We have found 19,413 posts across 4 actor forums:
How did you know you wanted to be an actor? by kyle768 • last post Jul 6th
How's your survival job going? Making enough to meet bills and be free for auditions? Want to just vent about it? Ask about other actors' jobs? by thetendy • last post Jul 6th
These conversations come up every so often, but I figured we could get an updated one!
Can't get natural tears on stage (advice needed) by fieryroad • last post Jul 6th
Hi guys. I'm in drama school training to be an actor, attending my last year from September. Whether well-perceived or not by the audience, the ability to tear up is considered an additional asset for the actor. So far I've found myself incapable of crying... I've tried many things (found on wiki and such) but I'd like to cause it naturally, without drops or tricks. I'm the kind of person who would cry easily in their life. But on stage, even though I am told very nice things about my acting, it's hard to get carried away and lose myself to the point that could cause me to tear up. Teachers say I usually am on the "brainy" side of it. Emotional memory hasn't helped, though I've had my share of experiences to use for this. I consider taking my contact lenses off in case that might expose my eyes to more sensitivity... It is something I haven't tried yet because I can't see very well without them. Any help from the more experienced? Thanks guys
I want to brainstorm. What are the best paths to stardom? by mfletcher1006 • last post Jul 5th
I think that if any of us were told what the price was that we had to pay in order to achieve the level of success we want in this business, than we would pay it. That being said the price itself is not inherent or obvious in any way. I watch my friends all struggling down different paths that they are sure will lead to stardom. They want at least to be paid actors, but in their hearts they want to be stars. But none of them seem to have the right answer... Some put all of their time and money into theater degrees in college, acting classes, and workshops. Others say that experience is the best teacher and working as background and paying your dues will get you there. Others say writing your own content and staring in it is the way to go. Still some say "just get noticed, then work on your craft," and they sink themselves into posting on social media and networking. And so many say just drop everything and move to L.A. and things will work out. Modeling, screenwriting, working on crew, directors assistant, stuntman, YouTube star, stand up comedian; there are a hundred different paths that people say to take to get there, but which one is the surest? Which one is the right path? Where should we invest our time and efforts and which paths should we avoid? What do you guys think? If you had to map out the path to your dream where would you spend your time? Where would you put the most effort? How do we get there? Please discuss.
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Jul 5 by AutoModerator • last post Jul 5th
Use this thread to post your headshots for feedback, get info on your age range/type, find good headshot photographers, ask any questions you may have about headshots. If you are posting a DIY headshot for feedback, and not just a snapshot in order to get feedback on your age range/type/etc, it is advised that you do at least some basic research on what actor headshots look like--composition, framing, lighting. You will find a Google Image search for "actor headshots" to be very helpful for this. For what it's worth, the branding workshop at SAG-AFTRA recommends a five-year age range. That's inclusive, so for example 19-23, 25-29, 34-38, etc.
Actor Website and Headshot Feedback by Flair4theatricks • last post Jul 5th
Hello! I'm new to reddit, so please be kind! My agency hasn't been very helpful with getting me auditions or giving me feedback on my new headshots/site, so I'd love to get some honest feedback and constructive criticism on my acting website from this community: [www.rachaelalethea.com](https://www.rachaelalethea.com) I'd also love to connect via IG: [www.instagram.com/rachael\_alethea](https://www.instagram.com/rachael_alethea) (I do follow for follow, but if you're just trying to increase your numbers and unfollow later, I'll do the same.) xoxo https://i.redd.it/b9kv3709i5811.jpg
How long are actors typically on avail? by unicorn626 • last post Jul 5th
As of 5 minutes ago it's been 3 days since my agent called to tell me I'm on avail for a national commercial. I officially sgned with them 8 days ago, so I wasn't expecting anything this soon. I'm used to just letting an audition go and forgetting about it, but shooting is in LA next week so this feels a little more stressful. Long story short how long are actors typically on avail? How long should I expect to get an answer...?
