I was about 4 or 5. I would see my great uncle quite a lot and I remember he'd always turn on Shirley Temple movies for me. I loved them and would always sing along to the songs. I had curly hair like she did and one day, my uncle jokingly said, "You could be the new Shirley Temple!" This is the very first time I thought about being an actress. I was immediately enthralled with the idea and this fascination has stayed with me all the way into adulthood. What's your story?
Hey guys! Going back into my second year of graduate school on Saturday. Soon afterwards we'll have auditions for the Fall productions, which are Night of the Iguana and Cabaret. I'm a soprano with a good voice and a character actor. Roles I've played include The Mother in Machinal, M. Papillion in Rhinocerous and The Chorus of Marat/Sade and Hugo (a boy) in The Garden Party. I'm also a pretty good physical theater actor and do lots of devised theater. What do you think I should do for my audition? I'm a huge fan of Sondheim and other such composers. I'm going for one of the German Frau's in Cabaret and the butch voice teacher in Iguana.
Looking to hire actors for a web series filming in NYC. Can anyone suggest any free places to post??
This is from All my Sons by Arthur Miller. I've done some TV/Film but I'm mostly a stage actor, just hoping to get some feedback! https://reddit.com/link/986jps/video/1h3rkkv0aqg11/player
I know this is a question sure to ignite feelings before I ask it. As a classical musician, of course I think that the thing I do is like one of the hardest, most grueling things you can do, that's self-interest, and being truly objective and unbiased is a big ask. But, perhaps the answers from stage actors will balance out the answers from film actors? Anyway, I've never really heard answers to this question, and as someone who is curious about acting, has been told he can act, but doesn't look like Chris Hemsworth, it's a question I'm curious about. So, if those here are willing to answer, it's appreciated.
Who are some examples of Movie Actors who never change their accent for a role? Does this make them a bad actor?? First to come in mind is (I might be mistaken)- Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford?
So, I'm going to be a little light on details because otherwise it would be incredibly easy to find me, but I got the part as a minor role (speaking wise, stage time is pretty good) in a musical. I was, and am super pumped as this is literally a life long dream come true. I get along pretty well with most of the cast, with one exception... and that would be the woman who heads the costume crew. To make a long story short I slept with a guy she was dating (I didn't know at the time) years ago. I didn't think it would be much of an issue, i mean we weren't going to be best pals or anything but it didn't seem to get in the way of either of us doing out job. That is, until the first preview we did of the show (for those who don't know, previews are public shows that precede the official opening, and are often attended by critics and bloggers and industry professionals. So... I had thought the preview went fine, until I had gotten off stage. The character that I portray wears tight, sheer pants, and the costume director had asked me to wear a tan g string with the outfit, however in dressing myself in the morning I had chosen to wear a black thong with a thicker, lacy string. Sadly, it turned out that the thong was completely visible through the pants (I saw some cell phone pictures an audience member took and posted online, it wasn't a good look.) The woman who does costume (let's call her Vanessa) was pretty pissed, and rightfully so. She put a lot of work into those outfits and me having my underwear showing distracted from all of that and made her work look like a joke. I was pretty embarrassed from the whole ordeal. When I show up to next rehearsal there is a small package waiting for me on my table. nd there was a 3 pack of new thongs for me. The only difference was these ones are an extra small when I usually wear a medium, and a very thin g string style. She told me that I had to wear thongs they would need to be the kind i couldn't show through fabric, so she got me something that was too small for that. It's now the only underwear that I have to wear during dress rehearsals and performance. I can feel it pretty much constantly, and it makes doing things like dancing a nightmare. my dance coach has even commented on how much worse my positioning is when doing squats, but it isn't like I can tell him why. I've worn them the last four days and by the time I get home from work my crack is slightly red. Because the material is so small and so cheap, it becomes saturated with sweat easily, which makes it incredibly itchy. I tried to talk to her about it but she just said she was in charge of clothing and that it was in the shows best interest to have underwear that stays invisible (note, you have to wear underwear with stage outfits because gross) She hasn't acknowledged the fact that i have a wedgie outright, but there was a moment when she was putting the finishing touches on our outfits and she went to pull my pants up slightly (this is all very normal) however when she lifted the pants she inadvertently grabbed the waistband of my underwear. I honestly think it was on purpose, but there's no way to know (I mean, i've accidentally pulled my thong up when adjusting leggings just out and about a bunch of times, so it isn't like that never happens). When she lifted it up I made a grimace and stood on my tippy toes attracting the attention of my cast members. I don't think they knew but I still had to stand there feeling an incredibly embarrassing area get rubbed and chafed. We were just about to go on and everyone was watching me so i couldn't adjust myself for the next half hour. I did talk with her about the underwear, apologizing for the mishap at the preview. I explained that the thong she had me wear became saturated with sweat and was a little small. She offered to get me two to wear per day so I would have a fresh one, but maintained that she needed me to wear a thong that wouldn't show underneath the pants so it had to be a small g-string. The next rehearsal she offered to use some talcum powder to keep the moisture down.The next rehearsal she offered to use some talcum powder to keep the moisture down. She keeps her talcom powder in the mini fridge freezer compartment to keep the humidity down, and when she applied the powder she asked me to lower my pants, and pulled the thong back to make room and dumped a sizable portion down. My male coworkers were in the room, and while they are all super professional and respectful and I usually have no issue changing or anything in front of them, they were totally aware that I had just had freezing powder dumped into my thong. Again, it isn't like she just put the talcum powder in the freezer for me, she's always kept it there and usually it being cold actually feels really nice. just... not when it pressed against my asshole. I asked for the talcum powder to be room temp from then on and she obliged. I can't help but think that she's doing this in part to embarrasses me, and honestly it's working. At the same time, she isn't wrong that she is in charge of outfits and that I did kind of mess up with underwear before so it would make some kind of sense for her to get underwear for me. I don't know, what do you think?
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.
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!
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)
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.
“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
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
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.
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