So I'm an animator and video game designer and for a while, I've been either making my own short films or small games but I've been suggested by my friend to voice some of my characters and when I did it, I received pretty good reception. I know some high profile voice actors started as an animator such as Seth Macfarlane, Justin Roiland, Mike Judge, Olan Rogers, Alex Hirsch etc. so I was wondering is this a good way to get into voice acting?
I'm an actor that suffers from depression and anxiety. I have tremors on top of that so even when I'm not nervous it appears as if I am with my shaky hands. Has anyone taken a beta blocker such as Propranolol before an audition or a shoot to help them calm their nerves and appear less anxious? I'm acting in a commercial coming up would like to ease my physical symptoms without using something as bad as a benzo.
Has anyone worked in the industry for agencies, production companies, awards shows, networks, and successfully audition and "make it" as an actor? I want to apply for office work for one of these, but feel like it's frowned upon, but I know Chrissy Metz worked at an agency before making it on This is Us. Thoughts on doing so?
Hi, I tried acting but unsuccessfully and I have wondered if part of it was I could not dissociate. Of course, dissociation, in the clinical sense, is a mental illness. I mean when you cannot control it and is caused by trauma (the so called multiple personality disorder) But if you can intentionally "dissociate," I imagine it can be beneficial when you need to get in touch with different emotions and ways of being. I mean unless you're a sadist or violent person deep inside, how else can you really play a very violent person and express the emotions and really embody it without driving yourself mad? Or, to be less dramatic, how can you, for a particular role, really become this carefree type of person for hours when in real life you are a very serious person? I sometimes watch actors like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Daniel Day-Lewis, and wonder how they do it. I mean Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood (I know some people claim he was overacting, but even so) but I look at him during interviews and then some scenes in the movie and I think he is possessed, he's not the same person.
Hey! I'm an ATL actor/thespian. I feel like i have such good interations on this subreddit. Does anyone want to follow each others socials? @thepeytonrowe Leave yours and I'll follow.
I’ve been pursuing acting for no long period of time I would say about 4 months and I’m aiming to give my 1000% percent. My teacher says I’m holding back when it comes to creativity and confidence and I feel this is due to the fact that I am quite the timid person when it comes on to unknown factors. Any suggestions on dealing with this. Hopefully I explained this to an understandable degree.
What work do you do, consistently, daily, weekly, monthly, that makes you a better actor even when you aren't on set? How about when you haven't booked anything for months? Acting classes are the obvious answer, but I'm looking deeper. What's the work you do, all the time?
I posted this on r/theatre, but I thought this would be a good place as well. Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, but I’d thought I’d ask now than later. I’m preparing for MFA auditions, and I’ve been really struggling to find dramatic Shakespeare monologues (I’m mainly a comedic actor). I stumbled on Aaron’s “even now I curse the day” monologue at the end of Titus and I fell in love with it. I loved how villainous he is and I thought of how much fun I could have with it. I did more research and I just realized he is a villainous moor. First off I feel embarrassed that I didn’t even realize that at first. But another part of me is still wondering, as a white actor who’s just performing a monologue and not being casted in a show, would the people running the audition find that offensive or off putting? Would it just be safer to pick something else, and if so, what are other good, similar monologues like Aaron’s?
What are the best acting agencies for actors that have limited acting experience under their belt within the UK - North West England
I’m generally curious as to what you think are some of the best movies an actor can watch/analyze.
Hopefully this isn't a stupid question but who makes the decisions on what kind of genres you get booked for in terms of Film & TV? I love Drama but I don't see myself being a good comedy actor, is this something I should tell my agent if I ever get one?
I don't have much quality footage of the student film projects I have worked on so I am looking to do a few self tape style scene clips to upload to AA and Backstage. I was told to not use anything that is recognizable so I am on the search. I did a scene from Malcom and Marie for class that I was thinking of using but I am worried the piece might be too recognizable. Does anyone have any advice/methods on finding scenes that are good to self tape? Any insight would be appreciated!
