We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:
Anyone here also work in corporate America but has booked a few roles on Tv shows etc? by CuspChaser111 • last post Aug 1st
How do you balance it? Did acting finally take off and you didn’t have to keep the day job? Luckily I’ve worked to a level where I have some flex...most of my friends are servers / bartenders ...
what’s “natural talent”? by hllal • last post Aug 1st
I’m a long time lurker here but in the last few days I’ve seen a few people talking about how you either ‘have the gift’ or don’t. I always thought it sounded kinda pretentious, no one comes out of the womb reciting Shakespearian monologues. and most actors will improve with practice. But I’ve been seeing this more and more so am I the one missing something? Can someone explain the thinking behind those kinda statements? Thanks in advance for any responses!
Actors, please don't do this by idontthink_so • last post Aug 1st
Long story short: I'm currently in the casting process for a short film which I intend to shoot soon. While browsing casting sites, I found a girl that really fit the image I had in mind for one of the characters. She had long blonde hair. I contacted her, gave her details about the whole thing, told her the pay, and she seemed thrilled with the idea, replied back with her resume and everything. And her resume was not light, at all. It also had scattered headshots in it here and there, I liked them, it just validated my thoughts that she looked right for the character. I ended up sending her a draft of the script, and she was supposed to send me a tape with a monologue that was in it. Yesterday she sent it. Well, surprise! She got a haircut. No, she didn't trim her hair a bit, she didn't get it shoulder length, she cut her sides to the scalp, and left it a bit long on the top. She now looks completely different from her headshots. She did not even mention her total look change in the e-mail, like it was nothing. I did not open the video because the whole situation made me cringe so hard I closed the mail. So please, don't do that. Or if you do, at least tell the person who is casting you, so they don't have the "what the hell?" reaction I had.
Kickstarting An Acting Career by Actorlifetor • last post Aug 1st
Hey everyone, I'm a filmmaking student looking to gain a little bit of insight from the newcomer actors in this thread to help me with a little assignment I've need to finish. Essentially, I have to write a short essay on the roadblocks facing the beginner screen actor in 2018. I would love if you took a few minutes to fill out this short survey to help me out! Thanks so much! r/[https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q2HD6WF](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q2HD6WF) EDIT: For the anti-survey ppl here: 1. What's been the hardest thing about kickstarting your acting career? 2. With one example, highlight what was difficult about it 3. Have you tried anything in order to solve that problem? 4. What wasn't so great about that solution(s)
Story Time! I want to hear your stories about the worst cast members you've had to work with! by peanutbuttermuffs • last post Aug 1st
I just came back from out of state working on this feature, and holy butts guys. This guy was such a douche, and what made it worse was the fact it was a Romance drama requiring my character to fall in love with his. I could hardly be in the same room with him! He was constantly belittling me, and condescending to me. And honestly, just a fucking dick. Some snippets of said douchery: After our first **dry** table read, he asked me if I've ever taken acting classes, then he proceeded to tell me all about the acting method he does and he wants me to do for this script. Rehearsals are basically him just telling me how he thinks I should play it, every single day, for a month before shooting. When I pick him up from the airport to drive to location, he asked if I've ever worked on a feature before and demanded I list him my credits like he didn't believe me. Total Dick move. He asks that my characters dialog pause in unnatural places so he can cut in yelling improve lines to see if he can get a reaction and "make it bigger". But it is out of place in the scene entirely. To make it all way worse, he was directing the crew, he was directing me, and he was directing the director! Yelling at the crew, telling the director he had the wrong angle, or frame, or camera lens. He jumped in at some point during the shoot and asked the director/writer to **re-write and reshoot the ending** because he felt he was upstaged and wanted his character to have a bigger "crescendo ending." *(The hilarious twist on our stupid reshoot was that he totally Tommy Wiseau'd it. He dropped to his knees and started oddly grunting and pounding his fists on the pavement. All I could think was "STEEEEEELLLLAAAAAAA!!!!" hah. )* And I was stuck on location in an airbnb with this dude for the last 5 days. With no cell service. TLDR; Fuck my co-star, because he is a dick. **Now, your turn please! I'd love to hear all the douchery you have experienced on set.**
Differences between actor and principal role by Psynergy • last post Aug 1st
I just landed my first ever principal role in a TV show, but I'm not quite sure what the differences in experience will be. I've done some one line actor roles, but this will be my first full scene. Are there any differences?
