We have found 19,247 posts across 4 actor forums:
How beneficial as an actor is it to work other jobs in the industry? by justsomethrowawayacc • last post Nov 23rd
For example, if I were to work as a production assistant at a large studio, is it a good way to get my foot in the door? Do people in the industry look favorably to someone working there with aspirations of making it as an actor/VO artist?
Actor/real estate agent by VLRlaughs • last post Nov 23rd
Curious how many LA actors out there also doing real estate? Can I ask you a couple questions? Thanks
Help looking for a scene! by BlackBunny95 • last post Nov 23rd
Hello everyone, I was looking to see if anyone has any recommendations to scenes that have 3 people (2 men, 1 woman) I am having the hardest time finding one I like that I have to perform with 2 other actors in my class in a few days. Preferably a scene from a movie or tv show thank you. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I checked Beverly Hills playhouse already nothing that I really liked so far.
Improv/Scenario Audition for Theater by JakeThaGreat001 • last post Nov 23rd
To become apart of my cities local theater team, I have to audition in this sort of scenario. It’s a murder mystery scenario. Basically the veteran actors will greet me in character and I have to play along. Does anyone have any advice on how to ace this?
Basic Scene Analysis and Character Development Fundamentals by J2TheDay • last post Nov 23rd
For anyone just starting out acting, I hope this can help. I've been a film and TV actor for 20 years and from all the classes I have taken and over 100 film and TV shows I have been on, I have boiled down some of the basic fundamentals I employ when approaching any new film and television scene. There are a series of basic questions that I use to better inform me as to how to approach the scene and it allows me to get my bearings. After doing this, I am able to work the scene with confidence which allows for interpretation from the director when on set. These are somewhat analytic but once I do this work I am then free to discover and explore my character's emotional life. My character: * When talking about my character in a scene I refer to the character as "I" or "Me" because I am the character. I develop the character by getting as much information from the writing as I can, or if it is a historical figure with background I do as much research as possible. * What is my upbringing, age, physical condition, history, living location, past traumas etc. Relationship: * In the scene if other people are present, I find out what the relationship is. If no one is present then what is my relationship to this situation or circumstance or what is my relationship to myself in that moment? * When looking at others in the scene I ask: You are the one who <blank> me. You are my <blank>. You are to my character like <blank> was to me in my real life. * I have to <blank> you (This is your Action) in order to <blank> (This is your objective) and the consequence of failing is <blank> (These are the stakes). The underlying truth is <blank> (This is the subtext of the scene) * I want this person to <blank> (My character's want) but I need to <blank> (My character's need). \*The want and the need will almost always be the source of the conflict in the scene. Tactics and Choices: How are you going to get your want while satisfying your need? There are many different ways to achieve this. Ie: Fight and force, seduce and charm, seek empathy, manipulate, be honest etc… These are referred to as your "choices". Make choices on how the character views things, opinions on things and how this character thinks. This will affect behavior if you are reacting truthfully in each moment. Moment Before: * What just happened before the scene started? * What is the emotional state I am in before the scene starts? (Emotional Prep) * What are my intentions going into the scene? These should ALWAYS be positive or the scene will fall flat. Ie: “I want to leave” or “I don’t care about you” are negative. “I want you to love me” “I want you to respect me” are POSITIVE and ACTIVE and will produce a stronger scene. * Your moment before is the spring board that launches you into the scene and creates that "wave" actors describe that you can ride to take you to unexpected and exciting places during the scene. Emotional prep before starting a scene is so very important! Conflict: Understanding all of the above will flesh out where the conflict in the scene lies. Conflict occurs when two characters have opposing needs, or internal conflict can happen within one's self. All well written scenes contain conflict. Arc: Identify each transition in the scene by a tactic changing. This is indicated by a new thought, new direction the conversation takes, or a beat. (Most well written scenes have 3 transitions) A well written scene starts with your character in a positive or negative and you will end at the opposite at the transition, then again flip to the opposite at the next transition. For example; I am in control of the situation, first transition the person in the scene undermines me and I end up at a negative, so I retaliate, next transition I’m back on top etc. * These shifts in the position of the character in the scene is the scene arch. EVERY scene has an arch, usually an emotional one for the character. If you don’t see one your scene is “Flat” and a weak scene. * Characters go through a journey (Hero's Journey) or an arch through the entire story. They evolve or it is not worth watching and boring. * The entire story as a whole as well goes through an arch as well. * It's often more effective to start a scene in a different emotional place than your character begins in. Sometimes you can work backwards; if you end the scene hostile, maybe try starting the scene in a positive or hopeful headspace and see what the scene then plays out like when prepping. Of course this is the starting point to understanding the scene, you do this for all scenes in the script, and then are informed about why your character makes the decisions and uses the tactics they do. Take that and get to know your character to find out what isn't on the page, make choices about why that character is the way it is. For example, find out what music they like, what quirks they have, what secret fears they have etc.
