We have found 19,412 posts across 4 actor forums:
Need advice by Orange_North • last post Apr 12th
So, my dad got connection with an actor and managed to get contact with his agent who's looking for someone new. I didn't know any of this, but last night he asked how I would feel about acting and I was like "sure, why not". I have no experience, no idea what I'm supposed to do at an audition or what to bring. I never took classes either. I do like the idea of becoming an actor though so I would like to make a *decent* impression, any suggestions on how I could start? Should clarify that no audition has been booked yet, this is not an emergency.
Feedback by Loveyouguysbut • last post Apr 12th
I’ve been in the situation recently where my friend (who is a fantastic actor) was in a play that was not good (though my friend’s performance - was as usual -excellent). I concentrated on how great she was and danced around the weakness of the production as a whole. I have writer friends whose work was murdered by terrible acting - again I concentrated on telling them what was good about their work. I’m just wondering how other actors approach feedback. Would you really want to know what your friends think? I know timing is key - never tell them truth once they have just stepped off the stage and are raw. My question is - do you give honest feedback? Ever? Have you ever been grateful for feedback? How do you network with people who are influential, but you think their work not great?What avoidant strategies to you use to not hurt their feeling?
I can't remember how to act... by tangerinedino • last post Apr 12th
I feel so stifled right now and i don't know what it is? I’ve been training consistently for about a year now. The first two classes I’ve had were with one teacher and now I’m in the advanced class with a teacher I’ve never worked with before and I feel like I’ve never acted in my life. I feel so uncomfortable and embarrassed and when I do make an attempt to overcome these feelings by making stronger choices when doing a scene/ monologue, that seems to go wrong too. What's even more frustrating is that Ive never had an issue with this before I’ve always been a very confident and capable actor and now I feel lost. Though I’m determined to power through it. I feel like maybe have a new teacher might play into it … like we don’t know how to communicate with each other yet. I like to be directed and I feel as if she just critiquing and not offering a solution, or asking me to do anything specific. Idk …. I was wondering if anyone else has ever had these feelings or nah?
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Apr 11 by AutoModerator • last post Apr 11th
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. 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.
Portland actor in LA for a family vacation this summer - what to do? by languageflowers • last post Apr 11th
Hello! This is a very early post since I'm not sure how long I'd be in LA, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any Facebook groups where casting calls are posted for immediate LA area student films? I'll be in LA for a brief time this summer with my family and I'd really love to squeeze in as much acting stuff as I can before coming back to Portland. Forgive me for asking 'dumb' questions, but are there any reputable acting teachers that do one-day intensive sitcom classes? What networking events happen during the summertime that would be a fantastic idea for me to go to? Sorry for being so much all at once, but this really means a lot to me since I don't have any family or friends in LA area that would let me bunk up with them for a while (nor can I afford much of anything on my own right now), so I want to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible while I'm there. Let me know if you need clarification on anything!
What is the process of taking headshots for Actors Access or Backstage like? by xyzd95 • last post Apr 11th
I signed up with Central Casting about a month ago and got hired for two background roles since then. While working someone I was talking to said I ought to sign up to Backstage and I saw people here liked Actors Access so I figured I’d try either one out and hopefully make enough money to pay for the other. I’m not entirely sure how this goes but from my understanding you need headshots to apply to either one and you need to go to a professional photographer to take these headshots. How much should I be paying for basic headshots just to start out with? Also how many headshots should I have? I know there’s a commercial look and a theatrical look but should I have a third? I’m sorry for the long rant but I was hoping that with some advice I could get myself signed up for a lot more work
20 years old and I want to start acting by mork0324 • last post Apr 11th
Hey all! I’m sure this question has popped up on this sub thousands of times by now but I wanted to ask my own questions. I’m a 20 year old male currently living in California and as you could guess, I want to pursue acting as a possible career. I’ve just always wanted to do it because it seems so challenging yet so fun. Every time I watch a movie with convincing actors I feel as if, better yet I know that is exactly what I want to do in my time here. Not to mention I’m at the point in my life where I don’t care what people think, I’m going to do it if I want to. My question is, how do I acquire rolls? All of the audition search engines online cost money to use as they all require subscriptions to operate. Do I have to start relatively local and expand from there? If so, how do I find these local gigs? Any advice in this situation would be much appreciated.. Thanks!
