We have found 19,369 posts across 4 actor forums:
Cart Before the Horse? by WinonaPortman • last post Mar 22nd
I was skimming through this sub the other day and saw some discussion that kinda made me shake my head a little. It was all about the concept of needing to know the business. I certainly agree that it's important. Crucial, in fact. However, one person suggested that it is perhaps even more important than craft which reminded me of a [very old column from Backstage by the resident mid-level agent who actually used to actively participate on those now-on-life-support forums.](https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/red-light-green-light-1-61917/) I was still in high school then, but it obviously made an impression since I still remember all these years later and will now share it. The main gist was just general advice on how to get an agent, but his 5th point was what stuck and was definitely something I noticed in a sad subset of actors who were going nowhere fast when I moved to LA ... **5. Don't suck.** **This is the big one, folks. I constantly meet actors who have trained themselves to be super business people, always marketing and promoting themselves, expertly navigating the dark tunnels of the industry. But what's the point of all that work if you're not a great actor? Every opportunity you create will be wasted because you won't have the talent to take advantage of it.** Just sayin'.
Why would a SAG voice actor need to sign a Taft Hartly? by ForenzaAsmr • last post Mar 22nd
I was offered a role for a game that, when I asked what compensation would be done, promptly was turned away within minutes. They're reasoning was "We can only pay Sag voice actors." I said thanks for the opporutnity and no problem. Remembering I actually have several associates in it, I asked them what email they would like to be contacted with. (The reason for that is my initial contact is mainly on Discord, something the Sag VAs don't use at all) They're next response besides the "Huh?" was: " We would have to sign a taft hartley to use union actors " But . . . .when I researched it . . . it said its only for "Non unioned people to work on union jobs" I've researched it and did what I could, but confused on that. Hope you guys can help. Thank you.
A response to u/WinonaPortman's post "Cart Before the Horse?" Warning: long and controversial by maxdurden • last post Mar 22nd
Hey folks, this post began as a comment on u/WinonaPortman's post about craft bing more important than business acumen, then it got so in depth I decided to make my own post about it. Read that post first for context. Here's the u/WinonaPortman post: https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/b45q60/cart_before_the_horse/?ref=share&ref_source=link Ok, here we go... While I tend to agree with the point of this post, I really feel that the attitude on display here and the article u/WinonaPortman linked is detrimental. I have a degree in acting, extensive training post grad in addition to almost 10 years of real experience behind and in front of the camera, and on and off stage. My acting has even garnered an award (very minor, but still worth mentioning to illustrate my next point), and I'm still learning every day. Here's the (not so big) twist: none of that matters to anyone but me. I still have people hate my performances all the time (the last insult about my acting I received was about the very performance that I was awarded for). I can't get a theatrical agent to run over me with his car, let alone look at any of my materials. My point is that "sucking" at something like acting is, for the most part, totally subjective. Sure, we could talk about the objective details that separate the bad, from the good, from the great actors, because they are many. But any kind of conversation like that is stifled by attitudes like this. I've gotten a belly full of the mentality that this post and the linked article (and many of the articles on Backstage) promote. The mentality that I'm talking about, and the real depths of the harm it does is hard to describe, because it's easy to mistake it for being hungry or motivated. A good indicator that we are dealing with this mentality though, is that the language used here is very blunt, but also completely vague. The section quoted is titled "Don't suck," but in the same paragraph, it's implied that "talent" is something you can somehow achieve through...not sucking...I guess? To truly help, the Backstage writer should either make a detailed, professional, honest article about the do's and don't's of finding an agent, or just own this for what this article is: a platform to wine about the challenges of a profession that this person chose for themselves. Want to really be edgy and honest? Talk about how, even in 2019, if you don't have parents or grandparents in the industry, a shit ton of money, or both, you are mostly screwed. Learning to act is of course something you should do if you want to succeed in this business, but at the end of the day it really doesn't help with finding representation. In fact, it would be logical to conclude that if this mentality is prevalent among most agents in this business, being a well trained actor that wants to share his or her experience with someone that is *literally* in the business of looking at this experience and considering wether or not they want to help this person succeed will only serve to drive perspective agents away. Here's an example that I just experienced today to show how toxic this all is: I recently read the post by u/highrisedrifter about their process of researching agents and their clients, finding which clients get parts in projects that they were right for, and contacting these clients' agents to introduce themselves and ask them out for coffee; not to ask for representation, but to discuss how to better align