We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:
Ideas for FT overnight job? by Theurbanalchemist • last post Aug 16th
I currently work at Amazon Warehouse (NY/NJ area) doing a 6:30pm —5am shift. I’m accustomed to it now, but the overall job I’m getting tired of, even if I’m making $15 with benefits and retirement options (and more importantly, it allows me to audition when I have one during the day). I’m looking for more options to earn more. Still need benefits and retirement options, also NEEDS to be overnight. Warehouse jobs and other physically strenuous is no problemo. Thanks actors!
Am I the right fit for acting? by thebearthatlived • last post Aug 16th
Hi, my name is Finn and I'm a 16 year old trans dude. Naturally, being transgender, I look a lot younger than 16. I'm 5'0",I have a decently high voice and I have an over jet bite (dental issues from my moms side :/). I've been thinking a lot about getting into acting and I'm wondering how my gender identity would affect my ability to get opportunities. I'm not opposed to playing "child" roles, in fact I think that could be a way of warming up into the industry, however I cant do that forever. I'm worried that due to my appearance I'll never actually have any success in the industry. Thoughts? (photos for reference) [june 2018](https://i.redd.it/kx5av90njig11.png) [july 2018](https://i.redd.it/r567pqdljig11.jpg) [july 2018](https://i.redd.it/6e0x5tdljig11.jpg) [august 2018](https://i.redd.it/7j79c1fljig11.jpg) [august 2018](https://i.redd.it/af2cem8thig11.jpg)
Is it generally appropriate to greet a casting director by name (one you've never met before)? by KaleidoscopicKait • last post Aug 16th
I'm a newbie and I read some advice in a book by a casting director. They said they appreciated it when an actor greeted them by name at an audition. They also said they were impressed when an actor commented on something they had cast previously as it showed they did their research before coming in. Is this a good thing to do generally? I don't really why I feel weird about it. I guess it might be because I hate the idea of coming across like I'm kissing up and being a "try-hard." But at the same time, I want to show the casting director that I'm serious and involved, not disinterested or uncaring.
FINDING YOUR TYPE - AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT by Winniehiller • last post Aug 16th
“He’s like a young Tom Hanks”. “She’s like a funny Jennifer Lopez”. Nobody wants to be squeezed into a stereotype or compared to someone else, but these kinds of exemplifications are used all the time in the business by agents and managers to sell their actors to those who could be interested in hiring them. They want to present their clients as someone who is a commodity... commercially viable...and right for a particular project or role. The problem is, when they first meet you, they may be confused as to how they can do that. That is most likely because you are confused too. It is your responsibility to present yourself...market yourself...as a clearly castable entity. That’s not to say you should try to look like a famous actor or be a stereotype. But you need to help those who need to sell you, know what product you are. Think about what types of roles you are most likely to be cast in, according to your looks and personae. Have people told you that you remind them of someone famous? Is there a particular actor who’s roles you identify with? There are many different parts of your own personality that you can build on to develop a variety of characters. Think of roles in popular film and tv shows you could have done. Try to watch yourself on video as another person would. What do you see? Get to know yourself. You are unique. That’s good. You will never be just like someone else. And you want to be able to use your unique qualities in an interesting and engaging way. That’s what makes a true star. But as you make your first introductions into the professional world, you need to help people know what they can do with you. Getting headshots that speak clearly to this as well as examples on your show reel that show exactly who you are, is the first step in marketing yourself. Your photos should show your specific energy through thought filled expression. So many people have bland expressionless photos. Show who you are. Talk to the camera. (See my post, “GETTING GREAT HEADSHOTS”) If you are creating your own video for your show reel, make sure you are really “showing” who you are and what you could do, now. Sometimes this is preferable to a nondescript role in a student film. New actors think they just need a reel...of anything on film, showing they have some experience. That’s not it. The most important thing that should be on your reel is an example of your very best acting as you are showing your most sellable qualities. Anything less is selling you short. So many people hate watching themselves on video, but I think it’s absolutely imperative to understanding who you are...or at least what you look like. It takes all types of people to tell a story. Think of Paul Giamatti, Melissa McCarthy, Jennifer Coolidge, Steve Buscemi, Oliver Platt, Margo Martindale, Octavia Spenser and Michael Peña. If they didn’t have a clear picture of who they were they never would have convinced anyone to give them a chance. And they never would be able to give the unique and moving performances that have made them so recognizable in so many film and tv roles. You are perfect just the way you are. But a perfect what? As an actor, your body is your instrument. Your shape, your idiosyncrasies, your personality, your look...if you don’t understand what they say to people, you can’t truly know what you are doing. These are your assets...and what you need to know in order to chose material and guide others about what you do and who you are. When you are comfortable with who you are, you can use it to your advantage and it will make others have faith in you as well. And you’ll spark the imagination of those who need to tell their stories with someone just like you. If you are serious about honing your skills and getting your career started, join me at r/Actingclass
so, I think i'm done sacrificing my life and sanity for this pursuit, and ready to get a full-time job / career. what are some options I might not have thought of? by frogfrog91 • last post Aug 16th
I've done everything right and i just don't get auditions, and i'm super done working for free and sacrificing literally everything to pursue this, being stuck working shitty survival jobs just for flexibility, etc. etc. if any sort of progress was going to happen it would have happened by now. I think i'm ready to get a full time job / career and just focus on making as much money as possible, maybe just do some acting for fun on nights and weekends in the future if the desire comes back. I've considered real estate, financial advising, car sales, and i'm open to exploring really anything else. Has anybody transitioned out of this into a different field full time and makes good money? i'm highly considering luxury auto sales because those guys make silly money, and you can pretty much get a job anywhere once you have some experience. anyway, wanted to spit ball and see if anybody here has any ideas! have I mentioned that i'm trying to make as much money as possible to make up for lost time? lol
Any critiques on the performances in our new short film? by BluRayja • last post Aug 16th
Audition Atrocity by Kelley Christene Watson • last post Aug 15th
Hello All: I am a former Chicago Model/Actor who has booked actual roles on "Empire" , "Discovery Channel", "Learning Channel" and then some. In other words, I am no stranger to the idiosyncrasies and vagaries of the business.