I've read for a handful of series regulars and supporting leads in feature films over the past couple years, meanwhile i only have a shit ton of short film credits and no tv/major film credits yet (but i do read for co-stars a lot too, the occasional guest / recurring). a month ago i read for the lead in the john wick prequal event series The Continental. like, i'm not going to book that role. they jsut cast mel gibson as the villain. they're going to cast a name actor that has been a series regular previously, if not a major film actor in that lead role. Why do they give these types of tapes to unknown actors? i mean, listen i'm beyond grateful for the chance to read for that office, atomic honey, but i just dont understand it. earlier in this year i read for a supporting lead in a gerald butler movie. they cast the lead from Luke Cage as that role. like, why am i reading for things that i have no chance in hell of being cast in? it just feels like a big joke. i hope that means casting either thinks i'm capable of doing a role that meaty or they like something about me, but i just can't wrap my head around this. out of all the auditions I've read for in the few yeras i've been auditioning, literally 99/100 the person cast has at least a page full of co-stars / guest stars already. so like, somebody's gotta give me a chance eventually for my first major credit... even if it's just a co-star... right? i think i gotta stop looking at imdb and who get's cast, becuaes all it does is drive me crazy. Also, do we anticipate the major acting studios / teachers in LA to be holding classes physically in person again in January? or do you think it's just going to be zoom classes forever at this point? some of this people (leslie kahn) are still charging $800 for zoom intensives, doesn't seem like much of a discount from in person classes. I can't imagine spending $800 for a zoom class, ridiculous in my book. I wanted to wait for in-person classes to resume, but what motivation do they have for doing in person again when they can charge the same for zoom...
Wondering if anyone knows the logistics of being transient and an actor? Or if anyone has any experience doing so? I’ve always wanted to live in a van and travel, and while on one hand I think there are pros to that lifestyle for acting, there’s likely a lot of cons as well. For example I know that extras/background work is usually cast locally, and I doubt living in a van in that city counts as local. I also imagine not having a home address or being located in one place could be limiting for a number of reasons. Any thoughts on how it could work (if it could work at all)?
I'm trying to locate a decent online acting class for my ten year old daughter - she's done some local shoots, small roles, is still green but I think talented - of course I would say she's talented because I'm her dad :) . I'm looking for a course rather than sporadic videos on Youtube . I was thinking of investing in Masterclass but the few acting "classes" on there seem to be older actors and nothing aimed at very young actors. I googled but couldn't see if this question had been recently answered - thanks
I’m a 14 year who has the dream To be an Actor and to see myself on the red carpet, Unfortunately There Are Thousands Of Things Stopping me • Parents: My Parents Force Me To Keep studying And Become a doctor (I’m kinda Doing good in school) But it’s not my dream to be a Doc • Environment: I Live in A Third World Country Which Stops Me From My Acting Career (There Aren’t Any Movies Made In My County So Actors are pretty much useless here, i also want to be an actor who Makes English movies) idk how to start my acting career i’ve never been to an acting school or anything So My Question is, Is It Possible Being An Actor And Working Another job too? i feel like my dream is useless and i should give up on it
Thoughts on this? When you are a working actor (not famous at all) how necessary do we think it is? Everyone I meet seems to say that it is really helpful for castings and having an online presence...but I've recently taken a break from socials and feel so much better in myself- I just don't want to have accounts anymore (other than reddit and youtube). Since ive given it up ive had more energy to look for open calls/stuff on Mandy/Backstage but everyone i speak too seems to think im passing up career opportunities by being off the grid. What do we think?
Hi, Our daughter has been offered registration into iPop by NYLA after auditions and NYLA is asking USD4995 for that. This money does not include airfare, stay or meals. They call it ‘Performer Package’ with details below- PERFORMER PACKAGE INCLUDES: -Daily iPOP! Guide meetings during the event -Performance Registration and Badge -Participation fees to perform as a Model or Actor, Choose One -Preparation Meetings and monthly coaching prior to iPOP! -Guidance in selection of commercial, monologue or other performance material. -Your photo in the official iPOP! Online Performer Directory -Opportunity to be seen by top agents, managers and casting directors in the industry. -Opportunity to audition for the Celebration of Success Talent and Runway Showcase -Management and marketing services during and after iPOP! -Wardrobe selection for performance. -Admittance/Dinner at Awards Gala In addition, if performer is under 18, a parent needs to accompany which is an additional USD 1995 per parent. Has anyone participated in NYLA and can help us with reviews? We are trying to find information before committing. Thanks in advance
Out of respect, I will keep locations and names excluded. If you may know, then you may know. My talent manager of six years recently passed away. I have been crying almost non-stop for days since the news and its a loss that my non-industry support system can't fathom. We not only shared career highs and lows, but they delivered mentoring advice about life, which in part helped profession as profession was my life. Now? I feel a part of my identity has been lost. No longer will I get excited to see Cmail or their name in my inbox and any bookings in the future won't be shared by someone who wasn't there from the beginning. From late teens to late twenties. From non-union to pinned series. And they touched and advocated for many actors in their life. An absolute light has been lost and I need help clearing my brain. Has anyone experienced this? Would you have words of wisdom in such a time? What is respectful protocol and any anecdotes would be appreciated.
