We have found 19,293 posts across 4 actor forums:
Always love some good advice by Austin Cecil • last post Jul 10th
Hey there, I’m an aspiring actor like a lot of us here, but this goes out to anyone with any bit of experience. I adore spontaneity and meeting strangers, face to face communication is a godsend for me. Where might someone like me run into just the right kind of people who can help me keep going? Actors? Producers? Screenwriters? Tech? Where, in your experience did you guys find yourselves surrounded most with these kinds of people, be they agents, directors or other actors? Besides the set.
Type of projects you can self-submit for by Enjolras55 • last post Jul 10th
I've yet to try submitting on places like Actors Access yet. Haven't seen much with roles I fit yet. Do places like AA ever post bigger name projects like Netflix/Amazon originals, feature films, etc.? Or is it basically a requirement to have an agent to ever get a shot at auditioning for those types of projects?
Does it bother you when a actor just starting out gets a big role, yet, you, auditioning for years, can’t seem to make it? by MickyKaMoodle • last post Jul 10th
Is the summer slump a thing? by worldtraveler9700 • last post Jul 10th
Does summer usually slow down for everyone? I typically get casting calls from a Casting Director during the week because I'm on their list of actors they look at first for jobs. They're usually non-union and I don't typically get one everyday, but I haven't heard from them in a month. I'm wondering if it's because summer is just slower all around or I'm doing something wrong? I updated my materials less than six months ago
Would you put college troupes on an acting resume if you're 23? by weenis_ • last post Jul 10th
I am starting some classes in film/TV acting but so far all my experience has been in comedy/sketch/improv. They don't see me as a real actor and it sucks. I have taken a few fundamental classes in college, then completed all of UCB, and was performing regularly around town at theaters like iO and Groundlings... but no official classes or work otherwise, cause I am a comedy writer. I COULD list all the random troupes I was in... I am trying to place in an intermediate class instead of beginners and even tho I told the girl at the desk I should be in beginners, she said if I had all that under my belt beginners would be a waste of money. So if I AM gonna make a resume and apply, should I include all that? I'm trying to write it and it seems... bad.
Has anyone in Los Angeles used Actor's Salon? by lemjne • last post Jul 10th
Hi all. Actor's Salon in Los Angeles has a group that meets weekly to set goals and keep each other focused and accountable. I'm thinking of joining, but don't want to spend the $200 a month if it's useless. Has anybody used this program and found it to be effective? Or, used and hated it? Any feedback you may have is appreciated. Thanks!
An acting quote that I found inspiring. by Stephen Foster • last post Jul 9th
"There is someone in the audience tonight who auditioned me 30 years ago, and told me I was untalented and unphotogenic and I should quit trying to be an actress. Well, 30 years later, here I am, Emmy in hand. I won’t mention your name. But you know who you are. And you WILL be in The Book!"
—Rue McClanahan (Emmy Acceptance Speech)
LA Newbie Looking to Connect : ) by Katie Ritz • last post Jul 9th
Hello All!
I recently moved to LA from NYC ~ I am excited to explore this new city, meet some delightful new humans and enjoy the sunshine!
In NYC, I created a collective of creatives (writers/editors/actors/directors) with the aim of working together to tell inspiring stories and create awesome content. Now that I am across the country, I am looking to expand the collective with new voices, stories, & experiences. I would love to connect with fellow creatives (actors, directors, cinematographers, writers, etc.) who are interested in creating independent features/series/shorts in a collaborative setting. If you are interested, let me know and we can grab some coffee & chat!
BEATS = TACTICS by Winniehiller • last post Jul 9th
Most acting coaches teach about analyzing your script and breaking it up into “beats”. What does this mean? For me, I prefer to use the word “tactics”. These are ways your character attempts to achieve his or her “objective” in the scene. Your objective is what your character desires to achieve with the other character(s) in the scene. It is a single intention that lasts throughout the scene, from beginning to end (unless an event occurs to alter it, like a fire breaking out in the middle of a marriage proposal). The aim is to change the other character from point A to point B. The other character is resisting the change in some way or has the opposite opinion. This is what propels your character through the scene...and the test of whether he achieves his goal is always in the other character. Remember, the scene is never about you. It is about the other person and whether or not you succeed with him or her. When deciding on your objective, it shouldn’t be too easy and it should be something interesting to attempt...something with a definite success or failure by the end of the scene. So your character is on a singular mission to influence someone else. That does not fluctuate. What does change, (and needs to change to make an interesting performance) is the different ways he attempts to make this happen. He/she tries different tactics to get the other character to shift their position. Think back to when you were a child and you were trying to convince your parent to take you somewhere fun...like an amusement park. You might start out by saying, sweetly, “Mom...I cleaned up my room and I finished all my homework for the weekend...and I did get an A on that history test. Could we go to Disneyland?” We might call that the “I’ve been good” tactic. But even though Mom is impressed with all your good deeds, she says this isn’t a good time for her to go to “The happiest place on earth”. You have failed so far. You need to try something different. So you say, “But Mom, all my friends are going tomorrow. I’ll be the only one who isn’t there!”. Now you are employing guilt to get what you want. We might call this the “poor me” tactic. Still, Mom does not comply. Time to try something new. So you plop yourself down on the couch and cross your arms as you stick out your lower lip and say, “Forget it! You never understand.” This could be called the “pouting” tactic. This definitely does not convince your mother, but it was worth a try. To your chagrin, she says no. This sends you into a desperate flurry. Tears well up in your eyes as your face turns red and you scream, “Just leave me alone! You’re the worst mother ever!” You run to your room and slam the door. This we will call the “angry” tactic. Perhaps not the best move, but what you were hoping for is that she would follow you into your room and say, “I’m sorry honey. I can see this is important to you. Of course you can go.” If she had agreed at anytime during the scene, you would not have needed to try the other tactics. It was her refusal to be affected by the chosen strategy that made you try a new one. In fact if she had shown any sign that one of the tactics was working you wouldn’t have changed it. You would have played it for all it was worth. It is always the other character that causes you to either continue or alter your strategy. The test is in the other person. But there is nothing more boring than playing one tactic throughout an entire scene. When choosing a monologue or scene for audition purposes, you want to look for one that has many opportunities for different tactics. I see actors scream with anger throughout an entire audition, thinking they are being very dramatic. They are just being unimaginative and dull. Read your script carefully and look for the tactics and when they change. If it is well written, they will be easy to find. A tactic can last a whole paragraph or you could have several tactics in one sentence. But you want to be aware of the changes and be able to allow the other character’s reaction to you to trigger them. Look back and see how different each of the above tactics are. Think of how different you could make them. Each tactic allows you to travel to a whole new realm of your character’s personality. This is what makes for an interesting performance...both for you and your audience. One challenging objective with many different tactics = one fantastic scene.
