We have found 19,413 posts across 4 actor forums:
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.
Extras by Ron Schwab • last post Feb 7th
What would you suggest be my first plan of action to get myself acting here locally as an extra, to begin with, whether it's for free or not.
Want to be interviewed in Backstage? If you are a working actor with a unique side-hustle I would love to interview you! by linsage • last post Feb 7th
Hey Actors, I am Linnea Sage, an actor and writer (among other things.) I write for Backstage Magazine and currently have a popular weekly column called 'Side Hustle Spotlight'. If you have a cool side hustle that you're passionate about, that is NOT in the service industry, let me know! Please check out my original article, ["A Side Hustle Should Fuel Your Acting, Not Suck Your Energy"](https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/side-hustle-should-fuel-your-acting-not-suck-your-energy/) . And also check out [all of the other interviews](https://www.backstage.com/topics/Linnea%20Sage/) that have already been published! If you want to be a part of this PM me **your side-hustle and recent/notable work in acting, along with your email address.** If I think you might be a good fit for the column I will email you a list of questions. Again, if you are a waiter, server, or bartender, this is not for you. This column is about tackling a side hustle that you're passionate about, that fuels your acting and does not suck your energy. At this time I am looking for people who have carved out a bit of success for themselves in the industry. So if you've done (at least) some co-stars or starred in indies that have done well at bigger festivals, that would be ideal. Thanks!
Acting in vancouver? by TroiasAchilles • last post Feb 7th
Hi guys, I'm an actor currently living in Dublin and wanted to see if anyone has any experience with the vancouver acting scene? I feel like I need to make a change. Only problems may be the visas. Would appreciate any feedback or experience relating to the area
Trades for theater/ film production? by Theurbanalchemist • last post Feb 6th
Hello all, I’m currently a working actor and I realize that the job that I work at currently may not be good for my health forever, even if it does run congruent for my auditioning and day to day expenses. I’ve been thinking as a contingency to learn a trade that can land me a job on either a stage or film set, where I can still audition if need be but still have a liveable wage. For example, my job offers training in electrical and I figured learning that could land me a job as a gaffer/electrician with flexibility. Tdlr; what trade would you recommend an actor pick up that’s relevant to film?
NYC Workshops by Carterer • last post Feb 6th
I'm heading to New York over March break and want ideas of how to get the most fulfilling experience possible - workshops, shows, performances, and all around grow as an actor while I'm there, any and all suggestions welcome!
Keeping your survival job while you have long shooting schedules by peacesignz • last post Feb 6th
Hi all, So I'm a new actress who (gratefully) has gotten a sudden influx of auditions. One in particular would require me to be out of state for 3 weeks if I get it (and I want to). I'm non-union, and I'm looking for a flexible part-time job. However...I don't know how I'm gonna deal with this sort of thing in the future. I mean, it could even be a week long shoot in my hometown and obvi it would require me to take a lot of time off at work. How do you keep your survival job while you take longer acting jobs?
Please help! I need advice on college! by EthericAssassin • last post Feb 5th
I'm in my second semester of a community college. I want to be an actor. Currently, I am taking basic courses, AKA, the useless stuff that really has nothing to do with what I want to do and is also stuff I've already done in public school a million times over. I'm very overwhelmed and am thinking about taking a break or dropping out. I read that to be an actor, you don't need a degree, although it can help. The only class I am taking that has anything to do with acting is a theatre class once a week. I might talk to my advisor. At this point, I would love to just take up a part time job and go somewhere where I can directly pursue what I want to do. Hell, I might be one of those people who takes a break from society and kind of go where the road takes them lol. I just want to do something that gives me meaning. Acting, the creative arts, is an outlet for that.
Do Actors Pronounce Words From A Script In Different Ways or Verbatim? by J_Literary • last post Feb 5th
I'm currently proofreading a script in preparation for film festivals, and screenwriting contests right now; and something has been bothering me. I have this piece of dialogue: "Do you ever want to go back?" Would an actor treat the word, "want to," as "wanna" for realism when spoken aloud? Are there instances where an actor would speak the informal version of something in a script?
