This is more about my personal relationship and journey with the craft instead of the technical aspects of how to produce a quality looking self tape. Been Acting in l.a for 7 years. Man how to the game has changed. Now basically all auditions are either Zoom or self tape. Some people love self tapes, others hate them, it's complicated. I for one used to hate self tapes -- I loved how with a traditional audition I could get in there, get out, and my work was my work. Now I have the option to work the same piece for hours, take after take to try and get it just right. It's a luxury, but also the pursuit of perfect can be dangerous. Gotta stay fresh. Now I hate self tapes a lot less. What changed for me? I've come to accept what my work *is* and what I bring to the table. I don't think I'm an incredible actor with a huge range of character ability. I think I'm a GREAT actor at certain archetypes. And i think I've gotten a lot better and just owning that. Now when I get material, I honor the words, the writers intentions, but I do it for me -- I do it how *I* would perform that character best. I put it into MY body, and own that 100%. Most recently I've turned down a couple of auditions -- Purely due to me knowing 100% that I will just look like a shit actor if I try to be that far out of my range. I just know I'm not that guy, and that's okay! So many things we book in the beginning are just a shade of who you are as a person -- you're either the guy, or you're not. Nothing personal. Before this recent breakthrough, I subconsciously was trying to *hit* what *they wanted*. We all know this is a bad idea but I think we do it on a very unconscious level because of course we want to book the job. Which is such a trap. Curious if anyone else has gone through this metamorphosis? My self tapes are WAY better, they are so natural, it's easier to memorize the words, and It's way easier to make every time we roll a new take completely different from the last. I'm truly in a state of play - bringing my pure essence into the performance. It's what makes a person castable. I've booked with my self tapes in the past -- but holy shit doing it this way is far more gratifying and genuinely fun.
Hey, a local actor from Vancouver just got an agent just wondering if any of you guys when you were new to the industry how long after you got your first agent did you start getting auditions. Info would be so so so very helpful!
Hi everyone! I’ve wanted to be a voice actor for years now. I love creating characters and doing voices. I’ve recently gotten into, and completed a play. I’ve also been doing a bit of voice work on a website called HITRECORD.com. I’m also doing classes and trying to really hone it. I’ve recently been thinking about what I’m going to do after high school. I’m a junior now. I have a rough idea, and that is that I’m (hopefully) going to attend college for something in voice work. But I’m not sure what college would be best for that. I’ve been looking, but I also wanted advice from you wonderful people! Any advice would be much appreciated.
BEAR WITH ME! I have no professional experience with voice work, but I am a singer, stage actor, and musician. I have always had a knack for making character voices as well as some celebrity impressions! I am willing to do free voice work for any animator that needs it, in exchange for a copy of the work to display in my professional portfolio! I've always had a passion for animation, imagination, character creation. However I never thought until recently that maybe it something I could use my talents in, instead of being a pretty voice on a customer service toll free hotline! I am a Baritone-Tenor almost 3 and 1/2 octaves, to give you an idea of my voice range. I can do classic characters such as Mickey and Goofy, Elmo and Cookie Monster. I list those for juxtaposition, in that I have a wide range. I can do a pretty convincing Rick, but my Morty needs a little work. Please let any amateur animators know about this!! I'm looking for real work, and I need to build a portfolio and some artistic relationships!! ​ PM me if you're an interested animator or have a voice work project you need a voice or two for!! Or pass it along to your animator friends!! ​ Thank you for reading!!!!
Good evening (or morning or afternoon) friends! I decided to search myself on IMDb as I am supposed to have at least one credit... turns out the credit I was promised is not there, BUT I have two other credits. Problem is, they are separate profiles! Does anybody know if there is a way to make it so both of my acting credits show they are the SAME actor and not two different actors? I have been getting back into acting lately and would like these to be consilidated. I assume this has happened to other actors before? Thank you so much for all the help you guys have given me up to this point!
I wrote and produced an audiodrama called The Death of Dr. Davidson, which features a large cast of talented people. Unfortunately, my main actor is now unavailable and can't complete the last three episodes (we have 9 episodes done so far). I need a Black male voice actor, age 30-50 who can approximate the style that our first actor developed for the character. You don't have to sound exactly like him, we will announce that the character is now being played by you, but I'd like to get as close to the style of delivery as possible. Please have a listen to this episode to get a feel for it. The audio is set in the 1930's, and is very derivative of Agatha Christie. It started out as a fun project but I would really like to finish it, for my sake and for the sake of the other actors who have donated their time. I can pay for this role since it's so pivotal to completing this project. https://www.eveelliot.com/the-death-of-dr-davidson-audio-dram Please PM your details and voice samples Thanks! Eve
India based actor here !!! I just finished with my classes. I am really confused with all the online auditioning. Where do I go from here ?? Or will this be it ??? Auditioning until I get somewhere . I have never been a part of theatre as well. So how Do I approach a theatre group is beyond me . I’d love any advice at this point.
