We have found 19,445 posts across 4 actor forums:
Should a voice actor incorporate? by trimorphic • last post Jan 30th
In the US, is it a good idea for a voice actor to incorporate? If so, any suggestions on which kinds of corporations (LLC, C-corp, something else?) might be most appropriate? Do clients expect you to be incorporated? Have you or have most voice actors incorporated?
Yesterday's class was very embarrassing for me. by Garavila • last post Jan 30th
I am taking a foundations of acting class at my university, which I'm very excited about because I've done film acting before, but have never actually done "performing" which it seems theatre tends to require more than film does. Anyway, my teacher is a method teacher, and yesterday he made us do a 10-point exercise where we had to make decisions on what we wanted to do in a situation where we entered the classroom, had to maneuver around, try to get the teacher's attention and "do something interesting" while sitting in class. While everyone else's performance was funny or enjoyable, when I did mine there was literally crickets except at the end where I decided to pantomime a bit. The reason I say it was embarrassing because everyone else had taken risks or did something actually interesting and was applauded for it. Whereas I made safer choices or not as enjoyable choices and was kind of ignored lol. It made me question my ability as an actor. To play devil's advocate though, I am used to film acting and the minuscule amount of expression that is used to convey emotion or a motivation. According to my acting on film teachers, I do have a natural way of acting in front of the camera. So perhaps it's my used to being in front of the camera and being more "natural" or some type of emotional block I have to move past to be able to take more risks. Anyway, has anyone else had any moments like this where they felt completely worthless as an actor?
Aspiring Voice Actor by jakx713 • last post Jan 30th
Is there a way to get into this industry by making a homemade demo reel and not spending an absurd amount of money that I dont have on a producer and agent?
Help! I need to figure out my "brand". by plainjame • last post Jan 30th
I'm a little new to posting on Reddit. I need to find out what my "brand" is as I am getting acting headshots done. By "brand", I mean that I am looking to understand what people think of when they look at me so I can see what roles I might fit into best. Here are the kinds of feedback I'm hoping for: 1. What is a description of who you imagine me to be? 2. What kind of roles would you possibly see my apparent personality fitting? 3. Who is an actor that currently fits similar roles to what you imagine I would fit? Thank you all! I appreciate your help! [https://imgur.com/a/y3Sd0yI](https://imgur.com/a/y3Sd0yI)
Trailer for feature I am the lead in! by • last post Jan 30th
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Audition for lead role in Netflix film (questions) by habaroa • last post Jan 29th
I am usually a commercial actor, I go in for a good amount of commercial auditions but never theatrical. Somehow my agent got me in the room for a great role that I happen to fit. I’ve just never been inside the room of a theatrical audition...especially one this important. Questions I have: - in commercial auditions, I’ve never brought a headshot. They always have it printed on a list on paper. Do I bring it this time? -this is a pre-read. How off book should I be? - since this is a pre-read, I have friends who also sent in self tapes for this role. Is this the same as them or do i have any advantage doing it in person. Thank you in advance for any advice!
15 weeks to focus one skill: Specifically looking learn as many accents as I can by zecrissverbum • last post Jan 29th
Hi, I'm male, 28, and am a certified Meisner actor. I have 5 semesters of formal training in the technique, and have a lot of experience working in plays for no money, including highschool and some college work, some improv theater, and doing skits in bars, that kind of stuff. I think I'm pretty good, and want to start auditions, but one thing that's always held me back is not being able to do much voice work. I have a dynamic voice and can fill the space with a whisper, but as far as accents, forgahataba...it... forgehtabout it.... I don't know how you're supposed to say it. Long story short, I'm going to retake a semester of my meisner course with my old teacher (semester 3: character work at the Ithaca Actor's Workshop in Ithaca, NY). I'm retaking the semester specifically to focus on mastering as many accents as I can in 15 weeks. So I'll have a space where I can do (essentially) improv exercises with a partner and practice the accent, then receive feedback from my instructor about 30 times; one or two exercises a class, two classes per week, for about 12 weeks and then showcase prep and performance. Each exercise is about 10 minutes and then I get about 5 minutes of feedback specifically about me. I've been told it's best to select as specific regions as you can to study an accent, rather than trying to learn a "generic" accent for an entire language or nation. I've started a list of cities/regions I'd like to master, though I understand I can probably only do about 5 or 6 very deeply in 15 weeks, so I've also started to narrow it down: 1) Berlin. ~~2) Derry, Irland. 3) Dundee, Scotland.~~ 2) Darwin, Australia. 3) London. 4) Nice, France. 5) Saint Petersburg, Russia. ~~8) San Francisco, US. 9) Chicago, US. 10) Texas?, US.~~ 6) Tokyo, Japan. 7) Addis Ababa. 8) Brasília.I am a native English speaker (upstate NY), my end is not to learn any foreign languages, though I'd consider learning some words or listening to tapes of the native language if any of you recommend it. I have about 2 weeks before the course starts in earnest, so I'm wondering what resources you might recommend beyond just googling "dialect study: German" for youtube videos. Any specific channels or books you'd suggest? Do you find singing in the language helps? What advice do you have for developing characters and voices together when and accent is involved? TL;DR: If you're already an actor, and have a set amount of time to learn accents, what's important to know? ​
Advice for acting reel by Wainer24 • last post Jan 29th
Hey fellow actors! I’m working on my reel, and an wondering if it makes zero sense to put film work and theatre work in the same reel. I have more theatre credits, but not enough filmed stuff to make a whole separate reel, and for film I just don’t have enough to make a whole separate reel. Should I just hold off on both? Thanks!
