We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:
If you haven’t yet, pick up An Actor’s Life by Jenna Fischer by SirCleanPants • last post Aug 6th
I’m nowhere near close to finishing this book (I just picked it up today), but it’s a very amazing guide which shows the steps Jenna took in her acting journey as well as tips as we blaze our own trails. Keep on auditioning and happy reading!
Why do major A-list actors or rising stars work in film rather than tv? by actingstarterpack • last post Aug 6th
I've noticed many a-listers or rising stars work mostly in film rather than tv. Why is that? I'm thinking it is because the characters are more fleshed out in a movie and also the scenes are more focused on a small group of actors, which gives more attention to them? Another I can think of is that the actors are more immersed in the roles of a film character (unless they are reoccuring on a tv series). They may have started in tv, but usually it mostly film.
What Are You Working On? - Aug 6 by AutoModerator • last post Aug 6th
Let everyone know what you're working on right now. Post links to webseries, plays, clips, anything you want. Promote your own work and see what everyone else is doing. Even if you just had a great audition, let us know about it.
Non-actor with a casting interview today by actingthrow123 • last post Aug 6th
Hello r/acting! I wanted to just pop in here with a throwaway. I am a business owner that got approached by a very large tech company for their next national TV ad campaign. They found me online and I fit the type of person they are looking for for this campaign and how I would use their products in my day to day life. If selected I'd head to LA in 2 weeks to film the campaign. I have a skype interview today with the casting company for the campaign. What should I expect them to ask? What should I be prepared to do/say? Any overall tips of how to present myself? Seems like a cool opportunity and have never had this sort of interview before. Thanks!! EDIT: Also they mentioned that it will pay the SAG-AFTRA Union Commercial Rate. What exactly does that mean?
Question about moving to London from US to get experience by ragutierrez • last post Aug 6th
Hey all, been lurking here for a while, and have loved all the advice I've read! I've got an interesting situation, and wanted to see what you all thought. It's a long post, so I appreciate your patience if you take the time to read it! I recently started acting and it's something I want to take on seriously. I'm 25 y.o. and I'm currently living in the US under a work visa. The work visa is tied to my current employer (not acting related - it's a medical device company), and it basically means I can only get paid through my company. That means I have been limited to only doing unpaid roles (student films, independent projects, etc.) and developing my skills through classes/coaching. To get to the green card status, in which I would have the liberty to do paid roles, could take a few years. I do have an EU passport, so I have considered transferring to the UK with my current company. There I would have a solid day job to support myself, and I could take on professional, paid roles and truly develop my skill set. Moving back to the US would be not be easy though because I'd basically have to restart the immigration process. My concern with staying here is not about the money. I have a good salary with my current job. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely loved acting in student films and other small projects. However, I feel that after having done those for a few months, I have hit an experience ceiling. I haven't been pushed to really apply the lessons I've been learning in class. Everyone keeps saying that the best learning is on-the-job learning, and I feel I am missing out on that. To give some more context, culturally, I consider myself pretty American, but I have lived in Europe (never in the UK though). I have lived in a few different countries throughout my life so I'm not worried about the moving-my-life-to-a-new-country aspect. I'm more concerned about not being able to do English accents. I'd love to see what more experienced actors think: Should I tough it out with classes + unpaid roles for a few years and stay in the US knowing that eventually I'd have access to the US market **or** should I consider moving to the UK and building my skill set and resume (and potentially struggle with not being a UK native) but making it harder to move back in the US down the line? Any Americans on this sub that have found success in the UK?
Education by swelly627 • last post Aug 6th
Being 25 years old now. Filtering through career options and passions is something everyone goes through. Having experience in various fields, I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer. I use to be a damn good DJ after all. I have a passion for acting, being on set and creating magic moments. One obviously needs training to be an actor along side with natural talent. For those who have been there, at my stage, is it better to invest in a 2-4 year acting school? Or take weekly classes and get practical training through trial and error, failures and booking roles on your own? I’d like to hear all experience stories and advice.
