We have found 19,248 posts across 4 actor forums:
Are good actors good liars? by JSLEI1 • last post Feb 6th
DON’T DO NOTHING! by Winniehiller • last post Feb 6th
No, I’m not mistakenly using a double negative in the title above. It’s just that I recently happened upon a video on YouTube made by an ex-casting director who now teaches actors. She said something that made me shudder. She was telling actors to go in there and be brave enough to “Do Nothing”. These must be the words of a CD who has never acted herself but has seen lots of actors come in, stiff and awkward...pushing out their lines and acting up a storm, rather than speaking believability and naturally. She wants it to LOOK like you are doing nothing. But that, in fact, requires doing something. Another thing that CDs often say that is so confusing for actors is “Be Yourself”. While they may want it to LOOK like you are “being yourself”, they don’t know you. If they did, they would know that there are many different versions of you. I know there are many different “me’s” according to the person I am with and the situation I am in. When someone tells me to “Be Myself” I always want to say “Which one?” I’m a different Winnie with my kids than I am with my girlfriends. I’m a different Winnie with my man than I am with my students. None of us are just one person. You don’t want to “Be Yourself” as the person you ARE when you’re acting in an audition. You naturally will be nervous as hell and you feel put on the spot. You want them to like you, so you feel vulnerable and needy. That is the last “you” you should be. When you are acting, you need to be the “you” that’s more like your character...in their circumstances and involved in the type of relationship they’re involved with in the scene. You need to be the “you” that you would be if you were in his/her environment, wanting what they want...trying to get it. So when you are acting you can’t be a general “yourself”. You can’t be all the “you’s” that you are all at once. You need to choose a specific YOU to be...one that is and has been in your character’s shoes (with his history and background), speaking to someone who has a similar relationship with you to the one your character is engaged in. In other words....you need to be YOU, but In the exact circumstances your character is in. And that is what I mean by BEING YOUR CHARACTER. Of course you are YOU. You can’t really escape that. And being your character is not bigger or smaller or any different than you would be if you were in their shoes. So you need to tap into THAT specific YOU...which you may have never exactly been before. You are thinking thoughts you have never exactly thought before. You are saying words that you have never said before. But you are thinking and saying them EXACTLY the way YOU would if you were in THAT position. When you first walk into an audition room, you need to choose the right YOU to be, too. If you “Do Nothing” you can count on being at least a little nervous and needy. That is the natural YOU in this situation. But you want to walk into that audition being the confident, skilled actor who has the presence and poise of the person they are looking for. Relaxed. Ready. Professional. Engaging. You need to own the space. Present yourself as prepared and happy to offer your services. This is an acting job in itself. You need to be thinking those thoughts. Not being someone you are not. Just being the very best you for the circumstance. And when you are ready to begin your scene, you need to go to another place. Take yourself out of that audition room and put yourself in the environment your character is in. See it...feel it. Then you need to see that person that you are speaking to. Feel the relationship. Maybe it’s very much like one that you have in your own life. Take at least five seconds to get yourself there. You have practiced that at home so it shouldn’t take long. Then come from the moment that happened just before your scene begins. If you have the first line you must see and hear what was said/done just before you speak. If the reader has the first line, they are reacting to something your character has just done/said. You react to it with your first line. And then you are on your way...responding, reacting...pursuing. Thinking what you really mean by the words you are choosing to say. Much in the way you do naturally. Like it’s NOTHING. Like it’s YOU. But THAT is NOT nothing.
