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We have found 19,445 posts across 4 actor forums:

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.

Super confused about SAG-AFTRA P&H by RaeADropOfGoldenSun  •  last post Aug 8th

Hi. I worked as a principal actor on a union movie this summer and got union eligibility. I am not a SAG-AFTRA member, but I am now officially eligible. My paychecks say that a couple hundred dollars were put into SAG P&H. I know that this is Pension & Health, and I know that a certain percentage of earnings are automatically put into it for all performers on a union project, regardless of whether they are union performers. I'm confused about pretty much everything else. What exactly is this money for? If I never join the union what happens to it? The SAG P&H website won't let me make an account (perhaps because I'm technically non-union) so do I have any way to monitor this money? Any union members who can explain better than the god-awful SAG-AFTRA website would be greatly appreciated.

Looking for Female Voice Actresses (PAID) by SBJTV  •  last post Aug 7th

I'm currently working on a horror movie project and I'm seeking out a female voice actor to fill a role for a supporting character. Movie Title: Clownhouse 3 https://preview.redd.it/kxyvx3lbrqe11.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=7723bf3fc3d39bd8ac4d5ddb385079c807a1796e Budget: $20 Character: Melissa: Personality: Charming, caring, Family Orientated Script Pages: 7 The plot follows the sequence of the previous installment Clownhouse 2, which was about 7 college kids visiting an old friend for the weekend and they run into paranormal activities along the way. It is soon discovered that a sinister Clown whose identity is unknown was the reasoning for behind all of that and Adam Rhoades (The main character) who became the sole survivor from the incident is seeking out revenge and the story follows on to Part 3.  Part 3 is really just the revenge story. Adam has lost everything and at this point he's more vengeful, dark, depressed and remorseless and won't let anything stop him from finding the killer. He is also confronted multiple times by his dead girlfriend who is only an hallucination of his imagination and she is at this time shown to be more evil than her previous form. This is the Clowns way of basically playing mind games with Adam If you are interested, link me your email and I'll send you a short demo of the script for an audition. Thank you \-Sylvron

Headshot photographer William David (Act4ward) caution by Dinoash1558  •  last post Aug 7th

Hello. I'm an ex-actor from the UK and was approached by William David through the StarNow website some years ago, having just turned 16 at the time. He offered me free headshots as he explained that he was building a new website, so this would benefit us both. The shoot itself started well, but he continued to ask me to remove my shirt. He pressured me, as he said it was industry standard and I would lose out on jobs if I seemed unwilling. I was never physically touched, but was pressured during this session to remove me underwear also. I never received these images, nor do. I know what he did with them. This is the first time that I have ever mentioned this experience, but working through past issues to resolve some underlying trauma has brought this to. The surface. I deeply suggest that any parents of teenagers avoid this photographer and ALWAYS go with your kids to these kind of shoots. These people prey on the young, naive and ambitious. I hope that this post helps somebody. If anything just exercise caution and remember that if it seems too good to be true, that it probably is. Looking back, my nativity when I was younger was hugely concerning, especially because I wanted to break into the industry so very much.

Best save you've seen in a production? by X019  •  last post Aug 7th

I messed up on stage on Sunday, but made an alright save. It got me wondering, what's the best save you've had or seen in a production you've been in?

Can you work on Non-Union projects as a Sag-Aftra OK 30? by haruhiri  •  last post Aug 7th

Hi Reddit, So, I was a child actor and then stopped for six years to go to college. I have picked up the business again and was curious about my SAG-Aftra status. I called SAG and they said I can work on Union projects since I am under OK-30 (I can book a Union job, but within 30 days of the Union project submission, I must reactiviate by paying a fee). My question is, am I allowed to work on non-union projects with an OK 30 until I get a Union job?

Acting at 6'8"? by RedKeviin  •  last post Aug 7th

Yeah, yeah... "go grab my rebound instead" But on a serious note, I feel like i could never become a real working actor because I'm way too tall for 99% of roles and I feel like no directors would pick me for any roles no matter how talented I may be. What do you guys think?

