We have found 19,293 posts across 4 actor forums:
Filing Taxes as an Actor by trulykmusic • last post Feb 28th
Does anyone have any pointers/tips for filing taxes in this profession? What kind of things do you write off?
Canadian moving to LA? by ChiefofChads5 • last post Feb 28th
Im an aspiring Canadian actor and I want to move to LA. I wanna work in LA and audition. How can I obtain an O1 visa without any extraordinary achievements. Also I have heard CDs dont consider anyone unless they have a green card or citizenship. What are my options besides staying in Canada and trying here?
Advice: Balancing Career and Artistic Passions by Bitter_Reputation_89 • last post Feb 28th
Hey everybody. I (M/25) have performed in theater productions and concerts for a very long time throughout middle school and high school. I began college as a musical theater major but eventually transferred and changed my major once I did. People tell me all the time that I have a really good singing voice and that I need to pursue it as a career and as a passion. As someone that's currently in grad school and working full-time, I just do not feel as fulfilled by these things as I do theater and performing. I want to just drop everything and pursue this a career but I know that is not a wise financial decision. However, entering the later half of my 20s, I can't help but feel like I am running out of time to pursue this. If I am being completely honest, I don't know where to start. I auditioned for an off Broadway show and was cast in the ensemble but had to drop out due to work and school. The cast performed on the news and watching it just reminded me of how much I should have stuck with it. Why am I giving up what I love to pursue something that I am not passionate about? I am finding that if I want to pursue theater professionally, I will need to choose either my career or my artistic passion. Additionally, while I have been told that I have a great singing voice, I feel that my acting skills are not really up to par with a lot of other professional actors. I don't think I will get as many professional gigs with my acting skills at this level. How do I improve on these skills while also pursuing professional work? TLDR; How do you pursue professional acting/singing/performing while also balancing school and work? Is this possible? If singing is my passion, how do I make a living off of it? And what is the best way to go about improving my skills while also trying to pursue professional work?
Scenes cut…I need advice by Traditional-Stick-15 • last post Feb 28th
Hi everyone, this is my first time posting here. I was a series regular on a NU TV series 2 years ago that finally released on a small streaming app last week. I worked SO hard on this project and fell in love with my role. I had a lot of great scenes and several very deep emotional scenes (crying on cue). I was so proud of my work and my work really resonated with the cast and directors/producers, which felt nice too. But then the series released last week and they edited my face out of all my intense emotional scenes. All my lines stayed in but 95% coverage on the other actor. Even my monologues are captured from over MY shoulder. I’m so disappointed. How do I shake this feeling? I thought I’d gotten over it but I’m starting to edit together my new reel and can’t help but feel disappointed all over again. Any advice?
Child Actors actually being able to act. by Euphoric_Squirrel198 • last post Feb 28th
I feel child actors ability to act gets worse & worse as years go on. Not just at acting but especially at comedy. Nowadays it seems kids say big words really loud and that's supposed to be funny. Back in the day some child actors really had acting ability and actual charisma at a young age, which I think what was so impressive. the 90s I feel had some of the most talented child actors. Raven Simone as Olivia, Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Randy, Angus Jones on Two and half men, Ben Savage & Rider Strong & Will Friedle as Cory, Shawn, & Eric on Boy Meets World, Tahj Mowry & Jason Weaver & Omar Gooding as J, Marcus & Moe on Smart Guy. Anymore??
Gravity of Acting by WayDependent3674 • last post Feb 28th
[Gravity of Acting](https://gravityofacting.substack.com) "Gravity of Acting" is a newsletter for actors written by an actor, about the physical and emotional demands of the acting industry, the role of actors in society, and ways for actors to stay healthy and grounded while pursuing their careers. ​ https://preview.redd.it/2ndyg3ty42la1.jpg?width=964&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=e48bb4121c975077e593d8c59c1d92c6d797abf1
Should We Stop Reducing Actors To Their Method Acting Quirks? by goodjokeanyway • last post Feb 27th
How do Actors in Vancouver make it to Hollywood? Do they have to move in order to get roles? by Sugarbitzz • last post Feb 27th
I’m just wondering how they’re able to make it big if they’re living here. Or do they have to move first? Can you get an agent in LA and live in Van? I’m not an actor, just curious.