Acting techniques - help needed please! by Spurs_k8 • last post Feb 6th
Hi all, I'm very, very new to the discipline of acting and I thought a good place to start would be to Google the techniques that some of my favourite actors use - however, as I'm sure everyone else here appreciates much more than me, outside of strictly method actors no one really seems to mention the school of practice they were trained in. I understand that different programs will use lots of different techniques but is there a gold standard of methods that should be tried to find the best fit do you think? I'm doing this externally of any acting school program for financial reasons but am interested in taking classes with different practitioners - I just don't know what to look for!! Any help very much appreciated! I'm based in London if anyone has any suggestions for classes/teachers! Thank you x
Should I go to college or focus completely on acting? by UsualBowl • last post Feb 6th
Hello everyone. I would just like a discussion over college and acting. I'm sixteen years old and I want to be an actress. I want to be able to support myself with my work and pursue other projects (short films, stand up, etc.) I have always loved performing and I've been doing plays and musicals since I was ten, and making my own backyard shows since I was five. Lately I've been in a dilemma. College is coming around soon and I know I would not be able to major in drama. Therefore, I have been considering either skipping college to focus on my passion and save money, or to go to college, minor in drama, major in my preferred backup major (business administration) and still dedicate time to acting. I've been told many times by teachers and friends that I have talent and skill. This is all getting very personal, I know, but I'm sure other aspiring actors my age might get something from any advice that I receive. Should I focus on college while still dedicating time to acting? Or should I focus *completely* on acting? Sorry if this question sounds a bit redundant. I have strong passions for acting and performance but the college talk makes it sound like I'm going to end up homeless or something if I don't go to college. If anyone else has issues similar to this then please drop your story as well. thank you!
How do I become an actress? by Username0838 • last post Feb 5th
I'm about to give a hard decision. by orkan20001 • last post Feb 5th
Hey guys, I will try to keep it as short as possible. So, I'm 18 years old and I came to Germany a couple of months ago to study something that isn't my thing at all. Normally I wanted to be a theatre actor but the economic and social situation in my country made me change my mind. Well, it isn't that bad but I think this was the easier thing for me to do at that time. So I did it. Knowing that I can leave this country motivated me somehow and distracted me from the thing I want to do for a living. Now, I decided to go back home and prepare myself for some school auditions because I don't think that I can make it here. I'm not **that** good in German and in the end, acting, especially theatre is about language and culture and it isn't the same in every country. And yeah, as you can imagine, this decision of mine wasn't welcome by my parents and it caused a lot of stress. They got really upset and worried. I would love to get some advice from you guys.
Milwaukee Acting by KostaKoufos69 • last post Feb 5th
I currently live in Milwaukee and I’m very hell bent on becoming an actor. I am looking to see if anyone knows of any projects out there in the Milwaukee area where I could get started on.
New and Vibrant Co-Living Community Designed for Film Professionals by saralynn_su • last post Feb 5th
​ A vibrant and cozy co-living community for young professionals in film industry, the best place for you to connect! Located in the heart of East Hollywood. Knock neighbor's door to meet director, producer, actor, screenwriter, sound designer or anyone in the industry. Brand new built with minimalism style, designer picked furnitures (if needed). Email: [ashley@unionapt.live](mailto:ashley@unionapt.live) (Email Contact Preffered) Call or text: 530-746-1959 The price listed as following: 1BR starts at $2200. (580 sqft) 2B2B starts at $3100. (837 sqft) 3B2B starts at $4100. (1100 sqft) 3B3B stars at $4500. (1400 sqft) One month rent worth deposit with qualified background check. Move-in promotions: $500 off for the first-month rent with lease signed before February 29th, 2020. ​ [Parking Lot](https://preview.redd.it/s4apiv9tc0f41.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54053ab661f12d9c95bc9c07e24ce6129d1d7f85) [1B1B with Patio](https://preview.redd.it/jr9eom9tc0f41.jpg?width=5633&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75b482582569625529a92d1a5cd3bf447cfca094) [Building](https://preview.redd.it/1pywst9tc0f41.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c190645eba93b04e4d5e618dca58eb3f0a99d186) [1B1B](https://preview.redd.it/8txagm9tc0f41.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67a705f9142e28d06cdc135983be7d70a933adf8) [Bathroom](https://preview.redd.it/1gn2s0atc0f41.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b6841171e720414e4163d5e1c9460e53a6b9114) [Kitchen](https://preview.redd.it/nwylmq9tc0f41.jpg?width=5795&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01f5ea3948e2d370b9a18f1e1b81261c0e8691c3)