Is this true? Can anyone find documentation to back it up? ​ I needed a new podcast for when I drove home last night to get my second COVID jab and started with The Insiderz which I saw recommended here. There is an interview with casting director Cara Rosembaum where she says it at around the 52 minute mark: ​ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/casting-directors-know-best/id1510257203?i=1000506553278](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/casting-directors-know-best/id1510257203?i=1000506553278) ​ It doesn't matter to me anymore but finding ways to get union eligible had been something I had schemed for since I was in high school. I have even in the past said an advantage of starting out in the ATL market is that it is a right to work state where the fines are not enforced so you can be in the game as soon as you can get an agent. If true, it turns out I had nothing to worry about in that respect if I finished my degree and went straight to L.A. or New York. ​ Now this is something else that should be pointed out to kids asking about the pros and cons of training in a college program if it is the new reality.
Hello everyone! I'm a voice actor trying to get started on my career. But like any other starting actor, I have no idea how to get started. Currently, I got myself a mic and a mini booth box, starting listen to the voice acting mastery by Crispin Freeman, and been reading a little to practice. However, I feel as though I should be doing more. I know I have my shortcomings, having ADHD, and haven't taken any classes as of yet. Not to mention that I'm currently living with family which of course leads me to trouble, but I really would like learn more about voice acting. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear what you guys have to say. Thank you in advance.
I’ve heard about several actors who’ve needed therapy or felt depressed after playing a role. Some of which are Michael B. Jordan for Black Panther and Lakeith Stanfield in Judas and the Black Messiah Is this something we should be concerned about for ourselves
Hi, I’m a beginning actress looking to make friends to rehearse and talk about acting with, I’d you’re interested please DM me!
I have noticed that certain female celebrities seem to have variable breast sizes. Sometimes, depending upon the movie a lady is presented as very busty and exposing lots of skin. Other times in public appearances the ladies are very much less so. How common is it that one has their bust size changed for roles? Is this done with cosmetic surgeries or do they enhance natural bounty with padding, bra design and such? Do actresses resent the male influence on these physical attributes? I hope this post is not offensive, I just wanted to have real actors opinions.
ive been fixated currently on what actors make for money recently. as i’m getting older and i have to figure out what i’ll exactly do when i’m older, this is when i start researching more of the financial things of an actor. but with doing this it has really discouraged me as an actor. i keep researching and researching to only hear that barely anyone makes it, all actors are poor, it’ll be impossible to live comfortably working in the industry.... all these things seriomakes my heart literally sink. i have never cared about fame and much of the money with acting but again, i’m getting almost to 18, and i have to think logically on what my dream career is going to get me. the more i hear about the reality, the more it’s pushing me down. idk what to do. i just maybe need some encouragement? and i love acting don’t get me wrong but it’s just so so hard that all i hear about is that acting pretty much can never get you anywhere....yes pretty much sums it up from every youtube video, and website article i’ve read. i hope i can change this mentality bc right now it’s really messing me up!
Pretty much what the title says. I’m just trying to figure out what techniques my favourite actors use to see if there is a pattern. Thanks in advance
Hello big people, as a small person, I need help. I am a teenage actor that is trying out voice acting. I’ve done musical theater, film, and I’m vocally trained. So the training isn’t what I’m worried about. I’ve also done research and saved up money for equipment (Technica AT4040 Mic, Scarlett audio interface, pop filter, stand, Sony headphones, sound proofing, you name it). Where my trouble lies is the actual technicalities of the industry, especially since I want to do animation. I have little idea as to how create an appropriate demo as all the examples I’ve found are for kids or adults. I also am concerned about knowing my rates, and eventually becoming my own franchise. Or maybe should I just adjust my agency to see if they’ll put me in for voiceover work so I don’t have to bother with a home studio unless absolutely necessary? I also probably need a lesson or two on audio tech. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated
I need an advice on how to deal with my emotions. I'm that type of actor who has to dig deep into my personal emotional trauma to connect to the hardships of a character I'm playing, and while it does make everything seems more authentic, at the end of the day it's so tiring. I mean of course talking to a therapist and spending time/talking to my closest people helps but, idk, maybe you guys have a better advice on how I should deal with emotional drain? Thank you and have a nice day/evening Reddit!
What a simple yet effective tool to measure progress. Watch yourself from 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or more back. Do your performances make you cringe? Are you catching all of these rookie mistakes and errors that went under your nose before? ***GOOD***. You're learning and improving, and being constructively critical of yourself and seeing where you needed improvement is pivotal in growing as an actor. Also, it may make for a good laugh.
What are the best acting agencies in your opinion?
What are the best Canadian agencies? Am an actress based out of Toronto and am looking for a great agent.