How to properly contact casting directors? by Pimenta • last post Nov 22nd
Hello everybody! I am very very new on backstage and trying to figure out how some things work. I am seeing all sorts of announcements about various projects that are casting for talent, in which the names and information of their casting directors are listed. Some mention that are to…
When did you know you were ready to seriously start auditioning? by StrobeRogers • last post Nov 22nd
Hello, I keep thinking there's a wall before I 'try' to seriously start auditioning.. I never book anything so beyond that.. I think I want to become a great double threat (singer/actor). I'm pretty sure I still won't book anything, but just to be ready is nice. What is standing in your way?
“Counting Stars” on BackStage by j-sOnTheRoad • last post Nov 22nd
Hello! I was wondering if anyone knows if the casting call for the Nickelodeon show“Counting Stars” is real. I researched, and found the same casting call on Actor’s Access(New York), but it was posted months ago. So, I am questioning if the casting call is legit, since the first notice for it was posted about 3 months ago on a different website(AA) and it is not listed as a nationwide casting, as it is on Backstage. Hopefully my question makes sense. Also, if it is real, do you think I could still apply on AA? Because I really do not want to get a membership for Backstage just for this ONE casting call.
Actors Access question: why are many castings open even though they have an expired deadline? Can you still submit to those? by urrkaaa • last post Nov 22nd
Sorry if I used the wrong vocab I’m still learning the terms and all thanks
What can one do to become more Empathetic as a person? by BigWungusBill • last post Nov 22nd
I think it was Stella Adler who thought to grow as a person and to grow as an actor are synonymous and as such I will post this on a therapy subreddit as well. Yhis question is a little bit of personal and acting advice. I’m sort of at a roadblock right now acting-wise, and I’m not sure how to move past it. I think the issue has something to do with how I empathize with others. For example if I consider the scenario, what if a friend’s mom died? I’ll think about it, but I won’t really feel anything other than Sympathy. Sympathy meaning to feel sorry for someone, and Empathy meaning to feel what they are feeling. I started to notice this too, when watching movies and TV shows very rarely will I have an emotional response to them. Then I noticed that I’ll have emotional responses to situations, Happiness, Anger, and such, but one emotion that I will very rarely have when empathizing with a person or work of fiction, is sadness. And simply go numb if I’m trying to empathize with a fictional sad event in my head, I cannot imagine myself to tears. Even when my Girlfriend is sad, I often find myself sympathizing with her and wanting to make her feel better, but simply unable to feel her sadness. And this is the issue, I feel like as an actor I should be able to empathize with any person or experience ideally and I am unable to. If a tragic event happens I can feel sympathy but my brain will not let me empathize. Has anyone had a similar issue? Or may any person be willing to offer some advice? Sadly, Therapy is out of the question despite it being the best option probably as it is much too expensive for me. I’ve struggled with this issue for some time but I’ve just not pinpointed exactly what it is. I would be very grateful to anyone willing to help or even attempt to.
How do actors draw on past experiences? by Hyper_Intake123 • last post Nov 22nd
You hear it all the time where professional actors mention drawing on past experiences to prepare a role. Is it just recalling emotional memory? How can I draw on my past experiences? I dont wanna use emotional memory btw I find it's the worst technique to evoke emotion.
What else can I do for my career? (NYC) by Yaars23 • last post Nov 22nd
I am always attempting to put 100% percent into whatever I do, which includes my acting career. So far I do the following things on a regular basis: \- Take Classes \- Self Submit for casting calls on Actor's Access \- Self Submit for any/all student films for universities \- Working with my manager to connect myself to an agency \- Networking with agents, CD's, and other folks in the industry Besides this is there anything else I can/should be doing to advance my career? I just feel like nothing is happening/progressing. Anything NYC specific? Any tips would be great.
Hate my job, love reading/writing/narrating/acting, any tips? by Zantclick • last post Nov 22nd
So I'm... less than a beginner at this. After being really sick of my job for awhile and building up steady admiration for voice actors in my favorite entertainment mediums, I found a desire to look into the voiceover field. I'm aware that expecting some kind of big-shot gig in animation, games or dubbing is unrealistic for a beginner, and I mostly want whatever practice I can get to break into the field and hopefully be in this for the long haul. What I'm hopefully seeking here from you folks is a first step; I've done a lot of research online and I've spoken to a grand total of two friends who have dabbled in the industry. Throughout all of my endeavors I've been handed a plethora of advice ranging from taking classes, getting a coach, getting starter equipment, creating a demo and more. I'm 23 years old, M, live in a quiet apartment in Queens, NY, have zero experience under my belt, am on a tight budget, and own a blue snowball. Where do you folks think I should start? Does anyone know of perhaps a moderately-priced class in the NYC area? Any recommendations for getting good samples as a beginner for a demo? Anything and everything in the way of feedback would be super helpful! I'm a bit nervous about starting something new, but I think it's time and like I said, I'm in this for the long haul.