nyc actor new to LA, looking to meet up with some actors in the LA area. by intothevortex87 • last post Aug 1st
30, chill, been doing this for a few years. couple agents, sag. would love to meet up with some actors on my level, or a rung above. network, learn more about the scene in LA, shoot some scenes together, etc. i write little shorts and have shot a few, trying to take it to the next level with better equipment. hit me up if you're interested and wanna grab a beer or something
?Seasoned Actors: How do you deal with fake people? by CuspChaser111 • last post Aug 1st
For those seasoned cats out there - how do you deal with the fakeness? I’ve met some really shallow folks as I’ve pursued this Ex. One girl completely ignores me in class when she sees me in a commercial she’s like omgggg!!!!! I saw you!!!! And her eyes get all glazed and she’s like who’s your agent?!!!!!!! Ex. Guy I know from auditions tries to grill me with 20 questions about my accomplishments and Fb posts/bookings/shows Ex. Hearing another guy say to a girl she should get more parts Bc she’s the hottest making sure on purpose I could overhear Ex. CD being really hot/cold and then emailing me asking me for a connection with a friend that’s now aa household name I’m not anyone of consequence yet but how do you deal with so many fake people? Do you just go off and meditate or find a quiet place on set to zone out? Thanks!!!
Can your agent see what YOU submitted for on Actors Access? by flowuriy • last post Aug 1st
New Actor by Winston_Hawke • last post Aug 1st
Hey everyone ! Im sure this question is asked a lot but I just moved to Los Angeles ( the valley if it matters) and I want to be an actor. I have little to no experience i took a few classes in college but had strict parents and couldn't do anything I wanted which ended up to me dropping out of college and leaving home. Where does a beginner start? My goal in the long run is to be an on screen actor. Im 23 another question I have is ,Im I too old to even try at this point ?
How to Improv? by 0point7navy • last post Jul 31st
Hey, guys! So I'm currently on my summer break from theatre school and have feeling a little bit uninspired... I've been wanting to "work on my craft" but I just don't know how. So my question is, how do you work on your craft on a hiatus like this? My school doesn't really tackle improv too much and I do feel that it is my weakest point acting wise, and so I've been wondering if any of you also know how I could improve on that specifically. I live in Toronto if that opens up any options.
Help a Noob Out by SamiXAli • last post Jul 31st
Hey everyone. I applied for about 20 roles on backstage two nights ago and now I have about 4 auditions coming up. I know I wont get all of them and maybe none but it's important to put myself out there and get some experience in somehow! I know almost nothing about how to audition. I have been searching the net but would love some clarification and tips. What is a "side"? If sent a script to tape an audition, do I read everyone's line off the script as I am auditioning on tape including my character's? What are common noob mistakes I should avoid? Thanks, Sami!
Becoming An Acting Coach Without Many Credits by witsel32 • last post Jul 31st
I've been pondering the thought of starting up a coaching business for actors (strictly film actors) since it's something that I've done through the majority of my teens and early 20s. But I'm getting a case of imposter syndrome because I'm afraid no one will take me seriously because of my lack of big credits (I was in small tv parts, indie films, student shorts before I stopped). My career got cut short because of some extreme health conditions that make "becoming an actor" a little complicated (A three year stint with anorexia as a guy + other mental health complications). Before that, I was actively involved in classes for 5 years, did trial and error on every technique I could possibly read up on, ran a weekly meetup group for actors that I lead sessions for, went to New York to study for a few months (Canadian actor here), and have had some pretty good agents & big auditions along the way. From someone on the outside: How's it look to you for someone with little actual success in the industry telling you how to act? I personally believe I have a lot of value and insight on where I went wrong in my career & a deeper understanding/skillset than your average actor BUT I also realize that that kind of stuff means \*\*\*\* all without the one thing that actually matters: RESULTS AND BOOKINGS. Do I stand a chance? I really can't see myself acting personally on-camera again because of my personal health but I still love acting and would love to guide people in developing a healthier acting craft for their budding careers (would really like to integrate a holistic approach since it really follows how I've come to this point in my artistic life).