Things Beginning Actors Should Never Do by Augmented-Actor • last post Aug 15th
Hi Fellow Performers. I put together a series of short videos with advice for new and experienced actors. [Things you should never do as an actor](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyYqAAKRdVdyOQRrbGzlV496dli9swuXz). Each video in the playlist covers a different topic. I hope there's some helpful advice in there. I'm still adding new videos to the playlist as I edit them. If anyone has any suggestions for things actors should never do, let me know. Also hoping to make a playlist of things actors should ALWAYS do, so if you have suggestions there, I'd love to hear them as well. https://i.redd.it/4op8qm1cwbg11.jpg
What's the best acting performance in a film that you're constantly shocked more actors haven't seen? by aznednacni • last post Aug 15th
I'm a director and here are my $0.02 about set life and how that can get you hired again and again by filmfarceur • last post Aug 15th
I'm not going into the "how" of acting and acting career because it has been covered by more qualified people than myself. However I do spend a good amount of time on set and here are a few things that always stand out... 1. Be a pro. Even if your resume is meager, being a professional on set is so appreciated by the crew. Come early, know your lines, be prepared, and only ask questions about story/characters/scenes you couldn't figure out for yourself. 2. Focus. When the DP or AC is pulling focus...don't pull a face...seriously it's not cute, it's distracting because we're looking for a steady face, not a grimace which involves movement. 3. Chatty. Actors on set spend a lot of time waiting. It's not fun, but everyone else is busy doing stuff, prepping, setting up the next shot/scene, etc. Chatting people up while they are working is super distracting. The pros run their lines or work with the director on a quick rehearsal. 4. Script breakdown...continuing on #1. As a director I break down each script backwards and forwards, left to right. As an actor you should do the same. If you care about the material, (you should) this is not optional. Spine? conflict? needs, wants, subtext...explore them. Then ask the questions. Asking obvious stuff that even basic script analysis would uncover signals: unprepared. 5. Excitement and enthusiasm. Being new on set is fun. Great energy. But, don't go overboard. Offering to move lights or C stands is not helpful. Each department is like a fine tuned machine. Let them do their jobs. 6. Don't beat yourself up when you flub a line. Everyone flubs lines, it's part of the deal. But when you berate yourself after each flub 2 things happen, 1) you delay the shot even more and 2) you put yourself down, which creates negative energy. Filmmaking is a headache reduction business. Actors (and crew) who are pros get hired again and again because they are good and also because they are easy to work with and reliable. Fewer unknown elements = less headaches.
What was the game changer for you? by banananuttt • last post Aug 15th
You know what I'm talking about. That breakthrough you had that led to more bookings, and more confidence! For me it was that thoughts are the key to a great scene, and that the best choices were already put in the scene by the writer! When I started focusing on having thoughts on every line, i started booking a lot more. What about you?
Alex Jones’s InfoWars Conspiracy Website Is Down by ideogon • last post Aug 15th
Where are you finding work? by BrammStroker • last post Aug 15th
Not finding much work through my agent so I'm curious where everyone else is getting theirs! Facebook groups, NowCasting, Backstage, Actors Access, Casting Fronteir, Cast It, Craigslist, word of mouth, Mandy, acting classes? Where have you gotten the most work outside of your agency?? Let's get the ball rolling! Personally, I've found a few jobs through Facebook groups and a local casting site called Movieworknow (but they turned out to be shady). Wondering if it's worth paying all the subscription fees to submit myself to projects on the big name casting sites. This life is expensive as I'm sure you know, with headshots and acting classes and uncertainty about your next role, the last thing I want to do is waste money on a scam site that's not worth it! Thank you for your time and good luck!
