We have found 19,298 posts across 4 actor forums:
Drama school; is it worth it? by forsythepjonesIII89 • last post Aug 20th
Hi guys, I'm a long time lurker that really appreciates this community for how sincere and friendly it has been so far. I come here a lot to read encouraging stories and also to get some inspiration on how to kickstart my career again. I'm a trans man that's about three years into his Hormone Replacement Therapy. I'm pre op. I took a few years' break from acting to be able to work on my body and my mental health while beginning the process. I have some fears and anxieties about going back into the business and want to do it properly, and I had a few questions about getting started again on the right footing, ranging from logistics to mental health for those that may have gone through a depression or any other drastic change in mindframe similar or (simply parallel with) mine. 1. I'm considering going to drama school. Is it worth the investment for an actor that wants to go towards television and film the most, to at least get back some of my confidence? Keep in mind I've been in between dayjobs a lot and am in a situation where I have a flexible gig starting soon that will allow me to audition again but I won't see any money from it until around November, so I'm tempted to look into a school to feel like I have a solid plan, but I'm not sure if that'd be something that would up my chances to find work and help my mental health, or simply a financial burden down the line. Our local school has a great reputation and it's easy to get in; unlike the somewhat judgy and snobbish drama clubs that are local (I had a very negative auditioning experience years prior, and it felt a lot like it had to do with me not admitting to myself that I was trans; they got me reading for a male role before I even came out to myself, and I was sort of confused with myself as much as they visibly were with me - it left me anxious about trying again, but I guess it could be an obstacle I could tackle if in the end it might be preferable to do drama casually in the meantime.) 2. Have any of you been dealing with almost daily panic attacks? Mine aren't related to performance anxiety (and I've been on sets before, acting never got me nervous per se). It's more about how I retreat into myself and start being my own worst judge and the symptoms tend to come on real fast whenever I do. You guys have any practical tricks to deal with this on set and not end up in a position where you single yourself out as a bad worker because of your fears constantly holding you back? I'm currently my own agent. Three years ago I was just getting started landing speaking roles and already gathered a lot of contacts after my first project, but it's been difficult for me to continue pursuing this until I started ''passing'' as male; I do at this point, but all that's halting me is this pesky anxiety, and gradually gathering the money to commute to Montreal each week for auditions. 3. How many auditions should you book at a time to keep yourself productive? Once I get back into looking for roles/scripts I want to line thing up in a logical way without (again) being too difficult and harsh on myself. Also as additional information I've been coached by a local actress for awhile and have participated on some of her projects as an assistant producer and translator before. She's made some really awful remarks about my transition and we haven't spoken ever since, she's invited me to the premiere of the film I was AP on and I'm questioning the relevance of showing up considering what a bitch she has been. I'd probably catch a ride with crew which would make it even more awkward given the fact she and I are fighting. Any tips on how to professionally work through a situation like this? Thanks a lot for everyone's insights, I appreciate you all.
How to list role on actor resume? by BUSCEMIxCAGE • last post Aug 20th
I know it’s the three column one, but what I’m asking is how to list the role on a short I worked on. It’s with an ensemble cast (equal screen time, dialogue, and all that jazz). It’s in the same vein as Friends and How I Met Your Mother. Would that be considered “supporting”, “lead”, etc?
Want to have VA as a career. Any tips? by Pongo230 • last post Aug 20th
I'm currently 17 y.o. and male, I would like to have a career as a voice actor for animated cartoons/anime/games etc. Right now I plan on getting the essentials for equipment (computer, mic, audio interface). Voice acting seems like a fun job to have, I love and respect the craft of it and the whole medium it's used on and would love to hopefully one day be a part of it. Are there any tips you can give me on how to get noticed, getting gigs, and just overall how to be better at performing? Thanks.
PSA: If a VO or mocap class promises you a demo reel at the end, exercise extreme caution. by noshirdalal • last post Aug 19th
Hey everyone, I’ve seen so many folks get bit really bad by this... classes that offer a demo reel at the end, with the assumption that this material will get you an agent or into a casting office or whatever. PLEASE be very very careful. Firstly, the impression that you make on an agent or CD (casting director) with your reel is your first impression. And it’s incredibly important. Agents and CDs are in the business of knowing people, and if their first impression of you is that you’re not ready, it can take a long time before they’re willing to take another look. A class that tells you that upon completion you’ll have material ready to submit to agents and CDs is making a gross generalization - everyone who comes to the class is at a different place in their process - how can they possibly make such a claim? And if you’re new enough that the allure of a reel is a draw, chances are this class isn’t going to leave you prepared to go up against the pros. In an ideal world, you want an acting coach who has the integrity to tell you that no, you are not ready - a teacher whom you trust. They’re out there - I know because my teacher tells his students (myself included) that all the time. And he’s not saying, “No, you need to take more of MY classes.” He’s often referring them to completely different training - improv or theatre or what have you. To piggyback on this, a lot of voice actors who are relatively new are chomping at the bit to get a VO demo reel up and out there. I completely understand, and respect, the enthusiasm. Consider, though, that reels are great business - they’re usually quite expensive, but some of these studios promise to bang one out for you in a matter of a couple sessions. It’s a great business for them. If you walk in to one of these places and say, “I want to make a demo, will you please take my thousands of dollars?” most of these places will gladly oblige you. That doesn’t mean you SHOULD be doing it, only that you can. I’ve spoken to my agents, and CDs at Sony, Side, and others about this kind of stuff. Often because a friend submitted their materials from one of these classes, excited to rock out, and is surprised when they hear nothing back. A reel that doesn’t serve you isn’t just a waste of time or hard earned money - it costs you in reputation and time. Ok, I’m gonna end my rant here. Voiceover is an amazing industry - and there’s room for all of us! I want everyone on this sub to succeed. If we both go out for a role, and you book the part, that’s GREAT! Clearly I was not what they were looking for. That’s not competition, that’s just the right fit. Kick butt out there, everybody! I’m rooting for you.