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING - AUDITIONS, INTERVIEWS & YOUR REAL CHARACTER by Winniehiller • last post Jul 31st
As an acting coach, I teach that thinking the thoughts of your character is one of the most important aspects of a believable performance. You may not realize people can see what you are thinking, but they can. And the camera can see even more. By simply changing your thoughts you can become a completely different person. I wrote about this in a previous post titled “WHAT YOU THINK IS WHAT YOU ARE”. Today I feel that I need to talk about the thoughts we hold in our minds during the difficult aspects of our acting journey...in our everyday lives. It takes a strong character to make it through the day to day struggles. The frustration, the heartbreak of disappointment and rejection, the helplessness of feeling you can’t get the break you need...these feelings can trigger thoughts that take over our lives. I have seen right here on this subreddit, actors feeling disgust and resentment for agents and casting directors. I have read posts from actors who are hating the journey they are on and wish they could quit. They think they are being unfairly judged or that other actors are favored over them. They call the people they need to impress, “assholes” and “jerks”. They are plagued with thoughts about how unlikely success is for any actor. What they don’t see is that their thoughts...their attitude, is not serving them. Last week I posted about “AUDITION NERVES” and how maintaining a stream of your character’s thoughts can replace your own thoughts of self-doubt and anxiety. Today I’d like to discuss the character you choose to have for yourself, the moment you walk through the door of an interview or audition...and even more important, the way you look at life in general. As I have said before, each of us has a variety of personae that we can possibly take on. Sometimes we slip into our “negative selves” and get stuck there. “What you think is what you are”. Everyone can see it...in real life as well as on stage or screen. That includes agents and casting directors, If you walk around with a chip on your shoulder throughout each day, should you ever get the chance to have an interview with someone who can help you in your career (a great privilege) you’re going to carry that negativity right into your interview or audition. In that moment, your personal character is just as important as your ability to play a character. To understand, you’ve got to take a glimpse into where the agent and CD is coming from. Perhaps it would help to take a little walk in their shoes. Agents are people. They meet nervous, hungry desperate actors every day. It may seem sometimes they are cold and unfriendly. But they don’t have time to baby you. They need to meet a lot of people in order to find the right people. They must choose clients who will get callbacks and bookings. They need to pick people who are easily cast-able. Their best bet is to choose people who have some credits and a good reel, so they can convince casting directors to see them. They NEED casting directors to call them. They NEED casting directors to be pleased with their submissions. If they don’t send great actors, they don’t get future calls, and then nobody gets any money. Sometimes they will take a chance on a newcomer. But they need to assess you. So in their office, they’ll hand you, a stranger, a piece of commercial copy to read cold and then might listen to a monologue. That’s when they make a decision as to whether they should gamble on someone like you. It is so much more than a meeting. They are taking in the energy you exude from the minute you walk in the door. If you aren’t happy with your life...if you are desperate...nervous...scared...if you don’t believe you have what it takes, they will feel it. Many agents have never studied acting. But most have developed their own system of choosing which actors they think they should take a chance on. They have been successful at allowing their intuition to lead the way. Sometimes it’s an energy. Sometimes it’s an air of confidence and charm. Sometimes an actor’s performance truly moves them. That is rare. Most of the actors they see are too busy hyperventilating to do their best. This is good for the agents. There are too many actors and agents must eliminate most. They need only actors they can trust to be self-assured, charming, with impressive skills. If you can’t go into the CD’s audition and wow them, there is no reason for an agent to represent you. Now, when you enter an agent’s office, what “character” do you need to have? What thoughts do you want them to see running through your mind? Are you thinking confidently? Why not? Can you cold read? Is your monologue impressive and moving. Can you calmly and delightfully convince him/her that you will be her next money maker. You are the product of the attitude you have about acting every day and about the way you take responsibility for being all you need to be. If you care you will prepare! You must understand that no one owes you anything. You and you alone are responsible for being the person they need. Go in and do your best. Whether they say yes or no means only that you didn’t get them to “click” with you. Learn from the experience. Do better next time. Think the thoughts that will keep you moving forward in an optimistic way...always knowing that you WILL do this. Agents NEED good actors. Be one. Casting directors are human beings, too. I think it is important to understand the pressure they are under to find the right person for a role. Think of what it must be like to see nervous, needy actors all day, trying to kiss up to you...some barely knowing their lines. CDs NEED the producer who hired them to approve of the actors on their reel. You see, the