed in the last 6 months tho, that 90% of these student films are SAG. I stopped submitting to them, because I don't want to be forced to join the union for unpaid work. Why is this? Whats changed? I always viewed student films as a learning experience for both parties, especially for new actors who are trying to get some credits and a reel under their belt. I feel like by this new influx of SAG unpaid student films, thats its made it impossible to do so. Has anyone else noticed this?
I totally read the scene wrong... I can't get over my mistake by leeval11 • last post Feb 21st
I sent in a self tape a couple weeks ago and after reading the first scene, I honestly thought "okay this is an awkward scene, the girl is awkward with the boy, they might like each other but theres just a lot of miscommunication going around" but then after talking with other actors who also auditioned for this said that the girl was actually really confident and blunt... I made my whole first scene the 'awkward/timid girl' :/ and i feel like i ruined my chances
Actor who joined drama club in hs to meet girls? by nukedbrain • last post Feb 21st
Wasn't there a famous actor who joined his theater class/drama club in hs just so he could meet girls, but ended up falling in love with acting instead? I'm trying to remember who that guy was, and Google isn't helping
Audio Competition for the Missouri Review by Dylan-MissouriReview • last post Feb 21st
Hello, my name is Dylan Wilson and I'm an intern for the Missouri Review, a small publication in Columbia, Missouri. I'm looking for groups that would be interested in advertising our Miller Audio Competition, a competition in which people submit audio in the categories of poetry, comedy, and documentary. I'll put a link to our website so you can learn more about it or if you are interested in competing yourselves. I was wondering if anyone in this subreddit would know of any groups that would be interested in getting the word out about the competition, specifically groups such as voice actors, improv groups, poets, amateur documenters, etc. I would prefer these groups to be in the U.S but I won't reject international ones. I apologize for the long post and I'm willing to answer any questions about the competition. [https://www.missourireview.com/contests/audio-contest/](https://www.missourireview.com/contests/audio-contest/)
Extra extra! Being a background actor. by singingnarwhal21 • last post Feb 21st
Hey there!! I’m an actor that recently moved to the New York. I have a theatre background, and I have little experience in film. Is being an extra a good way to break into film and learn the ins and outs of being on set? Any tips on being an extra and expanding to speaking parts? Thanks!!
What is “bad acting” in your opinion and how do you avoid it? by SUPERB-OWL45 • last post Feb 21st
For me, it’s anybody that feels too stiff and rigid. Like a robot that just says words with no emotion or physical movement behind it, you can tell they’re just reading off a script to get from scene to scene. I also think a lot of this is on the director, if there are too many cuts and closeups it feels like the actor’s face and nothing else is always in the frame. There’s no space for them to move or interact with others, it’s just a picture of a face giving wooden lines to another wooden face. I’ll watch bad, lower rated movies and it’s just something I’ve noticed compared to higher rated, criticality acclaimed films. It makes me think to runs lines as casually as I can, maybe try to slip them into real conversations to test myself
We've started a podcast called Role Call that focuses on legendary character actors and their true Hollywood stories, so far we have episodes with David Proval, Steven Ogg, Xander Berkeley, Barry Primus and others. by myfootfellasleep • last post Feb 21st
Hosted by director [Adam Cushman](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1756579/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1) and actor [Raul S. Julia](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1038376/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1), Role Call is [a podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/role-call/id1469666022) that seeks to bring key figures in film and TV into the limelight who are otherwise the types of artists you might know by face but never knew their names. [Episode 1](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsvQXUHt9aowN8zszqblFA/featured) features [David Proval](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NQir2Z2lPg) of *The Sopranos* and *Mean Streets*. David talks about getting started in NYC as an actor, studying with actor's studio legend [Jack Waltzer](http://www.jackwaltzer.com/) (who is still teaching today). We talk a bit about Marty and Mean Streets, as well as lesser known 70's films like [Nunzio](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078011/?ref_=nv_sr_2?ref_=nv_sr_2), which is one of David's favorite roles and a beautiful film with a huge heart. It also features Morgana King who you know as Mama Corleone from The Godfather films. The highlight of the episode is David's story of the time Joel Silver asked him to coach Eddie Murphy on 48 Hours. Episode 2 is with film legend [L.Q. Jones](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZUGK4ZBQDo&feature=youtu.be), an actor mostly known for his work in westerns including almost all of Sam Peckinpah's films and most notably *The Wild Bunch* and *Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid*, along with Raoul Walsh and Budd Boetticher. Stories include the time Brando had scalded balls on T*he Young Lions* and LQ and Dean Martin conspired out of boredom and good sport to relieve the Hotel George V of its chandelier. L.Q. also directed the cult 70's film [A Boy and His Dog](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072730/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1). He argues that the dog should have at least been nominated, which is fair.