Experiences of cast members sucking up and networking on set? by mirrorsarereflective  •  last post Aug 7th

What is the difference between sucking up and networking on set? I had a paid short a few weeks ago. Basically, though nobody there is famous, I felt some of the actors were trying hard to "talk to impress" rather than to build connection. When two more experienced actors with great agencies started talking of their bookings or agency, the others who were new, would aggressively try to start or dominate the group conversation to get the experienced actor's attention. I felt like the way they were doing it was aggressive... they tried talking to them and aggressively asking them questions and talking nonstop. At first, I thought it was typical conversation. But I realized it was more when I tried to hop on the conversation and was somewhat dismissed (they would quickly answer my question and instead of incorporating me into the convo, they kept going)'. Like the new actors would talk in a way where nobody could interject, add or comment excpet between themselves and Sam or John. I noticed too that they didnt seem interested in talking to me nor other new actors, but would go crazy to talk to these more experienced actors. Like they didnt really continue the conversation with me or were quite dismissive. Then it got stranger on set. Basically, the lead was also a writer of the project. The new actors were silent on camera and in a corner. I was paired with the lead. I noticed the new actors kept yelling comments In hopes of coming off as clever or funny. Or they kept laughing or try tossing in puns and funny jokes when the lead said something. It was weird because the lead was not even listening. Also, rather than talking to each other they kept trying to get the directors attention. Another actor was paired up with the new actors, and they left him there sitting quietly and awkardly while they tried to get the lead's attention. I felt it was clear they were getting the attn of the lead and experienced actors because even on set, they spoke to no one except the higher ups. They didnt chit chat with the AD nor with the sound guy nor with anybody else. . I just felt weird after the shooting finished. It felt desperate. I also felt isolated. It was the weirdest thing I experiences and I dont know if im misinterpreting this. This is just for fun and my own knowledge and it really serves no other purpose other than to hear what others experiences are.

What are some good acting tips? by KaleidoscopicKait  •  last post Aug 7th

I saw someone in the comments of a post the other day giving advice to an actor that often gets nervous while performing. They said "Your nervousness while performing comes out of your own feel of failure. Is this what your character is thinking about?" I'm finding this really useful in helping me with my own nervousness. Their advice accentuates how important it is to really *be* your character, not just imitate them. Do you guys have any other good tips? Not necessarily about nerves while performing. Thanks.

Scam heads-up by thisisnotarealperson  •  last post Aug 7th

I just wanted to keep this info in circulation because the people behind this scam keep changing company names and reaching out to actors on casting sites, often Backstage, who to their credit is doing what they can to play whack-a-mole with the scammers. --- The way the scam works is you'll get a cold contact from a production company telling you they've seen your profile and they want to use you in a commercial. They'll throw a bunch of words at you (see below) that essentially give you no details on the actual project, other than the fact that they'll be sending you a check for several thousand dollars to buy your own wardrobe for the project. This is not how legitimate productions operate. The check is fraudulent and if you deposit it and spend money, they'll ask you to send some money back. By the time you find out their check was worthless you've already sent them your own good money. This is an [advance-fee scam.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance-fee_scam) Here's an example of the message you may receive from these people: >We have acknowledged the receipt of your information and application form via email, and have properly examined it. After going through your profile, Our highly esteemed Team Of Professionals have been able to access your credibility and potential. Based on this fact, the Board of Fillmore Films have decided to grant you an opportunity to partake in this shoot. On the above subject matter, the Fillmore Films hereby congratulates you on your successful emergence. It is a great honor to have you in our team. Congratulations and welcome! We hope you will have an amazing time working with us, we are looking forward for the company’s success with you. We believe in your skills, talents and knowledge that you can use for our clients and company’s improvement. Further details are as follows: REMUNERATION : $5,000 USD [ (You will be paid an Upfront of $500) (Balance : $4,500 to be paid immediately after the shoot) RETAINER, PRE-NEGOTIATIONS & WARDROBE EXPENSES : You’ll receive An All-In-One Check for $4,990 to cover for your upfront payment ($500) and that of your wardrobe. You’ll be using the difference ($4,490) for your wardrobe as soon as the funds clears your bank, further instructions on how to obtain your wardrobe will be provided to you. Please confirm that you understand and agree. LOCATION OF THE SHOOT : We have to make sure everything is in place before we confirm our location booking. We are currently looking between studios because we need to pick the one available at the time you receive your wardrobe and everything is ready to go. So I'll let you know the details ahead of time as soon as you have your wardrobe in place. OTHER REQUIREMENTS : You must be able to take directions and easy to work with. Good working relationship can mean long term working relationship with the company. MEASUREMENT & STATS: Kindly provide us with the information below where applicable AgeHeightEyesBustWaistHipsDressShoes BILLING INFORMATION Name on Check :Address and apartment number (If any) :City, State and Zip code :Cell phone number : RELEASE & CONTRACT LETTER : The release and agreement letter has been attached below, kindly download it, sign it and revert via email. You can also sign it electronically. Please be kind to send the measurement & stats and contract letter as soon as possible as we cannot proceed without it. If you don’t have a print or cannot sign the model release, you can sign the attestation below : ATTESTATION : I, the undersigned, do hereby attest that I have read, understood and agree to the terms and condition of the model release form attached to this email. …………………………………… Name and Date Thanks in anticipation --- There are a few ways to tell these companies are not legitimate, other than the terrible grammar in that message and the knowledge that no one pays upfront like that or makes you buy your own wardrobe with their money. Spend a moment to look at their website, if they reach out to you. Here's an example of the latest, which may be defunct by the time you read this message: http://amormediaprod.com. It says they were formed in 2011, yet the WHOIS info for the domain shows a site creation of 7/25/18. The site is never more than a few months old. Check out the "Contact" page and do some image searches of the people listed there. It turns out that Brad Alonso and Kimberly O'Brien are actually Andrew Thompson and Lucy Bailey of Explore Films. The others listed there are directors for an American company also called Explore Media. Also there's no footage whatsoever on the website, just pictures most likely culled from other legitimate companies' sites. If you're in this business, the first thing you want to do is show people your work. --- Here is a post on the Backstage forums on the topic: https://www.backstage.com/forums/working-actor/beware-scam-884/ --- Here's a list of companies that have been fabricated for the scam: Choice Digital Media Springview Films MVM Inc. Fresno CA Bryanston Productions Benmore Productions Sasol Media Smartcraft Production Fillmore Films Amor Media