Anyone familiar with what can be written off for taxes? What do I have earn as an Actor in order to write things off? (U.S.) by TheRadHatter9 • last post Feb 5th
I know there's a number of things that can be written off, just like any other job, but do I have to earn a certain amount each year in order to prove that Acting is one of my sources of income? I'm sure there's a limit to what exactly can be written off. Could I write off new clothes, or cosmetic surgery, or food/hotels from cities I don't live in but am filming in? What about trips outside the country? Could I write off a plane ticket or accommodations as long as I do some auditions or make a short film on my own? I know asking a tax professional is best, but just wondered if anyone here had experience with it. I'm not planning on writing anything off from this past year, but wanted to know for the future.
Actor head shots in the Portland, OR area? by i_want_to_act • last post Feb 5th
I am looking around for photographers and have been sending them emails for rates and if they do actor head shots, does anyone know of any place here that does them and is very reputable and what rates they charge? I am worried I am going to pick the wrong one and they do head shots that can't be used and I cannot tell what photos are usable and not and what makes a bad head shot because they all look good to me when done by a professional. I keep reading you only get once chance when you put yourself out there so one bad photo can end your acting career fast I keep reading. If I wanted to go cheap I would go to JC Penney or Rite Aid and I know that will not land me any role so that would just be money wasted.
Conveying a character different from yourself in audition, yet staying natural, and how much of it is the actor's responsibility alone on set? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Feb 5th
I have been thinking about this for a long time. My two questions are this: first, at an audition, how do you convey a character yet stay natural. Second, on actual set, how much is it the actors responsibikity alone to convey a character. Lets take away accents for awhile. I tend to ignore accents since an accent to me isn't necessarily a character trait but rather a cultural and racial thing. Like most brits speak in british accent but we dont give oscar nominations to the general brit population do we? Sure it can be hard for a non brit to put on brit accent , but here is the point of my question.... >auditions On an audition tape, you are pretty restricted from doing fancy movements and wear fancy costumes and makeup to xonvey a character. You cant break a plate out of rage... At auditions, you take away costume, wardrobe, cinematography and makeup. How much of it really is the actor's ability: * You can't do huge drastic physicality or it will look overthetop and unnatural (i.e too much hand movements). * there are subtle changes you can do with voice, but you cant overdo intonation or else it sounds too sing-songy. overall it seems the actors main job is to convey the emotional reaction of a particular character and to react truhful to the character. Basically to react as the character's temperment. >on set Everything else seems to be wardrobe, costume, and even screenplay... I believe Helen Mirren was talking about that in her masterclass. Basically emphasizing the importance of costume and what thr costume signifies about the character. Most people seem to forget the way an actor looks, isnt his ability itself, but rather the ability of the costume and makeup department Like when they say that Rooney Mara transformed herself... I mean she is a wonderful actress, but her emotional range was small to match the character she was playing, and the rest were costume and wardrobe. Yes she got pierced but if u take that all away what is left? The excpetion to me is obvious odd characters like Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise the Clown, but what about the more human characters that are grounded? Even some of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's collaboration are really mostly costume, wardrobe, makeup transformations. How do you convey such characters while staying natural at an audition, and how much of it is an actor's responsibility alone on set to convey such character? Thoughts and discussion?
Feeling lost . . . by Brandflakeeee • last post Feb 5th
I've gotten my BA and MA in acting, and have done multiple stage productions, and two television series in Ireland as a small role. I'm back in the States where I live I Kentucky and need to put myself somewhere I can continue acting. Problem is, I don't know where. I had my head set on Florida, to go work at Disney or Universal or any of the dinner theatres down there, but I've had so much negativity thrown at me about that place it's unreal, so I'm second guessing myself and where I need to be to continue my career as a full time actor. Thoughts? Advice? Anyone else hit this point yet, because it's stressing me out that I don't know where to go or what to do?
Touring Theater—Pros? Cons? How do I get involved? by AndWillAwhile • last post Feb 5th
LA-based actor. I think I'd like to try doing a tour—is there any "path" towards it? Should I be looking at certain companies or agencies? Do they pay well enough for stability?
How did timothy charlamet get cast in the call me by your name film? by SweetCarpet • last post Feb 5th
hello, I have just turned 22 and I'm looking into getting an agent. I have had experience in acting (high school and one student film) but just not that sure about the professional side of it. anywho, i was looking at actors in my age-range and that look similar and i came across the guy who plays elio in call me by your name. i haven't seen him before and i read online that he'd only been in a tv show before the film. i'd like to know if it is a good idea to contact his agent and ask if they take me on (as we're similar casting) or should I contact the person that casted call me by your name and ask?