Worried about my progress so far. by eeetee32 • last post Feb 21st
Maybe I am just jumping the gun too fast, but I just need some advice. So after about half a year of acting training, I've began auditioning and self-submitting myself to projects (I'm using Backstage and Actors Access). It has been almost one month (started this February) and I've applied to about 8 roles so far (my location is not as busy as LA or NY so there's not an abundance of work available). I've gotten no auditions or inquiries from them so I'm a little worried. After all, if I can't even get called in to audition for a SHORT or STUDENT film, how does that bode for me in the future? This is all non-union work of course. I have 3 professional headshots, 2 acting clips (self-tapes, one drama and one comedy clip, good lighting, backdrop, etc.) and lots of training on my resume. My profile is also completely filled out. But I still get no responses. Am I worrying too much this early in my career? Should I wait a few more months to see how I do? I just expected to get at least ONE audition by now. Again, I am still new so I'm not familiar with the pace of this industry and if this is normal. A few more questions: For student/short films, what is the usual time frame for when you get the confirmation email saying that they want you for their project? Do they email you with the details, time, location, etc? What about the student/short films that put their submission deadline date just before their filming date? Do they even do auditions or do they just choose their actors based on their submission? Seems kind of weird that student/short films end their submission date so close to the filming date. I mean, how do they even have time to sort through the submissions and send out emails for auditions/callbacks? For Actors Access, they allow you to upload slate shots for each of your headshots. How does this work? Normally in slate shots you would say your name, agency, and the role you are applying to, but you obviously can't say the role in these slateshot clip unless you upload a new one every time you submit. So what would be the correct things to say for these generic slateshots? Your name, agency, height, and location? Also, do you have to wear the same outfits as your headshot for each of your headshot's slateshots? Sorry if this sounds confusing.
I need help being a maid by light-in-the-sky • last post Feb 20th
I know this is place for people inspiring to be actor or actress, but I need help for a murder mystery game. I’m suppose to be a maid In the 1920’s America, who works three jobs and is secretly fed up having to work for a bunch of rich snobs all day. I’m not sure how to address people as. Whether it’s master, Miss, sir, master or my lady or the ‘guest’ for that matter. I really want to do a good job so if anyone can helping with how to properly address people or maybe jesters that can enhance my character traits will really help me.
Is my dream worth it?? by rya21 • last post Feb 20th
So I’m (21F) a senior in university about to get my degree is history. However, my dream has been to become an actress ever since I was 13. But I never had the confidence to put myself out there and audition for anything in high school or college. Right now I still don’t really have the confidence to tell anyone about my dream face to face but I’m at a point in my life where I feel like this is my last chance to see if it can work in this industry and if I don’t at least try I might regret it. The instability of an acting career and my inexperience also scares me. I guess my question to y’all would be should I even pursue acting, if so where do I even start since I don’t have any experience or training and what do you guys do as “survival” jobs.
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Feb 20 by AutoModerator • last post Feb 20th
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.
Let's talk Mental Health/Time Management/Self Care: by Yaars23 • last post Feb 20th
For many of us, this career can play a pretty significant role on our mental health. From constant rejection, to comparison, to thinking we're "not good" or "not going to make it", working survival jobs we don't care about, or working real jobs that don't allow us to audition--many of us struggle with mental health/time management/or a lack of self care. What has your experience been? What do you do to try to work through these issues? Have you taken any workshops/read books/done worksheets that have helped with this?--Please share? Mental Health is an important topic, especially in this community where I see so many miserable actors--even successfull ones. Let's talk about it!