Making the most when your partner doesn't know their lines by zasiel • last post Apr 10th
I have a big scene with an awesome person who has been struggling with their lines in class. It was really painful from my side and as a new actor I didnt really know what to do, I just tried to hold onto the scene but I just couldnt be present which is what I really wanted to work on this week. I had no idea what to feel because I honestly was bored and frustrated which made me feel terrible in the end. My instructor is great and was just told me next time to act like my character and respond to it. I'm just worried now if it's as bad as last week, I might over compensate with improv and just take over the scene. Any tips, insight, stories, funny dog gifs?
‘Anthem’ Voice Actor on Unionization, Struggles of Creation by PureGainsborough • last post Apr 10th
Freelancing on facebook rather than using an agent by web_head91 • last post Apr 10th
Hi everyone. I'm a stage actor and would like to do film as well. I was talking to a fellow actor friend who recommended that I don't get an agent. His reasoning was this: we live in a city that is a smaller market than New York, LA, or Chicago. He said he's got an agent, but often books auditions and gigs by himself through various acting groups on facebook. He said the agencies in our area all get the same tips and auditions offered, and that he's met people on sets of gigs he's booked on facebook by himself, who have said they got booked through their agent. With this information, I would like to ask what people think of this. I'm sure it differs from market to market. But it really made me rethink the idea if getting an agent if they basically just use facebook to book gigs for clients anyway. I'd rather keep all my payment if an agent is not needed in my market.
Barry is so good by kaylatengo310 • last post Apr 10th
All the bits about actors and the crap we go through. Oh man. Barry is perfect. That is so us.
Looking for some tips for the audition room? by ActorPlaybook • last post Apr 10th
1. First and foremost, KNOW THE MATERIAL. Being off-book or as close to it as possible frees up your mind for emotion and channeling your energy more efficiently in the moment. It is near impossible to be living a role while you are grasping to recall dialogue. 2. BE ON TIME. Plan ahead for travel, parking and time to run the scene in your head or out loud before your audition slot. 3. DO NOT COMPARE yourself to other actors. Some might be staring into a corner quietly speaking aloud their scene. Others might be mouthing their dialogue animatedly in their seat and others might be quietly reading through their sides. There are multiple possibilities to prepare and the key is to find one which best suits YOU. 4. Dress your absolute BEST while keeping the role in mind. 5. Bring your marketing materials. These include multiple copies of your headshot and resume. Yes, your headshot should look like YOU on one of your best days. Up-to-date contact information, experience and skills need to be listed on your resume. Resumes should be printed directly on the back of your headshot or stapled to the back on ALL FOUR CORNERS. 6. Pay attention to where you are told your mark is for camera and what to include in your slate. A standard slate includes name and union status. 7. Know your frame. If you are unsure of it, ASK. 8. Don’t use pretend props. For example, smoking a pretend cigarette or sipping an imaginary coffee. There are ways to incorporate “props” out of frame. 9. Prepare the scene and role in MULTIPLE ways. Directors want to know you are malleable to their vision for the character and if you only have one angle prepared you are limiting your potential as an actor. 10. Embrace the opportunity with POSITIVE energy and embrace the butterflies if you have them. You have been given an opportunity to do what you love and to meet casting directors and members of production. Take a deep breath and TRUST that you have prepared in ways that will bring you success!
[QUESTION] Would an actor/actress agree to act in this for free? by zabre12333 • last post Apr 9th
Hi everyone, I need advice. So I'm an aspiring filmmaker and I would like to shoot a short film and am trying to get an actor and an actress to be in it only for copy, credits, meal. Whenever I told the project about some actors who were interested I didn't hear from them since. I would like to tell you want I 'm asking from the actors and please tell me if you think these are a little excessive for an unpaid gig and if you would personnally like to be in it. So the story happens at night and I'm planning to shoot it in Paris over two nights, which means that all of the cast and crew would have to stay awake during these two nights. The short film also includes one intimate scene without any nudity (Which I don't think I mentioned to them). The logline is "A couple wanders in the streets of Paris, slowly waiting for the inevitable to happen." I don't really think that they are not responding because the short looks bad, since they almost don't know anything about it, that's why I'm guessing that they either have not seen it, or they don't want to stay awake for two nights without getting paid. What do you think? Also, if you are an actor in early 20's living in Paris and happen to be interested, do let me know.
