We have found 19,355 posts across 4 actor forums:
KNOW WHAT YOU’VE GOT TO SELL! by Winniehiller • last post Jul 25th
Today I was giving a character actor some advice, and I thought there might be some others here that could benefit from it. As actors you are both the salesman and the product. Many of you are going door to door, asking people to buy, and you don’t even know what you’ve got in your suitcase. If you want to be cast in movies and tv, you need to know who you are...what you look like...how others see you...what type of role might be your entrance into the acting world. Once you have your foot in the door you can broaden your horizons. But first, find your niche. Back before I became an acting coach in NYC and LA, I was an actress. I was doing everything from Shakespeare to Broadway musicals to commercials. I was hoping to get a commercial agent, because back then it was big bucks. But I didn’t start booking those lucrative national network spots until I booked my first spot as a quirky blonde. It was quit by accident that I got that spot. Commercial agents passed on me because they didn’t feel they knew how to cast me. I was an attractive blonde...big blue eyes. But not a cosmetic model with the cheekbones. They said I “fell in the cracks”. One day I was in a NY casting office, waiting while a friend was auditioning. Several casting people asked if I was there to audition. I said no at first, but finally said I would be glad to audition if they would like me to. They gave me sides for the Hershey’s Mr. Goodbar commercial. I was to play a 1950s movie goer. I had one line. “Oooh, like wow, like Mr. Goodbar”. I practiced it several different ways. I had just finished playing the role of Philia in “Funny Thing Happenened...” at The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and had used a silly little character voice. I used it. I booked it. Suddenly agents knew exactly what to send me on....always some kind of kooky or ditzy, funny or confused character. From then on I made it my mission to develop a wide variety of funny, ditzy characters. I learned accents (Brooklyn, Bronx, many types of Southern). I knew that was what they always wanted from me, so when I got a call, I tried to find a new take on what I had done before. I was known for it in the casting community as well as with producers and directors, so I booked a lot. I did a series of Miller Beer spots with Rodney Dangerfield. I had a Super Bowl commercial. Did spots with Karl Malden and Aretha Franklin. Close to 100 commercials. I credit this with learning how to market myself and being ready to play and do what they wanted. I tell you this, because if you are a character actor, you are the one who must develop interesting and unique versions of your stereotype. Know what is already in your suitcase. Use your skills to fill it up with who you are and what you do. Get ready. Being mundane won’t do it. Be unique and distinctive. Find your market and take it by storm!!!! Here is my very first commercial from way back in 1982. I’m the 1950s 3D movie goer. https://youtu.be/_af8lfcnw4w
Had my first audition, didn’t go as expected... by iReallyLikePicasso • last post Jul 25th
Small local theatre. Nerves got the best of me. I didn’t do as well as I could’ve. Got some lines mixed up... Afterwards they told me to do over some lines but in a southern accent. I did the best I could. I’m not going to kick myself in the butt for it, it’s all in the past now. I’m just grateful for the learning experience. Anyway, what are some ways to calm down the nerves before the audition? I WANT to blossom into a professional/talented actor and I know that this is just a stepping stone in the long journey of pursuing a career in acting. Any tips would be greatly appreciated
The Decline of the American Actor - The Atlantic. by CuspChaser111 • last post Jul 25th
(x-post from /r/changemyview) In a situation like this, isn't the casting director/director to blame and not the actor? by urkel940 • last post Jul 25th
Can I become an actor by WoofImDoge • last post Jul 25th
I was in plays and a theatre school when I was younger, I attended various auditions in London because I had some agent linked to my theatre school, and I had an acting teacher that help me sit graded exams in Lambda, I reached grade 7, however now I don’t go to college and haven’t done any of that stuff anymore, I was wondering if it was still possible for me to become an actor
AUDITION NERVES by Winniehiller • last post Jul 25th
Hi...it’s Winnie Hiller. I’m an acting coach in LA and though I work with a celebrity actor everyday on set, I like to coach and give advice to young actors who are new in the business, too. Yesterday I read a post here by a girl who had an audition that she felt didn’t go as planned. Nerves got the better of her, and she mixed up some of her lines. She was asking advice on how to overcome the nervousness that sometimes takes over when she needs to do her best. Almost everyone has experienced this so I thought I would share my answer with everyone. Nerves come from thinking about the possibility of failure. “I really need this job...I hope I don’t mess up...I want this part so much...my mouth is dry...I don’t think they are paying attention.”...all while you are supposed to be acting. These thoughts become the subtext of your text. Of course you look nervous. But this not what your character is thinking about. This is what YOU are thinking. If you are truly playing your role you will be completely immersed in the thought life of your character. What does he/she want from the other characters? He/she is thinking about how to get it - responding to what the others are doing and saying. The scripted lines you are saying are your character’s attempt to change the situation he/she is in. Your character is not auditioning. He/she is in a very different environment and feeling very different feelings. The more you allow your character to “take over” the less likely you are to experience your own self-doubt. You need to lose yourself in the fantasy of the scene. You need to push out your own thoughts and replace them with your character’s. When nerves take over, your problem is that YOU were trying to say the lines correctly. You weren’t allowing your character to say the lines for his/her own purpose. If you are immersed in the quest of your character, it won’t even matter if you say the lines exactly right. You are no longer a hopeful actor. You ARE your character. You know what you want. You know how you are going to try to get it. The other characters give you opposition and you respond accordingly. There is no time for your own worry and fear. Next time you feel nervous, allow your character to take over. He or she has completely different concerns. That takes the load off you.
