We have found 19,244 posts across 4 actor forums:
Moving to Toronto: A Non-Canadian's Guide by Psynergy • last post Jul 16th
After looking at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/wiki/index), I noticed that the one major hub that didn't have a 'Moving to' page was Toronto. Toronto is getting a shit ton of investment from big ol' companies, Netflix and CBS to name but two, and as a Brit that moved here completely blind, I feel like I've got a lot of experience that might help anyone thinking of moving to the great white north! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Residency** * One of the biggest issues anyone that comes to Canada wanting to be in the film and TV industry faces is residency. If you're not a permanent resident, or Canadian citizen, you're going to run into professional trouble rather quickly. Productions film in Ontario for the tax credits, tax credits that they can only get when they employ mostly Canadian cast and crew. This unfortunately ripples down the chain from casting, to agents, to actors, and means that, if your Social Insurance Number doesn't start with a 5, agents will be heavily reluctant to take you on. * Non-union productions do film here, and it is possible to get a small body of non-union work with with a small scale agent, but it will eventually become a major hindrance if you're wanting to advance any further in your career. * The rules for becoming a resident change every year, practically, so if you need to see if you're eligible, there are goverment pages to [Help](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html) **Living** * Like all big cities, it's going to get more expensive the further into downtown you get, but you'll find that you can find some sneaky apartments here and there. Most auditions are east of the Don Valley Parkway, but that highway does tend to cut off the east end of the city, making it feel like you're travelling to the other end of the country, even though it's only 30 minutes from the centre of town. * If you can drive, there are quite a few places outside of the downtown core but still in the GTA that are more affordable. If you can't drive, I HIGHLY recommend looking for something in the downtown core, because Toronto's wider public transport is hot garbage * r/Toronto is a good resource for general living questions, but definitely search first. Those fuckers are brutal if you don't search for answers to your questions before posting **Classes** * Toronto has quite a selection of classes across the city, but I've found that, in my experience, certain classes carry more weight on your resume than others. Many of the most well established casting directors will rely on the opinions of the teachers in these classes as to whether to bring you in or not, especially if you don't have much on your resume. * That being said, if you are a beginner, and you don't want to go the school route (UofT and UofWindsor have very good programs) I always ALWAYS recommend Second City's Acting level 1,2,3, and 4 classes. They're great value for money, taught by working actors, and are a well known name in town. For more advanced classes, [Pro Actor's Lab](https://www.proactorslab.com/), [Lewis Baumander](https://lbactingstudio.com/), and [Armstrong](https://www.armstrongactingstudios.com/) are the main three that carry a lot of weight in town. Your mileage will definitely vary with how much you learn and enjoy those classes. * 'But what about...' I hear some people cry. Yes, there are little acting classes all over the city, and again, if they work for you, great! However, someone moving to the city needs names on their resume that Casting recognises as reliable trainers. John Smith from Scarborough isn't going to have the same weight as David Rotenberg, regardless of whether you enjoy his class or not. **Agents** * There are more and more agents popping up in town everyday and it might not be particularly easy to spot a scam straight out of the gate. A good rule of thumb is to use ACTRA's [Agent Directory](https://www.actratoronto.com/performers/agents-directory/). These agents have all joined the Entertainment Industry Coalition and signed a Code of Ethical Conduct thing. Doesn't mean you won't still be scammed because there's no-one to hold them to it, but if you DO find a scam Agent on that list, at least you can tell ACTRA and they'll kick them off the list. There are some agencies that are well respected that AREN'T on this list as well, so keep that in mind when looking through it. My own unofficial rule is 'If they represent models, they probably aren't great', but that's just a gut feeling from knowing models with abusive agents * I'll leave the question of 'big or boutique agencies' to others to debate elsewhere but in terms of the main agencies I've seen a lot of people from at my auditions, you've got: [Characters](http://www.thecharacters.com), [Fountainhead](https://fountainheadtalent.com/), [Talent House](http://www.talenthouse.ca), [Oldfield](http://www.oldfieldmanagment.com), [KG Talent](http://www.kgtalentmanagement.com), [Hero Artists](http://www.heroartists.com), [Butler Rustin Bell](http://www.brbtalent.com), [OAZ](http://www.oscarsabramszimel.com), [NCA](http://noblecaplanabrams.ca), [Amanda Rosenthal Talent](http://artagencyinc.com/), and [Creative Drive](http://creativedriveartists.com) **Headshots** * Again, lots of choices, and if you're just