Insight From Academy Award Winning Director Kenneth Lonergan by ActorPlaybook • last post Nov 22nd
I was in NYC a few weeks ago and crossed paths with my friend and fellow creative, Kenneth Lonergan. We met back in 2015 on the set of *Manchester By The Sea.* Working on that film and meeting him have been such gifts in my life. We were catching up over dinner and I was telling him about my site ActorPlaybook. I was explaining how important it is to me to provide a valuable + affordable resource for actors so anyone, anywhere, who has this dream in their heart to act, can have support. I shared with him my nerves about an upcoming Skype call-back audition (I find these TOUGH!) with the director of the film and he started to share **SO MUCH** valuable insight into the audition process. I was elated, yet cursed the noisy restaurant! I wanted to record our audio! Anyway, Kenny being a writer, kindly offered to write down what we were discussing and email it to me later that week. He did. *Four pages**.* And I want to share some of what he said with you. I have always found it best to learn as much as I can, from as many different people as I can. [https://actorplaybook.com/insight-with-kenneth-lonergan/](https://actorplaybook.com/insight-with-kenneth-lonergan/)
Insight From Academy Award Winner Kenneth Lonergan by ActorPlaybook • last post Nov 22nd
I was in NYC a few weeks ago and crossed paths with my friend and fellow creative, Kenneth Lonergan. We met back in 2015 on the set of *Manchester By The Sea.* Working on that film and meeting him have been such gifts in my life. We were catching up over dinner and I was telling him about my site ActorPlaybook. I was explaining how important it is to me to provide a valuable + affordable resource for actors so anyone, anywhere, who has this dream in their heart to act, can have support. I shared with him my nerves about an upcoming Skype call-back audition (I find these TOUGH!) with the director of the film and he started to share **SO MUCH** valuable insight into the audition process. I was elated, yet cursed the noisy restaurant! I wanted to record our audio! Anyway, Kenny being a writer, kindly offered to write down what we were discussing and email it to me later that week. He did. *Four pages.* And I want to share some of what he said with you. I have always found it best to learn as much as I can, from as many different people as I can. [https://actorplaybook.com/insight-with-kenneth-lonergan/](https://actorplaybook.com/insight-with-kenneth-lonergan/)
Should I meet this director? (Stranger danger) by jvyl2007 • last post Nov 22nd
I’m a young woman that’s just beginning to start acting. After taking one class, I’ve decided that my two short term goals for now are to take an improv class (starting in January) and to try to build a reel. There is this director that posted in a Facebook group I’m in seeking an actress near NYC to do a scene study and read/rehearse/shoot a scene from a film, and if it turns out good I could potentially use some of the footage in my reel (which is currently non-existent). He has an IMDB and he told me the name of the actor who would be opposite me in the study if I chose to do it. My only concern is that after talking to him on the phone, I learned it will take place in his apartment. I’m new to this industry but this screams stranger danger to me. I’m not sure if this is typically how things are done at the entry level but I don’t want to get murdered. What are people’s thoughts? Pm me for more details
In a rut by burningactor • last post Nov 22nd
Hello! I've been a full time employee for about 10 years. In that time I have done 3-5 plays and 100-150 shows per year. I usually do 3 or more different roles per play, no leading roles yet. But I think I have pretty decent experience. I have always been happy doing everything my job have told me to do, and I have done my best. BUT, I wonder why I wont get any lead parts? My boss can't give me a straight answer when I ask. There is always a vague reason. I feel like I'm ready for bigger roles but I never get the opportunity. I want the challenge and variation mostly. Is it common to be full time employed actor and only do small roles? Am I ungrateful? I know I am lucky to be employed but still.. one can dream. I'm open for discussion :)
Questions for extras/background actors!? by That1guy__ • last post Nov 22nd
So I just got two background roles in two productions, and this would be my first time doing this. I hear a lot of people saying to bring snacks and your own wardrobe and things like that. But my question is, do you have to being multiple outfits in a suitcase? Or do you show up wearing the outfit? And secondly, is there a place where you can leave your belongings like snacks and book or what not? Thanks guys!
Curious about acting... by Penman13 • last post Nov 22nd
Hey, I’m a screenwriter that has toyed with the idea of learning how to act. I’m working on a script, and I’ll have to fill a role, but want some knowledge or tips on acting. I’ve read somewhere that recording yourself helps, but really wanted to know what other actors and actresses advice would be?