Hey all! I can officially call myself a professional actor as I am receiving my first check from an upcoming commercial. I am looking to buy something to commemorate the milestone and was curious about what you all may have done with your first check.
We all know about Actors Access, Casting Frontier, Casting Networks, and Backstage. Does anybody here use Cast It Talent? What about Now Casting? Any other sites? I find Cast It Talent not user friendly at all but that is where the majority of television roles get posted. It's so frustrating to use, they need to post a tutorial. \*sigh\*.
I'm interested in taking auditioning classes. I'm based in Vancouver but I'm okay with taking auditioning classes across Canada online (ie Toronto). Let me know which ones you guys are taking and which teachers/studios you know have a great track record. Thanks!
Throwaway bc i dont want this associated with my main account. I've always been anti social and didn't relate to many people at school. Never had good social skills and wasnt popular. I was considered one of the best actresses in acting school. Some teachers would tell me i would make it big. I had a classmate, she didn't like me very much. She started spreading rumors about me and everyone in school believed her. Because I was so shy I could never stick up for myself. At a party, a drunk colleague told me some people talked shit behind my back. I never asked what they said, i just wanted to leave that school. One day, this old man showed up to our last show. He was a famous director. He called me and i started doing voice acting work for animated series and movies with him. Everything was going well until he left the company, so i started working with another director, we got along, so i thought. Then, one day, the phone stopped ringing. I didn't understand why, we had fun, he praised my acting skills and said he was gonna call me back. That never happened. I find out a few years later that that girl is not only dating one of the young directors of that company, but she's also working there. She's friends with a lot of actors and directors now. I'm considering giving up acting. My mental health and anxiety have been affected, it's a small industry, everyone knows everyone, they think they know who i am and i feel like i dont have a chance anymore. I feel like you'll have more opportunities if you're outgoing, hangout with all these actors and right people, and you'll be getting a lot of contacts from people of the industry and i'm not good at it. I'm looking for some guidance, advice and would like to hear your experiences.
Recently took up some acting classes and what I learned is that I’m not always gonna get the best actor to perform with (I’m in intermediate) or I’ll have to do auditions where my costar is someone who is doing a cold read. What I’m struggling with is reacting in the moment to a bad performance. It’s hard to argue and cutoff someone who is slowly going through their lines with that half-yell inflection or feel sad when the person telling me the story is reading through the lines like a shopping list. I don’t want to attribute my bad performance to another actor but I’m starting to get a little frustrated with the whole ‘in the moment’ direction when the moment is barely there to begin with. Any tips?
I'm usually really good at figuring out if something is a scam or not, but this one is tricky because it seems extremely legitimate from their website and I have a friend who is signed with them and says he gets lots of auditions, but I was interviewed today and a couple of red flags came up... First of all, there is a $100 website fee, which is fine and I know some agencies do that, but then they also said I need more training before I'm ready to compete with top actors. Which is true, but I have been training for three years with multiple LA and Atlanta based coaches and was about to start training with a specific coach soon. But they basically said that they'd recommend me to a coach and it would be $600 for eight weeks. That is about the price I'd pay normally for classes for two months anyway, but it seemed weird that they were recommending it to me to the point to where it wasn't even a question. I told them I was out of town and had to wait until Monday to pay because I'd have to go to my bank and add money to my debit card, but they encouraged me to go ahead and pay what I could now. So I went ahead. It just seemed rushed since they told me about all of this at the beginning of the interview and expected me to pay by the end. If this isn't a scam then the money truly isn't an issue, but I have a bad feeling about it. Another thing, their contract mentions that they like their talent to be positive role models on social media and to also never do nudity in scenes, which is overall fine. I never do anything that would go against that, but it makes me wonder if that rules me out from getting any type of HBO or Showtime auditions?
Hi all! I'm new to the whole posting on reddit thing so this may be kind of wonky. But, let's give it a try, shall we? This is going to be long, just a warning. For reference, I am in my final year of college with one semester left in a major I hate. Thankfully, I live very close to a bustling industry area (NYC). After some personal setbacks after high school, I jumped from major to major, hating every one I applied to. Working these setbacks, I got my confidence back and got back into acting. Once again, I realized this is what I wanted to do in my life and where I needed to be. I got back into school theater, and just finished my first student film! I really want this to be a career for me. I have read up about "getting started", all of that -- headshots, finding casting calls, etc. By this summer I'll grab some headshots and sign up for some subscriptions for casting calls (Backstage, Actor's Access, etc). My troubles have laid in these two areas: **finding good classes** and **making a demo reel.** Like I said, I'm still in college. As of right now, I am unemployed as I am focusing on my school work. Being in an area like NYC, there are tons of schools, classes, and conservatorships to choose from. The choices are overwhelming and the prices even more so. I'm broke now and going to be even more broke getting out of school, even when I pick up a job. Some conservatorships are just as expensive as a semester of college, and that daunting price is keeping me away, as much as I want to do it. If anyone lives in the area or is familiar of schools and classes that are on the more reasonable price near the NYC area, I would super appreciate it! Now, demo reels, my enemy at the moment. The process of "you already need experience to gain more experience" cycle from the casting sites I see terrifies the crap out of me. My only camera work has been this one student film. I am uncertain if monologues being used that I tape myself with my phone will be viewed as unprofessional by some. I've seen studios that make reels for actors that charge an arm and a leg, and I have no idea if they are even trustworthy. Once again, any tips help about building a demo reel. I have seen some calls require a cover letter as well, and so many sites have so many different examples that it can become daunting to see which one is the "right one". Like I said, I would like for this to become my career. I would love to act, book roles, have an agent, all of that jazz. All I know is that article upon article from sites telling me twenty different contrasting things have made my brain fry. I would love to know your experiences and tips, if you would be willing to share them with me. Thank you all so much for reading this super long essay! Trust me, anything helps, whether that be here, through a message, or through chat. I hope whoever is reading this has the most amazing day.