starting out, it's not as big a deal about having a really professional headshot because your agent is probably going to get you to get some more done when they sign you (not with their OWN photographer though, that's a scam). I always look to see if the photographer has an instagram, to see their most recent work, and ask around for recommendations of who people felt comfortable with. * The bigger names in town are: [Tim Leyes](https://www.instagram.com/timleyes/), [Denise Grant](https://www.instagram.com/denisegrant1/?hl=en), [David Leyes](https://www.instagram.com/davidleyes/), and [Pierre Gautreau](https://www.instagram.com/pierregautreauphotography/). There are, of course, a bunch of others (many in town are working actors so you'll find them through networking), but these four have a lot of weight to their names. Much like the acting classes though, your mileage may vary with your feel with them. I got shots taken with Tim and Denise, and Denise is by far the more fun to work with. **Casting** * IMDBPro is your friend for a lot of the stuff that's shooting in town, but your main Casting Directors are: [Stephanie Gorin](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330951/), [Jason Knight](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0460946/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1), [Lisa Parasyn](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0660979/), [Lewis & Sara Kay](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1078949/), [Larissa Mair](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2415304/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1), [Tina Gerussi](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0315016/), [Melissa A. Smith](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4981378/), and, for commercial auditions, [Mann Casting](https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Arts---Entertainment/Mann-Casting-155456057808314/), and [Jigsaw Casting](http://jigsawcasting.com/) All these casting directors focus on Union productions. Mann and Jigsaw will look for nonunion as well, and if you're just looking for student, short film, or nonunion work, [Mandy](https://www.mandy.com/) is the best place to start ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So there you go, a brief overview of TDot. If there are any other questions or topics I haven’t touched on, I’m happy to answer to the best of my knowledge! And please let me know if I've missed out on anything!
Survival jobs for actors by Payne7261 • last post Jul 16th
About a year ago, I moved to LA to pursue writing and acting. So far, things have been going surprisingly well. I have been able to meet a great group of friends and have been a part of some fun projects! What I have been struggling with, however, is not something I thought was going to be this challenging. I am having a really hard time finding the right job that works well with an actor's schedule and also pays decent enough to pay the bills and also take some classes. I am finding myself more and more discouraged. I don't know how anyone who isn't a trust fund baby is able to successfully do this. I have applied to countless jobs and have gotten nothing back. It's weird.. I've never had trouble getting a job until I moved to LA. I had a nanny job for a while but there was absolutely no flexibility with the schedule so I would like to avoid doing that again if possible. I know that the traditional job is to become a hostess, waitress, or bartender but I'm pretty sure every actor in this town is working one of those jobs because they are seemingly impossible to get. Also, if I'm being entirely honest...although I am totally willing to work one of these jobs because I really want this to work, it would be awesome if I could find something else. I don't think I would do very well in the food service industry. I tend to not be super great at jobs like that because they are so high paced and crazy. I wish my brain worked that way but honestly it doesn't lol Does anyone have any recommendations for jobs that maybe I haven't considered? Something that is flexible and pays okay... I'm also not afraid to work hard!
Bjorn headshots by birdy50 • last post Jul 16th
Has anyone shot with Bjorn of [Bjornheadshots.com](https://Bjornheadshots.com)? Not Bjoern Kommerel of bkheadshots (that's confusing). Both shoot more cinematic style headshots and I'm intrigued to try something different, but I can't find any actors reviewing it online. If you have shot, what was the experience like? Did you like the shots? Are they getting you in the room? Does your agent like them? ​ TIA
Help by KAR11M • last post Jul 16th
Hello, my name is kareem Im 14 and im from Egypt and im a really good actor if you would say I act in english but there is no places in egypt to help me grow my talent plus which is the most important there are no agents here who can get u to Hollywood So,can u guys suggest and ideas for me? Can i get a foreign agent? And how
Side Hobbies? by BlueTurtleBug • last post Jul 16th
Hey, Just wanted to know what side hobbies alot of actors have? More and more recently I've become a huge believer in the keeping myself busy part of the job, when work is slow. Besides Part times, and actually acting related classes/activities, what do actors on here like to do when they're not acting? I know it'll be different from person to person, but would love some input!
