We have found 19,445 posts across 4 actor forums:
I am 15, and want to know what I can do now for my acting future. by brujulro • last post Jun 25th
Hi all. So yes, I am very young, maybe even too young for some of you to believe me, but acting is what I want to do. Full stop. Drama has been a beacon of light for me for a long time, and I am in love with the process of putting together a show, the character work, the technicalities, it is all just so fascinating to me. This is what I want to do when I grow up, but I want to do it in a smart way. I have read the sidebar (numerous times) but basically none of it applies to someone like me. I am in Drama Club at school, but I'm just so eager to get started developing myself as an artist while I'm in school, learning all I can. I am most interested in theatre and film acting. As a black girl, I'm optimistic about the current climate in the industry, with minorities starting to really make mainstream breakthroughs, and I want to be the best I can be so I can hang, really be competitive. I'm really inspired by actresses like Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington. I want to train somewhere good, I want to get down to the foundation of this craft and build a sturdy structure for myself so I can reach my full potential. But, of course again, I'm only 15 right now. My (very shaky) plan is to go to college for something other than acting and then train on the side, so I can at least support myself when I'm starting out as an adult. The degrees looking most attractive to me right now are maybe English, History, Communications, etc, but as for an actual career in those fields I'm a bit clueless. I really just want to know what I can do now to help myself for the future. I know you guys are full of wisdom and life experience, and I'm just so restless. What can I do to help myself now? Is there anything I should know for the future in regards to what I want to do (formal training, film & theatre work)? I'll take anything. Thanks so much.
How can I make a 20 year old actress look 10 years older? by Locogooner • last post Jun 25th
So my short film is about a retired ballerina. There's a short scene of her at the beginning of the film aged in her early 20s and then the rest of the film is set while she's in her early thirties. The actress is perfect for the role, just looks a bit young to make 30 look believable. The character is played by the same actress but I need her to look 10 years older for the rest of the film. What can be done? I've been told there are some makeup tricks that can be done. Even with some light prosthetic makeup work.
Started auditioning. by orangealiensmiling • last post Jun 24th
I been training acting and still on training. Recently I started auditioning like 1-2month ago. I haven’t casted to anything. Is thus normal for everyone? So far I been to about 10 auditions.
How do actors in movies cry tears in scenes? Do they disciss with director? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Jun 24th
films like Viola Davis in Doubt Or Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine, where they actresses are crying tears in scenes. Im talking about union projects and major ones. I dont get it. Does the actor tell the director that they will be crying and will be using a tear stick to help them cry? I doubt they are always crying from genuine emotion, so probably tear stick. How do you even bring this up to the director? Like does the actor say "hey mr director, id like to cry in this scene"
The best damned self tapes ever? by MarkiiMoe • last post Jun 24th
I have some serious overkill equipment sitting around my house from my brother’s film setup. So I figured why move a few things around my podcasting room and set a self tape studio for some extra cash. Equipment: Canon C100 mkii w/17-55mm lens Sennhieser Shotgun Mic Typical Lighting kit TV Monitor for HDMI output (Just need a backdrop) As I’m in the midst of setting up, I’d like to ask r/acting: If you were to go to location for self taping. What would be your version of a perfect five star self-tape experience? From the moment you step into the studio, to the moment you get your file via WeTransfer/Dropbox/Etc. I was an actor for 5 years and know how painful self-taping was for me every time I had to shamefully call a friend for a favour who either didn’t know how to give a good read or hold a camera properly. So now, I want to make sure that my self tape service can provide the locals with the best damned self tapes they’ve ever done. Thanks in advance for the input!
Question about casting sites like AA, Backstage by Enjolras55 • last post Jun 24th
When you submit to projects on things like Actors Access or Backstage, what do they typically ask you to prepare for an audition? Is it usually monologues, or do they send you sides before the audition? Is there any point of submitting if you don't have a slate or a demo reel? I have professional headshots (just one right now though), but I've only done theatre so I don't have reels or video.