Would people benefit from 'Accent Trading' for training? by finners11 • last post Jan 29th
I am a London based actor, and I need to learn just a couple of lines in a neutral American accent for tomorrow. I was just thinking 'Wouldn't it be great if someone would record these for me, so I could get them down as well as possible' which brings me on to my question; would someone be so kind? (Literally just 2x lines, if you could DM me, I can send you the lines) I know as an actor, the best way to learn an accent is thoroughly rather than just the specific lines but would we benefit as a community to trade recording different pieces in our native accent to help others?? If anyone needs London / Essex / Cockney (South East) / RP I would be happy to help and record some pieces. Theres a really useful accent training app I've found and you pay a few quid per accent to hear some text read. We potentially could recreate this in our own community.
Advice from one (very much so) beginning actor to another. by markmann0 • last post Jan 29th
So this year I decided to seriously try my hand at acting. I have no experience besides a high school and college class for improv. They were just fun general eds with no real benefit besides helping some people get over a little public speaking. I always see posts on here about people being confused if they can start or where they should start. Sometimes people ask if it’s even worth trying since they are “too old”. Well I am “too old”, have no experience, and live next to Amish people and cows (I do have access to NY 3 hours away by train). This means I have no experience, reel, or resume to show at 28 years old. I won’t go into my why besides to say I’ve always wanted to, and I have always felt like I was made to do so. I have had 5 auditions in the month of January and landed 2/5 roles which are also paid! One of the films is going to be shot on a RED camera too, so I should have some quality for my reel. I am considering this first month an absolute success, and this made me want to share some of the things I’ve done so far as a person with no experience, no agent, and no real help. TLDR: Just started “acting”, no experience, 28 years old, landed 2 lead (low paying) roles in indie films out of 5 auditions. Here are some suggestions and tips that may help you. 1. Make sure you aren’t wasting your time. The simplest way to do this is my opinion is watch a bunch of [Wendy Alane Wright](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AXXyn0A1MN8) videos. She just keeps it real when talking about acting and how your outlook should be if you’re serious. This isn’t for someone who wants to play pretend, it’s a real job in the end. 2. Get a professional picture of yourself. (I don’t say headshot because I don’t have one myself yet). I’m lucky enough to have some pictures through modeling. Modeling is also something I started doing with no experience (long story). Make sure to have solid pictures (preferably headshots) in different moods as that is NECESSARY for even being considered. You want your picture to fit the mood for the role your applying for. For example, don’t submit a super serious picture for a comedy role where you play a happy goofy character. [These]( https://imgur.com/a/Nb8i031/) are two example photos I have used to submit, same shoot but the different facial expressions fit different roles in my opinion. Without headshots you are doomed. 3. [Backstage](backstage.com)is your new life source. Read everything, there are so many solid videos, articles, and castings on this site. If I had to pick one acting site to use for the rest of my life it would be this one. You’ll be able to learn from directors, actors, producers and more. There are tons of castings for student and indie films as well. Now you’ve watched almost all of Wendy’s worthwhile videos, and decided you still believe acting is for you. You’ve gotten some pictures that are high quality and done right (tons of explanations and opinions). You’ve also scoured backstage inside and out maybe even auditioning and getting some roles at this point (this is where I’m at). Now what’s next? Sadly, I’m barely more experienced than the next guy so this is where I’m at as well. My next step is to take some real classes. There is a dope spot in Philly I’ve been looking into. I believe this seems like a logical thing to do. I would never waste my money on classes before I’ve had some experience and without knowing I want to pursue this. Make sure it’s for you first. Just my opinion. Lastly I’ve started to put a resume together. So many different opinions on formatting, so I picked one and went with it. This is where I’m at right now with my acting career, and I hope this can maybe help another fresh start get off on the right foot. TLDR: Just started “acting”, no experience, 28 years old, landed 2 lead (low paying) roles in indie films out of 5 auditions. I’ve listed three things I’ve done in order to find success. 1. [Wendy Youtube Videos](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AXXyn0A1MN8) help you know if ACTUALLY want to act. 2. Get solid headshots or pictures, absolutely necessary. 3. [Backstage](backstage.com) is your best friend. Read everything and submit to everything. 4. Take classes once you’ve decided to take this more seriously. All of this is my experience and my opinion as a new actor. Take it as you will. Feel free to correct, suggest, and criticize. This was a early morning surprise snow day (I’m a teacher), so apologies for morning brain fog ahead of time.