I MADE IT!!! DON’T GIVE UP!!! by throwawayactingyay • last post Jul 16th
I genuinely can’t believe I’m writing this. I’ve been following this page for awhile, and I made this account to avoid giving away my identity. When I was little, I was SUPER shy. For some reason, I felt drawn to acting, so I begged my mom to put me in acting classes. These classes lasted for about 5 years. After awhile, I signed with a talent agency. Right when this happened, I got extremely serious about school and found it hard to juggle both. After being insane about grades in high school, I finally jumped back into acting when I got into my dream school. Throughout college, I got super involved in theatre, starred in quite a few short films, and started making some guest appearances on top network shows. These appearances gave me a great opportunity to network. I learned a lot from the series regulars, producers, and directors just by watching them and having the chance to sometimes speak with them certainly helped. Toward the end of my senior year (I just graduated in May), my agent contacted me about an audition for a lead role in a major motion picture. After all my auditioning, I wasn’t nervous about the audition itself, but I was kinda nervous when I thought about the fact that this could change my life. Anyways, after an extremely long process, and many rounds of auditions and meetings, I am happy to say that I BOOKED IT. I was in absolute awe when I heard, as I’m sure they had several established actors to choose from, but they were willing to take a chance on someone unknown. I know what I made the title, but I guess “I made it!!”is pretty subjective. While I’ll never stop working as hard as I have to get this part, right now, I feel a bit relieved. My life has totally shifted. I don’t even know how I would define making it, but I guess, right now, I see it as more of a journey. I think, if I’m lucky enough to get more roles after this one, I will feel like apart of me has made it every time I book something (wishful thinking). Anyways, I’m beyond excited, and I just can’t wait for this journey. This has been my dream since I was about 8, and I’m now 22. Believe me or not, I’m completely and utterly on Cloud 9!!! While hard work played a part, I know I also just got extremely lucky. Please don’t give up. Follow your dreams. You’ve got this!!!
Actresses in their 40’s - how many of your actress friends from your 20’s have given up? by CuspChaser111 • last post Jul 15th
I’d say it’s at 75% for me. The girls that I came in with in my early 20’s have decided it’s too tough or left for other reasons - only a handful of my friends left - have you noticed this too? On plus side less competition.
Is there any good market for acting classes and roles for an aspiring actor in florida (tampa specifically) i have yet to find any good acting classes.. by naiansksnsnsidk • last post Jul 15th
Starting acting at 21. I'm currently in the military for another 3 years. Living in San Diego. by johnnyboy7173 • last post Jul 15th
Hello all, ​ So I'm in the Navy stationed in San Diego (pretty close to LA!) I've read the first few chapters of The Actors Life and am currently still reading the book. I really want to get into acting but, as stated, I can't sell all and move for another 3 years. I also have no acting experience whatsoever. The closest I've been to plays is I used to work sound and lighting for my high schools plays. ​ On top of acting classes, what things can I be doing NOW? Also I've been researching acting classes in San Diego and want to know if anyone here has any suggestions? ​ Thank you so much!
Aspiring Actor - how do I balance acting with supporting myself? by elephant_tetley • last post Jul 15th
Hi guys, I'm an aspiring actor who is looking to get more professional experience. I've been acting in volunteer/smaller scale theatre for basically my entire life, but I've always wanted to pursue it more seriously. The thing is, I also have a full time office job, without much flexibility in hours. It pays well, but I also live in a pretty expensive city. I've recently joined with a talent agency, which I'm really excited about, but I'm finding all the opportunities that come up there are like the next day. It's just not something that I feel like I can make happen while working a full time job- but I don't think I can support myself unless I keep this job. Any professional actors out there have tips on how you managed that? Did you find your employers were flexible? Or did you have to quit to make things happen. I'd rather not get in to the restaurant industry but this seems to be all that people can do to balance the lifestyle.
LA or NY for acting/modeling? by slimesezn • last post Jul 15th
Recently I went to a convention that I audition for and got invited. At said convention I received a scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy which I was really excited about as I'm relatively new to the industry. However, at this event I was scouted by many agents but 2 that I'm interested in that are interested in me as well are in LA and they are acting agencies. There's a Film Academy in LA as well that the scholarship applies to so my dilemma is that I really wish to pursue modeling as well, since that's why I really went up this path. I understand that actors are more versatile and can convert to modeling rather than vice versa however, I'm still stuck on where I want to go. I know NY is like model capital and my dream is the NY fashion walk. But I'm also taking into account living expenses. What is the better option?
