Hey guys, first time posting here so I’m not clear whether or not this is the place for it. I was just hoping some of you would have some advice. I play a lot of Modern Warfare and really want to be able to do the Ghost voice from the new actor (Jeff Leach). I’ve heard that it’s good to start with an accent and lower your voice for the desired gravelly effect but I really could use some advice. Anything helps, thank you guys!
hey im a free voice actor. so i will do anything and you don't have to pay me. I am 15. I can do british, american voices etc. i can go really low or mid. I will voice act in animations, short films, games whatever. if you wanna get in touch, email me at: gamingytbenharding@gmail.com
I want to be an actor. Im very talented and cute but I born as FTM and look so young even Im aged 40..I have young look that never change much..I looked as 17..Can I become an actor..?. I really have good look.Where can I get chance please??.My talents dieng because of my birth as Ftm.Please give me chance .I am also good in script writing and editing..I can do many things include dancing..Can anyone suggest me or give chance please? Im Malaysian
I think as many of you may know, I’m located in South America and got a LA based attorney to work on my work visa. She’s worked with people we all know here in my country, so I trust her with my life. I’m not going to say his name, but one of her clients plays a main cowboy robot on a huge HBO show you all know. I still need a manager for that though, which is something that I’ll need to get on my own (you’ve prob noticed how crazy that is driving me too) and through networking in small events and making LA based friends while I travel to take acting classes for a couple months. And by the way, I’m thinking Lee Strasberg in Fall 2021 if things are back to “normal”. And yeah, that’s really necessary because here we don’t have managers, only agents and literally only two agencies have connections abroad, but they only represent a very exclusive list of A list actors that have been around since before I was born. Anyway, I’ve been following my attorney’s advice on things that would be important to get done and got a publicist here which is just great because since my latest work on TV, I’ve got interviews and articles written about me, and most recently they helped me get verified on Instagram. That being said, I wonder if that’s gonna help at all with self submissions to managers! Because although people in the LA industry aren’t watching our productions, which I assume that makes it hard for agents/managers to say how big some foreign actor is, at least they’re seeing that’s someone not only booking but also in the public eye in their country. And I believe that plays a huge role on all this, right?! So that’s my question. What do you guys think? Do you think that helps me at all? I’ve been using IMDBpro a lot these past few months and made a list of managers that have foreign actors now based in LA on their roster. For example, actor Chris Mason on PLL:Perfectionists and Riverdale. He had a few credits in the UK and is now repped by 3 Arts Entertainment in LA. Obviously I don’t know whether his situation was an industry referral or his agent had connections at this management office, but you know, that’s what I’ve been doing... searching for foreign actors in every legit manager’s list. Actors that definitely weren’t huge celebrities in their home country, but booked in big TV productions and had some media buzz. Personally, I do find the social media presence stuff silly, but I think there’s definitely an importance to it right now, especially for 20-somethings like me. Last week for example, I did a shooting with a very popular photographer here. He posted the photos on his IG and this very famous actress that has worked with him a lot of times commented and followed me that same day. Considering that I didn’t have an IG account until a little before the pandemic hit, I do think that’s kind of cool.
looking for someone who can do an indian accent to record about 2-3 minutes worth from a script I've written for a youtube video. I'll pay $10. if intrested reply in comment or dm thx.
We’ve heard it time and time again: “the odds are one in a million”, “if there’s anything else you can think of doing, do that”, “most actors don’t make it”, etc. What I’m curious about is how true these statements actually are. Specifically, how true it is for actors that actually move to LA and pursue acting full-time, CONSISTENTLY. I feel like it’s not so slim for the actors that stick with it and work towards it on a daily/weekly basis for years. It can’t be that slim if you’re actually putting in that kind of effort. It can’t be that impossible to become a working actor (not necessarily famous, but getting to the point of acting for a living) if you’re fully dedicated to it. I feel like when people say most actors don’t really get anywhere, it could actually just mean the actors that try and give up, just pursue it part time, or don’t work at it consistently for years. What do you guys think?