25-year old Indonesian male aspiring to be a sex symbol in the US. What's the best way to start? by TheDarkKnightBegins • last post Jun 24th
Hi guys, I'm now 25 years old and 5 months, South East Asian, 167cm/5'6", quite athletic, speak English well and some French and Mandarin. I had an idea of becoming an actor when I was 16. But the thing is I didn't realize I was actually aiming to be a sex symbol instead of simply an actor. I mean Danny DeVito is a famous actor, but nowhere close to being a sex symbol. Tom Cruise is more like it in spite of his lack of height. One more problem is that I will be going leg lengthening surgery which should take me to 5'8", hopefully next year if everything is ready. So it will take an aweful lot of time. I estimate that I will only start at 28 at best or probably even 29 or 30 if I decides to do more lengthening or if something goes wrong. I know I will be too old, but I have no choice. My idol, Charles Bronson made his film debut at 31. The good thing is, eventhough now I can't do anything related to acting yet, I am just working my ass off earning money as much as possible and re-invest all asset into stocks. My goal is to reach the point where I never need to worry about money again. So later, I will be able to afford a good acting school in the US and not need to work much and can spend my time joining auditions all the time. If you think that I set the bar too high, then let's just say I just want to be an actor that doesn't do self-depreciating jokes. I am wondering what's the best and most efficient way to do it assuming money isn't an issue? As I won't have much time and can't afford to waste any of it no more. I'm thinking of taking a course in a good acting school in the US. And then after that they maybe can give some jobs. So basically, the main question is which would be the best acting school for my situation? And what's the standard duration of the course? 1 year is what I often hear. Also what type of course? I figure I won't be doing a degree as I will be wasting a lot of time. Thanks in advance!
I wish there was a stronger emphasis on the technicality (eg staying on your marks) of acting in drama school. by FluffyWof • last post Jun 24th
After all the prep work of character work, script analysis and remembering to stay loose in a scene, I wish we had been told more of the importance of the technical side of acting. Eg working with a camera, remembering to get to a mark on a certain word but looking natural, not blocking someone’s light, not turning all the way so the camera still sees your face etc. WOW is that by far the hardest thing for me!!! UGH. I guess the same goes for stage acting too, nothing is as natural as it looks!!!! I used to show up to set and realise I knew absolutely NOTHING about being able to do the actual work!!! And I wish we were given more tips on the business side of acting too, like how to audition, how to behave in the room with agents and managers and CAs etc.
Acting when money is an issue? by CulinaryRocks • last post Jun 23rd
When I was younger I did some commercials, but then my mother wanted me to focus on school- so I had to quit. Then, when I was 14, I had a minor role in a independent student film. (the student ended up abononing the project but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ) I am turning 18 in a few months now, and I really want to go back to acting, but I don't really have the money for acting classes. It's just my mum and I, so we don't have any support. I'm hoping I can land some background roles to save up for headshots. What would you say is the best way I can approach acting without the classes. I try to watch as many lectures on youtube as possible. Also, I live in the NY area, where can I look for any openings? Thank you so much already (:
Joe Rogan - Actors Are Mentally Unstable by EssamLofty • last post Jun 23rd
NYC Actors - would anyone be interested in a meetup? by darlingamateur • last post Jun 23rd
I really want to network and make new acting friends and I was thinking it would be awesome to meet some of you in person! Also, I know a few people on here take classes at Actors Connection/One on One - I wanted to suggest maybe taking a class together? What do you guys think?
Anyone here have any experience with Actor's Launchpad in NYC? by thisisnotarealperson • last post Jun 23rd
Just curious about your experiences there and how it compares to One on One or Actor's Connection.
The new guy in town! by Jimmer Falco • last post Jun 22nd
Greetings all! Look forward to learning.
Acting Class: Investment or Waste of Money? by DopamineMeme • last post Jun 22nd
I have a dream of being one of the next great actors of a generation, but where do I start? Get cast in short films and work up from there? Acting class? Backstage? I wanna take the leap, but just need a direction to jump into. Thanks in advance!
