We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:
What, in your opinion, are the most difficult stage roles for an actor to play? by Oh_if_youth_knew • last post Aug 11th
Whether they are physically demanding, complex to decipher, were once portrayed to perfection by Marlon Brando and impossible to match. I'd just like to hear what you guys think.
Getting representation through a "modelling & acting agency"? by galleria_suit • last post Aug 11th
as someone who is sort of ugly (not like rocky dennis but far from model quality) is trying to get representation through a modelling and acting agency a stupid idea? I'd like to be going on more auditions than I currently am and they obviously get the "inside" stuff. up until now i've only been going based on what I can find in facebook groups and googling hahah. I know someone who's currently got representation through them and he's been going out on quite a few auditions, but he started with them as a model so he's obviously pretty good looking. they have "open calls" every month or so and i'm considering going to check one out.
Aspiring actors collaboration by Maria Syngrou • last post Aug 10th
Hi,
Is this in bad taste? by bipancake • last post Aug 10th
Hey y’all, There’s a very small community theatre company in my state producing The Who’s Tommy. They were in need of guys, so they asked my theatre program’s director for actors, and my director gave them my name. They have reached out to me, and I told them I would be interested if it would work out with my already insane schedule (2 other shows, on top of full class schedule and work). Would it be in bad taste to ask what roles are still available?
MONOLOGUES? - THERE’S NO SUCH THING! by Winniehiller • last post Aug 10th
Hi, this is Winnie Hiller. I’m an acting coach in LA and have been posting lots of acting lessons here. Check them out if you wish. I just got a couple questions about monologues today in private messages, so I thought I should share about this interesting form of acting. Monologues can be an important tool for auditioning. They show up embedded in various lengths within every kind of script. But in reality they really don’t exist. You may think that a monologue is just one person talking. In fact, there is no such thing as a monologue. It is always a dialogue. You are speaking to someone for a reason. You are having a conversation. They have the opposite opinion of you. You want them to change their mind. Otherwise you wouldn’t be talking so much. But even when they are not speaking, they are giving you feedback. You never memorize speeches to give to people in real life (I hope). You speak to someone in reaction to something that has happened or has been said. You reply. You will then see a response in their face and body language. They nod or shake their head. You can almost guess what they are about to say and you respond before they do. Then, before they have a chance to say what you know they are going to say next, you have another reply. You may be dominating the conversation, but it is, nevertheless, a conversation. The other person is making you say what you are saying. When you see that a certain tactic isn’t working on them, you change to another one. They cause it all. The scene is really not about you. It’s about trying to get them to change. So monologue acting is just like acting anything else, with this big difference. You actually need to create two characters...the one you are playing and the one you are imagining is reacting to you...who you are, in turn, responding back to. Acting is always a tennis game. You are volleying back and forth your attempts to score with the person you are speaking to. In fact, there are no statements in acting...EVER. At least there shouldn’t be. You should always be responding. Acting is reacting. Statements isolate you from the action of the scene. If your monologue lacks life...passion...involvement...it is probably because you are acting alone and that is never interesting. You must never be stating your case. You must be persuading another person as they are opposing. Even if you are doing a soliloquy, alone on stage, you must also create another person to speak to. It is often another part of yourself, or God or an imaginary friend. Occasionally you will change points of view with them...going back and forth between perspectives, playing devils advocate in a discussion. But there is alway an argument...a focus for your intent. When you are preparing a monologue, always imagine the conversation leading up to your first line. Then continue to imagine it as a conversation. If the other person was speaking, what would they be saying? You can tell by what you answer in the next line. All of your lines are answers. ALL of them. When I see videos of monologues here, this is almost always the missing factor. Unless you are creating the impression of purpose and relationship in your performance, it will be ineffective. And that is what most agents are looking for when they watch you act alone, whether they know it or not. It is that connection that creates the impression of true interaction. It’s what you must strive for, no matter what you are acting...alone or not. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Winnie Hiller
Any good acting / acting biz podcasts? by faitswulff • last post Aug 10th
I like to listen to podcasts during car rides. Recently it struck me that there are probably good podcasters in the acting space, so I took a look around on Pocket Casts. There are podcasters, but I'm not sure if any of them are good. Do you listen to any? Recommendations would be appreciated!
Is there anyone else who doesn’t like Meisner classes? by CDAYt • last post Aug 10th
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s an important class but I just don’t like how it’s been taught to me and I’ve had 3 different teachers. Not a debate, I’m just curious since everyone one of my actor friends seem to like it so much for some reason.
The Kindness in this Industry by TheGeekyArtist • last post Aug 10th
You know, everyone always talks about how ruthless and cutthroat this industry is and how hard it is for new actors to get in but, on some fronts, I have to disagree. Today, I had a masterclass with Carrie McNulty (She's a former professional actor and now is an educator and director) and the one thing I have to give to the people in the acting world is that they don't lie to you. Everyone tells the complete truth, even if they do have a degree in pretending. Towards the end of the class, she asked us (A group of teen actors) what kind of opportunities we had where we are. After we all confirmed that there is close to nothing (A few shows a year and some dance classes) compared to any city of our size in the state, she was genuinely shocked. "You are young actors and I will treat you as no less. It is hard but the lack of opportunities for you all it disgusting and degrading, I will do everything in my power to help you guys, until then, come down to Grand Rapids, we will welcome you with open arms." I believe her wholeheartedly. So many other people i the industry are like this. While there may be competition and cruelness in the industry, everyone wants everyone to succeed, especially those new to the business. I just find it completely overwhelmingly joyful. That's it, really. Please tell your stories.
