We have found 19,298 posts across 4 actor forums:
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?
What are some good, flexible jobs for actors? by justsomethrowawayacc • last post Nov 22nd
How to underplay? by josephkiya • last post Nov 21st
Hello fellow actors and actresses. It's been two solid months at Film School, and I've done amateur theatre in school and college a while ago until I got super fried at my desk job and finally took the plunge. I'm currently studying screen acting, and my biggest motif has been to sharpen the edges of whatever limited knowledge I have as a stage actor and apply that on screen. I'm aware that acting on stage and on-screen is a completely different ballgame, however, there are times when I go over the top when I watch some tapes of mine in my film acting classes - I find it challenging to underplay some of my roles, particularly for the screen given that stage is more exaggerated and requires that oomph. How would one approach to tone it down a little?
Acting with ADD/ADHD by ifeelpeachy • last post Nov 21st
Hi folks, If it's okay, I'd really like this only to be answered by people with ADD/ADHD! When I was young I did have someone suggest that I have this, but I had good grades and had some preconceived notions...anyway, now I'm an adult, know a lot more about it, and do think I may have it. I will definitely be seeing a doctor in the near-ish future, however can't get there quick enough to solve an immediate problem! I have definitely gotten distracted during a few recent performances. Today a small distraction totally threw me off and while I was able to improv my way out of it, I definitely didn't do so smoothly. So, I have a few questions for actors with ADD/ADHD: \-Do you take medication, if so what, and do you feel that the meds prevent you from fully getting into the character's emotions or that they inhibit your acting abilites at all \-Do you have any suggestions to stay focused while still connecting with the audience? That first question was really like three questions, but anyway I appreciate any and all input. Thank you.
Which cities are now best for acting careers? by JonnyTsunami12 • last post Nov 21st
I’m currently getting into acting and I moved to Chicago a year ago. I’m curious what cities are the best for acting careers? Can you even break into the industry in Chicago? I know Chicago is great for improv and theatre but what about breaking into Film and TV? Is it best to move to LA? What about New York and Atlanta. It seems in recent years a lot of movies and big tv shows dont film in LA and are being made in Atlanta/Georgia. I’ve heard New York is great for stand up, broadway/theatre, sit coms, and some feature films and basic TV. Is Chicago a good starting point and then should I eventually move to one of these bigger hubs? I’m just curious what the consensus is out there on where the best places are to make it into the industry. Everyone I feel like wants the best odds in their favor and I’m willing to move to the city that increases the odds/ chances even though making a living as an actor are very very slim.
Which studio to get demo reel producted NYC? by radicaldoritos • last post Nov 21st
Hello! I’ve been working as a voice actor for almost two years now, looking to find a good studio in NYC to get a reel done. I was looking at Edge or Sweet Spot, but was curious if anyone has any other options, or had used them before! Thanks!
How many different classes should I take? by justsomethrowawayacc • last post Nov 21st
I recently moved to LA and took three introductory acting classes all from reputable names in the industry. I liked all of them for their own qualities and how I felt they could help me best as an actor, but I’m realizing now that I’ll have to drop one or two of them since it is just too much work week after week and too much money. How should I go about “choosing” classes? When people look at my resume, is it more beneficial to have a more reputable/well known name? Is it better to take all of them eventually and have them all listed under my training? Is it better just to stick with one that I like continuously?
Unexperince, aspiring actress. Help me start a career. Tips and suggestions wanted!! by Confusedgirl007 • last post Nov 21st
Hi, I'm interested in becoming an actress. I'm 22yrs, I have absolutely NO experience in the acting field. I live in a smaller town with no opportunities. I live about 90mins away from Toronto. I have bad anxiety also.. 1. Do I even have a chance? 2. Where do I even start? 3. Where do I find an agent? 4. My family will laugh in my face if I told them about this, what do I do? Tell me everything you know about the acting industry!! I literally don't know what to do with my life.. I've seen people say "what did you like to do when you were younger? Go by that". Well I loved to dance (can't see myself doing that since I'm obese), I liked talking "selfies" of myself and I liked to make people laugh and smile. Please and thank you!! Xx
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Nov 21 by AutoModerator • last post Nov 21st
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.
Best On-Camera Class NYC? by Yaars23 • last post Nov 21st
As a theater actor transitioning to film/tv I am currently looking for an on-camera class to supplement my scene study class. I have worked with an On-Camera coach, but am looking for a more regular class setting. Who would you recommend? Who has the best reputation in the industry. Also looking for suggestions other than "Bob Krakower"....Thanks!