I heard that actors mostly audition in the day and have to work at a night job. Is that true? Do B-list and C-list have an extra job in case they haven’t gotten any roles? How can a person become an A-list actor? I ain’t an actor so yeah, forgive me LOL
Hey everyone. Paranoid actor question here. I just recently had a self tape for a tv show and turned it in to my manager yesterday. Rewatching it again I just...am not vibing with it... I was after I did it. I even kind of liked it? I wanted to get it finished quick since casting had a quick turnaround but now questioning if I should have let the sides settle in my brain first for at least the next day before jumping into the video right away. I felt so confident when I got my sides. A very “I got this” attitude. But now watching it it’s just...ehhh. I asked my friend who read it with me what he thought after watching it. All he could comment was how great the video lighting and sound was. (Ok thanks...) So, I just asked him directly “did it suck?” He hasn’t responded... I’m not defensive at all with critiques. I WANT people to tell me if I suck when I really do, but I’m just feeling like crap now thinking I sent out a terrible take. How do you guys deal with stuff like this? It’s so weird because I’m not like this all the time. For some reason this audition really got to me. :( Thanks!
Hi all! So many actors and actresses have changed their names throughout history, right? Well I assume it’s because they just felt as if their birth names didn’t have much star quality to them in how they sound. So I’m just curious to know if any of you here have had the same thought in mind, and have already or will eventually do the same if they do or have chosen to pursue acting as a career? I personally wish to do just that once I feel as though I’ve nailed the right first and last name for myself, but while I’ve been thinking of a name for a very long time now, I’m also a little worried about wanting to change my name from there too. What if I don’t like this name after a little while? What then? I don’t want to change my name a million times haha. I’d love to just have a great name that works well with me as a person you know? But nothing that’s too common or whatever. I suppose I should be a little more clear... If any of you have changed your names for this career pathway specifically, do you ever use your old name? Do you keep your new name a secret to people that are unaware of your desire to become an actor or actress? Do your friends or family use your birth name while on jobs you use the new one? Is it hard to go from one name to another after so many years of living? Is it difficult to get used to? Or do you ever get lost in who you are as a person? Because I don’t really feel like I have a real sense of identity anyways, which is why I’m more comfortable in the idea of changing my name... I guess I have a lot of questions about this really. And being tired while typing it surely doesn’t help because I’m just typing what comes to mind I feel. But really, this whole idea of changing your name because of a dream is understandable to me. I just don’t understand the after effects of the struggles of doing it. Or anything else really... Sorry for maybe not making as much sense as I could have. I’m just rambling now. Any stories or comments are well appreciated though! Have a pleasant day!
Hi, bit of a newer actor here. Recently, I've landed my first paid role: a part for my university's psych lab. I've always wanted to act beyond school productions and self-made youtube videos (mostly rants and old sketches), and I think this is a good first step. Maybe I'm not working with agents yet, but I'm getting my feet wet and getting some footage and material that isn't my own! The question I have is: should I put this on my basically non-existent reel? The role is basically going to be me giving a lecture. Besides that and clips from a 48 hr festival I plan on participating in, I don't have much else I'd put on a reel at the moment. And if I should put this on my reel, my follow up question would be how should I go about asking for clips? My guess is that they're not going to be publishing these videos, so I think I'd have to ask if I want a cut or some clips.
I'm going to Niagara college for a 2 year diploma I live 2 hours from Toronto in Canada so getting connections is difficult for an actor. I'm trying to learn voice over and build relationships in the industry and make some friends with similar interests. I can commute from my parents so it's really inexpensive and ill graduate at 17. I'm wondering if I'm making the right call going into this or if my judgment is terrible.
