We have found 19,298 posts across 4 actor forums:
Beginner Acid Test by tartrate10 • last post Dec 20th
I'm going to come here with a very naive question and I'm expecting a majority of insulting answers - hopefully among them there will be some genuine help. I've only acted in a few plays and been an extra in 1 film. I'm currently in my early 30s. I'm not leading man handsome, but I have control over my face. My eyes, eyebrows especially. Maybe these are minor things: holding eye contact / glaring uncomfortably long without blinking or passing judgement through the flick of a raised eyebrow. A lot of non-verbal cuing. Is this something thats just a minor part of every actors quiver? I've always had a desire to play someone that isn't me or maybe a more caricturized version. But I don't know where to start besides headshots. I live in a moderately populated city (300,000+), am I just supposed to speak with agents? This is something I'd like to try but am at a loss regarding the 'how.' I feel kind of embarassed talking about it.
IDK if this is the right sub, but I'm looking for actors for a horror film. by Cinema_waste-land • last post Dec 20th
We will be filming in early april in Cancun, Mexico. Flight, meals and lodging are provided. I'm looking for: 2 males, both 19-27. Athletic or skinny build. 1 female 19-27, cute/attractive If anyone is interested please DM me, I'll answer any questions!
Best Day Jobs for Actors in NYC by misterjadams • last post Dec 20th
So I was just curious what people do for day jobs while chasing their dream? I've heard people say things like dog walking and being a waiter is perfect because they give you the freedom to go to auditions at a moments notice, But the pay is so low I can see how anyone can afford NYC rent. What are some other day job alternatives?
Question regarding tipping and correct percentage? by Dracomies • last post Dec 20th
Hi there. Got a really dumb question but there doesn't seem to be much information on the subject. What would be the correct percentage to tip an actor or actress? I've been tipping at 20% for all my projects but just want to make sure it's ok. I tried looking up the correct rates but there doesn't seem to be much information on the subject.
I'm not an actor, but I kind of wanted to ask someone about how actors think and get into and out of character. by Kompanion • last post Dec 20th
This post kind of comes out of me genuinely being curious, so I don't mean to offend anyone or state any misconceptions. If I say anything that comes out wrong, feel free to call me out on it. So I just finished watching The Joker...and for the lack of a better word it did feel...really intense. Though it has got me thinking about thinking about how actors set boundaries between their own roles and their personal lives. I don't know, I feel like when you have to put up a really convincing performance across multiple takes in a completely different mindset which isn't exactly "real" per se.(feel free to correct me on that.) I feel like it'd mess with your mind a bit. That feels like one of the more difficult parts of acting imo. Does working with an emotional, complex role take a toll on actors? How do they handle it? If you play a role of a person who's a sociopath with manipulative tendencies for example and you spend time getting into character, how do you ensure that doesn't leak out into the personal life? Thanks for any responses in advance.
Can a casting director be culturally wrong for a project? by Throwaway451100 • last post Dec 20th
Hey guys! Active lurker of the sub, and created a throwaway account for obvious reasons. Here’s something that has been eating at me for the past few weeks. I had an audition for a guest role in a major network TV show where the breakdown specified the need for an actor of a certain ethnicity (specifically a certain country that I had lived in for nearly all my life). The sides were also very specific in how they wanted that character to be played - granted, the character is written as a stereotype, but one that I can verify is based on truth. In my heart, I knew I was right for the part because I knew how to play that character really well - I’ve encountered and interacted with people like that my whole life, so I had a pretty good reference and idea on how to play that part. I went to the audition, did my thing, but the casting director + associate seemed pretty unimpressed with what I brought to the role. Figured it might be their usual attitude, but I was happy with what I did that day and the version of the character that I brought to the audition because I knew it was authentic to my experience and based on reality. Fast forward a few weeks later, I find out through my network of actor friends that the role is being played by someone who; A) is NOT that from that country, B) does not speak the language (according to his resume), and C) is not 100% the ethnicity requested in the breakdown. He has ethnic ties, but doesn’t identify as said ethnicity. And D) having seen him chatting up and gossiping with one of the casting associates outside the audition room, he probably has a good relationship with that casting office, and it probably gave him a leg up in the room. Granted, we work in an industry where we are accustomed to being rejected, but this one hurt a lot. It’s for a show that I am a fan of, and it’s for a role that matches my ethnicity and nationality. I’m still going for auditions, and I treat every audition opportunity with the same passion I brought to this one, but I doubt any similar roles with that breakdown will pop up in my future. Now here is my question: should I trust that the casting director’s decision was the right one? I doubt that the casting director or associate have ever traveled to said country or interacted with people who fit that breakdown? Shouldn’t they have had an associate, an assistant, or even a reader in the room who represents that culture, and helped them make more authentic casting choices? I would have been happy and supportive if another actor who had the same ethnic background or cultural upbringing as me were cast for the role (and I knew a few who also auditioned for this), but the casting director’s choice has been baffling to say the least. Especially when many casting directors have talked about diversity and authenticity in casting, but stuff like this makes me think that they’re not practicing what they preach.
