I guess this is sort of a rambly post but I really wanted to reach out and talk to other people about this. I want to get into acting and I have ptosis (drooping of the eyelid) on my left eye. The actress Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch) also has this condition and my eye looks pretty similar to hers (I was actually shocked when I learned she had it because I didn't really notice it which further confirms that it's not that big of a deal). I overthink this so much and it makes me feel so paranoid that it will stop me from getting work (even though I know it hasn't stopped Melissa or Forest Whitaker, another example). I guess I feel like I'm not "special" enough for this flaw to be overlooked by industry professionals, like I feel there's nothing about me that could really "redeem" it. I really hate the fact I can find this condition interesting on people like Forest Whitaker or endearing like on Melissa but I absolutely hate it on myself. There's a quote by someone who I can't remember that goes along the lines of, "Get out of the mindset that roles are not meant for you." Sometimes I like to repeat this to myself because it opens my mind up and reinforces the idea that each person is unique and there's something out there for everyone. I think Meryl Streep has also said something along the lines that one of the most freeing things she's done involving acting is to stop worrying about the way she looks as pertaining to her career. Do you have any physical characteristics you don't like? How do you deal with the sabotaging thoughts regarding them? Was there anything that made you fully realize that your "undesirable" characteristic wasn't going to hinder your career? Thanks!
Has it been known to affect getting roles?
Hi i'm doing a discursive essay on if there are too many actors. And I was wanting some help! what are your experiences with this topic e.g have you had roles turned down because of numbers, had to turn someone down because of numbers or the opposite! Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Im currently enrolled in the film program at Broward college, Central campus and my first assignment is a short 2 minute film involving an addict who is stalked by a figure that enables and feeds off his addiction. if youre interested please let me know and I cans end you the script to look over. I can also negotiate payment or compensation if you have to drive, the shoot would be from 8am-12pm on 10/11. Please lmk I need some actors ASAP
Hi everyone, I’m fairly new here but I have been happily casted as Macduff/Duncan in my schools performance of Macbeth and I was curious if anyone could give me any tips for a convincing performance. Also- this is my very burst performance so I have little to no experience
Just a thought that I had
I really need 2 actors for a short shoot from 8 am - 12pm it is a silent 2 minute film about a drug addict who is stalked by a figure who tempts and feeds off his addiction. please lmk if you're interested Im willing to negotiate payment and once its done Im more than happy to send it to you for your own portfolio
I'm a freshman with a dream in becoming an actress. I take a drama class at the local theatre, and I watch movies and read some Shakespeare to try and improve my acting skills. But does anyone else have anymore advice? I would really appreciate it, thanks :)
Luckily there are still a few places to meet tv CD's. My purpose for these are to start building relationships so I can use that as leverage when I meet with prospective agents and managers.... and show them that I am actively networking/hustling on my own making it easier for them to pitch me. ​ However, how likely is it that I am going to be called in as a non-union actor for a co-star? I understand tv productions can Taft-Harley actors if they have a very specific skill but this is unlikely to happen as many union actors also have the same skills or ethnicity that I do. As such, is there any chance of being called in at all?
So I’m a junior in high school and I’ve always done tech for our school shows (never anything but). For our fall play, we’re doing Lost in Yonkers, and the boy playing the lead (Jay) just transferred schools. His understudy was a freshman who had never acted before, does not have a good memory for lines, and with opening night fast approaching we just weren’t comfortable giving him the part and he wasn’t comfortable taking it. So I stepped in. I cannot stress enough the point that I’ve never acted before, and opening night is in a month, so I need whatever advice I can get. What’s the best way for me to memorize all those lines? I have a good memory for things like that so I’m not super worried about the actual memorization, it’s more that I don’t know how to go about it. Also, I’m a fast talker naturally, so does anyone have any insight on how I can slow down while still speaking fluently? Also, I’m a 16-year-old girl playing a 15-year-old boy, which presents plenty of issues. I don’t have a masculine build (I’m 5’0”, 100lbs), though my features are kind of neutral and my hair is short enough to tuck up into a cap. I tend to gesture a lot when I speak, which my director (accurately) calls too feminine and he wants me to work on breaking that habit and/or replacing with more masculine gestures (pointing, being firm instead of waving with my hands like I’m used to). My voice isn’t super high (I’m a contralto when I sing if that’s relevant, think Stevie Nicks’ range) but it’d be pretty clear I’m a girl if you heard a recording of me. Overall I’m just absolutely brand new to the world of acting and I’ve been thrust into a lead role with a month to opening night. I’m ready and willing to put in as much work as necessary but I need some level of guidance, so if anyone is willing to provide any advice I’d be grateful, especially if you’re familiar with the show. Thank you!
