We have found 19,293 posts across 4 actor forums:
Great article on pilot season, for the curious by WordAndCopySayer • last post May 9th
Interesting insights from all sides: network, director, writer and actor. [http://www.vulture.com/2018/05/pilot\-season\-tvs\-hunger\-games.html](http://www.vulture.com/2018/05/pilot-season-tvs-hunger-games.html)
Looking for acting auditions websites by magictaco112 • last post May 9th
Hello can anyone help me with finding good websites that will help me find auditions and such? I’m a beginner so sorry if it’s a dumb question
Actors Acess/Breakdown services still a damaging predatory scam in the biz hurting the industry by JimmyDoes • last post May 9th
STAY AWAY form Actors Aess and Breakdown Express whether agent,studio, network or actor.Run by Gary Marsh,who operates like some kind of wanna be mob b-o-ss and is a discriminatory service that potentially breaks multiple laws by not allowing professional actors(SAG or otherwise) to see ALL the jobs available.His sites Talentink, Actors Access and Breakdowns are at best dsicrimatory and predatory and at worst some are an outright scam. He operates Actors Access( non paying mostly non union gigs that actors a can see) and Breakdowns(the paying jobs that no one can see except a few agents-so another words.. jobseekers(actors) cannnot even see available paying jobs ..and many agent studios do not even use the site now ).Gary Marsh discriminates who and who cannot see job postings and peronsally.If he doesnt like you he blocks you or makes it difficult.He is totally unprofessional and a scab....he discriminates personally against peole and groups , agents and casting directors. Actors,agents and casting directors have all had problems with him through the years. His staff are rude. They pprovide no decent service to anyone and had a stranglehold on the industry through predatory and discriminatory practices. Most do not use them now including major agents and studios..Stay away and use the myriad of other good bonafide non discriminatory casting services,such as LA casting, casting frontier, or just contact agents,casting directors and networks direct.
How often are you booking from your own submissions vs submissions from your agent? by thetendy • last post May 9th
Finally got my MFA, a commercial agent, a theatrical agent, and moved to NY. Been here for three days and I'm waiting outside for my first interview for a survival job. Suddenly... I'm feeling a little dread about this job. Won't any time spent working be time I could otherwise spend scanning the breakdowns for work? The other half of me thinks, great, I have an agent, I don't *have* to be the one constantly submitting myself. But wouldn't it help? Those of you with representation, how often are you submitting yourself and booking this way?
Not sure how to approach a dual career by Franklint • last post May 9th
Hi everyone, Sorry, I know the board gets lots of questions like this. I'm a male actor. I feel conflicted and am after some advice (and need to write out my thoughts). Like many of you, no doubt, the decision of whether to pursue acting vs. something more stable took me a long time to reconcile with. Ultimately, I decided that the lifestyle of a survival job just doesn’t suit me at this stage. I don’t like the idea of not having stable career advancement options, and don’t want to work in something I’m not passionate about day to day. After a year of auditioning and training in NYC a few years ago (booked two small-scale musicals), I’m now three years into medical school and am 25. I’m loving it, and am not interested in backing out. It’s a good, stimulating career, and my current thoughts are to specialise in emergency medicine. But here I am, in New York, at a conference, seeing Anastasia, and I have the theatre pangs again. My spirit is touched by amazing musical theatre, and I can’t put into words how uplifted it makes me feel. I don’t actually fancy all of the work that actors do, such as screen. That’s not to say I wouldn’t do it, but it doesn’t drive me as much. What I really want to be doing is high-level musical theatre. Of course, I appreciate that the likelihood of this is reduced if you aren’t working every day as a performer. Is it realistic to train hard, build your craft, with a view to book a few great jobs? More generally, what do I do? What would you do? At the moment, I do quite a bit of community theatre, and train fairly consistently. Is it reasonable to just hit up professional theatre auditions and work towards a union card? I would drop everything if I scored an amazing role or a great show. My father (also a doctor) says I'm the kind of person who will finish the degree and then not actually end up working in medicine, haha. I would love to speak to any professionals who also pursue acting more seriously than as a hobby. I also consider that emergency medicine potentially opens doors for consulting on medical TV shows, etc. Thanks so much! In confusion, Will
A) Unify under one brand or B) Keep my services distinct? by Str8OttaCompton • last post May 9th
*TLDR: Unify pursuits under one brand and accept the challenge of different target audiences, or keep them distinct and accept the challenge of disparity?* I'm in the entertainment industry, and I'm taking a few months to look at my personal branding. I've done some work on it, establishing a loose umbrella brand for my primary pursuits; **screenwriting, acting, and nerdculture** (livestreaming and webcontent related to TTRPGs, books, etc). At the moment, I keep these things separate - different social media accounts, different branding (colors, logos, etc; I only have time for basics). The only place they're unified is on my website and in occasional social media cross-promotion. ### The question is whether I should unify under one brand or keep them distinct. Put out all my content in the same social media, etc... ### **Challenges:** I'm looking for different audiences for each. With screenwriting I want to target professionals and their support staff, with acting I want to reach representatives and Indy filmmakers, and with the nerdculture side of things I want to target a wide, young crowd. Any input is appreciated.
