We have found 19,293 posts across 4 actor forums:
I'm a Professional Amateur! Help! by xXNeokaXx • last post Mar 2nd
Hi all! I'm a character voice actor looking for advice on how to improve with my specific circumstance. I like to view myself as a talented amature. I've caught the attention of professionals at Voice Acting competitions- being hand picked during the preliminaries, but never making it past a single round of the finals. I have trouble booking professional standard projects, but am heralded as "the pro" of the group in fan projects. I've taken classes, been coached, and do weekly workshops with my good friend who is a recording engineer at a professional studio. Let's call my friend Nathan! Nathan is also a genius mixer, so I've asked him to make my demo with a friend discount when he feels I'm ready. But given Nathan works with real pros all day, he knows the standards and I don't think I'm close. Nathan's suggestions for me are: \> Learn how to use my diaphram on demand. \>> Expand my comfort zone. \>>> Understand the character's feelings better (ie. Act better) The running theory is when I'm able to do a voice I've done many times before (Usually cartoon impressions), I shine and sound pro. But that's like...two voices, so Nathan's suggestion is getting a better sense of my voice, because he can hear when I'm uncomfortable with different character voices during workshops. How do I do that, exactly? I've translated my needs as: \>SINGING LESSONS. \>> AUDITION MORE. \>>> ??? My severe ADHD makes it so I'm not doing anything consistently outside the one a week workshops. Am I missing anything? Are there any tips anyone can give someone with my specific circumstances? TLDR: What tips do you have for professional amateur to become an amateur professional?
How To Beat The Looming AI Wave by CreepyBlackDude • last post Mar 2nd
The thought that AI might take away jobs for voice actors has become a big concern over the past year or so. There are some people that even feel that VO will be a dying artform because of it. To tell the truth I don't necessarily share the concern, but I do recognize that many people have the fear. If you are one of these people, there is a surefire way to stay ahead of the AI wave, and here it is: **Make yourself more valuable than AI.** In other words, give more value to the client than AI can. The benefit of AI is that it is a cheap way to provides a voice where a voice is needed. Perhaps in a few years, it'll even be good enough at imitating "acting" to be used in places where some acting is needed as well. But if all that was needed in any voice acting job was a single voice and a facsimile of acting, we'd have all been out of business long ago. Take IVR (Interactive Voice Response, aka automated phone systems) for example. IVR has had access to robotic voices for decades now. This is a field where you may not even necessarily need to "act," but simply inform. And yet there are still people for whom IVR is the majority of their career. Why? Because in some cases, having a human voice that can correctly pronounce terms, that can change their tone, that can make on-the-fly edits is much more valuable than finagling with an AI voice to achieve the same result. *(And let's be real, even in today's age there are plenty of tech-averse people who will never want to touch AI voices).* So what are ways you add value for your client? Here are a few examples: **Be versatile.** AI packages usually come with a limited number of varied voices. The voices you get can be edited for pitch and tone, and can even have inflections added at various parts of the script, but if you want more voices, you need to purchase more AI packages. If you're a voice actor who is versatile, your many voices may make you a better value than having to buy four or five different AI packages to find the voice a company wants. Why do that, when I can just call this one person and have them do this voice on this project, this completely different voice on this other project, etc.? **Have "quality quickness."** Companies care about two things: saving time, and saving money. Working with an AI program might be cheaper, but if you can be faster and have higher quality work, it can be considered the same value to a client. You might think that AI is simply, "Type the sentence and it works." But even advanced AI voices usually have to be edited and configured to convey the voice you really want. That work takes time that might be saved if they get someone else to do the voice for them, and if that person can have it delivered in the same amount of time. **Have a social media presence.** No lie--having a social media presence is becoming more and more important for voice actors. I don't mean simply LinkedIn and Facebook, I mean YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, and yes, even TikTok. You grow an audience on these platforms, and as you move forward your audience will follow you as you start getting work. Many clients see a content creator's audience as *their* potential audience if they hire you, and that is a high incentive to do so. **Be quick to adapt.