themselves to get into the casting room for these projects. The idea is that it will show that you are willing to work before agents even look at your resume. Sensible enough, right? That is exactly how most people get jobs in most other professions, so it makes sense. Here's the post: https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/6n768r/touching_base_with_agencies_after_submission/dk8pjd4/?context=3 So for the last month or so I have been doing this. I've been completely ignored so far, but that's to be expected, I'm a dirty normie with no money or famous relatives. Fine, I get it, it's a numbers game like anything else. Today, I find an article on (you guessed it) Backstage by the same person that wrote the article from OP's post in which they bitch about actors asking them out for coffee. Here's something to ask yourself: if this "agent" were actually successful at their job, why are they spending so much time writing articles complaining about how annoying actors are? Here's the truth that no one wants to admit because they are worried about pissing off agents that wouldn't give them the time of day anyway: 99 percent of agents and managers in LA that you will find have no real cred. There is a saturation of them just like there is a saturation of actors. Most of them got into it because they had lots of money to throw at it, had a child that they wanted make famous, or were once actors themselves and couldn't deal with the constant rejection. Now they are bitter and revel in posting articles like the ones on Backstage and having the power. But they are more than happy to take their cut of acting classes they help start, or the endless amount of "casting director workshops" they host. So get an actor friend to give you a referral, right? Here's where it gets dark: most actors are like most people: they will not send the elevator back down once they get any kind of success, so trying to contact people you think are your friends for referrals is a bit of a fool's errand. Actors and agents that are actually worth your time are too busy creating great stories to bother complaining. So this is all to say that I agree with U/WinonaPortman's point, but not with their attitude. They only things that matter are building your craft, finding and creating projects that you want to work on, and sending the elevator back down once you find some success. Everything else is random, unless you have money. Don't buy into the machine that Hollywood promotes of keeping everyone hopeful because "the industry is changing" and their are "more opportunities than ever to make it big," all while continuing to only give the .00001% of people with famous family members or shit tons of money (and the occasional member of a minority with "zero acting experience" to make themselves seem progressive and accessible) a shot. They do this all to keep us normal folks buying their books and workshops to make ourselves feel better. It's a product. Don't buy it. Stop thinking that they hold all the power. We hold the power by ignoring them and just creating. Stop supporting them with clicks to articles consisting of them bitching about having to do their jobs. Use that time to write your own script, or to write an article about your experiences in an effort to get real info out there about what this business really is. Get out there and create something for yourself, realize that no one cares that you created it except your loved ones (even if it's great) and move on to the next thing. Have a great day, I'm off to audition for a student film because I think the script is a story worth telling.
"Coming out" as an actor by hlana • last post Mar 22nd
Hi all, I've recently been accepted into a good acting program but come from a family where acting is not something that anyone takes seriously - think theoretical physicist and teacher as my siblings - and have absolutely no idea how to tell my family. The way they see me is as a very shy person - which I'm not when I'm acting (unless I'm supposed to be) - and so I don't even think they'd think of me as a serious candidate, let alone the profession! Does anyone else have any stories of when they told their families they wanted to pursue acting? How did they deal with it? Thanks!
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Mar 21 by AutoModerator • last post Mar 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. 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.
Mission Unlocked! - Just had my first ever headshot session - it went great! Can’t wait to see the final product by CornrowKenny100 • last post Mar 21st
Just finished my headshot session, I had a blast and worked with a great duo. The chemistry was awesome! I’m glad I’ve finally had them done, as I had this as one of my goals for Q1 2019, as some of you may have seen on the post I made last year in December. I’m over the moon that I will very soon be having my own ‘calling card’ that will help to put me in good stead, for being taken seriously as a professional in this very competitive industry. But as usual back to business... I have an accent workshop tomorrow that I’m looking forward to. As always, be humble, get up early, wake up with an agenda and knock it out the park, and just continue to knuckle down my fellow actors! I try and remind myself - remember someone in another part of the world is having it much harder than you - put things into perspective.. Some of the things we complain about are so trivial as actors... When I watched Capernaum recently, it hit home like wow.... to think people really live like this on a day to day basis. I have no reason to complain! Great movie by the way if you haven’t see it. It’s a Cannes darling. Always remember that guys...someone always has it worse than you. I’m going off topic now, but I hope this hits home with you guys. Claire and Kate your both superstars!!