My opinion on why people can't act realistically :) by Exella • last post May 8th
I just watched a bunch of acting reels on YouTube, and I noticed how literally everyone acts how they think they should act. We all know the "don't act, feel" thing, and these people probably think that that's what they're doing, but it's not. And that's what's preventing them from becoming the next Oscar winner. I'm still practicing this myself, so I'm also not good at it, but I'm just giving my opinion on it, I'm not judging. Some of them are really good, especially the guy who played Max's brother in Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery, but if you really pay attention, you can see that it's not 100% genuine, and that he's acting like he thinks he should act. I don't know if it makes sense... What I mean by that, is that those people, for example in an intense scene, tend to whisper and talk in this really unnatural way. But really, if this kind of scene were to take place in real life, that's not how people would react. No one, in an intense situation, starts whispering and talking in a low voice. No one. But that's what how this or that great actor acted in one of his movies, and that's how most of them do. So unconsciously, even though they're trying to not act and just feel, they end up copying these actors. I think it's Johnny Depp who said that "there has to be a part of you, otherwise it's just not acting, it's lying". In my day to day life, I react to things in a very 'sarcastic' and exaggerated way. That's me, that's how I am. So when I act, I always react in a sarcastic and exaggerated way, because I do the "don't act, feel" thing (I'm still practicing). And I was starting to think that, is it alright for an actor to have a certain part of 'them' while playing a character that is the complete opposite? Is this what makes them different from other actors? That part of 'them' in every characters they play, like J.Depp said? Emma Stone, for example, I feel like it's really easy to see a part of her personality in every characters she plays. That's why I think the acting in these acting reels were not as good as they could've been. These people always act angry, goofy, sad, etc.. like they think being angry, goofy, sad, etc.. is. The intense situation is just an example, there's probably people in the world who do react that way. I don't know if what I said made sense. Feel free to give you're opinion on it if you read the whole post (sorry if it's long, just needed to get tell people how i felt about it). And also answer the question I asked :). I don't always reply to comments, but I read every single one of them. :)
Acting in Hawaii? by aidenphengsy • last post May 8th
What is it like being an actor in Hawaii? (Oahu mainly) Are there any opportunities on such a small island? Any good acting teachers, Agents you recommend?
Tough Audition by bks006 • last post May 8th
I'm a new actor (but an experienced improviser), and had a tough audition yesterday. It was a group improv audition for a pretty exclusive program, and I'm disappointed in how I performed. In the moment I could feel the nerves take over me. The walls got tighter and I felt mysef out of the moment. I tried to force my way back, through breathing, connecting with my group members, smiling and laughing more when I was on the side. I just was so shook. I spent the day preparing best I could. I ate right, exercised, meditated. But when I got to the moment I was so out of it. Now I'm feeling the shame of a bad audition today. Any tips on: 1. calming nerves in the moment and 2. dealing with the shame after a bad audition?
