We have found 19,369 posts across 4 actor forums:
I bombed terribly after a doing well in front of a CD the first time. by what2dotoday • last post Aug 21st
This one really hurts. Throwaway because this is super embarrassing. I just finished a 2 week intensive with a well-known CD that I was really looking forward to meeting. Week one went amazingly. I did my go-to scene and nailed it, and he didn't even have to give me notes because he loved it as-is. I was so proud of myself because I struggle with being hard on myself and even I knew I did really well. But then week two came today, and the complete opposite happened. I was under a big time crunch to learn the material, the scene involved more complex elements (at least for me) in terms of what I needed to do with my body, and I was totally uncomfortable and nervous and I just completely, totally bombed. I did it the first time and he had only critical things to say, nothing good (which I deserved) and then I did it again but not much better. Last week I got one of the best receptions in the class, but today I was hands-down the absolute worst of the group. It was humiliating. This clearly said to the CD that I can't perform under typical audition deadlines, and I'm only good when I've done the scene a hundred times before and am totally comfortable with the material because I picked it myself. I came off as completely amateur and there's no way he will call me in after this, which means I basically wasted my time and money. He said that today's class is like how the "real world" is for an actor. I've shown my true colors about how I can perform in the "real world," then. This was a huge blow to my self-confidence as an actor, as it pretty much confirmed all my deepest doubts about myself and my ability. I don't know how to just bounce back from this.
First time voice acting by Sabrinacyan • last post Aug 21st
I found an ad in CL for a voice actress needed for some podcast episodes and gave it a shot. They seemed to like my reading but would like a demo reading of their script. The script includes two characters, but I don’t know which character I’m reading for. How do I go about sending my demo? What should I include? Should I read both characters lines? Just one? Read everything off the script?
First Paid Position! by FrequentDaydreamer • last post Aug 21st
So, today it was confirmed that I’d been hired for an episode of Chicago Fire as a background actor. This is my first time on a tv set (I’ve only filmed movies before, I’m more of a stage actor anyway) and my first paid position. I realize it’s not as big of a deal as most of the things people post about on here, but I figured it was smart to ask before I go to set next Wednesday. Is there anything I should be aware of beforehand, or any tips anyone has for making good use of the opportunity? (I’ve also heard about the possibility of getting an equity card, if anyone can elaborate on that situation?)
Is the UK industry OK with thicker women? by throwawaynosejobxoxo • last post Aug 21st
By thicker i don't mean fat, but a curvier, "ScarJo" type. I'm not as curvy/heavy as Scarlett but I'm close to it. I'm asking this because i know that the acting industry has always had a preference for thin women (talking about lead "attractive girl" roles specifically) but the US industry is more inclined to cast someone with Scarlett's body type because it helps sells tickets (male audience), whereas the UK industry is more "classic" in a lot of ways. I am very attractive facially, my body is also objectively attractive but I'm definitely curvier than the typical "thin actress" so I'm afraid that my type will clash with the UK industry's standards for it (lead 20something attractive female). And before you say something like "talent matters the most" - yes, i agree, but all markets have their preferences and unless a US studio is marketing you in a specific way it's much harder to "break in" with [this](https://www.betrendsetter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/scarlett-johansson-body-2018.jpg) body type in most countries because people won't initially see it as "attractive". Unless the role is an older woman/someone heavier specifically it's quite rare to see a "curvier" lead actress in the UK that's supposed to play someone attractive.
The Importance of Having a Vision by mindfullibra93 • last post Aug 21st
Hey guys! Just wanted to give a little encouragement. Like most of you I’ve wanted to act since I could remember. However, I’ve had a lot of insecurity about it (not good enough, Tom hard to achieve etc.) but last year I made a promise to myself to live my life more authentically. I even went to USC for Theatre and Psychology and was too nervous to audition for showcase, and decided to go to law school instead. Well long story short, I dropped out and hated it and made a promise that I’ll pursue my dreams (this was summer of last year) and said I’ll give myself until July to get professional representation! I made a vision board with my headshots on fake Deadline articles (lol) and literally created my acting website, a reel, got new headshots and moved as if I already had what I had been asking for. Well it’s now been a year and I have been singed to an AMAZING established boutique theatrical agency. I am 25, but can appear younger. But this agency only takes established actors. I also just got offered management from a great place week and it all seems so surreal because they also said they only take SAG actors with at least three guest star credits. I am not SAG nor have I been on tv (outside of a national commercial I booked before getting signed, non union unfortunately) I just know the business inside and out, and made a plan and followed it! And in all my meetings I came with multiple headshots, and a list of shows/networks I could see myself on and a 1 year plan. And more importantly believed in myself! You guys FAITH is a superpower! It’ll get you a lot of places! Don’t think because you are “under-qualified” or “new” or “too old” it won’t happen for you. It did for me! Just move as if the blessing already happened and it is yours! Trust me. I often feel I have Imposter Syndrome cause it feels too good to be true. But what’s meant for you is yours!! And it’ll find you! You just have to truly seek it. Rant over. I just really wanted to encourage you all!!!
How Can I Best Write a Script That is Good for Studying for Actors? by JRosebrook • last post Aug 20th
Hey, I am an aspiring screenwriter and I have been editing my scripts about two to three times, and I tend to try to make my scripts easily to interpret and easy memorize for actors. But my question to you actors is this, how can I best write a script that is good for studying for actors? If you think this post is constructive, feel free to upvote.
I need advice please by BlackHoleJamie • last post Aug 20th
So, I am in no way a voice actor. I animate, and there is a musical I love that I've been wanting to adapt forever now. However, I am super antisocial and want to work on this in my own time without much of a schedule, so I'll be doing all of the voices myself, but I'm afraid everyone will sound exactly the same, since I'm not a voice actor. Is there any way to make my voices more distinct from one another?
Worth going SAG? by DruncleBuck • last post Aug 20th
Would you say it’s worth paying the dues? I’ve done a couple commercials and technically have an IMDb page but all the Actors access auditions seem to be SAG only.
Hey yall, please don't give up (hi from Turkey!) by Revgos • last post Aug 20th
Hello! I don't know if this post is a-okay with the subreddit rules but I wanted to give this message anyways. A little background ; i have been acting ever since I was a child and joined a few community theaters. I am near-native in English (thanks to my mom). Of course like everyone here, I would love to be an actor (in usa. turkish tv sucks) but I probably wont be. (i need to get a visa, save some money, move to LA or NYC, find a job blablabla its damn impossible for a foreigner) so i have given up on my dreams. **I just wanna say and i know how cheesy this sounds ; please don’t give up. If i had the opportunities most of the people have here I would never give up. So please, for me, never give up. You got this. You will be happy in your life, you will get that part and do amazing shit with your life and create amazing memories**. You got this ❤️ From me, Much love from Turkey ❤️
Acting instagram follow chain by drink_vaderade • last post Aug 20th
Hey everyone! I figure we should try to support each other as fellow actors and nowadays Instagram is a huge part of that! Maybe we can make some worthwhile connections or friendships, by posting our handles and following each other! :) I just started my own instagram for acting and would love to connect with other actors on there. /Cleocamalier
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?