Next step for acting? by steelflexjones • last post Mar 21st
Hey all! I’m a 23 year old actor who moved to New York City from Michigan. I’ve been acting for most of my life, mostly doing regional theatre with some professional roles in Michigan. I’m interested in moving into tv and film, but not sure where to start. Is it time to get and agent, or join SAG-AFTRA? Should I do more theater work first? How d people get their first screen jobs? What’s next?
I think this is really important for us actors to read. Might affect how we negotiate contracts moving forward. by TheGoofyPharaoh • last post Mar 21st
Wish me luck everyone... My coach is submitting me to the one of the TOP Acting Agencies in my State by Idobjj • last post Mar 21st
We've been working on scenes and material for the past few months. She knows them personally. ​ Towards the end I kinda stopped caring because I was booking work that actors from their agency booked(as well as other agencies). I figured: Hey if I can get the job and get the cash then fuck it. More for me without an agent. ​ I told her to go ahead with it but I'm not expecting much. I'm still going to submit and book. Agent or not. I ain't scurrrred.
Looking to hire freelance female voice actor for a project by postwerk • last post Mar 21st
This is a paid role. You will be playing an young intern at a government research facility. This is a minor role (only a couple of minutes worth of audio) but is important within the scope of the project. You must have access to a professional recording setup unless you are in the Orlando, FL area. Must be willing to record for future projects as well; this is a recurring character. If you are interested message me for further details. Please provide: ​ A link to a demo of your work such as a demo reel Any prior noteworthy experience (Prior professional experience is preferred but not necessary) Your desired rate information ​ If you have a personal studio setup please provide a list of your equipment If you are in the Orlando area and wish to use mine, please provide information about your availability. ​ THIS IS A ROLE FOR FREELANCERS ONLY. If you are represented by a talent agency or any other entity, or have current contractual obligations that would interfere with your ability to work on this project, you must disclose this and will not be eligible. Payment will be provided in person or via Paypal if outside the Orlando area. Note that this is a one time payment and you will not be entitled to further royalties from the project unless future work is requested. ​ If selected, a script will be provided. Any other information about the project that I provide to you is to be treated as confidential. You may be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. ​ Initial contact should be made via the private message function on reddit to /u/postwerk. If this is an issue please provide an alternate method of contact in the comments below. Do not post any of the other requested information in the comment section.
Looking For Male/Female Voice Actor $50-100 by downedgunn • last post Mar 20th
Hey, I'm looking for a **male/female voice actor** to help me complete video tutorials for my project. We're willing to pay **between $50 and $100** for our first order (It's about 5 min of recording). Just let me know your examples and email.
I am performing Nathan R Jessup's final Monologue from "A few Good Men" for my Acting exam in a few weeks. Any tips/advice? by antarip007 • last post Mar 20th
Hello everybody, my first time posting in this sub. I am a young actor and will be performing Nathan Jessup's monologue in about 2 weeks time for my Acting practical exams. I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips on how to do it well and any other things i should keep in mind. This sub-Reddit Being a community of such experienced actors, I saw no better place to post this. Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for all the help provided.
Just played Merrick now, Ladies Man? by ExemplaryBrainCase • last post Mar 20th
I am a community theater actor. It has been a long road. In hs i was in drama classes. Death in the family and being hit by a car crippled me mentally. I had a 15 yr hiatus. Im acting again. Ive had a hand full of background characters. Recently I played John Merrick in the Elephant Man. It was a difficult yet rewarding role. Now im in a radio play. My character is supposed to be a Ladies Man. I am socially awkward. The female kind has always been a stumbling block for me. I have trouble even talking to women. Now i have to portray ladies man and i am lost as to how to do this affectively. Any help would be appreciated.