Further Understanding Actors Access by trulykmusic • last post Feb 27th
Does anybody have a link to a YouTube video that shows what actors access looks like from an agent’s/casting director’s perspective? I want to further understand the audition process so I think It’d be interesting to see what happens before/after an eco cast is sent.
A.I. firms are trying to replace voice actors, and they’re getting help from voice actors to do it by ayhme • last post Feb 27th
AI voice acting, trained by actual voice actors, is on the rise - Rest of World by ayhme • last post Feb 27th
Reminder to be careful with scene partners by GeoffreyOliver • last post Feb 27th
So today I was performing a scene for someone else’s class where I was supposed to grab another actor out of anger and forcefully shake her a bit before shoving her and walking away. The brief rehearsal and first two takes went fine, but on the third take, after I performed the action and walked away, I look back and the actress stumbles backward onto the floor. I have some stage combat experience, but I’ve never practiced something like this before, and I guess I pushed too hard. I felt horrible. I guess lesson learned is to approach every physical contact with scene partners with more care, and to rehearse as extensively as possible to avoid something like this. Thankfully my scene partner was fine, but I still feel absolutely awful about the whole thing.
Submission services in London similar to actors access? by Tunaavocado17 • last post Feb 27th
Hello! I’m an nyc based actor but have dual citizenship and would love to know if there’s a service equivalent to actors access/casting networks for projects in England? I don’t have an agent here or there but would love to spend some time doing non-union stuff in the uk!
Let's get our starmeter green for the week. View for view with pleasure by Marshall Cook • last post Feb 27th
Kindly visit a friend profile Thanks https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1977244/.
Any benefit in background work? by youfeelme1997 • last post Feb 27th
Hello all, Agency mentioned a background role on a commercial with potential for principal and print opportunities once on set, said yes thinking of building connections with the specific casting director (usually used background actors down the line as principals) , but issue im having is having to call out of regular daytime job for the shoot. Dont really need the money but was saying yes just for future connections and potential for principal role down the line but kind of regretting now. Know i cant back out due to wanting stay professional and respectful but kinda regretting it lol Is there any benefit to doing background work on commercials when you already have a decent resume with lead/supporting speaking roles? Dont have any commercial experience so taking it as a learning experience.
Anyone here have experience with Luber Roklin? by actorchan • last post Feb 27th
I have been working with Luber Roklin for a bit now. I am curious to see what other actors' experience are with them (current and past). Please comment or private message.
How do big TV actors get their roles? by No_Ground7218 • last post Feb 27th
I am a bit new to everything, and was just wondering how actors involved in bigger TV shows typically find their roles. I'm thinking shows like last of us, yellowjackets, etc. I understand they have agents and are in the union, but do these agents find the work off sites like "Actors Access or Backstage", or do the casting directors typically have the actors in mind before the production even starts.
"I am 30, 40, 60 years old, is it too late to start voice acting?" by Failed2launch • last post Feb 26th
This is the last in the series of posts, regarding getting started. This is for anyone 30 and UP. If you are under 30, you can read this if you like, but it might not matter to you, yet. A few things before we get started. Your MENTAL HEALTH. Is it good? Because if not, get that taken care of. You will face constant disappointment and rejection, so be ready to have a thick skin. Your physical health. Are you up to date on that? Getting plenty of sleep and drinking water? Is your GERD taken care of? Can you speak without getting exhausted and out of breath? Are all of your allergies and sore throat gone? Do you still smoke cigarettes? This all needs to be taken care of. Now that's out of the way, let us begin. Lets start with your living situation Do you own your home yet? Great. Do you still live in apartment? Consider moving. Can't afford it? Find a way. Save money, work two or three extra jobs. Your choices are to: Move into the middle of nowhere, as long as there is good internet. Or, move out to a major city Like L.A. or New York. The expectation at this point is you should know where you want live, because that also factors into what kind of work you can do. Whether it's union, non-union, and whether you're fi-core. In addition,being ready by reading the getting started post and understanding that there are many free resources available to all. Next is finances. You should have some money saved up and be ready to take classes, coaching, and a be able design a home studio or live in a busy market like Los Angeles or New York. This career is a small business, and you are selling you. So, you have paid taxes many times at this point. Consider researching making your business an LLC or S-CORP. protecting yourself from getting sued is important looking up copyright and contract writing is