Advice for a (not so new) Actor returning to his first passion after over 30 years by SylvainPlasse • last post Feb 20th
Hello all, I returned to acting March 1 2019... I had studied Dramatic Arts and was a Star Improv League player back in the mid 80’s with a dream back then of becoming a full time actor, but another career presented itself and have had a successful career of over 30 years from which I am planning on retiring from in the next few years. Over the past 9-10 years, I have come across several people in the “business” that said I need to put myself out there for background acting as I have a look that would be in demand. I thanked them politely but in my head thought I was too old to return to acting. Last February, a colleague (who does some background acting once in a while) insisted I submit myself to Casting agents as I definitely have a look that would be in demand with the salt & pepper hair, uniforms, distinguished older, yet young looking executive / position of authority “look/type”. I was going to ignore it again but SHE INSISTED and wouldn’t stop until I did submit myself. One night, I was watching the late evening news when she texted me and asked: ‘So? Who did you submit to?” I started to laugh and replied that I was still considering it. She said “NO! You are submitting yourself TONIGHT... I’m not going to stop texting you until you DO!” So, with her guidance, I found a few Casting agents I could submit myself to... so “off went my profile photos’. TIME: 10:54pm Imagine my shock and surprise to wake up the next morning at 08:15 and find an email in my inbox saying: “Thank You for submitting yourself. I am BOOKING YOU in a background role of Commander on HANDMAID’S TALE. Filming all day March 1, 2019. Please confirm.” OMG Did THAT just happen? Well, that was the beginning of my return to my original passion of being an Actor. Fast forward to today, despite working my regular full time job, I have worked on over 32 productions since that day... first, mostly as a background performer but last August, everything skyrocketed when I got booked for my first speaking role on a Short Film production called “Little Soul”. It is in post production right now and will be doing the Film Festivals rounds around the world soon. I have since landed Lead roles in 2 other short films, Supporting role in 3 others and have already been cast for two films shooting from April to May 2020. I PINCH myself everyday as this is so exciting yet so surreal. You can see my partial Filmography already on IMDb by searching for my name. There are still many credits missing. [IMDb Actor Profile & Filmography](IMDb.me/SylvainPlasse) Here are some of the productions I’ve had the great luck and opportunity to work on since last year: - HANDMAID’S TALE S03EP07 - Under His Eye - TLC Untold Stories of the E.R. - S13EP03 - Gunshot Affairs - SUITS S09EP10 - the very last episode of this iconic TV Series - Wedding Guest - REAL RED OCTOBER - National Geographic’s - Submarine Executive Officer - WITCHES of SALEM - Travel Channel USA - Sheriff’s Men (4 episodes) - SILENT WITNESS - New 2020 TV Series - Narcotics Officer - SPINNING OUT - Netflix - Arena Spectator - DARE ME - USA Network - Football Stadium Fan - MRS AMERICA - Netflix 2020 release - 1) Republican Supporter 2)Special Secret Agent - JUPITER’S LEGACY - Netflix 2020 release - Rich Brothel Patron - Z•O•M•B•I•E•S 2- Disney - Seabrook Resident - SECRET SOCIETY of SECOND BORN ROYALS - Disney - Rich Dignitary at Gala and several other projects, including unpaid student films. 2 Online / TV Commercials: - DAYMAK e-bike Florence Fat Tires - ParticipACTION Canada - English / French Interviewee YOUR ADVICE: Would anyone in the know, could offer some advice or suggestions on how I should proceed from here on as I, like all the other Actors/Actresses out there, aim to make it to Hollywood.... to “get discovered”? I looked into getting an Agent in Toronto but, it can be a bit of a challenge to find a reputable one, as many seem to have this gimmick of getting you to spend incredible amounts of money just to get headshots (which I did last month) from specific photographers they recommend.... but most have over inflated prices, which is probably done to give payback to the agents for sending them the business. If I was able to find and land these roles by myself so far, to move to the next level, I feel I need an Agent in California. Is it even possible for a Canadian Actor to get an Agent in the US? Any info, advice, questions you may have would be gratefully welcome. Thank you / Merci, Sylvain
The Demo Reel Dilemma by niceguymcfly • last post Feb 20th
I’ve been having one tough time writing the script for my demo reel. I know I don’t need to write a New York’s time bestseller or anything but it’s really bringing out why I never decided to become a writer. Do other actors hire people to write their demos? Or does everyone do it themselves, I feel like a lost cause in the writing department