Is it worth it to upload a demo reel at $22/min on actors access? I’ve only ever done small student/independent short films and my goal right now is to get more footage for a better reel. I see all the breakdowns request demo reels and it looks to me like the only option to upload a reel is to pay that fee right?
​ Tl;Dr - Not sure where to post exactly, skip to bottom to know where I am in my project. ​ So, getting started. I have a single chapter that I feel is ready to have recorded. A single chapter, that's right. I have gotten around the writer's block, and am making progress. The one person I want to see it, will never see the full book, let alone series. My father is dying from COPD and other complications from other health issues. So, with failing sight I figured an audio version would be best. ​ ​ I'm not sure he'll make it to his next birthday (Sept), let alone father's day. So there's the time crunch. ​ ​ How long does it take a single voice actor to record? I mean, it not being a whole book, will probably bring the time down some, lol. It's approx a 25 page chapter (fantasy pocket size pages). And I want it fully voiced. That is, a voice for each character. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Financially it's probably cheaper to hire a one and done narrator. But if my story is not to succeed, I want it going down in full dress, lol. ​ ​ 5,246 total words by MS Word count. The narrator would likely only have about 4800 words once the dialogue was dispersed among voice actors. ​ ​ Narrator - male (preferably but not a deal killer) Hero - male Support 1 - Female Support 2 - Female Support 3 - Male BBG Demon - Male? (Need deep voice) Misc demon vocals (human through reptilian. ​ So up to 6 different folks. I have considered narration myself, but I can't stand my voice. And I don't understand how people can listen to me, lol. ​ So if I have separated out the dialogues with descriptions as to tone or inflection/situation is that good for you folks? Or do you prefer to have it in-context? ​ ​ Steps I've taken this far: Finished manuscript portion for recording Signed up on Voices and Fiverr to look for potential voices. Posted a question here in hopes to find guidance with my rushed deadline. For those concerned: This recording would absolutely be paid and NOT sold. Strictly personal/private use by one person who doesn't know how email works.
I was thinking about how being an actor, and continuing to study and practice acting, has impacted me as a person. It's fascinating to me that it's one of the rare professions that is so intimately linked to who you are! I've always been a pretty guarded person, but I've been realizing that acting has made me a lot open and more vulnerable in daily life. I make a lot of unconscious facial reactions now that reflect my inner thoughts, which was nonexistent before. I used to have a pretty sturdy mask! It's a little scary since it makes me nervous to think that I'm easy to read, but I also love that it's a result of my acting, and more importantly, being more connected to my emotional state. How has acting impacted your life or personality?
Preface I'm 20 AMAB Non-binary turning 21 So yesterday around 5pm I get a DM from a casting director assistant who identifies herself as such/ tells me who the casting director she works for is (I look her up and she's valid -- I asked my friends in the creative industry if they knew her / her work as well and she's legit). It took me by surprise tbh because while a lot of my friends are creatives in the industry I am not on anybody's radar/didn't submit to anything or contact this person. She fully reached out to me and said she found me through her "research." She told me they were casting for a short film (lead role) and that if I was interested she wanted to send me an email with details. Verbatim of the DM: "Hey (my name), I work for casting director (insert her name). We’re currently working on a short film set to shoot in (name of location) in June and I came across your insta in my research. Would it be possible for me to get your email address so I can send you some details to see if you’re interested? Thanks so much!" I responded back, thanked her and gave two email addresses-- she responded promptly and friendlily and said she'd send over more info /details "shortly." I anxiously/excitedly waited but no more messages (though she was active on social media after). I'm now here at 3pm the next day with zero emails in either of my inbox and feeling like the excitement was all for nothing. I looked up the film and fell even more in love with it and there's some major contributors to such (would open a lot of doors I think). Is reaching out randomly/the ghosting a normal occurrence? Did they just move on / realize I'm not what they wanted (as again I'm not a training actor-- I don't market myself in this way online though whatsoever) should I reach out her again on social media / email the casting director personally (my friends in the industry told me not to and that it may take some time) or do I just smear the dream and move on? I know they're probably scouting a lot of other people so it's possible that maybe they found a better fit but still? Again not an actor, don't know how this scene operates, I don't have an agent / a portfolio or headshots and am in college. However, it seems like they want "off the streets" people with this kind of close experience. Typically I'd move on but this has never happened / the role feels perfect for me and the characters narrative is central to my own experiences and I want to do everything I can to secure such potentially. All advice welcomed!