I applied for a role, now what? by Devstarcreates • last post Aug 9th
Hello all! Sorry if this is a naive or duplicate post, I’m really new to backstage and just need some pointers on how it works. I’m very new to acting and I’m trying to get small auditions for experience and practice (and who knows, maybe I’ll impress someone!) I submitted...
Looking to try and take up local theatre a hobby by curiouskitten007 • last post Aug 9th
Hi all — First off I want to say I might have totally the wrong sub here and if I do, can you let me know where else to go??? Honestly just looking for some advice. I am F 26. I would like any help available on beginning a new hobby. My husband is in dental school and it takes up close to 90% of his time. I have no complaints about this and am very proud of him for how hard he works. I am just looking to busy myself and put my time to good use as well. Anyways, my job is not very demanding and I am grateful for that. I have some chronic health problems that keep me from realistically pursuing an ambitious career. I have my own hobbies but they are more self-centered. I read a lot, do art, watch and critique movies, help my parents out. I am generally very happy with my life but for years I have really wanted to get into theater. I would love if any one here would be able to give me any steps referring to how to get involved in one’s local theater scene. I have had different people in my life tell me I should be an actress because I am very in control of my emotions and at the same time very expressive. I also majored in art so even though I have not (and am not) seeking a career in the field, I dabbled in high school and college I would really love to be able to have it a part of my life in some capacity. . I’m just looking for some tips on how to break into (and find?) this part of my community. I would appreciate any information about approaching this scene when coming from little background. I am looking to be able to form community and self expansion in doing so but I’m not quite sure where to begin. If it’s helpful I live about 30 minutes south of Denver which I know itself has a large and professional theatre scene. I would be looking for something more entry level and closer to my community. So just looking into finding an entry point? How does one pick up a hobby such as this?? —Also let me know if you think this is Bette ratites for a different sub.
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Aug 9 by AutoModerator • last post Aug 9th
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.
what is appropriate conversation on set? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Aug 9th
I am wondering what is appropriate convo on set. I was on a few ones where we often would crack sex jokes. Interestingly, initiated almost always by female actors. Apparently, my union told when I first joined as part of their orientation for other union actors in the room, that making sex jokes would be considered innappropriate and bordering on harassment. I have to wholeheartedly disagree with that, but it makes me question what appropriate?
Ryan Gosling's Acting Range - Great FunnyOrDie skit from 5 years ago! by 7akash • last post Aug 9th
This is why I wanna be an actor by peinados • last post Aug 9th
Going to my first “callback” ever, don’t have my resume or headshot on my person. by Correct_Me_Now • last post Aug 8th
Submitted for a breakdown through ActorsAccess. They asked for a video audition, so I submitted that. They asked me to come in for an in-person “callback,” but I just ran out the door to get to class without printing both real quick. I’m so flustered right now. I have absolutely no way of getting my hands on the resume, but I can print just the headshot. (Because it’s in my Dropbox, but the resume isn’t. I know I’m dumb.) Should I print that at least? Or just go in with nothing?
Serious question about getting started... by LeonCambridge • last post Aug 8th
So I'll be honest I dont know the first thing about getting started and I have a lot of questions but the main ones bugging me right now are 1. How do actors find casting calls? 2. How do they send in videos? Like how'd they know where to send them and when they are reading for a character how do they get the script for that exact film or show even though they are doing it from home and not in a real audition? I know these are more running before you can walk questions but they are just on my mind at the moment.
SM looking for help to help an actor by skeletonsmama • last post Aug 8th
Hi actors, I’m a Stage Manager trying to help an actress in crisis and wasn’t sure where else to post this. Some background: We’re on a two hander show with a small team (2 actors, me, and the producer in terms of everyday staff) in a city none of us are from. The show is fairly full on and requires a lot of emotional output from both actors. We’ve been on for a week and have 3 more shows left. The actress in question isn’t new. She’s had training and done shows before. Her performance in this show has been a little uneven but easily forgiven owing to the nature of the show, and never as dramatically bad as she seems to think. Think an okay show, not an on Fire one, if you know what I mean. Since we opened she’s been having trouble post-show; she feels she hasn’t quite hit the peak. There’s been a lot of tears but mostly they settle. Tonight she was a total mess. Didn’t come out of the dressing room until everyone had left (independent theatre, cast and crew generally mingle after), told me she’s been spending most of the day alone in her hotel room going over her perceived mistakes in her head, comparing herself to the ‘ideal’ (an anonymous, different actor who can ‘do the job she was hired to do properly’). I feel really stuck. Usually I can handle the pastoral stuff okay, but I’m out of my depth. I don’t know what to say to make her feel better, or what to do to help without feeling like I’m being condescending. TL;DR: actor thinks she sucks and is tormenting herself over it. How can I help her hold it together until we close? So, r/acting, any advice on how I should approach the next night everything goes to shit?