Throwing in the towel... by jlm792 • last post Aug 19th
Hey guys! I don't want this to come off as whiny or anything but I'm genuinely curious if anyone has ever quit and moved on from this business. Or felt like they wanted to but were able to get past it. I've always wanted to be an actor. I went to NYU and got my degree and since then I've been at a standstill. I'm 25 and still non-union with no professional credits. I submit everyday on Actors Access and Backstage. I have an agent but don't really get auditions. I've tried to create my own projects but I work so much in my survival jobs I can't find the time or money to actually get them going or coordinate times with friends. I've taken workshops, classes and everything in between. I just feel like I'm getting older and getting no where and I've been out of school for 4 years now. I feel like I haven't made any progress and thinking it might be time to throw in the towel and move on. There are people I graduated with who are doing major film and TV and I can't even book anything. I feel like I'm wasting so much of my time and people are just passing me by. While I've thought about getting a job in something else, I can never force myself to actually do it. I really don't like my survival jobs and barely scrape by every month to pay bills etc, and also find time to pursue acting and can't afford to take non paying jobs because I can't afford to take the time off work. I don't know.. just wondering if anyone has similar thoughts and how you've gotten past it. I know this is the business and what everyone has signed up for but it's really been pushing me into wanting to move on lately. Although I have no idea to what - my entire life has been acting. I have no job experience in anything else and my degree is in acting. Any thoughts or advice? How do you get through the tougher times?
My Agent is Upset because I declined a Non-Exclusive In Perpetuity Contract by HumbleActor • last post Aug 19th
I got an audition to do a Hasbro commercial through my agent. I declined the audition on Actors Access because the usage term was In Perpetuity (which I've been cautioned against). I get an email shortly after from my agent asking why I declined and I told her I didn't want my image being used forever. She goes on to say that the contract is NON EXCLUSIVE and that it's the first toy commercial she has seen. What does NON EXCLUSIVE mean? What should I say or do?
Hey fellow actors! Just created an acting sizzle reel. Would love to know what you all think! by _Phongle • last post Aug 19th
Friends moving to LA and some to Atlanta by Idobjj • last post Aug 19th
The one who is living in LA had a good agent here but when I went to hollywood for a brief moment I was told films are actually leaving LA due to the taxes, etc. Why would people go to LA over Atlanta at this time? He claims it's the "Hub" but wouldn't an actor starting out be better in Atlanta vs LA?
How's the acting scene in Dallas, TX? by ABlokeCalledGeorge8 • last post Aug 19th
Hi! I've been recently offered a job as an engineer in Dallas, Texas and want to know about the scene over there. I'm 21 yo, have zero experience as an actor but I'm armed with a killer charisma and I'm also fluent in Spanish and English and speak a bit of German if it's worth anything. Seriously though, I've always wanted to give acting as shot but never found interest in the acting scene where I live (Not the US). I don't even know if I'll have time, but, is Dallas a good place to start acting?
A big fuss was made about my age in an audition by ThunderCatKJ • last post Aug 19th
So I’m 24 and received a casting call from my agent for a KFC schoolies tvc. Schoolies for those who don’t know is when a bunch of new high school graduates go down to the Gold Coast and celebrate their graduation. Sort of like America’s spring break. A lotta sex. A lotta underage drinking. A lotta drugs. People above 18 who go to schoolies are referred to as toolies. Because they’re tools. Trying to party with a bunch of kids. Anyway. I look young. So my agent put me forth. I went in today for the audition. Had to fill out a form. And on it it requested age. So I put down 24. Get into the group audition and the first thing the CD asks is “whose 24?” There was then some back and forth between her and another man about my age and auditioning. And to go back out in the waiting room and then nvm come back in do the audition. We then each had to introduce ourselves to the camera. Full name and age. Except I was told just to say my name. Anywaaay. I’m just writing this to vent. I’ve always been age sensitive due to the fact that I’m ageing faster than I’m succeeding in life. The fact that I’m in my mid 20s with nothing to show for it just sucks. So this hubbub about my age hurt pretty bad. I’m angry at my agent for sending me the CC. Surely she should’ve known whether it was appropriate or not to put forward older actors for younger roles in specific productions. Idk. I’m just down now lol Thanks for listening to me bitch.