Hi so , I’m a south Asian (Bangladeshi to be exact) and I’m an aspiring actress just starting out. I couldn’t help but notice that many acting jobs or castings in the acting industry aren’t as diverse as I would’ve hoped them to be Like for example when I search up the cast of a specific movie or tv show that I really loved, most of the cast is made up of white people , black people , mixed raced people and sometimes oriental Asian people too , but I almost never see someone who’s south Asian And whenever I do see south Asian people, They are basically playing the part of a character who has this stereotypical Indian persona or they have a family who is represented as the stereotypical classical Indian family. south Asian people aren’t that well represented in this industry:/ Which kind of makes me mad :D And obviously I’m aware that there are also castings that specify that they are open to all ethnicities but,even in that case they almost never pick the south Asian girl ( or guy) So what I want to know is Why is it that south Asian people are so badly represented in the acting industry ? If anyone can answer my question ,I will be forever grateful :D I just want more diversity and I want to keep on acting ya kNow :’) ( also if you’ve read so far tysm )
TL;DR- I have to deliver a comedic monologue that features the N word at the end, I fear for shock value. I'm looking for perspectives from directors and other actors as to how valid my concerns are, and advice on how to act 2ce my age for the role. I'm a mid 20s white (this'll become important) male amateur actor who's been assigned a comedic monologue as part of an acting class. I'm trying to develop the character in my head and I've got a reasonably decent grasp of the purpose of the monologue as it applies to the wider scene. The monologues were distributed to pose a challenge and mines a doozy. It's from 'A behanding at Spokane' by Martin McDonagh My character was mutilated at 17 for no reason and his attackers stole his dismembered hand. He's put a bounty out on his hand after 30 years of searching and 2 scam artists have turned up, offering him an aged, dessicated hand of a black person. The skin colour is not immediately apparent to the audience (at least I don't think it is) and the body of the monologue is to be played fairly straight as he tells the bizzare story of how he lost and how he's searched for his hand. The end of the monologue is the problem, I think. I am ultimately disappointed at the lack of my hand, and I refer to what the scam artists have given me as an n---er's hand- twice. The piece ends on a note of disbelief and anger from me. So, as far as the wider play goes, I'm not against the use of this language in an artistic medium. As a monologue showcase goes however, there are some concerns I have- 1. If I'm going to deliver this straight, given the language used, I want it to be funny and valid as a piece of art. 2. I have no idea how to sustain an old tough guy persona when delivering exposition essentially. 3. I'm afraid that the N word is being used as a punchline rather than as an expression of who the character is. As a comedic piece it feels like the former, whereas, as it happens close to the beginning of the play, it's the latter, at least as part of the play.
How do you email a background actor casting director. A show is set to film near where I live in a few months and I've never applied to be a background actor before but it's something I've always wanted to do! I have no experience other than 1 event a few years ago but I know extras generally don't need experience. I just want to know how you're supposed to email them to submit yourself as an extra. (They posted their email for us to submit ourselves just so nobody thinks I'm going out of my way to annoy a casting director)
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.
It’s been convenient for the past several years to see if spots I’m in are currently running by checking iSpot.tv. Even if all of the info wasn’t accurate, I could at least see if a commercial was running. Just within the last several months, all details have been locked out and as an actor I can’t even get a paid account. Any other websites, or any other service, that offers this kind of info, paid or free?