Looking for an Acting Mentor by icwifey • last post Feb 5th
I am a 20-year-old actress who resides in Massachusetts. From as early as the age of 6 I knew acting was what I wanted to do as a profession. I am currently in college and I am getting as much experience as I can but college can really be a boundary when it comes to acting, especially if it has nothing to do with your major. I am looking for a mentor because my main thing is right now is to find connections as well as make a plan as to how I want to approach the world of acting (mostly film and television) I am looking for anyone anywhere, no matter what age, you all matter. This is truly a dream of mine and I won't stop until it becomes a reality. Thank you. My Profile: [www.bostoncasting.com/isabellec11](http://www.bostoncasting.com/isabellec11)
Recommendations for where to go to hone my craft and get a degree by TheCoolestLad • last post Feb 5th
I’m currently 19, attending a university in the Midwest on theater scholarship, but I’m looking for more. I am going to do everything in my power to be a screen actor once I get my degree, but I want to be challenged in every way possible in my training and education, and I just don’t feel like I’m getting it where I currently am. I have had a lot of experience acting in my life and feel that I am skilled and talented enough to make it into any school I set my mind to. I have a 3.73 GPA and a 24 on the ACT. I’m just looking for recommendations on what to look at for potential schools to challenge me to be the best actor I can, hone my craft, and prepare me for the future ahead. Cheers, and thanks
What do you wish you'd known when you started? by Crawfee • last post Feb 5th
Hey everyone, I'm a voice actor just getting started, and I'm hoping to make this my career. I'm curious to ask anyone who's working regularly what you wish you'd known before you started? Maybe places to find work, how to practise effectively, bad habits you could've avoided, anything really. Thanks!
My big break isn’t happening by Velvet_Unicorn2154 • last post Feb 5th
Hi y’all. I’m an actor living in Los Angeles, been here for 4 years. I’ve been to acting school, all the classes, all the improv. Last year I FINALLY booked my first SAG feature, and I was so excited to get my Taft Hartley and start going out for bigger projects. Well, today I’ve been told that my character was written out of the script. I feel so stuck. I’m looking for new reps, but they all tell me that they only want union actors or non-white actors. I’m at such a loss, after 4 years I feel like everything I built just slipped away. I don’t know what to do.
trying to speak like a certain voice actor, how would you describe their voice? How would you work to sound like them? by appledoughnuts • last post Feb 4th
I really like the voice of rose quartz from Steven universe/ the person who sings for meg in Hercules [rose quartz](https://youtu.be/KjbOzwUrQJc) Any tips on how to sound like them?
How to get an older voice? by brodersamuel • last post Feb 4th
Hi! I'm directing a small play for my drama class and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on how to sound like an older man. The actor is an 18-year-old girl, so I understand it won't be easy and I do not expect it to sound perfect but it'd be nice if we could work with her voice slightly to give the illusion at least. The character she plays is a man around 70 years old. The problem here is that the play is rather serious, but the voice tends to get cartoonish or overdone. How would she and I go about to get a more realistic older man voice? Grateful for all and any tips and tricks!
How to get an older voice? by brodersamuel • last post Feb 4th
Hi! I'm directing a small play for my drama class and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on how to sound like an older man. The actor is an 18-year-old girl, so I understand it won't be easy and I do not expect it to sound perfect but it'd be nice if we could work with her voice slightly to give the illusion at least. The character she plays is a man around 70 years old. The problem here is that the play is rather serious, but the voice tends to get cartoonish or overdone. How would she and I go about to get a more realistic older man voice? Grateful for all and any tips and tricks!
Acting headshots: What do agents and casting directors want to see, and is that also what actors want? by BenFromPerth23 • last post Feb 4th
Hey guys, I'm a photographer, and I'm just wondering what the current "standard" is for acting headshots? I'm talking about things like... * Indoor/outdoor? * Background color/type? * Color/B&W? * Soft, "flattering" lighting, or more dramatic lighting? * Smiling/Serious? * Looking to camera, or off camera? * Length/composition * Clothing choice? And does any of the above depend on the sex of the actor or the way they want to position themselves? If a Clint Eastwood type walked in to my studio, and then the next person was a Jennifer Lawrence type, is my goal to make Clint look like a badass, with hard lighting, and then make Jennifer look "beautiful"? Or am I meant to paint them both as the most attractive version of themselves possible? (Soft, even lighting no matter what). And in any given portrait session, should I be shooting one amazing portrait that follows all the rules? Or covering that off, but then experimenting and trying to make something unique?