Hiya, I'm a 20 year old Actor in training, and recently it has come to my attention that I have not let go of a role that I had worked on for over a year. It's bad... The role I played is Trigorin from "the Seagull" So a very manipulative in command cocky/arrogant character. Last night while I was drinking with my acting friends. One of them turned to me and yelled "let go of Trigoring You're still holding on" It came to me as a shock as I didn't think I was doing anything. Thing is, this isn't the first time I had heard it either, but they were said right after the show so it was understandable that I still held onto something. Trigorin is a great role I really enjoyed playing him. But what I thought what I was doing was naturally me seems to be remnants of the role. I suppose even when I'm typing this reddit post I feel like I am using similar language. What hurt me the most though was when my friend said I subtly manipulate people. and the reason why I got upset with this was that I don't recognise that I do that. Is there any tips on how to break free from a role?
I'm booked for a TV commercial next week and the shooting day still hasn't been confirmed. I work part-time and need to know what days I can work. It's a nightmare, I need to let my boss know and I can't cancel my work at the last minute. The only alternative I can see is being fully unemployed in order to pursue acting! How do all of you aspiring actors manage working and auditions/shoots etc?
I am an actor based in LA (just moved here) who is not signed with an agent yet. I’ve had a few years experience doing plays and student films back home as well as classes. I’m not sure exactly where to start down here in LA as far as getting more experience on projects. All of my prior roles have been through networking and Facebook groups. I have seen casting networks, backstage, and actors access as the industry standards for booking. Is there one site that I should start with and move out from there as I get more experience? Or should I focus just on networking with indie filmmakers based in LA? I’ll be taking classes down here as well. Any insight is greatly appreciated!
I'm saying "Failed" for a lack of a better word, but I get really anxious when I see actors that have dedicated years of their lives to training, live in the USA, but still were only able to book a few minor roles throughout their career, even with decent agents. I'm 20 and don't live in the USA, I was thinking of starting training but I get so anxious when I see others who had the same aspirations as me and it ended up taking them nowhere.
Hi fellow Voice actors I have a question, I have some wall panels but I don’t think they’re any good considering I have drywall and concrete behind that as well as the fact the panels are an inch. What brand do you suggest for a starting voice actor? I’m currently using donner panels.
I'd like some recommendations on classes either online or in person in the LA area. I'm thinking of doing a course at the Actors Company with Portia Scott. If anyone has anything they can suggest.. I'm a beginner as in I have not taken any voice acting classes previously but have done acting in general.
I am offering $300 ($100 per character done) to record a good chunk of voice clips for a Kirby related project I have been planning for a few years I am going to be extremely particular about this project so I apologize in advance if you don’t get picked For the male actor(s), you should be familiar with the English dub of Kirby Right Back at Ya and be able to imitate King Dedede/Meta Knight If one person is able to do both, you will receive the payout for both characters I will note here that I don’t 100% need a Kirby since I can just use stock Kirby clips if needed, but on the off chance I am able to find a female that can play a good Kirby, that would be fantastic If you want to give it a try, send me a chat message and we can go from there
I have always wanted to be an actor since I was in kindergarten, I'm currently in high school. I've never wanted to tell my parents about this dream because I'm scared of getting made fun of or them not take me seriously. The girl I have been friends with since Pre-K already is on her way of becoming an actor, her mom is supportive, she has an agent, already has head shots, and has an agency picked out. When she told me this summer I was extremely jealous but I supported her either way, she's the only one I've told my dream. I have extreme shyness which stops me from joining the drama club at my school, I know that I wanna go into an art college no matter what even if I don't become an actor. My parents like being realistic and go for realistic dreams, I'm moving to Virginia soon and they have tons of art over there. I dont know if this career is for me based on all the things stopping me (sorry that this post was everywhere, I've just venting).
Hey, I've been a background actor since childhood, about 8 years now, and joined SAG as a child in that time. Now I'm a couple years out of college, and looking to break into more present roles. I don't have a reel, since I didn't study acting and all my work was background. How would you go about building one in this instance? What are the next steps to take?
Use this thread to post your headshots for feedback, get info on your age range/type, find good headshot photographers, ask any questions you may have about headshots. If you are posting a DIY headshot for feedback, and not just a snapshot in order to get feedback on your age range/type/etc, it is advised that you do at least some basic research on what actor headshots look like--composition, framing, lighting. You will find a Google Image search for "actor headshots" to be very helpful for this. Non-professional shots are fine for age/typecasting; please keep in mind that one picture is a difficult way to go about this. Video of you moving and speaking would be ideal, but understandably more difficult to post. For what it's worth, the branding workshop at SAG-AFTRA recommends a five-year age range. That's inclusive, so for example 19-23, 25-29, 34-38, etc.