hello I want to ask, I'm a 16 year old kid who wants to become a Hollywood actor and win an Oscar (amen), but I don't know where to start, and I think I have an unattractive face (flat nose). And again, I Living outside the USA (Indonesia), is moving to the USA the first step? and another one, can a Southeast Asia person become a Hollywood actor, because I have never seen Hollywood actors from Southeast Asia thank you
Hi Hi! I am a Teenager and I've wanted to act for a long time but I have a very strict mom and so I never got to do anything. This isn't about me though. THIS IS FOR THOSE IN THE SAME SITUATION. I have learned a lot of stuff you could do instead. This is going to be a long thread to jump start your career! I highly recommend doing these if you want to go into the industry and your parents aren't supportive or very strict and wont let you do anything. I regret not doing a lot of these. Assuming you guys are in Highschool. If you aren't take what can do! I am going into college soon so I can make another one in the comments for a different situation! Let me know! \- TAKE THEATRE: Take theatre in high school trust me it will be worth it! You can use these as classes on your resume. Even if you want to be a film actor doing this is going to be BEYOND beneficial. \- You can use theatre as training \- This will allow you to network (yes you are in high school or middle school but you still network) \- DO THOSE PLAYS: Doing these high school plays allow you to put something in your JOB category on your resume. This will be one of the few steps in your net working. Even if you get the part as a tree showing your Theatre teacher (basically your casting director) you want to do plays and constantly auditioning will allow him/her to keep you in mind for leads or bigger roles. Remember these all can be used on your resume. Sometimes parents soften up when they see their children do things they are passionate about and will slowly allow you to be a professional actor. If not guess what your still an actor you are still working on your craft. Rehearsals for plays will be crucial in building your craft. These are literally like free acting classes. \- FIND THEATRE FRIENDS: These people are on the same path as you REMEMBER THAT. Some may be Film makers or some may be actors. They will have tips maybe even agents. You will all learn a lot from each other. This is crucial when Networking in a high school. You guys are on the same path you all want the same thing and have the same drive. \- FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER STUDENT- There is always THAT ONE KID THAT WALKS AROUND WITH A CAMERA. Almost all High schools have some photography class. Find someone willing to take your headshots. Pay $25 for some headshots while your at school during lunch or break if you have that! \- MAKE SHORTS- You don't have to have a fancy camera to make shorts .The camera on your phone is better than the camera they used to film the first Star Wars. Highschool is all about working on your craft. When your 18 agents and casting directors expect way more than you think. They expect a Reel, Headshots, Training and some jobs. These short films that you make with your THEATRE friends after school can be used on your resume as ACTUAL SHORT FILMS. You can make one a week. You can make them while your at school. If your parents allow submit them to Film festivals small regional ones. Tell your parents they don't go anywhere you can just win a prize. If you do win a small prize save that money.(its also an award) That is the money you will eventually invest in your acting career. SAVE IT. Also these shorts qualify for IMDB credits. If you didn't submit to a festival post it on YouTube. Your family wont find it most likely. I urge making shorts just do it they can be horrible or they can be amazing it doesn't matter they will all improve over time. You learn a lot about your acting from this as well. VIN DIESEL GOT DISCOVERED FROM HIS FIRST SHORT FILM AND FROM THAT HE STARTED HIS FAST AND FURIOUS FRANCHISE! (thank you at megasuperhyper for this information) \- TAKE DANCE OR CHOIR OR WEIGHT TRAINING- I know you most likely want to go into film and these sound like very theatrical things. WELL HEY TOM HOLLAND TOOK DANCING CLASSES. LOOK WHERE HE IS HES MF SPIDERMAN. Casting directors will look at these as a plus! You have more training than people at 20. You can also input these in your special skills category on your resume. High schools usually allow you to switch out PE for Dance or Weight Training if you want to do Weight Training DO THAT. \-COLLEGE CLASSES- Many high schools allow there students to take college classes and you dont even know. I recommend asking your counselor if you can or at least over the summer. You usually can take two classes a semester. Acting classes in college are really great sources of training usually your school will cover the expenses. Over time you can rack up A LOT OF CLASSES and it will look amazing and help you a lot. There are classes like Acting 1/ Acting 2 /Mime Acting /Voice Acting/ Acting for the Camera/ Acting for the Stage etc. Sometimes the colleges will allow you to participate in their plays especially if you take these classes in Spring and Fall terms. You will meet a lot of older students that have resources and are probably working on there own shorts or student films. You can network with them and see if you could get roles from that. \- INTERNSHIPS- so your parents most likely want you in the back end where you cant be seen. I recommend doing internships. There are a lot of internships near you in production studios casting agencies talent agencies and more. Your parents will think you are interested in the business aspect which is a plus for you because you get to learn what talent agents really look for what goes into making a film and what casting directors REALLY LOOK FOR. If you are not of age yet you can email producers/casting agents/talent managers and ask if you can be there assistant etc. Volunteer. This is a professional way to network at a young age allowing you to already have somewhat of a name. \- BACKGROUND ACTING- My mom is beyond strict and has allowed me to do background acting. In all honesty you might not network with the casting directors that much but you meet a lot of new people and get to go on an actual movie set. The thing I like about background acting is you get paid. Yes