On set for my first paid acting gig! by DarkNFullOfSpoilers • last post Aug 8th
I just wanted to share my happiness with everyone. I got cast as an extra in a local commercial and I'm gonna get paid!!!! This is a big deal for me because one of my goals this year was to become a real professional actor. And it's finally happening. My next goal is to get a lead role in something.
ACTING CLASS VS PRIVATE COACHING by Winniehiller • last post Aug 8th
I saw a question here asking about how actors learn in private lessons. They mentioned that acting is most often done with other people and that doing scenes with your teacher (who must later critique you) could be awkward. They asked, “How do you learn in a private lesson?” I think it is a good question and worthy of a thoughtful answer from a private acting coach. First of all, I am not discouraging anyone from taking class. I know there are many fine teachers who are benefiting their students in a group situation. I taught class for many years. I just personally prefer to teach one on one, even though it is more monetarily profitable for me to teach a class...for these reasons: • In a class a teacher must “perform” for a crowd...keep the masses entertained as they attempt to get as many students up to perform as possible. Feedback must be fairly general and kept to a minimum so they can move on to the next scene. This is fun for me, since I love to be quick on my feet and spontaneously react. But I cannot help the individual student really address their personal issues in detail. •From my own experience in class as a young actress, I remember feeling confused and dissatisfied with generic evaluation without any real chance to ask questions about the teacher’s comments. I often found it difficult to get scene partners who were easy to work with and willing to rehearse enough to do my best in class. Many acting classes left me feeling frustrated. • Observers seldom learn from watching someone else perform in class. A teacher can correct a certain behavior in one student and the next student will get up and make the same mistake. Much of classroom time is wasted unless you have the ability to apply comments given to another actor, to yourself. •Acting scenarios, as ifs, and blocks can be very personal. It is easier to address more confidential matters in a one on one lesson. A private coach can be a trusted mentor and confidant who can help you use the most sensitive details of your life in your work. • Private lessons get the job done more quickly. For me, as fun as it is to be the magician/ringmaster at the “circus” of a roomful of admiring actors, my real goal is to ready my students to audition, book and work regularly. They don’t have time to come to my class for years, trying to guess what will please me. They need to get the skills they need, now! Each student gets only about 10-15 minutes of the teachers attention in class. In a private lesson I can give a full hour or more of my undivided attention to an individual. I am often sent students from agents and managers to prepare them for an important audition. They somehow expect me to teach them everything they need to know in one lesson (many of them are kids and teens being seen for movies and tv series.) I try to give them a crash course in connecting to the reader, listening, responding, pursuing an objective, making interesting character choices...in other words -everything. Sometimes I can push it to a 2 hour lesson. But then I must convince them they need to continue studies, weekly. Since most of my students have agents or managers, they can always bring whatever audition material they need to prepare. As we work, I use whatever they bring to continue to teach technique and basics. Depending on what their focus is, we can also prepare monologues, work on commercial copy, do scenes from plays, Shakespeare and other classics...whatever we decide would be most beneficial. Though I will play the role of reader or casting director, I do not “act” with my students in scenes. I allow them to bring a scene partner along whenever they wish. Sometimes they will use our lesson to prepare for a CD workshop or even another acting class. I never recommend performing for a CD unless you are prepared and are going to be very impressive. When an actor is being sent on auditions regularly, studying only in a class is simply not efficient. Auditions are too important and reputations are easily harmed when the actor is not prepared. Private lessons allow a teacher to give 4-6 weeks worth of classroom instruction in one hour, addressing specific needs, preparing for auditions as well as recording self-tapes for submissions. Students can also discuss their week, problems they have come across in the business, self doubts and dealing with other actors. As a performer myself, I very much enjoy teaching large acting classes. As a mentor, I know private coaching is more effective. These days I’m not able to do as much individual coaching as I use to. Though I have been teaching both acting and singing for over 30 years, for the past nine years I have been working almost exclusively with one celebrity/star of a tv series. But on the weekends I enjoy having a handful of talented newcomers to work with. I occasionally even Skype with some European actors who are auditioning in English. And during my long days on set, I can write to you and answer your questions. I’m enjoying that. I highly recommend finding someone you trust to help you get to the skill level you need to compete and succeed in the business. There really is no time to waste. Find someone who is supportive, encouraging and kind as well as challenging. You will know when you find the right person. Don’t settle for less than what is truly helping you in the best and most efficient way. Happy acting! Winnie Hiller
Why do most period pieces just reuse British actors? by foxofthestorybooks • last post Aug 8th
I’ve been told my casting type is historical ingenue, but when you look at period pieces the actors are majority British and I’m American. Even ones that take place in America. The actresses who get the types of roles I could see myself in are Keira Knightly and Saoise Ronan, but you never really see Americans play Brits and you see the other way around all the time. It’s just something that is confusing to me.