We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:
When did you know if this was a career or a hobby for you ? by lanymas08 • last post Jul 17th
17F here, no experience, no training, a newbie in every sense of the word when it comes to acting. My question to you is when did you know if acting was a career choice or a side hobby? How did you make that decision? I'm entering my senior year of high school and I'm conflicted. I know that just because I have an admiration for acting doesn't mean it's the career for me. But not having a plan makes me anxious. I have no idea where im going. And logically I know I have to "test the waters" before making big decisons. But I don't really know how to half-do things. I feel like I either have to dive in and dedicate my life to this profession or find a more practical way to spend my time. Or at least that's how the world makes me feel. It seems like all of my friends have goals and plans, and all I have is this... insatiable admiration of acting thats been here forever and I don't know what to do with it. I'm sure most of you have been here in some degree, choosing how much of yourself you dedicate to this art. How did you get clarity?
First audition advice by MajorCaterpillar • last post Jul 17th
Hey guys. I've recently started looking for ways to get into acting at the ripe old age of 28. I've done some modelling years ago and some very casual acting back in high school, but I basically have no experience or knowledge of the business beyond what I've been able to pick up by lurking around here. So now a local studio has put out a casting call for a short film and I'm interested. I figure it's an open call since it has the time and place for auditions, but they've also asked to: >send photos and some information about yourself, a short video or a showreel I imagine this is so they have some context about who the hell just walked in when I show up. Now the photos are pretty self-explanatory, but as a fledgling wannabe actor I have neither a showreel nor the first clue what the short video should be. Just introduce myself with a quick video taken with a phone? A monologue with a more professional setup? Something in between? Could you guys offer any advice on this? And while we're at it, what kind of information about myself would be appropriate, bearing in mind I have no relevant experience to speak of? Thanks for your time.
This ad popped up on my feed, this kind of stuff sucks to see. by pickled-manatee_ • last post Jul 17th
Castittalent.com by PrincessFluffy1111 • last post Jul 17th
Hi does anyone have experience of this casting site? I am a British working actress, and I was invited to submit an audition by a legit Casting Director using this platform and signed up as a free user. Since then I created a profile and I have to pay to use it if I want to submit to any of the other castings but the casting notifications that they keep sending are not applicable to me eg: for Male roles, not in my age bracket, not in my Continent! I am in the UK.... I have emailed them about this twice, but they have never bothered to reply... the whole thing is screaming scam to me. But for the fact originally I was invited to submit a taped audition by a Legit CD. Also I used the feedback feature to a major Studio CD, and the reply was brutal to say the least.... so just wanted some US based Actor folks experience of this site please!
Can anyone assist? (Advice) by HandsomeVakk • last post Jul 17th
I have a very good friend who has recently graduated from Uni with a First Class Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Musical Theatre. She is incredibly talented and is professionally trained in singing and dancing etc. She’s been involved in multiple shows as leads since I’ve known her but she’s recently hit a rut after Uni and it’s taking it’s toll on her confidence as she believes it’s all been for nothing and she can’t progress. She tells me that she simply can’t get an agent because she hasn’t attended school X or school Y, so they won’t even consider her and that continuing to do the shows she’s been doing won’t be a benefit to her career because she needs to go up a level as such and her only option now is to her Masters, though that isn’t what she wants to do. I’m none the wiser to this as it’s not my field. Would anyone be able to give me on advise on what I can suggest to her? This is UK based by the way.
NEW COLUMN - Setting Timetables for Your Career by SecretAgentMan • last post Jul 16th
https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/secret-agent-man/why-you-should-change-your-expectations-instead-accepting-failure/
Time to call it quits? by Wutini • last post Jul 16th
Hey guys. Just to warn you, this may be a long post, but I’m in dire need of some advice or even just opinions. I’m having a freak out, or as I like to call them, “An actor’s moment”. Some background first. I’ve been acting professionally for about 6 years now in Los Angeles (native raised), working actor for about 3 years. I don’t have super huge credits; two lead roles in ULB indie features, countless leads for shorts, a butt load of commercials and print jobs, a few network co-stars and a guest star spot on a pretty large YouTube Red series. I’m currently Union because of a must join earlier this year, and haven’t really worked since January. Having gone to just a handful of auditions due to the fact (I used to make 90% of my income from non-union commercials). The other night at a rehearsal for a project that was given to me because I worked with the director previously, I was told we were shooting on a specific date. Being me, I totally forgot that I was taking my SO and her son on a trip that weekend, so when I mentioned it to her, she was obviously upset. I promptly emailed the director and told him of my situation and asked if we could postpone the shoot and if not, I would totally understand if he needed to recast. The problem is, when discussing it with my SO (who isn’t an actor), she told me that I love acting so much that I forget everything else in the world. That I would die for acting. Which lead me to think, “holy shit. She’s right.” I don’t know if this is a good thing to be. I’ve had a good run, but I feel like I’m reaching my limit. Maybe some words of encouragement or I’m being stupid? Or have I let my passion consume me? TL;DR Despite actually being good at acting and it being a constant fuel in my life, Is acting worth sacrificing my whole life for with no guarantee I’ll be a working actor again?