Did I make the right decision? by globon • last post Aug 19th
Alternatively titled, “How can I make the best of this decision?” I’m a 22 yo female actor. I Recently moved back to my hometown Los Angeles from Milwaukee. I originally had plans to relocate to Chicago, but I was quickly running out of money. I ended up making the hard decision to turn down some projects in favor of coming back home to LA. I’m starting to regret it. The theater in LA is a different game and I’m not having a lot of luck getting in the room for anything else. I’ve been back home for a few months now and I’m starting to kick myself. Does anyone have any advice? What would you do in this situation?
(20F) I don't have the money to join acting workshop. Help? by mayangelswalkin • last post Aug 19th
I currently live in San Antonio, TX and even though I'm glad the city's a melting pot of sorts for actors, I don't know where to start nor does my family have the money to provide to put me in acting classes. I have little experience from high school theater, but I want to get in the acting scene /now/. I feel like my life's passing me by here. This is my only passion, and I've barely mustered the courage to say this is what I want to do to my mom. Will an agent overlook me/dismiss me as a credible actress if I don't get involved in an acting workshop? I'm in a tough financial spot as it is, and my parents won't let me get a job for cash because they think it's a waste of time for me. :(
Any advice on doing Line Splicing for projects? by LoliPopVp • last post Aug 19th
Hello, so last month I had moved several states to be with my bf and he is very encouraging and letting me work from home to devote to voice work. While just starting I came across an ad for a game project that needed help with splicing. Which I took because it was paid. For those who don't know Splicing is when a voice actor gives you all takes in 1 large file and your job is to separate and label each take. It's a pretty time consuming job, but not very difficult. I personally found that I enjoy it, but I know I am not getting paid anywhere near what the work is worth. I obviously prefer doing voice work, but there are times of the day that I can't record and it's nice to have this kind of work to still work on during those times. So here are my questions. 1. What would the proper cost for this kind of work be? 2. Is there a NEED for this position (is it worth looking into getting more jobs like it)? 3. Does anyone know of a place to advertise this skill set if it is marketable?
For actors that live/moved to LA how do you like it? Have you gotten more successful while you were there? by punchytigerman • last post Aug 19th
What are the pros/cons? Do you recommend it? Tell me everything!
voice actor archive by Haildoofania • last post Aug 19th
I used to have a website that was full of high quality voice lines from actors like Morgan Freeman, Mark Hamill, etc. My bookmarks from back then no longer exist wand was wondering if anyone knows the site as I cannot find it.
Spaniard looking for some advice by adriasanchezig • last post Aug 19th
Hello, I'm 26yo and I'm an actor from Barcelona, Spain. ​ Here in Barcelona there's almost no film industry (just catalan tv). I've just done two important auditions in the past 2 years (as a Mexican in Terminator and as a Mexican in Snatch Season 2), and I got those auditions by luck But these auditions are so rare here, and you have to go to Madrid if you want to have a chance, but in Madrid it would be for Spanish productions, usually. ​ The other option I have is to move to the UK, Do you think that would be useful? ​ I'm clear when speaking english, and I look like a spanish so that wouldn't be a problem, if I'm not wrong. I've been doing acting classes since I started pursuing acting back in 2017. And I've also done a microtheatre play (15 minutes play on a very small room) ​ Do you think moving to London would help to my career? ​ I'm also applying for the DV Lottery for the USA, but that's almost impossible ​ Thank you very much!
New to Los Angeles by Siara Padilla • last post Aug 18th
Hello! I recently moved from Boston to LA a few weeks ago. I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for on-camera acting classes and/or audition technique classes (that are also somewhat reasonably priced)? Also, please feel free to connect with me, as I would love to meet other creatives out here and even meet up for a coffee! I am currently in the Toluca Lake/Burbank area. Thank you all for any help or advice!
Actors in California by shapeshifter4690 • last post Aug 18th
Do you guys think it’s easier for people in California to become actors? Why or why not?
Out of the loop actor doesn't know what he's missing in LA. by thomyorkesadoptedson • last post Aug 18th
Other than submitting on Actor's Access/LA Casting/Backstage and going to class, what other things should I be doing everyday? What other resources are available to me, networking or otherwise? I feel like I'm missing out on so much. For example, at my first acting class here, a bunch of people said they signed up when they meet our teacher at the Actor's Expo. Actor's Expo? I had never even heard of this. Recently, a friend through Instagram advertised that they had to give up their spot in a Casting Director's workshop (the new modified ones where they can't actually leave with your resume lol), and I jumped on it. Apparently she's a member of this studio which holds these workshops all the time?! How had I never even heard of this?! Actors in the loop, what other resources am I totally missing out on that I should be taking advantage of? What should I