BEING AN ACTOR - DREAMS VS REALITY by Winniehiller • last post Aug 6th
“I’ve always dreamed of being an actor, but I have zero experience.” Boy do I see this a lot on this sub. It tells me that these people need a little education into what it actually means to be an actor. If someone has always dreamed of being a fireman but has never stood next to a burning building, how can they possibly know fighting fires is what they want to do with their life? I am a big proponent of following your dreams. Dreams give us vision and spur us to take chances...step out of the mundane and into something greater. But if you have NEVER acted, then your dream is not to be an actor...your dream is to be a rich, famous celebrity. There is a very big difference. And who wouldn’t find that kinda dreamy? But it’s kind of like saying you want to have your artwork exhibited at a famous art museum when you have never even done a crayon drawing. Acting is a craft and requires very specific skills. An actor must be able to appear believably involved in imaginary situations, in the midst of all kinds of pressure and distraction. They must be able to convincingly portray other characters that are intriguing. They must be creative enough to create their unique interpretations of these characters. They must be able to utilize their imagination, emotions and memories to perform a credible enactment of reality under completely unrealistic circumstances. They must be able to memorize quickly and analyze spontaneously. It is a fascinating and exciting art form. Once you have actually become immersed in the fantasy of a story and lost in your character’s desires and pursuits, you very well may begin to dream of being an actor. It is magical. It is addicting. But it takes training and diligence to do it well. And doing so, even though an amazing accomplishment, is only the beginning. Now you must face the reality of entering one of the most competitive professions in the world. So not only do you need to understand the skill, but you must be the very best at it. And you must also be a business person...understand that you are both the salesman and the product...know what you have to sell and how to market it. You must have great people/social skills. You need to develop a tough skin in order to deal with disappointment. And no matter how successful you are, you will never have job security. You will always need to be seeking your next job. In the beginning, you need to have other skills in order to support yourself while being available for auditions and continuing your studies. Becoming a better actor is a lifelong pursuit, no matter how talented you are. There is so much to learn that you must be hungry for. You must think of yourself as being in the Olympics of acting. If you were the greatest ice skater or gymnast ever, getting ready to compete, you would be practicing most of everyday. Actors are no different. Certainly your natural ability carries with it an obligation to hone your skill to its greatest heights. Without that kind of ambition and dedication your talent is meaningless. If you want to win in this profession you must be incessant in your pursuit of excellence. Often you will need to perform for free in order to get experience and exposure. You may begin to feel taken advantage of, that everyone wants to take your money and that everyone in the business is selfish and superficial. This is because it is an exhausting process and so many people are struggling to make it work. Egos are fragile...both those of others and your own. But if you want to make it, you must be able to maintain a positive attitude, have faith in your abilities and optimism about the future. You must avoid resentment, jealousy and bitterness. To attempt carrying these along on your journey is like trying to swim across the ocean with weights strapped to your back. You will surely sink. I know this post may appear as though I’m trying to discourage you. But if acting is truly your dream, nothing will discourage you. Once you have more than “zero experience” you can know if this crazy, magnificent quest is for you. Maybe you think you want to be an actor because you want more than what you have now. You don’t want to settle for what people around you have settled for. You feel you are destined for greater things. Just know there are many paths you can take. Acting is only one. You just need to follow your heart. The main requirement is Love. I am a big believer in the saying “Love Conquers All”. If we follow what we truly Love...what brings us joy and fulfillment, this is our true path and we cannot fail. In the end it is not what we do, but how we do it. If we do it with Love, we will be happy. When we find ourselves in a situation that we cannot Love, it means we have taken a wrong turn for our own journey. There is no shame in changing directions. If we only have this one opportunity to play the role of ourselves, we might as well let our objective be joy. If acting gives you that, then you have found your path. If you are suffering, make a turn and go find your joy. That is not to say you won’t need to hang on and make it through the rough times. But the journey must be enjoyable and fulfilling. It is a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs and unexpected whips and turns. But the whole purpose of it is to bring you joy. Sure it’s scary and hard. But those are the things that make accomplishment thrilling and victory so sweet. That’s what life is all about....the adventure, the struggle...overcoming the odds...finding your joy!!!! Wishing you all the best on your journey, Winnie Hiller
Subscription-based actor services by MaverickEX • last post Aug 6th
I've seen people on Reddit bag on [Voices.com](https://Voices.com), claiming it's a ripoff. But what of some of the other services out there, like [Backstage.com](https://Backstage.com), or [WeRehearse.com/WeAudition.com](https://WeRehearse.com/WeAudition.com)? Are there any services out there that're actually worthwhile? As someone who doesn't live in NYC or LA, I could use all the connectivity I can get.
ACTING - WHAT IS TALENT? by Winniehiller • last post Aug 5th
This is a question I saw here recently. What I have learned as an acting coach, teaching young beginners as well as seasoned professionals, both in NYC and LA for the past 35 years, is this: Certain people have qualities that make acting truthfully, easier. A vivid imagination is so important. A fascination with humanity and the desire to observe and understand in an empathetic and analytical way. An ability and desire to share ones own emotions and experiences and to relate them to the experiences and feelings of others. The ability to be creative in building scenario and subtext. The ability to memorize easily and to understand and respond to direction. Some of these abilities seem to be a natural aspect of innate personality. . Some of them are dependent on how people are raised. But even the most talented benefit from training. It is just an easier job when a student with intelligence, imagination and empathy walks through the door. But the diligent student who wants to learn can overcome what they lack by focused effort and honest work on their weak spots. It is often diligence and vision that win out in the long run. Talent doesn’t really matter unless the actor has drive, initiative, persistence and faith. Some of the world’s greatest actors will never be known because they are lazy, lack vision or don’t believe it is possible. For some people, when things have come easy in the beginning, they expect instant results. When they don’t get it, they are discouraged and give up. In the long run, it is those who act for the joy of it...those who are thrilled with the process of learning and performing, who will come out on top. They are consistently optimistic, grateful for opportunities, open to constructive criticism, easy to work with and unaffected by the word “no”. So even though being born “a natural” is a wonderful thing, perhaps it is optimism and perseverance that are the true hallmarks of success. Have both and nothing can stop you.