How do you know if a Stage Name is taken? by Lennypoco • last post Jul 16th
I’ve searched all over and couldn’t find anything. Is there like a database that lets you know what Stage Names are being used by others in the business? And how do you claim one? Is that something that’s only applicable once you’re Equity/SAG, or how to non-union actors solidify their Stage Name? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Adution internationaly by jondoe1996cro • last post Jul 16th
Does anybody now how to? Or any adution sites that are legit and free
Need help and inspiration by Malynda Nichols • last post Jul 15th
I'm a 45 y/o female who's children are old enough to be semi-independent (i.e. teenagers) and I have been dreaming of getting back into acting. Here's my dilemma: Evicted from my apartment and living with my brother and his wife, unemployed and suffering from depression/anxiety, and have no steady income other than what I get from the state. I don't have the cash for headshots and looking for local film or theater since the last time I did either was before 2003; trying to work up my resume. I was going to audition for a haunted graveyard but, in truth, it was my depression that kept me home. Any suggestions from the hive mind?
How do you handle negative remarks concerning your choice in pursuing acting? by emberedCthulhu • last post Jul 15th
Ive had plenty of instances where ive been told im going to fail and nothing will come of it. Im very aware acting is a risky bussiness and odds are against you. Personally i brush these comments aside, why should i care if i dont end up as a celibrity? I enjoy what im doing and at the same time working towards it. Just wondering what others have done to get over this.
British TV Legend talk about Actors hard life -Guy Siner by Lee19699 • last post Jul 15th
Self-Tape Auditions - Los Angeles by AaronRodgersForMVP12 • last post Jul 15th
Hey everyone, I'm an actor who recently moved to LA after signing with an agent. My agent wants me to submit self-tape auditions for a couple of projects. But, since I just moved here I don't really know anyone or have the tools for making a quality self-tape audition. Are there people you can hire who will read your lines with you and set up the right lighting/atmosphere in the Los Angeles area? I have an iPhone and a tripod, but I don't want the lack of quality to distract or worsen my performance. If you guys have any ideas or tips I would appreciate it. Could I ask my agent if an assistant could help me and use a room in their office? Or would that be unprofessional?
Acting video: Hollywood actress teaches how to roast a chicken dinner by Camslow • last post Jul 15th
know the name of the actress who teaches acting and how to roast a chicken dinner in the same course? there may be a video out there...
Extras by Alex Scoras • last post Jul 14th
So I'm a local of Manasquan, NJ about an hour from the big city NY... Might anyone here have any know how in NYC Extras work, any tips? Thanks everyone posting advice!
Looking for female voice actors [PAID] by gage-allen • last post Jul 14th
We're looking for female voice actresses. American and English accents are welcome. Submit previous work and rates to: [info@playeronetrailers.com](mailto:info@playeronetrailers.com) Our work: [www.playeronetrailers.com](https://www.playeronetrailers.com)
Did I eff up my Commercial Callback? Any advice, encouragement, or perspective is welcome and appreciated. by Khanduit48 • last post Jul 14th
I just finished a callback for a SAG commercial and I was really excited about it. The spot is super funny and fun and, naturally, I want to book it badly. The first take was good enough. But during my second take, nerves/ excitement overtook me and - while I finished my line and action - I felt like I left my body for a second. My hands got shaky and I completely lost focus. Again, I hit my line and followed through, but I hate walking away from an audition feeling like I didn’t do what I came to do. I play it back in my head to see if I can learn anything from it, but end up just feeling worse. What do others do to work out these post-audition dramas/traumas. I am actively trying to “let it go” and “leave it on the audition room floor”...being able to see a positive might help. How do I find the silver lining? Thanks all!!
Feedback on my actors website! by TheBigDog81 • last post Jul 14th