Directors: do not text actors!! by tillx321 • last post Dec 19th
So last week i got a text from a director about auditioning for a project. It felt strange and unprofessional. Amongst other things that she said which were overall shady, i didnt like that she casually texted me. What are your thoughts on directors texting actors to get in contact with them? (I am not referring to directors whom you are working with/have a relationship with/ decide in email to text/ etc. I mean the very first point of contact being text messaging).
Cover letter for agency submissions? by thomyorkesadoptedson • last post Dec 19th
I'm sending out my materials to agents for the first time since moving to LA, and was wondering if personalized cover letters are really necessary? For this first round, I'm sending my stuff to 40 agencies -- do I really need to research each one, analyzing their roster, see what shows they're working on, etc., and then write a specific letter to each one detailing why I would specifically fit THEIR agency? It just seems like a TON of work (even for desperate aspiring actors) and I wanted to find out if that's really necessary -- I don't even have IMDBPro. I was just planning on writing a generic (including each individual agent's name, obviously) cover letter detailing who I am, the work I've been doing recently, why I'd be a good addition, etc., etc. Does this work?
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Dec 19 by AutoModerator • last post Dec 19th
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.
Agent meeting, queeeeestions. by HPM89 • last post Dec 19th
So, I had a meeting with an agent yesterday, and it went really well. He was interested, and is planning on contacting the manager I’ve been freelancing with, and he told me to keep in touch. Only way for me to to do that is send a hand written letter. Very interesting, Alright I have two questions. 1. The guy I freelance with, hasn’t sent me to any auditions, I’ve just been finding things on my own, and going from there. But I was honest when he asked me and I said “well I think he just wants me to network right now and take classes with CD’s”. We sort of have poor communication. Anyway. 2. He asked for a website. I don’t have one, just some clips. And the agent wasn’t worried. Which I was told isn’t bad, but they’re only monologues at this time. Should I scrounge up a couple good scenes, and film those ASAP? I know we won’t be meeting anytime soon cause of the holiday season. Regardless, I’m happy for the meeting because right before it I was basically told I was a shitty actor, and then walking into a room and nailing a monologue, and the guy being thoroughly interested in me just reminded me I’m not. So that’s good lol.
Advice for a beginner by badatsupermetroid • last post Dec 19th
Hello. I have never posted to reddit before but this seems to be the best place for my question. I have only been doing voice over work for about 8 months and I am trying everything I can to improve what I do. Do you have any advice for someone still trying to get work in voice acting? I do have two regular gigs that pay $10 a VO but I want to try to do more and haven't had any luck. If at all possible could I get some constructive feedback on my demo reel too? I'm still working on re doing my demo reels since I made them when I first started 8 months ago and I have improved since then, but the narration reel is already re done. [Link to my demo reels](https://www.voices.com/actors/Silvershadow) Thank you for your help.