Book recommendation: The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer by Psynergy • last post Jul 25th
This is more a reminder for a lot of long time subscribers to r/acting, but for any newer actors who haven't been here a long time: First of all, read the sidebar. If you did, you'd see Jenna Fischer's book in the recommended reading. I'm almost finished and I cannot recommend it enough. It is the most definitive guide to being an actor I've ever read. It covers many of the questions I see posted here a lot, or people reach out to me to answer Please please please buy or borrow it from your local library. It's well worth it
This is one if the interviews we discused. Actor and Producer Jim Thalman discusses success by Michael_Dinich • last post Jul 24th
did anybody on here move to LA knowing nobody? by intothevortex87 • last post Jul 24th
i'm at a point in my life where I either go full-force into pursuing acting, or do something else entirely, because i'm not really on the same page with any of my friends anymore, as a result of pursuing acting in NYC where most of my friends are in other industries, work opposite schedules, etc. i'd like to be around other actors and filmmakers, people that are making this their lives 24/7, and i haven't been able to find that in NYC. i guess this is a dumb question, but has anybody on here made the LA move to relocate knowing nobody out there? i'm planning on being crazy social when i get out there and making "meet new people / friends" a job, before I even get into acting out there.
TVI actors studio in LA, plus bonus question by BrammStroker • last post Jul 24th
Thinking about doing TVI's 5 day intensive in LA. Has anyone done it or heard anything about it from friends? I don't live there but I can make the drive pretty easily, just wondering if it's worth it. Bonus question: I was in a pretty big commercial but only had one non speaking scene that lasted maybe 5 seconds, but I was the focus of the scene. Should I add that to my reel? Thank you!
Why do some agents rep mediocore actors? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Jul 24th
This isnt meant to be rude but rather a judgment of audition tapes I have seen. I probably have managed to see over a hundred actors from well known agencies (found the agents video channel) . Just wanted to check out the competition. I was a little shocked. Some of these agents or managers are big names and the tapes of their actors (not just demo but actual audition tapes), were disappointing. It kinda is surprising considering there are many unrepped actors who cant get their foot in but have quite decent actinf chops.... Recentl I saw an audition tape for a casting call that is popular lately.I saw an actor who auditioned for it (audition was uploaded by the agent herself) and it basixally looked like the actor was clenching his jaw and yelling his lines rather than speaking. I can cherry pick a few more, but so far this is what is visible to me from these agents' channels. It makes me question a lot of things.... like what the hell do I do now. I get that an agent will rep based on things like type or so, but then why would you put your reputation as an agent on the line when you send in these mediocore acting tapes? I dont think I will ever know. This isnt meant to be a comparison if my abilities, since I am not xomfortable with judging my own abilities, but as a viewer, I am able to gauge the quality of an actors work. An agent when asked will tell you things like training and classes and skill and headshors, but then they contradict themselves and do the opposite by repping questionable talent. These are from five star agents
Stand Out by eeedwa • last post Jul 24th
Hey guys i'm just a kid, who's trying to start an app in a program Im in, If your an amateur actor or someone who wants to act please share this survey! I need a-lot of responses for statistics I only have 10. and I need then ASAP so can you guys do me a solid please!!!! [https://goo.gl/forms/ajcgXci3S7RCHfO72](https://goo.gl/forms/ajcgXci3S7RCHfO72)
YouTube Vlogs by Dallas White • last post Jul 24th
It’s happening folks!! I’ll be VLOGGING! Yes.. you will get the chance to see the real me and my crazy adventures in life! You can be the judge on my very first vlog (available this Thursday, July 26th) if you want to stick around for more! Details to come! For now, go ahead and SUBSCRIBE here: www.youtube.com/dallaswhitefilms
Full script memorization tips? by tierannical • last post Jul 24th
I got cast (yay!), but I haven’t really done any acting for the past few years. How do y’all memorize on your own?
As an aspire actor, should I keep a public Instagram? by CL0N3MAN • last post Jul 24th
Should I keep a public Instagram to network with people and to use as a sort of portfolio? I havnt done any professional work yet, I'm still in school getting my associate in fine arts. Is it a good idea to go ahead and have an Instagram or some other social media to upload my work to and to network on?