** Trends change, the industry undulates, and different voices reach different audiences. No matter how it sounds and how cheap it may cost, AI voices are still going to be at the mercy of someone typing sentences for it to say, which means its ability to connect with its audience is utterly up to the person writing the script. A voice actor who knows their audience can make subtle suggestions, inflections, or acting choices that help connect to the target audience that an AI voice never can. It can also be a boon if you're working with a director who thought they wanted a particular voice during a session, but then asked you to provide a different one that fit better--you just saved them an hour or two of fiddling with the AI voice to achieve the exact same result (which also feeds back into being versatile). **Be Human.** This is the actual reason why I don't worry about AI. The vast majority of people will always, ALWAYS prefer a human voice over an AI one--if you've ever called into a technical support line, you know this yourself. On top of that, there are a lot of things that voice over artists do beyond simply providing a voice: AI cannot talk about characters, AI cannot attend meet ups and conventions, AI cannot get on a podcast and speak about their journey, and AI *cannot create a relationship with clients who want to work with the people they want to help succeed*. These are things only humans can do, and that's always what it will be. The truth is, we *will* need to make room for AI in our industry. But the fear that people have regarding AI is simply that they don't know how much room they'll need to make--in other words, they fear the unknown. Here's the truth: AI is just another person going in for the same gigs as you. The grind doesn't change. If you can provide more value to clients than AI can, then you'll have all the room you need.
The jealousy on this page is odd by No_Landscape_1019 • last post Mar 2nd
I joined a little while ago as a new actor, I just read other posts to take in as much advice as possible, I love seeing people’s accomplishments since it motivates me. I have just noticed whenever someone posts something exciting there’s always a few downvoting or excusing them of bragging. some of you guys can’t stand to see other people doing good! Anyways with that being said remember you can share your accomplishments and be excited without it being “bragging”.
I'm about to be 21 by zircii • last post Mar 2nd
Hello. I have always loved films and have fantasized about directing them, but I live in a third world country where there's no in person education about cinematography here (or no where close) so I gave up on that dream. I think I'm falling in love with acting, but I don't know what do with that feeling knowing that it's going to be hard to get out of here and I already gave up another aspiration. Is it too late to begin? I think I'm a bad actor (no experience at all). Today I tried my first monologue and I wasn't amused with what I saw. All I know is i'll try, but advice will be greatly appreciated.
How do big international actors gets visas to work in America before they are famous? by ChiefofChads5 • last post Mar 2nd
I have read here that most CD's in America wont even hire unless you are a citizen or hold a green card. But when you read about big international actors who have made it they always just magically arrive in America and get roles. Whats going on?
How to be more vulnerable? by Silent-Cat-8661 • last post Mar 1st
Helloo! So I am a beginner actress and one problem I know I have is my inability to be vulnerable. My immense anxiety aside, I feel my inner voice always tell me to stop before expressing any kind of strong or vibrant emotion and that hesitation always leads to something inauthentic. Does anyone have any advice or exercises that can help with getting out of my head and ignoring that voice? Or is this a convo strictly reserved for a therapist lol? Thanks
Looking for Voice Actors for Gamejams by LucasZilke • last post Mar 1st
Hello, I'm a Gamedev from Germany with 7+ Years of Experience making Games. I am currently looking for Voice Actors interested in participating in a Gamejam. What's a gamejam? You get a limited amount of time and a theme that you have to make a game upon ( Mostly ranging from 2-9 Days ) Here are some of my past Game Jams. [https://lucaszilke.itch.io/](https://lucaszilke.itch.io/) Why am I looking for a Voice Actor? I have been experimenting with Narrative/Story a lot lately and would like to add more personality by adding voice to text/using a real voice instead of tts. If you're interested DM me on Discord, please. LucasZ#1952
Is the artist "Soup-erb" with voice posts? by Mentos_Freshness • last post Mar 1st
I'm an amateur voice actor and I'm looking to build up some work, posts for social media, and proof that I actually make stuff. I recently saw one of Soup-erb's (@ "its\_soup") comics on twitter and thought about making a voice post, but I wanted to see if it was okay first. I couldn't find anything, but I've also scanned for voice posts on twitter and I can't find any after searching through quote tweets of their comics. Does anyone know if they're cool with people voicing their comics? I don't want to make something if it disrespects the artist. **TLDR:** How should a new voice actor handle voice posting when the original content doesn't belong to you?