Who here knows musical theatre? by throwawayijmagnm • last post Dec 19th
I made the following post in the musical theatre sub, and then realized it might be best to post it here too, as this is a much more active sub. Thanks all! \----------------- # Are there any well-known instances of someone learning to sing later in life and finding success in theatre? I've been a redditor for 10 years and I \*still\* made a throwaway for this post because it somehow feels so personal and a little embarrassing. I'm a 34 year old male, and I've never done musical theatre, but I'm getting more and more interested in it. I didn't start acting until my late 20s. I had about every vocal problem you could imagine. I was hardly breathing, I muttered, I fried my voice in my throat, etc. You name it. I had an acting teacher push me to do vocal work, which started to open things up for me. And through this, I started doing singing workouts, because they're a great way to train the voice. And then through this, I fell in love with singing, and expression through song. I've become very dedicated to my workouts. I've been doing \*at least\* an hour of vocal work per day for a few years now. I don't have a ton of money, but I've paid to work with good vocal coaches here and there, to make sure I'm on the right track. I'm really starting to feel like I'm getting somewhere. I've done a ton of plays, so I'm comfortable on stage and I'm a good actor, but I've never done musical theatre. It's a hard thing to cross into...it seems! Anyway, not that I would let this stop me, but I'm curious...is this totally unheard of? Someone learning to sing from scratch (no seriously, I couldn't sing to save my life before) in their 30s and finding success in musical theatre? Are there known examples of people who have done this? Just looking for a little inspiration! Also, any other words of advice would be really helpful! (Such as how to find good songs to work on, this is always tricky for me, I just follow musical theatre accounts on instagram and look for guys singing songs that I like). Oh, and I'm based in NYC, so I'm right in the thick of it. Thank you!!!
My brother is an aspiring actor, and I'm trying to find a good Christmas present by WonderSabreur • last post Dec 19th
Hi all, My brother has been working towards being an actor for a bit, and I'm trying to get him a Christmas gift that will be useful. While I'm researching, though, what would be most valuable? Is there a way to pay for multiple audition fees in advance? A package for a portfolio, like images and such he can use when auditioning? What would help in your opinion? Thank you in advance!! EDIT: Oh!! Or is there a way to A) find a good agent & B) pay for their services?
Hard time getting agents attention by tiny-daggers • last post Dec 19th
Hi! What’s the best way to initiate contact with an agent to get them to notice you and give you a chance? How do I formulate the best email? What do I mention? Is it better to call? Carrier pigeons? Smoke signals? I’ve been struggling with getting them to notice me, and I suspect it’s because of my appearance. I’m a plus-size actress, and not white. So I already have the odds stacked against me. Any help is so appreciated!
What’s a creative gift for an actor in LA? by ehlean • last post Dec 19th
My coworker is retiring her full-time job and going back to full-time acting. Any ideas?
Melbourne, AU Voiceover Class - 'How To Use Twitter to Find Indie Video Game Leads' by AimeeSmithVA • last post Dec 18th
Hi Reddit! I'm a full-time voice actress who voices for video games - I've presented quite a few panels around NSW and VIC over the last year, and have started running some classes with Voices of Tomorrow since October this year, that have had beautiful turn-outs. You can find my full portfolio and past appearances at: [https://www.aimeesmithva.com/](https://www.aimeesmithva.com/) should you wish to know a bit more about me and what I do! This will be the first time I'll be running my bran new 'How To Use Twitter to Find Indie Video Game Leads' talk (it will not be a workshop, but a presentation) and it will be on March 8th, so should you be interested, please feel free to check out the below link to find out more! [https://www.voicesoftomorrow.com.au/course-dates/](https://www.voicesoftomorrow.com.au/course-dates/)
An Escape the Room for Actors by PsiHightower • last post Dec 18th
To escape, you have to say all your lines exactly as written. That’s it.
Why are many comedians so good at dramatic acting roles? by DickGrayson123 • last post Dec 18th
Ive noticed many comedians give outstanding performances for dramatic roles. For example, Bill Hader in Barry and IT 2, Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, Steve Carrell in Foxcatcher (just to name a few). What comedic traits/training do they have to give better performances than actual actors/actresses that focus all their time on acting?
How honest is community theater casting? by JT-Sturgell • last post Dec 18th
I'd love to honestly know if things like a family's contributions to the theater play a role in who gets cast in lead roles in small community theater. How often is a less appropriate/talented actor given a roll for political reasons? If any community theater (or ex-community theater) directors could address this, that would be truly insightful.
Has anyone met these voice actors. What were they like if you did by DigimonPokemonfan • last post Dec 18th
Eric Stuart Colleen O Shaughnessy Richard Cansino Dorothy Elias Fahn Laura Summer Lex Lang