CASTING ULB FEATURE FILM - TRUST FALL by Mm2k • last post Jul 24th
Hey guys, I thought I would post an audition notice where the actors are. **TRUST FALL** **Feature Film** | **Non-Union** | Starts: **Sep 1, 2018** (flexible)| Filming in: **Orange,** **California,** **United States** ROMANCE/THRILLER - A homeless man saves an abused woman's life and they fall in love. They realize that no one can link them together, so they decide that they will murder each other's abusive spouses. This is going to be an UULB film that is going to be shot with available resources. All roles and positions are volunteer. It will be shot the same way Steven Soderbergh shot Unsane - with an iphone 7 and lenses. So, I'm actually looking for people who want to be a part of a project that they will not only have a good meaty acting role, but are willing to help out in any way possible. **Serious applicants only. If you do not have a head shot, you are not an actor**. Please send a self-taped monologue to [contact@kickvid.com](mailto:contact@kickvid.com) \- It doesn't have to be perfect, I just need to see your range. Don't reply here. ## ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: **Aug 15, 2018** AUDITION LOCATION: **Orange,** **California,** **United States** THIS PROJECT IS: **Unpaid.** non-union/volunteer SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Please submit a self-taped monologue to [contact@kickvid.com](mailto:contact@kickvid.com). It is fine if it is a previously taped piece or a new monologue. No reels. Don't reply here. ## Open Roles ## Eva Lead, Female, 25 - 30 yrsEva is the product of an abused marriage. She works double shifts at a restaurant to avoid going home. She seems shy and reserved, but is actually calculating and tough. PHYSIQUE: Slim or Average ETHNIC APPEARANCE: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latin/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern European, Indian/South Asian, Mediterranean, Mixed, Native American, or Pacific Islander ## Ryan Lead, Male, 25 - 30 yrs Ryan is a newly homeless guy, who was kicked out by his ex and is a drug user. He is a survivor who will do anything he can to make it through another day. He is not a bad person, just a guy who is a victim of circumstances. Must be willing to grow a beard or if you have a beard, must be willing to shave it off. PHYSIQUE: Slim, Average, or Athletic ETHNIC APPEARANCE: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latin/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern European, Indian/South Asian, Mediterranean, Mixed, Native American, or Pacific Islander ## Todd Supporting, Male, 25 - 30 yrs Eva's husband. Clean cut. He is the jealous type who always things Eva is cheating on him. PHYSIQUE: Slim, Average, or Athletic ETHNIC APPEARANCE: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latin/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern European, Indian/South Asian, Mediterranean, Mixed, Native American, or Pacific Islander ## Casey Supporting, female, 25 - 30 yrs Todd's ex. She hates him and wants him out of her life or dead. PHYSIQUE: Slim or Average ETHNIC APPEARANCE: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latin/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern European, Indian/South Asian, Mediterranean, Mixed, Native American, or Pacific Islander ## DeMarco Supporting, Male, 25 - 40 yrs The tough that runs drugs. You don't double cross this guy, he will make sure you pay. (Willing to cast against usual drug dealer types) ETHNIC APPEARANCE: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latin/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern European, Indian/South Asian, Mediterranean, Mixed, Native American, or Pacific Islander UNIQUE TRAITS: Could be/have: Little Person, Cerebral Palsy, Walking Impairment, or Wheelchair ## Gooch Supporting, Male, 25 - 35 yrs Ryan's drug dealer. A good guy at heart, and it just trying to make a living selling to low-lives on the street. An underling of DeMarco. ETHNIC APPEARANCE: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latin/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern European, Indian/South Asian, Mediterranean, Mixed, Native American, or Pacific Islander ## Grace Supporting, Female, 25 - 35 yrs Eva's friend from work. She is always butting in on Eva's business. ETHNIC APPEARANCE: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latin/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Eastern European, Indian/South Asian, Mediterranean, Mixed, Native American, or Pacific Islander ## Larry Supporting, Male 25 - 35 yrs - Beefy Casey's new man. He is a tough guy who does whatever Casey wants, even if it's to kill Ryan. ## Plus a few other roles that need to be filled.
Monologue question by actor2018canada • last post Jul 23rd
What are your thoughts? I've been working on the "Maybe I'm not good enough" scene from La La Land just for myself as I like to continually learn new scenes, but I'm also getting ready to submit stuff to potential agents. Would this be too big a scene to show to potential agencies? I've always heard to not do scenes from film as they'll always be compared, and this was a big movie. Should I risk it? I feel really good about it. And also, do you suggest sending a video in the submission or wait until they ask for it? I don't have a demo reel, and some agencies ask for videos but most of them don't. Should I send anyway or follow what they say? Thanks!
I hate still photos but am working towards being a film actress. by hatshepsut321 • last post Jul 23rd
I recently did headshots and it reminded me just how much I hate taking pictures of myself. It’s crazy because I don’t mind videos of me even though they aren’t always flattering but I always hate taking pictures. Does anyone else ever feel this way? One of the things I’m doing to get over this is taking more pictures/selfies. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to become more comfortable and confident when having pictures/headshots taken?
What is the max height limit for being a leading man in Hollywood by moneymakin33 • last post Jul 23rd
Would being 6’4 or 6’5 be considered too tall and not get an aspiring actor casted? Is this due to camera angles with other actors?