can any working actors in NYC do me a solid and let me buy them coffee for 30 minutes and help me figure out what the hell is holding me back? by fuckingdiscrete • last post Jul 15th
i've hit a brick wall and i'm very frustrated. I know i have the potential to break through, i just need a little direction, honesty, strategy, and hope? i have multiple low level agents in different markets, in sag, i write simple shorts for myself, i self submit, i take workshops, i think outside the box... i do all the things. i've gotten some auditions for major things so I know i'm not entirely crazy but they are SO few and far in between it's never been an "out multiple times a week" thing... or even multiple times a month.... i'm trying to channel my anger into a peaceful little dove and release it into the air and I feel like the world ignites it with a flamethrower. any working actors, let me buy you a coffee or perhaps a danish, help a brother out. I'll send you my links so you can see I'm not a beginner. thanks guys
Acting scene in Toronto? by diaperBois • last post Jul 15th
Hey r/acting, I'm currently living in Toronto. Canadian citizen. I'm going to be taking a few acting classes soon, but I wanted to know how is Toronto for actors? On the sidebar, I see "moving to" for LA, NY, and Atlanta. Thought Toronto or Vancouver would be there as it's a big busy city. Are any of you currently in Toronto & booking roles? ​ Also, what can I expect when taking acting classes? I took quite a few when I was a lot younger, back in grade 7 or 8 or something, and they were classes by a community center, where we just practiced for plays we were going to perform at upcoming community events. There were a few days where we would read monologues and practice emotion ranges, but not that many. I guess a paid acting class would be more rigorous? ​ Other than those, any tips would be appreciated. Thanks, guys :)
Looking for Headshot Help by SlippitySlip • last post Jul 15th
Hello, I am a new actor and I am getting headshots done for the first time. I am just wondering what kind of clothes I should wear, what kind of photos I should take, and what kind of emotions/attitudes I should portray. If someone could drop examples of headshots they have done that would be helpful. ​ Thank in advance for your help, Joshua
Archetypes for Actors: The Victim The Hero The Tyrant by Will-Kelly • last post Jul 15th
ELI5: Showfax Actors Access Sides, how do they work? by SplittingEnnui • last post Jul 15th
So I was browsing the Actors Access site and decided to click on the sides section for the first time ever, because I guess I'm dumb. It looks to me like this is the site to go to if you ever hope to audition for anything major, so now I'm curious. How does it actually work? Can someone with AA Plus break down what the sides are and how you use them to get auditions?
I'm SAG but don't know what jobs that limits me to by unsatisfiedtourist • last post Jul 15th
I mostly work as a background actor, I'm core on an American network TV show. I've also done some student films and independent projects. I know I can't work as non-SAG on a production covered by the contract, but what about productions that aren't? Or things that aren't really productions? I see lots of ads on backstage, actors access, and casting networks for unpaid, independent projects that sound so fun, or things like lifestyle modeling, internal corporate material, and web ads for products. I don't think these things have anything to do with SAG, are they outside the scope of the contract? Can I apply to these jobs, paid or unpaid, without being in violation of the contract? ​ I'm looking in the contract re: background actors and I can't find anything specific about this.
Looking for Actors for Harry Potter fan films by EditingYeet • last post Jul 15th
Alright so I've started a production studio (@legilimens_productions on imatagram). We have started writing some Harry Potter fan movies, we are still looking for cast and crew members. Our current project is called 'Severus Snape could be innocent'. Currently we need actors, writers, artists, and posibably editors if anyone is interested. These are audio plays so we won't need to see anyone physically but will need them to record audio of themselves reading the scripts. If anyone is interested please message me about what opportunities you're interested in and I will add you to our discord. Also sidenote you won't be paid for this, especially not early on. Trust me, I'm not keeping this money all to myself because I'm not making money from it either. If anyone wants to start a patrion for our cast and crew that's fine, but please talk to me first. Also if anyone is interested in watching our movies and just joining our discord for fan purposes we are of course fine with that aswell. Thank you for your time and please reach out to me.
Aspiring 18yo Asian Actress by aspiringasianactress • last post Jul 15th
Hi guys! I am a Malaysian student on an f1 visa currently studying in the States. I am doing a Biological Science degree for my parents but I truly want to pursue a career in acting. Coming from an Asian background, my family and friends think that I am delusional but I believe that with hard work and enough effort (not to mention tons of luck), I can achieve my goals. I am hoping to do a minor in theatre or maybe even double major in both the science and the arts. ​ I guess I just need some encouragement, since most people I know think that I am nuts for even considering to enter the entertainment industry. Any kind words will help! Thank you guys!
semi aspiring actor? maybe just curious? no idea by epicallygenetic • last post Jul 15th
hi guys i feel a bit silly about posting on here but i feel like i’m being lured into acting. i’m currently working in the biotech industry, semi dropping out of college because i already have a job in my field and don’t feel like wasting the time or money when experience is more valuable. but the more i work in biotech, the more i realize it’s boring and it’s not for me. what i really love in this world is tv and films and expression. i love watching the character development, the portrayals, i’m curious about behind the scenes. i decided to dive straight into research on how to get into acting. i contacted my local community theater about volunteering or watching their rehearsals, i’ve contacted acting coaches, i’m signed up for backstage. i’m going into this head on because i need to find out if it’s what i want to do right now. am i on the right track? i have no true experience in acting, just a yearning to be able to express myself and explore different people and situations and create something.