Which activities/exercises (according to you) are a 'must do' for any Actor on regular basis as part of their preparation to hone their skill?
I recently started doing background work and have been extremely fortunate so far: during two of the three TV productions I've been involved with, the directors pulled me aside and asked if I was comfortable with some on-camera speaking. Of course I jumped at both opportunities! One was for a...
Hey yall, So I'm going to be auditioning for a local event's character cast next spring. I have about 9 months until the audition. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time, but I only recently found out though that returning cast are typically the only ones that get paid. Newcomers who get paid need some sort of reason to be- typically they have a skillset above the rest (singing ability, makeup ability, ability to play a few instruments around the grounds) or some kind of acting experience (professional birthday party costumers, an extensive acting history) but beyond that the process to achieving "paid" status is kind of unknown. They want to be able to count their first years as "volunteers" rather than employees, which I get for a small company, but I need that extra cash to cover gas and rent. In the next 9 months I plan on putting together a resume they can't refuse. I have a few play's worth of acting experience, I used to sing opera competitively, and I have a decent following on instagram for a sfx makeup page. I know how to dance waltz and swing, I play bamboo flute, and I'm learning some other smallish portable instruments currently. Anything you guys can think of that will help me beef this up? Should I take on more acting roles? Get some kind of job that involves improvisational work? Focus more or less on "additional skills?" Bonus points if you give tips on how to ask about payment-- I'm not used to asking for it when it comes to anything that isn't a corporate job and don't know if there's a process or method to asking someone like an event director. I figured this sub would be a good place to ask, forgive me if it's not. (Note: Even if I don't get "paid" status at the end of this, I'm fine with it, I don't really expect this to work 100%. If anything I'm just having fun with this because it's giving me new experiences with some kind of end goal.)
I’m graduating from college this December and, since I wasn’t able to pursue my passion for the performing arts during undergrad, I’m planning on spending the next year or two training and saving up for an MFA program at one of the U.K. conservatories. It’s been a dream of mine for years and, frankly, I’d like to treat myself to it while I’m still young. My primary focuses are LAMDA and RADA, but I’ll be auditioning at two or three other schools as backups. Has anyone gone through the audition processes at either school (or at a similar UK performing arts school)? Has anyone here made it in, or do you know someone who has? Do you have any general or specific advice in terms of how to best mold myself to suit these programs?
Any positive review of this place is fake. They are notorious for stealing your money once they get access to your credit card. They advertise classes and then cancel them last minute without any notification and refuse to give your money back. I filed a complaint with the BBB and contested the charge on my credit card. The one class I did take here was taught by a woman with very little experience in the industry. Most of her experience was with short Independent films which I thought might be fun just to connect with some new people. It was advertised as a scene study class but that was a total lie. It was nothing but an improv group. And then they acted like it was a precious gift to give you the lady's personal email at the end of the class. I help run a film festival and emailed her to invite her to ask the directors she worked with to submit for free some of the many short films she's cast. I never heard anything back which I found kind of strange. I wasn't asking her for a part in anything or asking for help with my acting career in any way whatsoever. I approached my first and only class at actors connection with the best of intentions-I just wanted to meet some new people in the industry. But instead what I found was a fraudulent company taking advantage of naive people dreaming of being actors. Do not waste your money.
I believe that talent is of huge importance but knowing how to market yourself as an actor is as important and sometimes, possibly even more. So many talented people in the world that no one will ever know about. Getting the skills is one thing but how are you planning on letting the world know what you can do? Video link: r/https://youtu.be/Vxqz4_G0IVs
As the aforementioned title suggests... When inbetween roles, what should someone be doing on a daily basis? What routine would you recommend? How long should someone dedicate themselves to these tasks (in hours - minimum)?
I just started this yesterday, got it from my library. It's been recommended a million times and I'm finally getting around to it. It's written for people interested in directing film and TV, but as I understand it it's a valuable perspective for actors as well. So, if you're interested, grab a copy and read along with me. Comment here if you're joining and I'll make another post in a few days to get a discussion going. I know it's last-minute, but people have toyed with this idea for a while and I figured I may as well just jump in. Maybe we'll try this again down the road with more planning.