Podcast with actor/director Alan Mandell (collab'd w/ Samuel Beckett, 7+ decade career, Hedwig, Shortbus) by theworkingactors • last post Apr 9th
My director doesn't direct. Huge rant here. by Throwawaywts • last post Apr 9th
I'm playing a lead role in a feature length film directed by a high-schooler (unpaid). I was apprehensive about accepting the part, but I deferred to optimism and gave the kid the benefit of the doubt. Now, I'm afraid that I was totally wrong. The director has no idea what they are doing. The biggest problem is they have not offered a SINGLE piece of direction to myself, or (as far as I can tell) the other actors. Not a piece of blocking, not an adjustment, not even a "look over here on that line." I mean zero, zip, nada. Hell, on the first day of shooting, my scene partner and I decided to run lines. While we were doing this, the director and A.D. were watching us from the other side of the room giggling at us. They showed no interest in observing the rehearsal and offering adjustments. Then, on my very first shot of the film, 2 separate crew members were texting on their phones... ON LOUD! Their phones were dinging before I could say my line. I paused, assuming they would regulate themselves, or the director would call cut, but their phones just kept going! I had to stop and say "I'm sorry, but those have to be off." The director said "Yeah, I was gonna say..." I wanted to grab them and tell them "YOU'RE THE F#$&ING DIRECTOR! SHUT THAT SHIT DOWN!" For the rest of the shoot, the director continued to just breeze along, offering zero feedback, adjustments, or direction. Basic and necessary props, which were called for in the script, were not provided (I had to dig through my bag to find a CD ROM which I happened to have with me). The only other adult on set was a middle aged audio tech, who was teaching the cinematographer about the 180 degree rule. This man was not on set on the second day of shooting (nor was the director). Instead, the head honcho on set was the kid who just found out what the 180 degree rule is two days prior. There was no audio person, so the only mic was the ill-equipped DSLR camera mic. In fact, multiple cast and crew members didn't show up, and there seemed to be no consequences for this. I know for a fact that we did not get the necessary coverage for the one scene we shot. It was a wasted day. I don't know how to proceed. I feel that this is a complete waste of my time. I don't know how to explain to this high-schooler, without pontificating unto them, that the director's role is the most important on a film set. We, as actors, don't know what story it is you're trying to tell. All we can do is go out there and make choices that we know are probably not right, and trust you will be there to support us. When the director is basically in absentia, the actors are put in a horrible position. I could really use some advice here.
What do actors that don't smoke do when their character needs to? by Soulgiver831 • last post Apr 9th
Like say that someone's play a Vietnam soldier and for this role they need to smoke but in real life they are against smoking. I found fake gag toy cigarettes, for pranks and stuff, but I don't believe they actually emit smoke. Same thing for cigars and blunts. What would actors use in these situations? Is there a special kind of fake smokable cigarette (and other smokable items) not available to the public or do they just bear through it for that scene and use a real one?
Actor here, looking into beginning Voice Acting. Several novice questions. by TheRadHatter9 • last post Apr 9th
I'm a regular ol' Film/Stage actor and always looking for different gigs to make ends meet that don't involve food service or manual labor. I've been thinking about voice acting for a while since I'll see casting calls for VO work alongside my regular casting calls. Got a few questions before diving in though. 1. Do you usually need all your own equipment? Are there VO studios (in L.A.) specifically or do people use music studios regularly too? Any ideas on rates for those types of places? 2. I know there are many branches, but what are the broad, main "areas" of work that things fall under? Things like - Characters (video games, animated film/tv), Commercials (tv/radio promos and trailers), Audiobooks.....what else would be considered a main area that has branches underneath it? 3. Do you have separate reels for each of the main areas (a "Character" reel, a "Commercial" reel, e.t.c....)? How long are reels usually? They're generally 2min or less in the Acting world and you try to show your range between Drama to Comedy (unless you're going specifically for one thing) so I'm curious how reels work in the VO industry. Thanks!
Which acting class do I continue? They meet at the same time. by janonoymous • last post Apr 9th
I'm new to the world of acting. I live in a mid-western city of over 500,000 people, so we're pretty sizeable, but not huge by any means. When searching for acting classes, I found two organizations that seemed legitimate. ​ I had signed up for one of the classes from agency A, but they dropped the class when not enough people signed up. I really wanted to take a class from Agency A because they seem a bit more professional. I signed up for a class from Agency A, & Agency B, just in case Agency A dropped the class again. ​ Agency B's classes started a few weeks before Agency A's, and I've been to two classes thus far for Agency B. Apparently my instructor is an actor, but was previously a major talent agent in the area. He's stressed how important the classes are, and how important it is to make a good impression on him. ​ Agency A's classes start this weekend, at the same time as Agency B's. They meet at the same time so I can't do both. I really want to do the Agency A classes, but I'm worried it'll make it hard for me to get started if I drop Agency B's classes.
Concentration exercises? by lazooooo • last post Apr 8th
Do you guys have any links or some good concentration exercises for actors? For focus and shutting off the noise around you...