CD gets to choose which agents they call and which of their clients they will see on the first audition. But the producer and director are the ones who decide on callbacks. They will make the final decision. The CD is responsible for bringing in people who impress them. They should only see actors who can do the job with grace and style, because producers want great choices. Otherwise, the producers will hire another CD for future projects. If YOU are not good, they will look bad. If they don’t provide lots of great choices, they will not be able to continue in their position. CDs NEED YOU TO BE GOOD. Feel some empathy for them. They need someone. Go in there with the attitude of offering yourself as a possible answer to their dilemma. Be friendly, confident, prepared and professional. Feel warmth for them. They are not your nemeses. They are people in need. I think a big part of being able to handle auditions with the right confidence and attitude is that too often actors don’t have the skills needed to do the job at hand. One actor here mentioned that she was thrown off by CDs who expect her to prepare in only 20 minutes. Everyone gets a little nervous in auditions. But the reason she was so nervous about this, is she was not confident in her skills to work so quickly. But this IS show biz. Often you get last minute sides and script changes. This industry requires that you have the skills to quickly understand your script, your character and the arc of the scene. You must recognize your objective and your tactics. These will help you to learn your lines as you connect to your purpose. You must be a professional. The more you accept that this is the job, the more you will stop thinking that you need more time. Sure it would be great to have a week to prepare. But you don’t. So think about how confident you will be if you work until all this comes easily for you. You will be as self-assured as the skills you have. It is your job to be a master. Think of yourself as an Olympic actor. You need to work as hard as any skater or gymnast...at least if you want to be able to think and act like a winner. Do you love acting? Then always act like it. Look at auditions as opportunities to act. Give your best...as a gift without expectation. When you are done, leave it behind. Call backs are pleasant surprises. No resentment for preparing and showing up. That is a great privilege. And it is not your business if you are cast or not. It is only your job to do your best. Then move on to do even better the next time. Stop thinking of auditions as win or lose and being judged. Look at them as chances to do what you love most...ACT. Meeting agents and casting directors, or anyone in the business should be looked at as an opportunity to meet a potential friend and business associate. They say it’s all about who you know. But YOU have got to be someone pleasant, fun and interesting to know. I once heard Gary Marshal say that when he was deciding who to cast in a film, he thought about who he would enjoy spending the next 4-6 months with. He had to LIKE his actors. On our tv show, the guest actors who are prepared, pleasant and undemanding are asked back and sometimes become recurring roles. Enjoy meeting people, no matter who they are. Be likable. Be grateful for every opportunity. And stay positive afterwards. Do your best and move on to whatever is next. Don’t look back. If you are called back...great. If not, don’t over think it. Work on your skills. Create your own opportunities. Certainly don’t feel resentful. That never helps. What you think is what you are!!!!
24 years old, not a native English speaker, stupid enough to consider getting a degree in Acting, in need of advice by TheSupahPlayer • last post Jul 31st
I'm a 24 years old guy from Eastern Europe currently living in UK. I have always dreamt about acting, I attended drama school in my teens, I was good at it, yada yada. Long story short, I didn't pursue my passion, I have a bachelor's degree in Management, I have an extremely shitty job that I hate, and I'm actually considering getting a second degree in acting. Honestly, I feel like this is an extremely bad idea, considering that even if I manage to actually get accepted into the Uni, in the end I would most likely end up having the same job I have now only with a huge debt on my shoulders. But let's say that I'm willing to take a risk. A very huge disadvantage that I have is that I'm not a native English speaker. Although I do speak almost fluently, the slight accent that I have is something I will not be able to get rid off. Do you think it's possible to actually have a solid acting career if you're not a native English speaker or am I being extremely wishful? I'm thinking of sending my application to [Manchester School of Theatre](http://www.theatre.mmu.ac.uk/ba-acting/). I am unfamiliar with the selection process when it comes to enrolling into art schools, and I don't know a single person who could give me advice, I guess that's why I'm posting here. I finished my High School with very good grades, but would that even matter in the selection process, since I'm an international student and this is an art degree? Like I mentioned above, I did attend Drama school for 4 years during my teens, but I have no way to prove it on paper. I still have 6 months until I need to send my application, should I consider taking some acting classes or would that be a waste of money? I would have no regrets if I managed to get an invitation to attend the audition at the school itself. Would it be clever to just visit the school and talk with the staff, as the requirements presented at their website are very vague if you are an international student? Oh God, I feel like this post is a mess. Anyway, does anyone have any experience when it comes to what I described above?