How important are improv skills? by montethos • last post Jun 22nd
I figure since I’ve been getting some solid work lately I must be doing something right, but when I’m in acting class it feels like everything I can do on set is gone and I’m a complete wreck. does anyone have experience with this kind of problem? i usually hear people have it the other way around also, i suck at improv. always have. how important is it to have improv skills as an actor? sorry if i come off as rude or anything in this post!
How to not Worry about an Agent? by elitegenoside • last post Jun 22nd
So I just got done with a showcase that had some really amazing guest including top agencies. The show went great and I have been told by everyone that I did great (and I know that i feel like I did do my job). It's only been a couple days, but a few people in the show have been contacted by an agency... I was not. I am over the moon for them, but At the same time crushed because it is my number one choice of an agency. I have come to that point i my career that I know is hard; where you don't have the simple solutions to the problem like getting good headhsots, credits, and building a reel. I have been to workshops and industry events, and although I have gotten some great feedback form the workshops, the events seem like a waste of time. I also reread the "life of an actor" post and it brought up that people who feel they need an agent aren't ready for one. I guess that means something like "no one wants someone who wants a job," which I get. Unfortunately for me, I do want an agent. I am trained and have experience and really want to be going out for the roles that a lot of my friends get to go out for. I'm not even talking about the series regular occasional lead, but the costar and guest star roles too. So how do I change my perspective on this? What should it be? I know that I want to go out for these roles, but I guess it's not my time yet (though I don't know why). So how do I get through this period? I have submitted for some more agents today (agents I have submitted for in the past, but it was about time to start the process again).
Creating a Show by BedOfLavender • last post Jun 22nd
So, I’m a 16 (soon to be 18) year old female. I know what I want to do, and it’s acting. I live in Boise, Idaho and I’m finding it difficult to find a reputable agency or any experiences for my age range. I always thought if I can’t find an opportunity, then I should make one. I have an idea for a semi autobiographical coming of age show/possibly movie about a teenager coping with the loss of her older brother, who was her best friend. I enjoy writing, and I have a vision/direction as to where I would like it to go. The only issue is the lack of resources. I’d need actors/actresses, a camera, etc. I’m trying to think of how to do it, I’m thinking maybe a YouTube channel or something along those lines for a starting platform. Any advice would be helpful, thank you.
Where to look for Washington DC area non-union actors? by mitakeet • last post Jun 22nd
I'm planning on filming a feature-length non-union indie movie with a budget enough to pay each principal actor $1,000 for the job. I'm still working on scheduling, but intend to film over 4-5 weekends starting mid to late September. Most of the filming will be done at my property in the Shenandoah Valley (about a half hour North of Harrisonburg, Va, so actors near there are welcome) with a day or two filming in the Silver Spring, MD area. There are four principal roles: two men, two women, all in their early 20's (race open); the characters are college juniors. I've looked at the DC area Craigslist, but not seen many ads for actors, so am not sure if that's an appropriate venue. I have no idea if this is either, but if it is, I can certainly elaborate on what I'm looking for. I don't intend to create ads / make any casting decisions until mid July (I'm out of the country right now), so right now am just seeking advice on where to place ads when I'm ready. TIA! BTW, I am also looking for a DP for the project, same rate.
Accents in Acting by Pamela Vanderway Dialect Coach • last post Jun 21st
Many actors love working on accent as a layer of storytelling, but not all. Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking about this second group. If this is you, can you share with me the factors that are keeping you from jumping in with both feet? (Is it not knowing where to start? Not believing you have that ‘talent’ or a ‘good ear’? Not having a way to get past ‘stagey’ sounding accents? Not having access to a real accent coach? Fear that the accent will get in the way of the performance? Something else?)
Reading sides by Justine • last post Jun 21st
Hi! So I’ve been sent some sides for a tapped audition, but there is a lot of dialogue between more than two people, and action that can’t really be shown from a self tape position. Does anyone have any tips for this? Thanks -Justine :)