Thoughts on Comedy and Drama Actors by agntp • last post Mar 1st
Just a thought I've had with many people who love acting, thought I'd share it here and see what people think, their opinions/examples, and counter points: ​ I have always found it interesting how some actors who are really famous for comedies always do dramatic roles so amazingly well. But the same can not be said for all actors with a drama background, who dabble in comedy. Essentially, it is easier for comedic actors to play drama roles because they've had to go through something (life, trauma, etc.) to have that sense of humor in the first place, and therefore understanding hardships of the world and tragedy. But not all drama actors can hone in on their ability to be funny, and sometimes it feels forced. That awkwardness can sometimes works in their benefit, but not always. Obviously there are some that this does not apply to but I find this pattern a lot when i see comedians in serious roles. Obviously their skill paired with the writer of the script has an effect as well, but its their ability to translate it and for us to believe it that makes it so amazing. ​ TLDR: All actors with comedic backgrounds can do drama roles really well, but not all drama actors can pull off being funny, or have a "funny bone."
My acting coach had us play mentally disabled people in a scene by arugulaLamb • last post Mar 1st
I’m in a beginners acting class and today the teacher gave us all a scene and had us portray both characters as having a mental/intellectual disability. My gut had a bad feeling about this as she gave us no tools on how to portray it genuinely and authentically so it felt like we were all playing caricatures/mocking those with disabilities. She said some of the best roles that have won awards are of actors that do not have a disability but portray people that do. While that’s true I don’t think we’re there yet and we weren’t equipped to do this cold read scene in a respectful way as such. Am I in the wrong here? What does the acting community here feel about this type of practice? Is this normal and something I should be doing?
critique/feedback in class? by Accomplished_Secret1 • last post Mar 1st
I am taking an acting class and will admit it has been a while. Over 1000 years ago in my conservatory drama school classes we would all offer constructive feedback on each other's work/scenes. We knew each other pretty well only 10 of us. In the class I took last week the instructor and the actors performing the scene critiqued themselves and the instructor gave feedback. The rest of the class just was allowed to give support/ask questions. Is what I am seeking a more advanced class or is it impossible to find since most instructors don't want the class to devolve if students are not good at feedback/critique? What has your experience been?
Stage Monologues for character actors? by kakcshi • last post Mar 1st
I (24F) am looking for stage monologues that can highlight my talents as a comedic/character actor. While I have comedic monologues in my repertoire, none of them really go beyond having good comedic timing. I’m looking for monologues with opportunities for physicality, funny voices, slapstick, etc. I just played Trinculo in “The Tempest”, and I want more monologues that can show off the skills I needed for that role. Any suggestions would be a great help, thanks!
Actor wanted, female, beautiful, between ages 20-23 ( or atleast look the part) by Cautious_Employee934 • last post Mar 1st
As described above im looking for a female to take on a short term role. It is paid. Pm me for more info. Must be in the UK, north region and willing to travel.
Do I become an Actor Or Artist, or can I be both. by OverloaderZ • last post Mar 1st
I am battling a career decision, I've been doing art for years and I love it. But it doesn't feel like I'm living my life, how am shy and introverted but acting sounds exciting. I don't know what to do. Am I not trying hard enough, and how do I do these things... Thank you!