Experience travels by dtonationify • last post Jul 5th
today i was honestly thinking of ways i could expand my horizons before really launching into the real world and business of acting, i have been acting since my childhood and right now i am on the verge of adulthood (i'm 17), and I was thinking of a few things i could or should do (and maybe other actors could too) before professionally starting to pursue their BA or MA in the arts: * trip to rural Nepal? for a year or so - away from the modern, materialistic world. maybe there, you could experience true human nature, or see for yourself how other people around the world might act and live differently then us in the western one. kind of like to give a perception on the different ways people live their lives, however stupidly and boring they may be (and implementing these thoughts and experiences into characters we are chosen to play in the future) * homeless for a year? ok, i know it sounds crazy - but bear with me for a while. potentially, you could be exposed and unveiled to thousands of different experiences than the ones we are granted in real life; being (very much) at the mercy of others, trying all you can to find food and an ideal living for yourself, maybe while working a labor job (cleaning windows) ... (of course- you can have money in the bank or a place to stay/rent for emergency situations), but over all just experiencing a different perception in life (like the Nepal idea) * enlisting in the military? originally from Canada, grew up in Israel, and coming back to the US, i have never really fought for something I stand for, and recently i thought going and giving my part to the country by serving (and i'm talking about being deployed for tours) in Afghanistan/Iraq (i know i'm going far again, and war is no joke), but honestly, being this close to danger and fighting for something you stand for to overall seems like an experience that every actor should have, even though like many teachers (Hagen, Chubbuck etc.) say that even if you weren't in a "life endangering" situation you can implement a similar situation of sorts. i feel being dedicated to something, fighting for a cause, having extreme discipline and overall using less of your emotions (and using more impulse) of course, through all of this, i will still be up to date and practicing in order not to let my skills that i have acquired so far get rusty opinions? have you ever though/will do something like this?
Taking a different step on my path to becoming a professional actor. by bigguysmalldog • last post Jul 5th
Friendly reminder: Assume the best in people on this sub, not the worst by GeniusUnleashed • last post Jul 5th
After a lengthy back and forth in a previous post because a person felt "insulted", I felt it would be a great time to discuss our ability to "choose" how to react to situations. As actors, we're all highly empathetic and sensitive people, it's the thing that draws a lot of us to acting. That sensitivity can lead to hurt feelings sometimes when things get misconstrued. When posting on this sub, choose to assume the best in people, not the worst. Email and text (messaging) can be a very misleading medium, and it's easy to misconstrue something we read choose to be hurt by it. I for one, am a very direct person. I rely on my charm in person to cover for my directness. Unfortunately my directness can comes across as gruff or terse when written down and I can't rely on a smile or smirk to diffuse the content. I'm aware of this and do my best to avoid mistakes, but I'm not perfect. As English speakers, we come from a plethora or locales, and regional colloquialisms change from city to city, state to state, region to region, country to country, and continent to continent. So instead of assuming someone is putting you down, try to give them the benefit of the doubt that they aren't trying to hurt your feelings, and remember that no one has the power to "make" you feel something. We're all here to learn more about acting and we need to remember that there is no "right way" to do something, every area is going to be different, just like every agent, CD, director and producer is going to give conflicting directions on how to do something. It's the most frustrating thing (for me) about our industry. If you're unsure about someone's comment, don't be afraid to ask. If the person seems like they're having a bad day, thank them for their comment and move on with your life, it's the easiest way to end/diffuse a potential problem. If the person says they weren't trying to hurt your feelings, take them at face value and respect that we don't all think the same way or talk the same way. That being said, if a person in on this sub, and offering advice or responding to a question, let's all try to remember that we're here to help each other, not hurt each other (emotionally or career wise). Let's assume the best in people, not the worst.