the money. You are eventually going to need money to invest in your career. If your parent do loosen up and allow you audition for things the money will be invested in transportation to get to set etc. You also get cool IMDB credits most of the time. \- If your parents do loosen up I recommend investing money into [Backstage.com](https://Backstage.com) and Actors Access allowing you to get lots of auditions that are near you. If you can travel You could use this money to take something with you (mom, grandma? cousin?) To LA Or NYC if you eventually book a job there. IF YOUR PARENTS ALLOW YOU. Anyways the money you'll gain will be really good to invest into your career. \- CONSTANTLY WORK ON MONOLOGUES: Look up scripts from your favorite movies things you hope to see yourself in one day! Coming of age movies, Marvel etc... Record yourself doing these scenes and look over it critic yourself. \- STUDENT FILMS- If your parents still wont let you act professionally try budging them into student films. Really the same thing you where doing but now for College students. They have more resources better camera and equipment. You can build a longer reel and a longer resume. \- START A FILM CLUB- My school never had a Film Club and I never thought to make one which would have been amazing. I ended up joining book club... \- Ask your principal if you and a few students can start a Film Club. Where you can watch movies critic the acting, cinematography etc. and even make short films. Your Theatre teacher can be the Advisor. You can make your own little film festival for film club where you guys make shorts and at the end of each semester there's a contest and the winner gets a small prize. Its small yes but it builds your experience. Your parents could see that you care a lot and maybe allow you to professionally act. This would allow your school to let you use fancier cameras and mics for your shorts as well! \- ACTING CLASSES- I do recommend you get acting classes on the side which can be stressful sometimes. Throughout your whole journey you should be saving up. There are many thing you can do. I put this closer to the end because I know Acting classes are VERY expensive and unsupportive parents most likely wont pay for it. \- ONLINE ACTING PROGRAMS- I have seen a lot through backstage and I have enrolled in some as well. I fond a NYU program for Performing Arts that is all online and no face to face. You get a certificate at the end which is very prestigious. You can enroll for a scholarship which will help with the cost. \- HARVARD CLASSES- This one is very tricky and I put it there just as an extra resource if you have the money. Harvard offers two acting classes to the public which can be very prestigious on your resume. You can save up for these classes (3400 each) I also believe there is financial aid available for them. Just to put that out there. \-READ BOOKS AND PLAYS- Read Shakespeare and READ SCRIPTS READ MONOLOGUES AND READ ACTING BOOKS \- Audition- Michael Shurtleff \- Acting for Young Actors The Ultimate Teen Guide by Dinah Lenney and Mary Lou Belli I really like this book it teaches you everything from makeup to agents to audition \- The Actors Life Survival Guide- By Jenna Fischer \- YOU CAN ACT! A complete guide for Actors- by D.W Brown \- Respect for acting- Uta Hagen \- An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski Read as many plays as you can read as many scripts as you can. Study them. Reenact them! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS COMMENT I WILL REPLY YOU CAN DO THIS I BELIEVE IN YOU xoxo your acting mom!
Let's say my new company operates widgets. It is in no way related to my acting/modeling work. Here's a tidbit in the paperwork they wanted me to sign: "The Company, ***and any person or concern it may authorize***, shall be entitled, without my further consent, to copyright, sell or use in any manner, any picture or photograph of me." I know they just probably mean work related, etc. but it's still extreme overreach. **Be careful out there actors!** I obviously CANNOT sign this as it would put me in conflict for photos that are not owned by me. Secondarily, it would probably be used for free modeling work from employees in an unrelated field to use on whatever marketing/internal materials they like. Which is unfair. It's like asking the forklift driver to sign away the rights to his grandmother's cookie recipe.
Hey community! Please list some communities, workshops or classes in LA for actors to research or join, that you would recommend for actors looking to study and work on their craft? Everyone feel free to join in!
Hey I’m in nyc and am not an actor. However I’d really like to let loose with others and kind of go crazy. Not in a depressing serious way but in a fun silly funny way. Like people acting like monkeys, make funny faces and noises, dance around and stuff with guidance from a teacher or leader. Im not looking to become an actor, I’d just like to break out of my normal self for an hour or two with others and have a fun time doing it. I don’t even know if this falls into acting or if there are acting classes like it, but I figured it might be. Thanks!
I’m starting acting and interested in creating a network of actors where we can meet up and support one another. Of course, after quarantine. Message me and let’s connect via Instagram!
Honestly I just don’t see myself doing any other job than being an actor. I’ve felt this way since I was a kid. I’m 24 now and I have a steady job that keeps me alive and comfortable but I’m not satisfied or as happy as I should be. I don’t know what to pursue or how to get started. I’d appreciate any tips.
[‘Percy Jackson’: Search For Disney+ Series Lead Actor Officially Underway, Says Author Rick Riordan](https://deadline.com/2021/04/percy-jackson-search-disney-lead-officially-underway-says-author-rick-riordan-1234745076/) It was just announced today that they have an open call for the lead role and anyone can self-tape. I imagine there's going to be lots of first-timers posting here over the next however many days.
Hello fellow actors! I am an actor who needs to dye his hair black to play a part, but I don't want to use the spray on can stuff or permanent dye because I have a performance the very next day that needs a different hair color. I'm looking for tricks like flour in the hair that I can "quickly" wash out. Will something like charcoal work?