My agent has been arrested for murder by bespectacledlizard • last post Aug 15th
Like the title says. I need some advice. I've started the process of removing my agent from my relevant casting websites, but their personal agency website is still up with both myself and obviously all of their actors on display. Apparently when you google their name, my headshot appears in the images search, and I've already been contacted by one newspaper who found my phone number somewhere associated with him. I obviously don't want to be connected to this *at all* but I'm not sure what other steps I can take.
VIRTUAL ACTING CLASS, AT r/Actingclass by Winniehiller • last post Aug 15th
Hello Actors! This is Winnie Hiller. I love this community and I am enjoying being a part of it. The mod here offers so much information that more people should take advantage of. Sidebar, people! Check out all the links! This sub has inspired me to start my own subreddit called r/Actingclass. I would like it to offer a virtual acting class experience. I truly love helping people who love acting. So this sub is for actors who are serious about honing their craft. I will be posting periodic acting lessons (some I’ve reposted from this sub so you can find them easily there). I’ve got lots of new info to share, soon, too. Please join me and feel free to ask questions about acting and the business. I am an acting coach in LA, and I’m here to help in any way I can. I will respond as quickly as possible. I am working on set of a tv series everyday...so I can be with you between takes. If you have a self-tape or show reel, you may post it. I will give feedback whenever I am available and of course others are welcome to comment as well. I’m hoping this will be a community where real actors can learn from each other and from me. I invite other acting coaches to join in as well. I want this sub to be inspiring and informative. And you’ll be able to say you study in LA...sort of. Lol. If you have a favorite video on acting, have learned something new in your acting class, or had a recent breakthrough as an actor, please share with the group. I’m so excite about sharing and learning together! Pass it on!
I'm Jeff Seymour, actor, director and author of "The Real Life Actor". AMA! by reallifeactor • last post Aug 15th
Hi Reddit, I'm Jeff Seymour and I've been a working, professional actor for 39 years. Most recently, I've guest starred on shows such as Homeland, The Expanse, Suits and Seal Team. I've won the Canadian Emmy and have been nominated 4 times. I've been the lead in a number of TV series, as well as creating and starring in my own TV show, Jeff Ltd. I've been an acting coach for 38 years, and wrote the ground breaking book on acting, [The Real Life Actor] (www.thereallifeactor.com) . My weekly podcasts are currently ranked #1 with 96 episodes on acting and the business, can be found on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher and Podomatic. Please subscribe, we will have a cool and useful giveaway for any actor, so stay tuned for that. [iTunes Link] (itpc://reallifeactor.podomatic.com/rss2.xml) [PodOmatic Link] (https://reallifeactor.podomatic.com/?utm_source=web-player&utm_medium=podcast-link) I'm here with fellow actor and student, Kit Taylor, so Ask Me Anything!
Any actors in Austin, TX? by jaywagg • last post Aug 15th
I'm considering moving out to Austin possibly to pursue an acting career. I lived in Dallas for a few years and went to KD Conservatory there. I'm currently in KC and I've never been to Austin. Just curious as to what living is Austin is like and what the acting scene provides. I'm a big fan of Rooster Teeth so they're kinda what got me thinking about Austin and it's not as big of a step as moving too LA or NY.
What is the point of continuing to take acting classes if I NEVER get auditions from my agents? What is the point of even doing this? by frogfrog91 • last post Aug 15th
I’ve done everything right for years and years and I don’t even get auditions at all. They don’t give me feedback as to what I could be doing to help them out. None of this makes sense and I’m tired of feeling jealous of other people that aren’t even good actors who get auditions all the time. This is just all so fucking warped. At what point do I just conclude that this industry wants nothing to do with me? I’m certainly tired of waiting tables for flexibility I don’t even need. I just don’t even know what to do anymore, I’m not even given an opportunity to START.
Where can I hire an actor for my skits and marketing videos? by Rhumumumu • last post Aug 15th
I'm from Toronto and I have no idea how to hire an actor for my business ventures, I'd be happy to work with student actors as well as professional actors. Also how much do most actors make hourly?
Nominated for Best Actor at a festival - now what? by genericstandupnyc • last post Aug 14th
Long story short: I have the top billed lead role on a feature film that is making its debut at a mid sized festival. The film looks set to make something of a splash at this festival, and is nominated for awards in nearly every category. Most surprisingly, I'm nominated for Best Actor. It's an honor just to be nominated - but I’m not sure where to set my expectations in terms of this being a break for my career. A little bit about me: I’m NYC-based and I’m not traditionally an actor. I didn’t go to an acting conservatory or anything - I’ve been crossing over from stand-up/improv. At this point I have a fair amount of credits (film, off-broadway, standup, etc). I’ve read the sub FAQ got all the essential basics - headshots, website, plenty of credits (film, off-broadway, stand up). I’ve never solicited an agent (comedians generally tell each other to wait for an agent to solicit you, but that hasn’t happened either). All of my friends who’ve also gotten lead roles in indies like this have had representation before this, but I got into this project because I had collabbed with the director before. Thanks for reading! Hope someone on this sub has some advice or insight before I fly out west for the big premiere.