Does anyone know what this phrase means? by notausernamereally • last post May 8th
Hi, I was reading an interview with a famous actor, not talking about acting, where he says "I used to teach acting, you know, and I’d always say, ‘Announce where you are.’ ". I've never heard that. I could take it to mean 'show us your emotional state' or 'show what's going through your mind' or something. If he were talking about improvising or rehearsing without props and without anything on stage, maybe it could simply mean do something to show us your environment or location. But I figured this would be a great place to ask for clarity on that quote. Thanks, in advance (and after, I won't be stingy with my thanks)
LA Based Actors: Let's shoot some scenes. by tclev97 • last post May 8th
Looking for some hungry actors to shoot some scenes with. I have excellent equipment that will use for professional/artful looking scenes for your reel.
I'm an actor, but decided to try my hand at writing & directing. I hope r/acting enjoys my very first short film, "The Audition". by jonlevine • last post May 8th
Help! Acting type identity crisis by DoingTheDumbThing • last post May 7th
I’m a 22-year old actor who works mostly in musical theatre (a couple of featured indie film credits but nothing substantial) and I’m getting to the point where I’m trying to figure out how to best market myself. I’ve previously been cast as comic sidekick/character actor roles, but after a few years of lessons I’ve developed my singing voice into something I’m really proud of and was cast as the lead in a newly written musical (a comedy, but typical male ingenue stuff) but immediately after was cast as the Bellhop in Lend Me a Tenor (another comic character role). What should I do? Should I be catering my auditions more towards what I’ve been cast as before, or try to jump into leading-man-dom? I’m a little on the short side for a man (5’6ish), average build and, like, not ugly, if that helps.
International Applying for Drama School by Comics1167 • last post May 7th
Hi! I'm 18 years old at my local uni way down in New Zealand doing non drama papers. Long story short been doing drama in school for a long time and thought I was done but I've realised i can't escape it. I've been looking at the best ways to improve my acting abilities and what will help me best to transport the audience to where the fantastical is real. We're all dreamers so of course I looked at the big boi, Julliard, and have a couple questions How would auditioning internationally work? I send in my pre screen and application and if they like it I have to fly myself over to New York? I don't have any outside of school credit so if anyone has any tips on finding classes/workshops and auditions in NZ that would also be wonderful!
any working actors on here available to give feedback as to what I could do to move forward? by asdgkjbaslkgjb • last post May 7th
i've been doing this for a few years but I feel like i've hit a brick wall. i feel like paid work is inaccessible to me. i've done student films, made a bunch of my own shorts, comedy shows, non union theatre, and i dont want to say any of it was a waste of time, but i don't feel any closer towards tv / film which is what my goal is. logistics and money has held me back, because i'm working class, and i can't help but feel like if I had money I could pay for CD workshops, fancy conservatory training with decent agent showcases, etc. but because i'm broke i'm stuck waiting tables and not able to move forward, i can't even afford taking an acting class right now because of the cost of living in NYC. but then if I get a full time job I dont have the flexibilty to even do the student film auditions or really anything acting related at all, EXCEPT take a class at night. i dont get it man. it feels impossible to do anything. i'm tired of wasting time and feeling like I have no control over anything, but i know i'm not the only poor actor that has built a career and I don't want my experience thus far to keep me believing negative beliefs. I'm a hard worker, i've been cast enough to know other people believe I'm talented, but if I literally can't get myself in front of anyone of any importance at all, how can I ever move forward, get a decent agent, get paid work, etc. etc. I don't have a problem working for free, but I just want to move forward and honestly there's no reason why i shouldn't be. I'm based in NYC. I'm wondering if any actors on here that have been doing this for a while might have the kindness to check out my materials and provide some advice as to what I could do that doesn't cost a bunch of money that might help me move forward. This "early" stage really, really sucks and I'm more than ready / prepared to move to the next level. any advice would be really appreciated. PM me if any of you guys have a moment. thank you and sending you all positive energy to keep pushing.
How do you study acting? by justinXXmathews • last post May 7th
Hi I’m 16 and want to become an actor, plan is in my twenties. I haven’t started with a headshot or taking classes yet, mainly because I have to finish school first. I see people say that you have to study acting but how exactly do you do that is it like studying from a book? Also is there anything else I can do to prepare a head of time, been doing research on everything to takes before I move to LA.