Do actors really get paid this much? by wakandaforver • last post Aug 5th
These are random thoughts... but I was looking up how much Game of Thrones actor/actresses get paid and holy crap, the main characters get paid around 500,000 per episode to over a million. That's crazy! But not in a bad way. Acting is something I'm interested in but I never acted and my experience is 0. I'm active duty military with a job in IT and make a little amount of money lol. Like I said, this is just an open discussion but I find it fascinating how much they get paid. Even A list actors make a ton of money (the word ton is an understatement. ) Maybe what I'm trying to get at is... do actors/actresses really make that much? Or is it just an estimate.
Looking for Actor's by stankmaster69 • last post Aug 5th
Hey actor's I am making a student film this coming October, it is unfortunately an unpaid position because we are broke. It's a credited part though, and it's one of our premiere spots. If you need it we can squeeze 20$ out of our budget, but anyone interested in Albuquerque would be incredibly appreciated, here is the casting sheet. [CASTING SHEET, THANKS](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bt8m9bNhrJYaNXCS9kddX7rNqRrCGghKOd2IQAk6YrA/edit?usp=sharing)
Open Casting Call, Los Angeles. Thursday, August 9th by flash2049 • last post Aug 5th
How do more well known child actors continue to make a living even after around a decade since their show's been over? by penguin_reddit • last post Aug 5th
I've been curious about this for a while now. for example someone who is not necessarily the lead of a Nickelodeon show that's ended but part of the main cast and that i haven't seen them in nearly anything else besides that show. How do these former Nick and Disney Channel stars of shows that ended around a decade ago continue to make money? I've heard that there are no residuals on kids shows, so do they have side jobs, or are many of them still getting steady acting work in things that i just haven't seen? Especially since, for many of them, their disney or nick show is the most notable thing that they've done in their career up to date.
Overcoming fear - Or how to stop thinking about it and start doing it by CurseYourWeakBiscuit • last post Aug 5th
So, unlike most of you fine folks I have precisely no acting experience (barring a single line in a year eight school play, and a tanked summer school showcase in which I froze) but I want to. Like, really want to. I'm over thirty, not conventionally attractive, and have no illusions about being a leading lady, or even being much more than a background player tbh, but if it's possible I would love to be a character actor and have always harboured a repressed hope that I think I should probably act on (heh) while I'm still breathing. The trouble is, my previous childhood failures plus my lack of experience have instilled a strong and persistent fear that I will be terrible - it feels a lot like those anxiety dreams about delivering a speech and realising you're naked! I'm not in a financial position to pursue any training at the moment, so much as I'd love to head to classes it isn't an option, and I've just had a 'Dear John' from my local Am Dram co saying they are full. I was thinking of signing up to an extras agency just to spend some time observing professionals, but am not sure what other steps to take. And in the first instance, how do I overcome the crippling fear of messing up so that I can actually bite the bullet and start learning? I honestly find it baffling that so many people are able to just do it, and am desperate to find a way to crush this horrific fear of humiliating myself and/or making things harder for other people.
German Actors by hritc2 • last post Aug 5th
Hey guys, I was wondering if there are any german actors out there, and how the scene is? As a bonus, are there any non-german actors working/auditioning in Germany?
There Are No Stupid Questions - Aug 4 by AutoModerator • last post Aug 4th
Please feel free to ask any question at all related to acting, no matter how simple. There will be no judgements on questions posted here. Everyone starts somewhere. So ask away!
Interested in Acting, But I Have Physical Flaws :( by SweetenedCafe • last post Aug 4th
Hi guys, I've been interested in acting for the longest - I've taken two classes in college, including improv. And I've gotten good feedback from my classmates and even my acting teacher, who's known for being surly. But I've always held myself back from pursuing it any further. This is because I suffer from keloids. I have one big one on my chest (can't wear v-neck t-shirts), and another big one on my left shoulder. I also have a few small ones on my jawline, but surely noticeable enough through HD TV. I'm always told that I'm beautiful, but I can't get myself to believe it or develop any confidence because of these pesky keloids. I've spent thousands trying to get rid of 'em with no luck. The acting industry is super looks based. I'm not really sure how to get started in acting - maybe I need to audition for TV shows that are looking for flawed people, such as Orange is the New Black? I don't know ... Any guidance is greatly appreciated.
Hey Actors, Villain Headshot by Rayden117 • last post Aug 4th
Hello Reddit, so I'm an actor, I'm fairly young and I look it (though I still look like an adult, 23m). I'm looking to get a headshot that aims towards the word 'villain' while still being acceptable. I'm white with dark features and I'm frequently told in my daily life that I look like a bad guy from a movie (evil genius sort). The reason I'm saying this is because I'm looking for acceptable examples that emphasize that sort grit or dark tone. The headshots would be for film. Anyways, in case this is unusual, recommendations for what to do instead would be appreciated. Also, advice is welcome. I'm coming back to acting after a couple of years. Cheers!
nyc actor new to LA looking to link up with some friendly actors in the area by intothevortex87 • last post Aug 4th
30, chill, been doing this a couple years, couple agents, etc. currently staying with a friend in weho while i get my footing in the city. looking to meet new people, friendly non-asshole actors. lets grab a beer or go hiking or something.