My agents recently submitted me for a *huge* audition that requires voice acting. I’m not one to turn down an incredible opportunity like this, so I said “for sure, submit me, that sounds fun.” I’ve received the sides, and I’m getting pissed at myself reading through them because I just cannot make what’s coming out of my mouth sound convincing (at least in my own head, it just sounds fake, or cheesy, or… something). Does anyone have some voice acting tips they’d be willing to share? Whether that’s coming up with a good character or… idk. Any tips would be amazing. Wish I was better at voices.
I’m not an actor. No plans on being one. It’s a bucket list goal of mine to be an extra in a tv show or movie. Just want something cool I can show my kids one day.
Should I wear the appropriate bottom for the character, or any would be fine? As long as the top (shirt) is within the character? You don’t really see the bottom when filming the scenes, and the full body slate is just for introducing me, the actor’s info. So should I dress like the character for the pants & shoes for the full body slate?
Just wondering. I’ve shared some tapes with a few actors and have gotten 100% love from them
With the probable IATSE strike looming, I took on a background job this week that was out of town that required use of my car, figuring that it would contribute to P&H a little before the possibility of a drawn out halt in most SAG-AFTRA work. I haven't done BG in several years, and have since created an S-corp to be able to avoid taxes on income that goes to commissions, dues and other acting expenses after the Republican tax plan eliminated many of these deductions for independent actors paid with W2's. According to the payroll company (one of the large entertainment ones), for background work they will not pay a check to an S-corp with no taxes taken out, only to an individual with payroll taken out. I've been paid as a theatrical and commercial principal and a commercial extra as an S-corp and never had any problems. The income is relatively small, so I didn't fight it, but do they have a right to actually do this? I figured if you're being paid for work that you've done, you're entitled to be paid however you want as long as it has the IRS's approval. Can employers deny the option to pay an S-corp? Or is it just a payroll company being uncooperative because of the general disrespect towards background work?
I've been having a hard time finding gigs these days. Backstage seems full of garbage and I haven't had a booking in a while. What have y'all been up to?
Mandatory first-time poster in this group so excuse me if my formatting is off. I am looking for local groups to work with because I want to get more experience under my belt as a young actress. I am not currently going to college so I don't have access to any programs they offer. At this point, I am just trying to connect with other people working on their own small projects who might be looking for free labor. This is an instance where I really do want to get "paid" in exposure. Advice is welcome!
So, I’m currently a BFA Acting student at a school I will not specify in NYC. I’ve been acting since the age of 6 in largely school/community theater productions with the occasional callback from my many film/TV/commercial auditions that never went anywhere. Now, I know I’m a pretty decent actress. I’ve won a few awards for my lead acting roles in dramatic one acts I had the fortune of being in, and they’ve almost all been darker, edgier, morally ambiguous characters because that’s my type based off how I look lol. I got into a pretty prestigious acting program and I’m doing pretty well in it. My dream is to be more of a TV/Film actress rather than a theater one. Now, my problem is that my voice is high. Like, not only pitch wise, but I legitimately sound like a 12 year old girl unless it’s right when I wake up in the morning. It was never an issue when I was younger, obviously, but as I got older, most of my notes have consisted of lowering my pitch/tone of voice. And I have tried. So hard. My mother (god bless her) even said i could try to smoke as a half-joke, but I would never do that to my health nor my voice since I also sing. I’ve tried YouTube videos, google searches, the lot. But nothing has worked. I hate that I sound like a child and it’s my number one insecurity, especially since my type requires almost the opposite. What should I do????? I’m genuinely pretty desperate at this point.
Very specific question, but does anyone on here know of managers in the LA area that have experience cultivating Voice Over/Youtube talent? I've been browsing IMDB pro and found a smaller company who has a client that fits that career description, but was curious if there were any others people could think of. For context I'm an actor based out of LA. I've been primarily focusing on voice over, but I have a degree in theatre and on camera credits I've accumulated since moving out here. I also launched a youtube channel exactly a month ago today that is doing well. I'm hoping to find a manager that will work with me to leverage the audience I gain as a youtuber into acting opportunities (and have those opportunities feed traffic back into my channel). Maybe they can help me finally secure representation as well!