How easy did you find it to switch from stage to screen? by foxofthestorybooks • last post Jul 9th
Being from the country, I have a lot of theatre experience. I love it, but when I move to the city I’d like to delve more into film auditions. This has always been more interesting to me since I prefer realism in acting and I even have the tiniest bit of film experience with workshops, being an extra and whatnot. But as a whole, would you say that the entire acting process feels completely different? Is it almost like starting from scratch?
First ever monologue. Seeking some feedback :) by Ramoach • last post Jul 9th
Why do actors get blamed for poor box office returns? by OnlineJethro • last post Jul 9th
For the most part, the actor didn't write the film, didn't direct themselves or cast themselves in the role they are playing yet they get blamed for poor box office results for the films they are in.
ATL vs NYC vs LA by intothevortex87 • last post Jul 9th
I know this gets asked all the time, but if you really had to choose a place to stay long-term, pros and cons, which one do you think has the most opportunities for film/tv, best cost of living, easy accessibility, plentiful networking, good quality of life, etc.
Virtual Self-Tape Readers by nukeman35 • last post Jul 9th
Hi Folks! As actors, I'm sure some of us find it hard to find a partner to read especially when we're on a tight submission deadline. So I was thinking, perhaps this can be a friendly thread for people to offer/ask for reader whenever a partner is needed virtually. (If there is an existing thread for this, I apologize in advance) My idea is mainly having people comment with their offer and how they prefer to be contacted to "shake hands" and arrange a reading session. Also a program I recommend that can facilitate this (on phone or PC) is Zoom which also can record your cam session with your partner. Break A Leg, Everyone!
MFA Programs by Adjourned • last post Jul 9th
Hey guys - I've asked this in the Discord before, but didn't get much of a response. Does anyone know of MFA Acting programs that offer stipends, partial/full-funding, teaching assistant-ships in the US, UK or AUS? I'm a Canadian actor looking to audition for MFA programs, and sadly there's only one MFA Acting program in Canada that I know of. I'd love to audition for a school in the US, or the UK, but funding is going to be an issue, as already expensive schools double in price given my 'international student' status. In case anyone wants to know why I'm looking at getting an MFA - there are two reasons: 1. It's a terminal degree, and I'd like to teach acting at a University or CC in the future. 2. More training. Any advice or words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Why aren’t you hanging out with celebrities? by Mylifereddit • last post Jul 9th
What would you respond to this question? Say it comes up you worked on a movie with big celebrities and eventually they ask this. Why aren’t you hanging out with celebrities?
Was Sam a recruit? She has mentioned several times that she knows very little about the game. by bluemoonsan • last post Jul 9th
On feeds she told Rockstar that she did very minimal research prior to entering the game as well. I know recruits typically have a large social media following, are on those ‘ actor’websites, or have auditioned for other CBS shows..so how was Sam found? It’s pretty obvious she didn’t apply herself.
Recent Drama School graduate looking for some advice. by cameronben47 • last post Jul 9th
Hey everyone, Firstly I wanted to say thank you to everyone apart of this community. This career choice can be incredibly daunting at times and knowing these is always support really means a lot. I just graduated from drama school about 3 weeks ago and I have a lot of questions I think you could help with. \- Being in a structured drama makes it incredibly easy, because you have to be in class at certain times and someone telling you what to do all day. What do you do daily to be a better actor and stay focused? \- What voice and body work do you do? \- For approaching agents, my plan is to self tape three different scenes showing three different sides of myself. What are your thoughts on this? \- In terms of agents, I don't know anything about them. How should I pick which ones I am going to approach? \- And lastly, I have set up some meetings with working actors and directors over the next couple of weeks. What questions should I be asking them? Thank you so much!
Is acting a viable career option? by DaBluBerri • last post Jul 9th
I want to make people happy. I really feel like that's what I'm supposed to do with my life, and I want it to happen. However, I don't want to waste four years of my life pursuing a dream that will end up being Just a distraction from an actual career. It seems like everyone wants to be famous nowadays, so I feel like my chances of making a living and surviving off of acting are slim to none. So basically I'm asking you fellow actoids who are currently in the business, if the day to day stress of whether or not you'll find a job or even an audition, and the low wages is worth it to follow my dream, as opposed to working an average job with a solid retirement plan. Thank you for the help!
Is there an alternative to method acting? by GeeOKeem • last post Jul 9th
Im personally not a big fan of method acting but it seems to be the most mainstream technique, is there any other useful techniques? Of so would you mind sharing what exactly they might entail?