Moved to New York from LA a few months ago. Looking for ways to connect with other fellow actors outside of a class and so far haven't found much. Meetup groups seemed like the way to go but most are for paid classes and not for actors getting together themselves for various projects or reasons. Any info would be appreciated. Starting over in NY acting wise is a blessing and nerve racking at the same time, but accepting the challenge. I'm primarily a film/tv actor (not stage) if that helps.
I recently auditioned for a character on an LA based reenactment show. This character had a name and description. I sent in an audition tape. It was said in the breakdown, that if booked you would play this character and others through out the series, because they were trying to keep the actor pool small cause of Covid. I've done a few reenactment shows before, so I know what they usually entail and what to expect. I got an email this afternoon saying that I was put on avail. I was so excited. But when I read the rest of the email, it said the role was for "Grocery Store Clerk, Restaurant Patron, and Nurse". It now sounds to me that its more of extra work. What happened to the character I specifically auditioned for, that added significance to the story, had a name, character breakdown, etc? Nothing against extra work, but I've been there, done that. I'd have to take off 5 days of work to shoot these roles, and make 1/3 of what I make at my 9-5. Which would be fine if it was a character that added to the story and had a line or two. But if it essentially just extra work, its nothing that I can put on my resume since I doubt "Grocery store clerk" or "nurse" have any lines. Was this a bait and switch? What should I do? Do you think theirs hope for lines? Also, I know reenactment shows don't always have lines. But I've booked 3 in the past, and luckily they all had lines and small scenes, so I was able to use pieces for my reel.
I know that a lot of Disney stars have like 21-23 year olds playing younger ages like 14-16 etc. Does anyone have any specific information as to how young an older actor has played?
I’m a fully Greek actor raised in an English speaking country, bilingual. I think the live action Hercules should utilize Greek and Mediterranean talent as representation for us is inexistent. Hence why I’d like to be considered for it. Besides being of Greek heritage and trained in acting I also have a strong background in song and dance, and have a little bit of screen experience. I have a small agent but I’m working on getting a better one. Would it be worth emailing all the main casting directors for Disney live action films and just. Putting myself forward, hoping something sticks? I know emailing casting directors is a no no in the US, and acceptable & welcome in England/UK/Europe. Or I could maybe form a social media campaign basically saying, please cast Mediterranean actors in this project and not just Scandinavian looking guys in fake tan (cough Brad Pitt in Troy cough). We are here and we are more than capable: for many years Greek has been synonymous with lazy, and personally the more I embrace my Greek heritage the less auditions I get. It’s about time that stops and we start honoring heritage, Disney shouldn’t be immune to this. But a social media campaign probably wouldn’t work on my behalf lol.
so i graduated college last may with a stem degree and realized that i really want to pursue acting as opposed to working in tech, a field i never had true interest in. i suppressed my desire to act for many years due to low self esteem and fear. since graduating i’ve been applying to jobs with no luck and have told myself that i need to start somewhere, meaning that even though being an actor is what i truly want, financial security and the ability to save up is what matters and what will get me to nyc, a place i’ve been wanting to relocate to for some time now. i figured getting a 9-5 in nyc would allow me to have financial security, put me exactly where i want to be, and give me the ability to take more acting classes and further develop my skills, but i’m stuck on whether or not this is the right thing to do. i’m worried it will be difficult to do long term, and that i’ll eventually quit my job and have to look for something more flexible once there’s potential for auditioning. i’ve never wanted a 9-5 really and i would much rather freelance in graphic design (another interest i have) and start my own business, but i realize that doing that will take time. i’m willing to do whatever it takes though granted it’s a smart decision. i would like to move out of my parents’ place in nj by the end of the year (for many reasons) but i’m not sure the right way to go about it. i’ve also considered survival jobs, but i’m wondering how easy those are to get if you don’t currently live in the city. i’m sure many of you have been in similar situations regarding work and would appreciate any advice
fyi, I know there is a whole sub about survival jobs and I've looked through that and haven't found an answer on my question, hence this post! I've been an actor (non-union) for a few years and all my actor friends are in the typical side hustle jobs - waitering, catering, dog walking, freelancing, etc. A lot of them either have Medicaid, don't have insurance, or their parents pay for their insurance. Wondering if there's anyone on this sub who might have a situation like me where you actually need good insurance and what you do about that? I have a chronic health condition and even with good insurance, my healthcare costs are super super high. I have ben working full time "regular" jobs for the past several years, all administrative, and it's draining af and really not flexible. ACA/marketplace insurance is extremely expensive and absolute shit for people like me (high deductibles, high premiums, no out of network coverage, etc) Anyone else in this situation? Anyone know of a kind of day job out there that offers health insurance and is also actor-friendly?
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.