LA Actors Seeking Agents, I have a treat for you by boogercube • last post Jan 29th
Hi everyone, I love this thread and all of you. I wanted to share this amazing resource I stumbled upon a year ago. It lists all of the top 150 talent agencies in LA, and how to submit to them..IF YOU DARE. It's also a good thing to look at if you're unfamiliar with how to land an agent, or if you're thinking of moving to LA to pursue acting soon. xx [https://organizedactor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/150-Top-Talent-Agencies-in-Los-Angeles-2017.pdf](https://organizedactor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/150-Top-Talent-Agencies-in-Los-Angeles-2017.pdf)
Helpful Websites for New, Experienced and Veteran Actors by MissAndreaDraper • last post Jan 28th
As an actor we are always working and trying to improve. I decided to start this thread in my free time because I love to go through Backstage community and look for helpful tips and treats to help me improve my craft. Nothing can replace training but learning how to...
Question about drama school by Putang1nam0 • last post Jan 28th
Currently I’m a freshman at San Francisco State University and I’m a drama major. I’ve always planned on pursuing an acting career, and I really want to study the craft right now. I’m just wondering if staying at SFSU is the right choice. I came here (I’m from LA), for a variety of reasons, not primarily acting, but lately I’ve been wanting to make it my main focus. Does anyone know if SFSU’s drama department is one that will really be worthwhile for me as an actor 4 years from now? Is there another Cal State school that has a highly acclaimed drama department (I don’t want to go out of state, and I’m not a good enough student to get into any UC’s)? Or if I really want to take a career as an actor seriously, is an acting conservatory the best thing to do?
What do you think of Talent Managers for Actors Facebook group? by xijalu • last post Jan 28th
I'm in that group, and lately it doesn't seem to be for me. I just see arguments spark up quickly for no reason and the moderators are pretty fickle... I only lurk but it makes me kinda afraid to comment lol ​ Also, I think I might leave because it's just a bunch of self-promotion and it's easy to get lost in the 45,000+ people there. Luckily, there are some people it does benefit, so that's nice. What do you guys think?
can somebody be a big time manager and not be listed as such on IMDB? by positivevibes87 • last post Jan 28th
they have a large body of work of high profile a list projects in various capacities that are listed on imdb, they are just not labeled as a manager or have clients listed. is it possible since they operate at a high level that they fly under the radar in terms of being known for managing actors? this person strikes me as being "cool" and savvy enough to navigate in a clever way, i'm new to this situation so I'm trying to learn as much as I can about what is possible without having to directly ask. i just want to be knowledgeable and prepared for a potential conversation about that. Like, would a normal 10-15% rate apply in a situation like that? or would the % be negotiated lower since theres more $ involved and this person might be involved in other aspects of certain projects like casting or producing? is there a "normal" when things overlap?
How do I respond when someone asks for a reel and I don’t have one? by justsomethrowawayacc • last post Jan 28th
Being a relatively new actor, I don’t have a lot of footage that would really qualify for a reel. I’ve done one local commercial, (that didn’t have me “acting” per say. It was one of those “real people off the street” type shoots) a short film, and two voiceovers. I do have a demo of one of my VO’s but I’m assuming someone who directs and casts for films wouldn’t be interested in that. Basically, I don’t feel like I have enough footage for a reel. If I really tried, I could maybe scrounge around 20 seconds of footage? And that’s being generous and really milking my two on screen sources. How do I respond if someone asks for a reel in my situation?
Canadian ACTRA members: Can you act in your own self-produced and written short film? by Prodime • last post Jan 28th
Hello Everyone! Basically what the question says. I've been getting a lot of mixed information and ACTRA doesn't necessarily make this easily available. Essentially, someone I know has written a short film and wants to produce it. They are an ACTRA member, but wish to make it non-union with non-union actors - but give himself the lead role. Is this possible? Allowed? Thanks in advance!
Feeling Envious by ElliotIsRami • last post Jan 28th
Hi fellow artists. I guess it’s in the title. I’m feeling envious of another artist and in my studies we’ve been told it’s our individual path and artistic journey. I get that. But it’s also opportunity, the image the creator tries to display, and many more factors that get you where you want to be. I guess I’m hoping for similar stories of others putting their eggs all in the acting basket. I’m content with working as an actor and never getting into the union or never getting casted as lead. Still is not as fun seeing peers do so much better (having paid dues or not). Any other sour pusses out there can lend some encouragement?
Any clips anyone can direct me to for actors portraying a high off of drugs? by SuperStalin64 • last post Jan 28th
I auditioned for a role in where my character was to be high on cocaine in a few scenes and I feel like I didn't capture the energy right at all. Any help would be great!
How some actors book a role of netflix or big tv show as debut? by mixednuts24 • last post Jan 28th
I read many articles says you should do many indie/student short films and make a decent reel to sign with an agent and book a big tv/movie lead role. But some actors I see on netflix booked their role as their debut. How were they able to access to the audition without having small role experiences? Or they did some which are not registered on IMDb? or they signed with their agent without having film experiences but just got discovered?