also helpful. Consider sitting down with or doing a zoom call with an entertainment attorney. Expect to not make a profit in the first 3-5 years. Can you afford to spend $20000? If you can, that's great. If not, start doing anything you can to make money. Next, is Time. Do you have it? Because you will be spending hours a day researching, learning, listening and educating yourself. You will live, breathe, sleep voice acting. If you are focused on other things, maybe consider slowing down and starting with reading and listening. See what you are getting into before jumping into the pool headfirst. Next is Family. Will your family support this decision? Do your kids still live with you? Does your spouse know you are doing this? Are your kids still little? These are factors to consider. This doesn't mean success can't happen. Search Mike Lenz podcast. He worked in a Pharmacy, then took over the business, and had a spouse who was initially against the idea of him being a voice actor. He slowly but surely grew his acting skills and his business, and now does voice acting full time. What about a father in his 40s with a young child? Search All over voice over, with Kiff VH. He unfortunately did not have a spouse that appreciated the idea. He divorced and got married to an actor instead, moved from Michigan to L.A. and became not only a voice actor but on screen too. He made it work! Next is "I'm too old". Watch Voice over Body Shop with Dan And George. It's basically "Cartalk" that you would hear on NPR. George is a home studio tech who worked with Don Lafontein. He makes home studios for a living. Dan worked in radio in Boston back in the day, and eventually became a teacher, and then got into voice acting. He is certainly in his 60s and still getting work. Next is Technology. You are never too old to learn. In fact, there are people who deliberately choose to not get with the times. This is known as weaponized incompetence. Again, if your mental health is in shape, there's no reason not to learn something. In fact, people who are scared to learn may have had a bad experience with a teacher in the past. This is where money comes in. You pay a good coach or mentor to show you how to navigate a DAW or CRM software and you can be on your way. If you need an example, consider that podcast with Dan and George, VOBS. I have seen plenty of guests say they don't know technology so they hire someone to show them. Next is independence Have you had a job before where you were left alone, and expected to get things done? Are you able to have that mindset of taking ownership and responsibility of your own business? Because the onus is on you. You are responsible for your career. You are responsible for your future. Next is Marketing and Branding This is something that may be difficult for someone who is humble. You may want to keep to yourself, but in this global market, the ENTIRE WORLD is your competition. So, that being said, you can pay someone to help you market yourself and your branding. Or, you can take it upon yourself to do so. However, you have to be honest with yourself. Ask yourself "what do people think of me, what do I sound like, and what am I known for?" Help define your signature sound. Help the client understand who you are, and why they should hire you. Next is the work. What do you want to do? What is your goal? And what is the next goal after that? You will have to decide if you are a niche or a swiss army knife. You can specialize in a few fields like audiobooks and e learning, or you can be known for many things like commercials, videogames, adr, telephony etc Next is Networking. Do you love people, or just tolerate their existence? Well this business is a business 2 business field. You are working with people and building relationships. I like to say we are planting seeds and letting them grow. You probably already know, but there's a fine line between letting someone know you are available to work, and pestering them with monthly emails. Overtime, your business will be like blossom. The seeds grow into trees, and they branch off and find more people for you. You need people who will advocate for you. So keep making connections, keep providing great business, and a great experience. That leads into our final topic. MOMENTUM Do you have what it takes to light a fire under your ass every day? To go out and audition, whether that's in your closet or studio? You have to be a self starter. You need to be your own cheerleader, or hype man. Build up that momentum, water those relationship seeds, keep up on the latest technology (are you on TikTok and Zoom, or are you still just on Facebook and sending emails?) Be willing to attend voice workout groups,and coaching on a regular basis. Ask for constructive criticism and don't take things personally. Keep building that momentum, even on those hard days where you want to do nothing. I hope this all helps. This concludes the getting started post series.
Searching for a website by SkywardKy • last post Feb 26th
About 4 years ago, during lockdown I found a website where people could post voice acting projects looking for actors and people could do it for free (volunteer work). I have been trying to find that website and I can’t. Any help or alternatives would be appreciated!
Hey I need help finding acting agency's. by ActingTeen • last post Feb 26th
I live in central Texas near Waco and Austin and can't find any agencies that will respond. I really want to be an actor and need help so please help me.