I don’t know how to improve what’s “wrong” with my acting/stronger emotional connections by danikabananika • last post May 7th
I’ve been acting and taking class for a year now and 4 specific things stand out to me/have been pointed out to me that I need to improve (my diction, my monotone voice when I’m doing “serious” scenes, the fact that my face doesn’t really move when I’m doing serious scenes- really it is so bizarre- and lately I’ve been struggling to connect emotionally to scenes, I think because I’m struggling personally with acting and it’s a self fulfilling prophecy, and when I don’t have that strong connection is when everything else becomes more apparent). My acting coach was quite blunt with me last week, saying I’m a “one note, lazy actor” and thought maybe I have Botox and that’s why my face doesn’t move (I don’t.) I’m super frustrated because I’m paying for class to get better, but I feel like I’m getting nowhere and I’m not sure how to fix these things. If anyone has dealt with something similar please let me know how you got past it, because I’m floundering. Particularly developing a stronger emotional connection to a scene that may not be so easy to connect to. I know it’s not great to ask strangers on the internet to judge my performance, but... I really want to get better and after last week’s comment I think I can handle it lol. This is a tape from my class I took a few months ago. It starts in a really “raw” place so I know that needs work but any advice you have will be much appreciated. [Danika- Good Will Hunting](https://vimeo.com/259225836)
When are the busiest times for actors? by artsysock • last post May 7th
Can someone tell me what the typical year is like for actors in terms of getting auditions? Example: Jan-March: blah blah blah April-May: agents drop and sign clients Etc...
Advice for a musician breaking into acting? by theworldoyster • last post May 6th
Preface - I've been playing/teaching music at least semi-professionally for my entire adult life. I wish to tell a bit of my story, too; please bear with me. I'm 25 years old an I've had a sort of tumultuous day career since leaving college. I studied engineering and got a job as a chemist when I got out. After being laid off, I started working odd jobs until landing in digital marketing. It afforded me a flexible schedule and fewer hours (although obviously less pay). All the while, I've been honing in on my craft as a saxophone player. My strongest effort was an alternative jazz band, which consisted of original music and where I was the front man. We had the opportunity to tour a couple of times, play with some of the biggest names in my city (Pittsburgh), nationally-renowned touring acts and some fun music festivals. Recently, I've begun to think that I'm slowly (not just yet) starting to outgrow the reach/resources that Pittsburgh music has to offer. I play a lot with rock/hip-hop/R&B artists and am pretty deep in this scene. I feel as though I've started to earn the respect of the established jazz musicians in town (I've been putting in WORK on that horn to try and garner this). I get enough work to be very busy, but not enough paid work. Certainly not work that pays well enough to opt out of a day job. This is where my question is actually relevant haha I want to leave this double life I've led with day job/music in favor of a completely creative career. I have plenty of experience on stage, in studio and in front of a camera; it feels like the right move to use these skills outside of music as well. Recently, I got to be the lead actor in a music video. I took one acting class in college for fun, and had been in music videos as a musician, but this was my first actual role as purely an actor. I loved the whole experience of it. Being called "the talent" on set was bizarre at first and I felt way more comfortable hanging around the crew than around fellow "talent". It made me realize that I want to explore this industry more. Since I only have 1 real acting credit as of now, should I leverage my show videos on a reel? Can I use stage shots (which is like 80% of my photography) as part of my resume? Can I use my experience/material from music to try and get work on commercials/modeling? Should I get a few good roles in indies under my belt before submitting to casting agents or do I have enough material to get started? These are *plugs* for reference. Thank you in advance for even reading! If you got this far - kudos! Your sympathy is not lost on me =) Instagram, where you can find my only current still from the music video in addition to a bunch of short performance clips: @roger.ppt Youtube channel, where there are HD quality full concerts of my group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Xe7g58rU0 More recent video project I've begun with my housemates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_4lZKtdeuY Band Website with some 3-year-old headshots (I don't look that different): http://eastendmile.com/about