CHINA'S FIRST CASTING DIRECTORY FOR FOREIGN ACTORS. THOUGHTS AND FEEDBACK? THIS COULD BE HUGE! by TheBigDog81 • last post Jul 31st
Guys and girls, Fellow Thespian's! So, a friend and I came up with a great idea(Actually, I'll take all the credit for this one it was my idea
NEVER GIVE UP! by Winniehiller • last post Jul 31st
Hi...Winnie Hiller again. This kind of goes with my post from last night. I wrote it as a comment on a post this morning from someone who had a rough day and wanted to give other actors some much needed support. I hope the following will do the same: KEEP THE FAITH I had a dear friend who did Yiddish Theater in his youth. He played a small role in the original production of “Fiddler on the Roof” and Lazar Wolf in the revival. But then nothing but touring companies, understudying Tevye, for most of the rest of his life. He was a happy person, even though he was living out of a suitcase in his fifties...never really getting any farther than when he started. He hired me in 1982 when I was in my twenties to play with him in a Yiddish/English burlesque type comedy skit review that he produced himself and we performed in NYC. I played the blonde. Lol. He was 63 when I invited him to my wedding in 1985. My husband was an actor, too, and our wedding was full of NY show biz people. At the reception, we sat him at the table with our agent friends. He got up and sang “If I Were a Rich Man” and brought the house down. I believe he made some great contacts that night. He was so funny and charming, with the most adorable face. He signed with my commercial agent and I began seeing him on TV. I went to see him play Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors”Off-Broadway and a couple years later he won an Obie and Drama desk award for New York Shakespeare’s production of “Crown Royal” Guest spots on TV shows followed and he parked his suitcase quite often in LA. In 1990 an appearance as a lawyer in Sidney Lumet's Q & A led TV producer-writer David E. Kelley to cast him as public defender Douglas Wambaugh in the television series Picket Fences. In 1994 he won the Emmy Award for “Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series”. He was 72 years old. He went on to star as history teacher Harvey Lipschultz in Boston Public. I thought he was just as brilliant in that role, which he played until he was 82. Fyvush Finkel was one of the sweetest, funniest men I have ever met. He never complained. He always considered himself blessed...even before his wonderful and amazing success. He remained active and acting, smiling, laughing and loving life. He passed away only 2 years ago at the age of 94. May his memory forever be a blessing and inspiration to us all. When you are an actor you just keep acting. When Fyvush received his Emmy he said that he had waited 51 years for that moment. It wasn’t true. Fyvush never waited. He ACTED. He never stopped. If he had no jobs he created his own. He did a special guest star role on Blue Bloods at the age of 91. Never give up. Never.
Would you like to work in China as an actor? But dont have access to any casting! 95% of castings are listed on a local app, Hotels and from Connections. by TheBigDog81 • last post Jul 31st
Guys and girls, Fellow Thespian's! So, a friend and I came up with a great idea(Actually, I'll take all the credit for this one it was my idea
Advice Needed: Table Read Audition for Local Film Festival in Few Days ? by Nyctophiliac3275 • last post Jul 30th
So in a couple days a local film festival is having auditions for their “table-read series”, in which the actors cast will do table reads of new screenplays before and during the actual film festival. Although this would not be a paid gig, it would provide me with the opportunity to read in front of local and non-local directors, screenwriters, filmmakers etc and give me free admission into the film festival :) both of which I think are pretty good things as I am very new to acting and have very little experience & even fewer connections. Unfortunately, other than what I have listed above, not much information was given about the audition. I am not sure if the audition will be in the form of a table read or if I’ll be given sides or what... it did say I didn’t need to come with anything prepared monologue wise, just resume and headshot. **My questions are:** what should I expect from a table read? I have never done one before. What is expected from me? Are you supposed to act as you would if filming, or just read the words with a little inflection? Do I act like I’m interacting with my scene partner? What if it’s a large table & I can’t see them well? I’ve also never had an official audition before, so even if it’s a “typical” one cold-reading sides, I am still very nervous. I’ve only done some extra & background work & one student 48hr-style film with a very tiny role. Any tips or what to expect from this cold read? Even tho I feel very unprepared for this cold read as I do not have hardly any training, I think it is too good of an opportunity to pass up and it is only a couple days away so I don’t have much time to prepare (in terms of audition/cold read classes or what have you). I just figured if I go and do horribly and don’t get cast, well then I am in the same boat I’m in now so no harm done. Might as well try, right?