Don't know where to move! by Snoo-92131 • last post Mar 1st
Hey everybody! Throwaway account. I've been in NYC for a looooong time and I am looking to GTFO when my lease is up in a few months. Any suggestions on where to move? I have networks in LA and ATL but I can't make up my mind and need some advice. I'm a union actor with a handful of co-stars, lots of commercials over the years, and I recently day played on an upcoming feature... would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Am I doing this for the wrong reasons? by Legitimate-Brush8361 • last post Mar 1st
Hey y’all, appreciate your time reading this. Lately I’ve been really humbled by the perception that I want to act because I want fame. I think perhaps this is an unhealthy mindset we can all slip into, and isn’t the motivation of every actor. Before, I have sensed that my motivation to act was to gain empathy for other people’s stories, to subject myself to the experience of others, and in the meantime also understand my own humanity, and our shared humanity more and more. But lately I’m doing community theatre, which I should be so grateful for, and find myself depressed and unmotivated. I want to be seen. I want to know those A-listers who I find so endearing and talented. And I know how ridiculous it sounds. Are these delusions of grandeur? Or understandable fascinations with the craft at its brightest/best It makes me wonder if I should take an indefinite break from it all until I can regain a healthy perspective. But I am anxious about taking a break from getting more experience under my belt. I would love to hear any and all perspectives on this topic. blessings
How to do buisness? by BitterWeirdBrain • last post Feb 28th
I know there is a lot of professtional actors in this group, and I need advice. Is it worth pursuing acting if you aren’t great at the social and buisness side of things? I’m currently in my last year of my Drama degree, and I love acting. I love acting more then anything else in this world, and I think I’m pretty good at it. And people have said very postive things about my acting. Way more positive then negative. But while I’m good at acting, I’m not very skilled at any of the other things that you seem require to be succcessful. I’m not great at the buisness side of things like selling myself or making connections. I’m not great at making social contacts,I’m not an extrovert. I’m only good at acting. If I require these things, I’m going to need help, and I have no idea how to get that help. I don’t from a family close to the industry so they are no help there (they a very supportive of me though). Most actors I know personally didn’t become succussful until they learned how to navigate the buissness behind acting. And I’m completely lost as to learn how. Any suggestions or advice on how to navigate show buisness from this actor about to enter the real world would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you xx
Deciding between two actors for a lead role? by CrazyVegetable3187 • last post Feb 28th
I'm having serious difficulty deciding between which actor I want for a lead role in my film. The role is for a highly functioning autistic 18 year old who branches out socially after being "adopted" by an extrovert. There are two actors that I really love for this role and I've had three rounds of callbacks already. They both respond very well to direction. I would say up to this point, making every line/scene equal Actor A is probably a 9/10. Actor B is probably an 8/10. However, there are scenes when the character gets high and drunk for the first time and I would say Actor A is at about a 4/10 with these scenes and Actor B is at about an 8/10 with these scenes. I was leaning heavily towards Actor A, but then the other people who are helping cast all prefer about Actor B. They essentially agree with my takes but they unanimously say that Actor A is so out of touch with being high/drunk that they feel like it would impact the film so much that they heavily prefer B and think it would be a pretty big mistake to cast A with that in mind. I guess the one good thing is that they both already told me they want any role given to them so they'll both be casted. Do you have any advice/takes based on what I wrote?
Acting classes in USA for European actors by lukaabeck • last post Feb 28th
Hello, I'm an italian actor and I'm looking for acting classes that do not last too long (like 4 to 12 weeks) in the US and that are open to non-US residents. I would like to spend a short period of time in the US to understand the industry, to enhance my acting skills with someone I could never meet here in my country, and after all to make a great life-experience by living abroad for a while. I'm considering Canada too, if that helps. Every "method" is accepted, and every tip you have in mind might be useful to me. Above all, is that something people do or am I dreaming too much?