NYC area actors in need of headshots!! Currently running a reddit special till April 1st, mention this post get 5 free edits!!! by Mhayek33 • last post Mar 20th
Are actors more like Sith or Jedi? by jmaca90 • last post Mar 20th
TL:DR: a silly thought experiment: are actors more like Jedi or Sith in terms of accessing/channeling emotion? Calling all my fellow Star Wars thespians! I had this interesting debate with a fellow actor friend and nerd the other day. Are actors more like Sith or more like the Jedi? The Jedi are taught to discipline their emotion and use their mastery of the force to bring peace and justice to the galaxy. While they DO feel emotions, they are able to channel and control them to do good in the world. Hence the teaching “reach out with your feeling” and “there is no passion only serenity.” The Sith on the other hand revel in strong emotion. The bask in unleashing their feeling and this giving yourself more power because of it. This exploration and freedom “breaks their chains” so to speak and allows Sith to truly experience the full nature of the Force. As actors we also revel in emotion but are taught to control it (or not control it) when the time comes. This is of course a generalization but actors use their acting to portray a message and to bring to light serious issues that need to be addressed. Actors also can dip into some seriously strong emotion and enter into dark places of human emotion that society tends to shun. I believe we are more like the Jedi, in the essence that we can unleash our emotions and then bring them back under control and use them for good. My friend thinks we never truly control emotions and, in the moment, we become like the Sith where we let our emotions take us and they sometimes take us places where we don’t want to go. So, my fellow nerds, are actors more like the Sith or more like Jedi? (Or even Gray Jedi for my KOTOR nerds)
Looking For Male Voice Actor to play Wise Professor Character — Chicago based — today — $40 by kisskittyonthelips • last post Mar 20th
Looking for a male voice actor in the Chicago area to come to my studio today to read through a scene for my audiobook/podcast. This will be a recurring role.
Questions about identiy and perception from a non-actor by AgentC47 • last post Mar 20th
I remember watching a [Hollywood 'Actors' Roundtable](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/video/watch-thrs-full-actor-roundtable-tom-hanks-sam-rockwell-john-boyega-james-franco-gary-oldman-willem-1079406) with Sam Rockwell where he said something like, "I'm more of a city boy but I always seem to get cast as a country bumpkin" \[Paraphrased\] and I think someone responded with (maybe Hanks), "It's not about what you see, it's about what they see." \[Paraphrased\] ​ But it begs the question, how much of your own background plays into the roles you get? How do you \[actors and actresses\], shape your identity and background to position yourself into the role you want? Or is that a futile pursuit? At some point, I'm sure you have to consider who you are and people's perceptions of you. ​ I imagine this is a large part of what acting is and quite a bit of effort goes into 'the craft'. Advancement into the realm of self-discovery is inevitable, correct? When you have to wrestle with what you want and what's perceived, what do you do? How much do you tamper with? What's taboo? Or is this part of the process, is it a style? Are there terms, resources, books to read? ​ Professionally, I work behind the camera, closely with the director so I've always been curious and I find it amazing when someone can just sink into a role and provide a riveting performance. I've also done some minor acting myself and taken a few classes. I have enough knowledge to be dangerous. Please forgive my ignorance. ​ At any rate, I'm sure there are plenty of opinions and no wrong answers--a good discussion starter. Let's go. The water is fresh and the pool is deep. ​ Thank you.
Where can I find some Australian Actors?!?! by thomasjohnston93 • last post Mar 20th
Hey gang, I'm on the hunt for some Aussies for a project I'm shooting and I've tried the usual avenues (Backstage, Mandy, Casting Role Call), but I'm having some trouble getting my hands on some Australians. I'm looking for 40+ year old men and would highly appreciate if anyone could point me in some direction! Is there a casting site I don't know about, or a theatre that is synonymous with Aussies (I've tried Atlantic)? cheers
Can anyone give me some tips with starting a portfolio/demo? Also getting started in general with voiceacting. by Tsobaphomet • last post Mar 20th
I'm completely foreign to all of this. Never put my foot in the door if you know what I mean. Voice acting has always been something I wanted to do though, and I think it's time I at least try. I have a few questions. How do you guys actually create a voice demo without having any past work to pull audio from? I tried doing a bit of improv, but I can't really do that very well. Is there a website or something that has scripts/dialogues that I can just read out loud? Also when making a demo, what exactly should be expected of me? What would be the best way for a sort of "alternative" voice actor to get started. My voice isn't particularly pleasant. I do not have a "golden voice". I don't see myself doing commercials, advertisements, or anything like that. I'm more suited at doing extremely gravely/raspy character voices. Things like orcs, goblins, demons, monsters, etc. A lot of goofy comedy stuff too. I feel like being physically limited to things like that might make it a bit challenging, but honestly I have no clue. Do you guys record at home when commissioned or do you go to a studio somewhere? My at home "studio" might be good enough for creating a demo, but definitely not good enough for anything professional. Too much background noise. If you go to a studio, what do you look for? I don't live in a very nice area. All of the recording studios around here seem to be based out of random people's bedrooms. I've never even been in a recording studio before, so I have no idea honestly. I hope I don't come across as too much of a clueless person. Any advice will be helpful though. If there is some crucial thing I don't know about then please let me know. Thank you very much :)