I need guidance to jump start a career by __Pharos__ • last post Feb 4th
What's up guys. I need some advice. I'm not here to say I am a great actor. But I've always loved film and know I can act and I know I want to tell stories. Ever since a kid I've always had dreams of things I do believe would be good movies. I never pursued this dream because I was lazy and scared to take a risk. But this is something that I believe is a calling of mine but I need help on where to start. Please help. I live in Miami, FL if that helps. Thanks
Need advice on making the right steps to find a Manager/Agent. by tommyknockers26 • last post Feb 4th
I've been in La since 2016, been a member of Sag for almost a year from now. I've worked La Casting and Actors Access, I honestly get like three gigs a year. I was in class but I'm not anymore because I can't afford it I have to eat and pay rent. I have a youtube channel 'Shukenstein,' where I have 12 short films. Always pushing new characters and pushing new stories. But obviously I'm doing something wrong. For years I've been emailing and mailing Agents head shots, resumes, and I only get scams. My best opportunity was last July where I had a referral for BiCostal Talent. I interviewed with the President, had a great time showed everything I do, everything I've done, everything I worked on, gave them a box of cookies as a thank you. They said they were going to talk highly of me but two weeks later they emailed me saying 'They're conflicted with my type.' Then they also said they had all the white guys they needed. I used to do showcases, I did a big one infront of 14 agents at THe Grove in Ny but didn't get one after 3 months of work on a play. I'm just running out of ideas of what I can do, and I'm really limited by my own budget because I have to pay rent I don't have the money to take 250 bucks in classes a month. Any suggestions I'll happily take.
When will ads like this finally be considered discrimination and become illegal to require as part of an audition? by NimbusCloud1 • last post Feb 4th
Pay per day TBD depending on talent's personal draw. Performers without a significant nationwide following should expect to fall in lower range. Making your casting decision based on how many followers an actor has is downright stupid, and also discriminatory. Because if you are relying on that for your financing or distribution you're giving yourself a false sense of security. Just because someone has a lot of followers does not mean his followers are going to provide money or will be a fan of every project the actor does. A lot of people's followers are just fake bots anyway. I'm all for a team work ethic. And I want to hire actors who are going to have that ethic. But I do not feel it is an actor's job to guarantee you an audience. If you can't create that on your own for your project then your project is probably not that interesting anyway
Confidence by Ometzu • last post Feb 4th
Okay. So. I’ll put a TL;DR down there. I started acting when I was 8, in local community theater. Realized at 12 or 13 that what I was doing wasn’t necessarily the real thing, and asked my parents to help facilitate finding a real acting school to study. So I started taking classes year round at an acting school connected to an Equity theater in my area, and met my mentor, who would guide me and help me grow into a fantastic actor. She’s the whole reason I decided I was good enough. She showed me that I had real talent, and connected me to a number of industry people that I still get appointments from to this day. She hooked me up with my first manager in NYC, which helped me get an agent at a top agency (one of big three) What followed was my unavoidable fight with alcohol and drugs. A good two years of drinking every day, drugging it up every day. I was a complete mess, and I didn’t care. I thought I would become famous as all hell for no reason whatsoever. And, obviously, my manager dropped me, my agent dropped me, and I went to rehab. This is not the point of the story, I’m sober now, 6 years, and confident in my recovery. But shortly after that time, my mentor had a massive brain aneurism and died, very suddenly. I was spiritually bankrupt. I still am, somewhat. And I think of what she would do if she saw me, living in New York, working as a fucking restaurant server, still getting appointments but so absolutely mortified and anxious every time I send in a self tape or go into an audition room that I can barely function. I hate acting now. I hate the industry. I hate the fake faces and constantly having to pretend that I’m happy and working and blah blah blah. I’m not happy. I haven’t felt inspired by performance in god knows how long. I work nights as a server so it’s next to impossible to get to EPA’s, and the few appointments I do get from the people that I know seem like impossibilities in my mind. And I know that I’m good. I just want to fall in love with acting again. And to really believe in myself. I never learned how to do that, I always relied on my mentor to tell me when what I was doing was right, and I feel like I’m not surrounded by people who know what they’re talking about, so I’m completely lost. TL;DR: I guess I just need to feel inspired again. Please read the rest.