I just hate the lack of feedback after auditions! by Theurbanalchemist • last post Jul 5th
So I’ve been going in for various casting directors for various shows/films for about two years. Loving the journey even with its ups and downs, but I hate not receiving some feedback as to how I did or why I didn’t book after something like a callback or directors session. I understand casting has a lot to do, but a nice “Hey we went with someone else, thanks for coming in” would kill days of anxiety and stress
Why are harsh teachers often the norm? And how do I “just get over it”? by ActorOnAJourney • last post Jul 4th
About to get into acting. Went to acting school, graduated and took care of my grandmother who was sick. Back now and basically starting over. I’m fine with being rejected in auditions. I am fine with critiques that are necessary but what i don’t understand is why some teachers simply must be harsh and unnecessarily almost insulting and somehow we normalize it and consider it a strength if we can handle it Yet in a normal job it would be seen as bosses being cruel unnecessary assholes or even harassment or discrimination Personally for me it was when a long time ago in school we were allowed to pick monologues and so I chose one and yet was asked to come to the front of the class after I announced my choice. My teacher put his hand on my shoulder and pointed to well dressed actors and said “ see you can play this role, and you can and you too and you too and oh by the way it has nothing to do with race but *you* (looks down with a smug smile at me) are a Shanley actor. Sit down.” Half the class snickered or giggled. Basically he meant I would never play any upper class person and to sit down. He was referencing playwright John Patrick Shanley whose characters are usually Bronx ghetto inner city people I never lived in the ghetto or spoke ghetto. I was poor and had limited wardrobe but it said nothing of my talent and I didn’t dress ghetto. One can be poor and not look like a thug or act classless What he didn’t know was I had been cast as Olivia in Twelfth Night by someone else and a part in Queen Elizabeth! I had won my $15000 scholarship off my damn Shakespeare Macbeth performance ffs. He took away from my limited cheap ugly wardrobe and my minority race IMO and deduced that I was some ghetto stereotype. He didn’t have to make a spectacle of it either He could have talked in private to express his views or at least allow me to perform it and then critique it he could’ve even just said “if you want to be taken more seriously for these types of roles will be helpful if you could try to get your wardrobe to look a little bit more sophisticated” but without the smug smile and without putting me IN FRONT of everyone I was shy and insecure after he said that and regret not saying something. If I had I’m sure I would be labeled as “easily offended and in need of thick skin” when in reality this guy is not allowing me to show my range or give me a chance Had he mentioned it to me in private and respectfully than I would’ve let him know that I was really struggling but that I would work on my image more. I was after all only 19 and had no job to save money with because school lended me no time to work except in the summer if it’s something I have to put up with then tell me how I’m supposed to respond & not develop resentment or feel like a doormat I haven’t taking an acting class since I graduated and some teachers were awesome
I feel I cannot morally or professionally continue to be a part of this company. Is there a tasteful way to leave a show? by urkel940 • last post Jul 4th
To be brief (I'd originally typed an essay but who has time?) while I respect the people in this company, they a part of an archaic practice in theatre I find a tad systemically racist, and falsely darken the skin of actors. I did not know this would be part of the process before I signed on. I actually declined its use until about midway through the run when I was told to begin use of the practice. I've been doing it for two weeks, and I cannot continue. Without trying to sound like a white knight-- I am a young person attempting to make any sort of difference with art, any sort of progression. This is not the way. To add on, it is run and essentially upheld by people ages 18 to 28. Without going into to much detail, it is a place that feels and usually acts like it is. A place run by people ages 18, to 28. I respect the people in this company, it's director, and it's staff. Many have been here for years. Many are my friends from my home town. How can I tastefully leave the company in good hands, the role I have is supporting and with an understudy who is very very talented. And seems much more in line with the show and company's values and style. I know there is no feasible way to do this without burning a few bridges, and I wonder in what way it would be best. Is acting a job in which you can, quit? Two weeks? Is that too long, and would make people feel uncomfortable? Or do I prep my understudy and jet? Stick it out and not include it on my resume maybe, but it just feels soul crushing. I am new, and looking for a bit of guidance.
Any thoughts on Angie's in Ottawa? For actors obviously, not models by i_dont_69_animals • last post Jul 4th
As the title says
WHAT YOU THINK IS WHAT YOU ARE! by Winniehiller • last post Jul 4th
When I was a little kid, whenever someone said something mean to me, I would reply in a singsongy voice, "What you say is what you are". Now I'm an acting coach and I tell my students "What you think is what you are". It's really the key to authentic character portrayal. In many acting classes, students are asked to do a lot of exercises to "Get out of their heads". In other words - stop thinking their own thoughts. Their own thoughts are often self critical and self conscious, making a good performance impossible. But what many actors are not taught, is that if they get out of their own heads without replacing their thoughts with the thoughts of their character, they end up with a mindless performance. The trick is to know your character well enough to know what he or she would think in every situation. For instance, if you are playing a murderer, one of your thoughts might be,"You deserve to die, you worthless SOB." If you are playing a victim you might think a thought like, "Bad things always happen to me". If you are playing a loser you might think a thought like, "Nobody likes me. You probably won't like me either". If you are playing a hero, you might choose to think a thought like, "You can count on me. I know how to take care of this". Actors need only think their character's thoughts constantly, as well as respond to others with their character's thoughts. These thoughts lead into the scripted words in a constant "stream of consciousness". Of course it takes a great imagination to understand and create an entire thought world for your character. But the thoughts will create feelings and emotions in the actors and the audience. It all snowballs into a very realistic experience. What does this have to do with all you "non-actors" out there? Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players". Whether you realize it or not, you are choosing the character you are playing every moment of your life by the thoughts you allow to run through your mind. Who do you want to play in this comedy/drama of your life? It's your choice. You are the star of the show, for sure, but will you play the victim, the loser, the villain or the hero? A lot of it is determined by the thoughts you choose to think. If you are thinking thoughts that you wouldn't say out loud, you need to know that you are projecting their message loudly and clearly, even if your lips aren't moving. The other characters in your story are responding to them as though you were saying them out loud. It's a heaven or hell creating situation. On stage or off, "What you think is what you are". Use your imagination to think about what kind of character you want to have. Think those kinds of thoughts. They will trigger the emotions and feelings that will attract what you want in your life. You are doing it, randomly anyway, when you allow your mind to "go wild". Might as well play the role you truly want to play. That's the end of today's lesson. Now that you are all trained actors, you can go out and "knock 'em dead", playing your role of a lifetime. I see Tony awards and Oscars in all of your futures! #winniesactinglesson
did any toronto actors ever take Lewis Baumander and Dean Armstrong acting classes? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Jul 4th
Pretty much the titles the experience like? I was recommended it and wanted to know! :-)
Why do people spam promote an acting studio/workshops? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Jul 4th
Have y'all noticed how some people aggressively promote an acting studio's class on fb groups? I noticed some of my colleagues post promoting X classes at X studio. It was so weird because I am trying to figure out what they are getting out of it. These people are not the owners or even coaches at the studio, but rather fellow actors (aspiring or established). Some of them may have taken classes there. They will oftenr share an overwhelmngly positive experience and post a link directly to the studio website to sign up for lessons. Or a pushy kind of post. Its very spammy. And at many times is spammed across different groups
Anonymous Acting Blog by hittingmymark • last post Jul 4th
Want some unfiltered musings on the industry from an aspiring actress? New blog launched recently: [hittingmymark.com](https://hittingmymark.com) (I'll also alert readers of new posts on instagram & twitter: @hittingmymark). I try to keep it real and talk about things a lot of aspiring actors and actresses might confront in this biz. Thanks for checking it out! PS: I'm not a newbie just hopping on to pimp this blog -- I've been reading r/acting for a while, but to maintain my anonymity, I created a new account to post this. Hope that's ok!
Just had a shitty experience as an extra by SmeargIe • last post Jul 4th
I was booked for two days on a project which consisted of very long work days. I worked for my first day and it was a lot of fun and I got to meet some very cool people, we even watched a movie together afterwords. I ended the night feeling really proud of myself being able to do something I love and quickly make friends and enjoy and evening with them. I came back home and found out my grandmother passed away. We weren't exactly close but I really loved her, there was a language barrier and all our conversations we're just me asking her how her day was and that I loved her in broken Spanish. Considering my previous work day was long and my house was busy with tons of people, and I had to book an impromptu flight to DR. I woke up the next day pretty exhausted and late. Now what I'm about to tell you really pissed me off. I called my agency to explain the situation to why I was late and I kid you not. The lady I called hung up on me as soon as I said my name. I was furious and I decided to call the other person in charge of me. (Let's call him Abraham.) Abraham let me explain my situation and he could easily tell how destroyed I was. (I didn't even have to go into detail, I just said it was a "family emergency" and he understood) He said he would fix everything and he said he hopes everything I'm okay and I have a good flight. I said I couldn't work being out of the country for a month and he took care of it. Abraham you are a true blessing to this world. I realize they're people who don't feel like working and just bail on projects and it can be difficult and frustrating, I understand that you have to be professional. However when you run a 24 hour hotline and you're working for an extra agency. You can spare a minute or two to listen what I have to say before you tell me off or hang up on me. I understand I don't matter whatsoever in this industry yet, but it's people like Abraham and even this onr actor I worked with that was really nice and talked to the extras and said we did an excellent job that really give me hope. If I become an actor I'm going to make sure people around me are having fun and their work is appreciated. Again, I understand about professionalism I am going to be professional but people who deliberately become assholes and treat others like shit really turn me off to this line of work. That being said I really enjoy being an extra (among other things) and I'm not going to let these people stop me from doing what I love. Thanks for reading my post sorry if this is a bit negative or mundane from other posts on this sub. I just really hope extras are treated better in the future.
My homely rules for staying in the acting game.... by Stephen Foster • last post Jul 3rd
Acting Practice Rules:
1. Never give up!
2. Keep it simple and specific.
3. Show up and be prepared.
4. Don’t say “I can’t.”
5. Follow your heart’s impulses and desires.
6. Keep moving, don’t stop.
7. Trust your mistakes.
8. Have fun.
9. You’re free to be the worst actor in the world.
10. Do one thing each day for your actor.