Finished filming my first role, how should I put it on my resume? by sbenthuggin  •  last post Aug 7th

And should even I do it now, or wait the like 6 months until it's actually out so casting can actually look me up? If I should wait then the rest of my questions don't need to be read. As well, should I go ahead and start an imdb or something to make it legit? The role was a killer in a low budget tv series documentary, but the show is still filming the first season, so it is an actual show. I'm also unsure what to call it. Between me and the woman playing the victim, we had the most scenes. What does that count as? A star, even though it's not an ongoing thing and just one episode? I'm scared that'll be misleading, and can't find any more specific terminology. Maybe guest star? I'm going off the resume template of Actors Access btw. Also, since the show isn't out, how should I fill in what is usually the network? I can't find out what network it'll be put on. Should I just put the director's name, instead? Thanks if anyone can help. I can't seem to find these specific questions anywhere.

How to find local actors? by ReflexOrigins  •  last post Aug 7th

I getting into make short films and music videos. I live in the DC area, but there are ZERO actors or talented people here. Whats a good resource/tip to find actors and set up auditions? Thanks!

Recommend a photographer by Johanna Marshall  •  last post Aug 6th

Hi everyone.yes, I know that they are readily available in droves, but I am seeking someone who can capture CHARACTER!!!!I see so many pix , so many smiles, so many looks even without smiles, but their essence isn't visible. IF you understand what I am asking for I would appreciate a referral and please to all other photographers I mean no disrespect. Thank you for understanding and acknowledging my request..........JM

Should I not audition more until I finished my training? by StrobeRogers  •  last post Aug 6th

Guys, I have been off and on acting in some form since 2002. I only really got some kind of definite real training starting in 2014..I'm in my late 30s now. I have taken acting classes in community college, some in workshops, some in high school but nothing to really form me until recently. I'm finally taking my dance classes now..finishing a summer ballet class this week. I want to take jazz and contemporary workshops that my school is offering soon. I don't audition because I never see myself in anything.. (I've been described as a tall Latin clerk Kent) I don't know what to do besides take more dance class and voice classes because that's what I h avent really focused on. After I get those done, I keep wanting to find a conservatory but I think I should just audition and let that decide for me. Any help would be great. Thank you.

Male theater actors under 5'10 do you find it hard to land leading roles? by Entershakira  •  last post Aug 6th

The minute I am at call backs for any show and I see someone who is at least 5'10 I know for damn sure they're probably getting the leading role. The only times I've ever landed a leading role is when we were all roughly the same height or I was about an inch taller than everyone else. Is height really that big a factor in theater?