We have found 19,407 posts across 4 actor forums:
I’m assistant stage managing a play for the first ever. More details. by Brandie212 • last post Feb 14th
I’m currently a college student and was hired on as an assistant stage manager for a comedic play at my community college. This is my first time experiencing being an assistant to a stage manager. So, tonight we had a rehearsal, and I was giving lines whenever the actors needed them; however, one actor immediately took control of my position and was giving out lines the rest of the rehearsal. I was taken aback as I had no idea what to do or say. I know from my job description that I am only supposed to sit back and do as the SM says, but in this instance I really wanted to say something. I don’t the actor that well, and it was great that he was off book, but I didn’t feel it was right for him to do that. What should I do?
A Practical Handbook and Objectives by statzory • last post Feb 14th
I recently got my hands on A Practical Handbook for the Actor by *a pretty long list of authors*, and I absolutely love the way it handles objectives. It divides creating an objective into 3 steps: what the character is literally doing, what the character is essentially doing, and an "as if" (it's as if my x was...). The book, in general, takes a very practical and actionable approach to acting that I like a lot. What acting books are you folks reading right now?
I have a bunch of clips of me recording a radio show with some fellow actors in college. Could they go into my demo reel? by Throwawaywts • last post Feb 14th
Here's one episode that's time stamped to a clip I'm thinking of including. https://youtu.be/Orr8JiQvXp4?t=14m1s I think that this really does a good job of showing who I am, while at the same time displaying some good chops. Of course, if this sort of clip is inappropriate for a reel, it would do more harm than good I guess. Thoughts?
Types of Sitcom Casts by Steve Trautmann • last post Feb 13th
With pilot season now underway an actor friend was asking about reading for comedies so I pointed him at this video, which is part of my free Sitcom Basics course.
Hope others find it useful.
-Steve
Difficult Directors by mcleb014 • last post Feb 13th
I'm currently in a show where the Director is hell bent on getting the lines 100% perfect. No joke. He would stop actors in rehearsal if we add something or jump ahead. He would then tell us to worry about the emotion and connections second. He is crazy about it. Obviously, it's important to get your lines down, it's gotten to the point where he gets visibly frustrated with it and yells at the actors. Unfortunately, there is no SM or higher ups I can go to about this (community theatre). How do you guys handle difficult directors? Any pro tips out there? Do you just stick it out? Any advice would be awesome.
The Acting Edit by nhoka • last post Feb 13th
Hi! Hope all is great with all you fellow thespians! I’m not sure if this is allowed, and so am completely expecting it to be deleted if it’s not, absolutely no hard feelings. I’ve dreamed for years about creating a YouTube channel and last year decided to do so, by going at it with my passion: Acting. And so, [The Acting Edit](www.youtube.com/TheActingEdit) was born! I really do believe it’s a great tool for actors (specially for the ones in London/UK), at least that’s my aim, and would love it if you could have a look and give me some feedback, as well as things you’d like to see in the channel. Also, if you like the content, consider subscribing! Lots of love and have a great week. Spring is just around the corner!
The best thing a director ever said to you to enable your best work. by bradfilm • last post Feb 13th
What little things has a director said or done on a set to help you find your best performance? It could be words, could be something physical or a little consideration of your craft that really helped you get there as an actor.
My problem/difficulty with acting as a couple in Student/Amateur films by MetroSexy80 • last post Feb 12th
I've acted in 2 student films as a couple, and somehow the vibe between my onscreen girlfriend/wife just isn't there. You see how real couples interact? And you compare it to on-screen couples in student films. There's always an awkward vibe due to 1) actor/actress not being committed enough. (I had an actress that said no kissing or hugging) 2) Skill level of the actor/actress 3) Direction of the shoot/script There isn't a real feel of a couple that's been married or seeing each other. I just got another role as someone's boyfriend, and I'm worried about the chemistry between me and the actress and pulling off the feel/vibe of a real couple. Is there any article I can read or any advice I can get from you guys? Thanks!
The power of eyebrows and how to not overdo it. by Jasper7k • last post Feb 12th
I have noticed that when I watch myself act I move my eyebrows a lot. I know that the eyebrow is a good tool for expressing emotion but I have this feeling like I am overdoing it. A lot of times when I am watching actors on TV and in movies I notice that they don't move their eyebrows during some dialogue in which when I think about myself speaking the same line I probably would have moved my eyebrows. Is there a way to know when and when not to use your eyebrows? I want to learn to use my eyes more to express emotion too.
CD workshop claims he will get you signed with reputable agency and will bring you to LA for his project? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Feb 12th
hi guys, I found a CD who does work and has been casting people for stuff. he has credits, verified via imdb, but his workshop sounds scammy. He says he will bring people from his workshop back to LA for his project and also pitches that he will get the lucky actors signed up for a year with reputabhle agent. what do actors on here think about this strange offer?
seriously. how do actors with criminal convictions get work? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Feb 12th
hi guys, i was reading about o-visas and such, and how having criminal convictions would not allow you to work overseas. how do celebs get past this? also is it dependent on the crime? Mark Wahlberg plead guilty for assaulting a vietnamese man. Will Smith and his crimes. and the list goes on.