Short version: I have a brand new actor cast for a role next week. Most of the cast is seasoned professionals, but I decided to take a chance on this person. She has no experience and isn't even in the union. This job is going to be her Taft-Hartley. I'm regretting it. She's seeming less and less professional as time goes by. I'd say there's about a 30-40% chance that she's going to no show for her shoot. If she does, I'll be paying everyone else, as well as paying for the rented set, with nothing to show for it. I'm fine with her shooting if she actually shows up. What do you think I should do? 1. Cross my fingers and hope for the best. Do a better casting job in the future. 2. Hire an understudy. Basically, find someone willing to show up knowing they will get the job if the first actress no-shows or get paid a nice sized fee (probably $200) and get to go home if the actress does show up? 3. Replace the actress. Pay her a cancellation fee equal to what she was promised for the shoot and tell her she's not needed. 4. Replace the actress. If she doesn't show up, don't pay her. If she does show up, pay her for the full day and send her home. 5. Something else I didn't think of? If I left out any details you think are relevant, just ask.
Do you think foreign actors in UK have to live in London or not? Or any thoughts?
Only mass born in and after 1995. Compensation: £25 Amazon Voucher Amateur actors, studentactors, newly grads will be considered as well.
I have a photoshoot coming up and while I have some good headshots, I need more full length pictures of myself. I plan to pose with a stool. But I'm looking for other ideas for inspiration.
I'm considering studying acting. What kind of things do actors learn in college?
Hi everyone, Does anyone know of any trustworthy agencies for actresses in the Kissimmee or Orlando area? Also how is the performance scene in these areas? I know there's a multitude of theme parks, but do they pay enough to sustain a living wage? Any answers would be greatly appreciated! :)
If you book a role and aren't given any instructions about makeup, how would you show up? No makeup? Foundation only? Something else? In case it matters, suppose it was a one day union role.
I have been self-represented for a couple of years, receiving the vast majority of confidential breakdowns and submitting myself on them. I used to get one professional role per month doing that, but haven’t had anything through confidential breakdowns for a year, so I was considering getting an agent instead of paying $500 a year for the actor collective. However, I already work full time on a contract basis as a host/emcee on special events (and sometimes on radio) and I love that job. I can’t cancel those gigs to get an acting gig the same day. I also still find a lot of paid non union work on my own and can easily get union background work from social media. I don’t think a good agent will understand that I am already finding a lot of work on my own so I won’t always be available and she can’t manage those contracts I already have (my clients don’t work with agents). But I see no other way to get access to union roles on professional sets. My other option would be to go with my ex-agent who is not as good, but still allows a lot of freedom and flexibility so I can still manage my own career. In any case, I was thinking of giving my future agent access to a Google calendar so they can automatically see on which day I am already booked so they don’t submit me for something the same day. I have a phone meeting with the good agent tomorrow. How do I talk about the fact that I already get a lot of work on my own and that I don’t want to lose that?
I want to direct and, having taken some acting classes, have developed an increasing interest in acting over time. The way I see acting is in two main layers - internal elements like identifying with the character and playing that role and the external aspect of physical communicating that to the audience (voice, expression, etc.) The problem I've had recently is that I am a terrible actor in terms of all the physical/external things. It is simply that I don't have enough range in my voice, control over my face, etc. I mostly wrote this because I was curious on people's thoughts on acting as a talent compared to physical skills associated with it. Can you train yourself to be better at these things or is it mostly natural?
Hi fam! I am from the US, dual citizen to Australia, my close friend in Australia, also an actress (a dual citizen to Ireland with fantastic British and Irish accents) wants to move to London OR Ireland together. It’s either this or I move to LA. I guess I am wondering if anyone has good information about the film industry in the UK/Europe for Americans. I will certainly prioritize working on my accents, but is there accessible work for Americans, is there any benefit to being someone with an American accent, does this mean a smaller pool of people going for the role or just a smaller number of opportunities? Also, I must do my research on cost of living
I'm looking to get another agent. I took hiatus for few years, and former agent passed. .I wouldnt mind freelancing for a bit, go in for some u5's at least to get back in groove...any ideas out there? (pretty decent reel, like 30-35 credits on imdb, 'mature' equity actor and singer)
What would be a good start for a new voice actor's pay? I'm trying to set up a sort of portfolio or resume, but I'm not sure how to list my rates.
Weeee, you found me!
I'm your buddy Bottie, I was hiding behind the scenes, but now that you've found me I'd be happy to tell you what I'm doing.
I just wrote a few fun facts about Web For Actors
Would you like to take a look?
Click here to check them out. I hope it will cause involuntary audible response.