A video on Heath Ledger to get the young actors inspired by ZeeCon4 • last post Feb 11th
Greetings from one of the 'Experts'! by DavidPatrickGreen • last post Feb 10th
I just wanted to say, "Hi". I'm a working professional actor having worked in several North American cities on dozens of TV shows and feature films. I am also a backstage expert and am here to help everyone reach their acting goals as soon as possible. Hit me up if...
Back Stage - please list the experts by Paladin • last post Feb 10th
Hi guys - Could someone list the approved Back Stage experts so we know who has your imprimatur and who doesn't?
Acting Corps - Groupon by LaMancha • last post Feb 10th
Ok, so I made the leap and just signed up. I was on the fence just because it's a commitment, but there is deal on Groupon and anyone looking to try them should totally check it out while it's discounted. 500 bucks for 20 classes. 25 bucks a class. Please...
Looking for career advice by nickallen28 • last post Feb 10th
Hello all. I’m 33 male and live in San Diego. I’m a US Naval Officer stationed here and life is generally very comfortable. I’ve been blessed for sure to have first world problems and have a stable financial situation. My “problem” is that I’ve always had an itch for the cinema but always been too scared to take action. I’ve never classified myself as a creative person (singer, painter, dancer etc) but there’s always been an “itch” towards cinema and the process of making film. I wouldn’t call it passion but I’m just trying different things to possibly see what might make me feel super fulfilled professionally. Also Im not passionate (whatever that word really means) about my job. It’s one of those things that I’ve been proud to do and that I’ve done very well in but not necessarily in love with what I’m doing. I also have no real issues with my profession so that’s why I say I’m in a very comfortable place. But, being comfortable has its way of making , especially men I think feel like they’re spinning their wheels. Just MO. Long story short, I decided this year to go out for an acting class. It started out with being nerve racking but now (6 months into the class) I never feel nervous anymore performing in front of the group or anyone I’m reading with. That’s the good news. The frustrating part is wanting to be “good” and reaching true emotions in the moment is way harder than I thought it would be. It’s such an intangible skill set that I often leave class frustrated with what I was doing because I always feel like I perform in a pretty bland fashion. I could be wrong but that’s my perception. It’s also hard to see the path to see actual improvement. My real question is, if one is not passionate about what they’re doing for their career, is it worth it to risk it all as an actor if you get enough fulfillment from the process of acting? I’ll admit I wouldn’t want to struggle financially by chasing the full time actors game but many of the legends we know seemed to be on the verge of homelessness before getting a break. I also have two kids so it would be extremely irresponsible of me to put their future in a risky position. Just trying to balance family and not give up on an itch I’ve had for a long time. The downside is availability for any real project due to a full time career. Interested in your thoughts on this career from an adult perspective about balancing and being realistic about your chances. Latest: I’ve gone out for two student films and hope I hear good news from one of them. I’m also writing a short script with a friend of mine so I can work on my demo reel. That has turned out to be a super fun form of collaboration. Even on something as simple as a cheap 10 min short script, I’ve gotten so much excitement by working on something creative. We shoot in two weeks! Cheers and thanks!
SALT MODELS & TALENT by Steven Connor • last post Feb 10th
My theatrical agent moved to SALT MODEL & TALENT AGENCY and without letting me know, took me with her. Does anyone know anything about this agency? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!!! Steven Connor
Agent Acting Class Showcase by LaMancha • last post Feb 9th
Newish actor here looking to get an agent. I know all about the scams that are workshops and I don't want to do that. What I am looking for is acting programs that have a showcase built into their program, like at the end. I know some college programs have...
Getting into character, or over doing it? by Entershakira • last post Feb 9th
Watching the documentary on Netflix called Jim and Andy where Jim Carey is speaking about his role on the film man on the moon where he portrayed Andy Kaufman. Jim is insulting people and acting like a completely strange person (much like Kaufman). Now, I think he did a great job in the film but what do you, as an actor, think about other actors who take their work home with them? Living, breathing, encompassing the role even off set/stage? I personally have never left the stage and took my character home with me but I am wondering if it is something actors should try to perfect their performance. When do you think it goes from getting into character, to over doing it? Is it necessary for a good performance?
New to NYC, A Couple Of Questions by HPM89 • last post Feb 9th
Hi guys, just moved to NYC from Alabama, and I just have a couple questions. First, the most common. Representation, I am seeking representation, and since I am non union how hard is it? My plan was to come up here and do workshops as well as classes as much as possible. Hopefully do well, and rub enough elbows I could have someone walk me in. Before moving I was told my resume was good enough to get looked at, or at least get an agency audition. I even had a couple casting directors that were surprised I didn’t have an agent. My acting coach (she’s coaches in the southeast, but used to work up here till her parents got sick), made some suggestions on who to submit to, but I haven’t heard back. And until I start working with my new coach up here I’m just in a little bit of a lul on where my focus needs to be. Second, I want to build a reel, but is it easier to find Student projects through FB or just actors access? I’m sure all avenues are worthwhile, and also any links/names of schools that use FB for casting would be appreciated. I’m looking myself, but I wonder if some schools only do casting from within, also if I’m overlooking schools etc. Anyway, I’m doing as much reading, and as much research as I can. All of what I’ve seen on this sub has been immensely helpful, and just wanted to thank all the contributors.