I want to apply to a job that's non-union. It calls for a person 5'5" to 5'9". I'm 5'3". Can I still apply anyway? If they liked my self-tape, would they still throw me out? The lines on 17 y/o actors are very vague. I want to travel alone. This project would be shooting for 1-2 months, and I definitely don't have anyone that could go with me. There's only 1 person I could think of that might (in my family), 1 person who's like family. Could I go by myself? Could I go with someone who isn't a guardian or parent so long as they have permission? It is based in California. I'd have to travel, but it says those fees would be reimbursed. I've heard there's a test you can take in CA that allows 17 y/o to take on the professional guidelines of 18 y/o so they can travel alone, but thoughts? I don't know if I'd be able to take that test. Any other states that do this? Since the project is NU, does it even matter since these are mostly SAG guidelines? EDIT: it's union and non-union
I want to apply to a job that's non-union. It calls for a person 5'5" to 5'9". I'm 5'3". Can I still apply anyway? If they liked my self-tape, would they still throw me out? The guidelines on 17 y/o actors are very vague. I want to travel alone. This project would be shooting for 1-2 months, and I definitely don't have anyone that could go with me. There's only 1 person I could think of that might (in my family), 1 person who's like family. Could I go by myself? Could I go with someone who isn't a guardian or parent so long as they have permission? It is based in California. I'd have to travel, but it says those fees would be reimbursed. I've heard there's a test you can take in CA that allows 17 y/o to take on the professional guidelines of 18 y/o so they can travel alone, but thoughts? I don't know if I'd be able to take that test. Any other states that do this? Since the project is NU, does it even matter since these are mostly SAG guidelines? EDIT: it's union and non-union ALSO: I've just recently come across another job that says it started rehearsing in February, but the notice doesn't expire until April 1st. Could I still apply? Or do some people just leave notices up past when they plan to cast people?
I’m a new actress, I’ve taken 2 intro courses through a local performance arts school in my area. I’ve done a lot of background work in film and tv. However no speaking roles and I know they womt care about this. I have headshots and a very small resume. My issue is that every posting I see where they are looking for actors requires a demo reel! Even small student productions are asking for this. So I am struggling to understand how I am supposed to land even a tiny speaking role when everyone wants much more experienced actors.
like Heath Ledger of The Joker, or Evan Peters of Kai Anderson in American Horror Story. They both really suffered after these shows, since they portray psycho characters. But why? Isn’t it’s just acting? i’m genuinely interested how does acting affect your mental health since i never had to do it before
Ok so listen to this guys, I'm feeling incredible at the moment. I've been in the southeast for 2.5 years busting my nuts to get my foot in the door after Uni. I found my favorite of the top 3 agencies in the area early on and sent an audition, to which they responded that "It's a no, but not necessarily because of your audition. Please take local classes and get familiar with the industry here, and resubmit in 9 months." Ok got it. I took workshop after workshop feeling like I was wasting my money because I felt I was learning nothing new, and worse, every intensive with a CD or agent led to almost zero notes, and lots of "who's your agent? You don't have one? Interesting." Then radio silence, and I kept taking intensives until my resubmission day... It was March 25 2020. Damn it. Covid happened, and they said they are NOT considering anybody until 2021. So fine, I said. I'll keep going at it and try to impress them with my dedication. Cue another intensive with a program that is a pay to play "get seen" with agents. You'd have the host, we'll call him J, and the agent, who I'll call P. P was another one the agents I had on my radar but weren't my first choice. Cue auditions happening from my peers. I mean no disrespect, but they were a bit dull, and J and P were very willing to tear into them. My tape went last. I was excited to hopefully make their day with my hard work I put into my audition. They literally did not even watch. I saw J on his laptop and P scrolling on freaking social media the ENTIRE TIME. I paid $110 to be insulted. To which upon both contrasting takes being finish they say without hesitation "those were completely identical. Are you even trying?" - P " y'know what guys this is a prime example of why southeast actors will never be as good as LA actors. If I'm bored watching your tape, that's a bad sign. If you can't improve your audition quality, please save everyone the time and quit. Just quit." - J I was fucking baffled and livid, obviously, and feeling like a complete loser. However, the headshot/resume I sent Jan 1st to my top agency responded with a 24 hour deadline audition 1 week after this horrible intensive. "Fuck this guy, J. I'm gonna prove him wrong." And I gave it my best shot. 2 days later I get an email. "Call me." With a phone number. I called, they answered. And they said they'd love to represent me. My first agent, and my favorite at that! You know what they said? They said of all the auditions they voted on with the entire team present, mine was one of the fastest auditions to go through, with a unanimous YES all around with ZERO debate. She told me to tell my mom (I said I'm calling her pronto lol) that I was the definition of a slam dunk for their agency. After thanking her profusely I bawled my fucking eyes out for a solid hour in a Kroger parking lot and more periodically throughout the day. I still wanna cry now it's such a fucking victory. Fuck J, and P, and anyone who tries to bring you beautiful people down. Win the ones who matter with hard work and never give up on doing your best. Thank you all so much for reading my tale. ❤ Break legs! (For context on the streep comment a CD once said ahe was too ugly to ever be on screen.) Or so I believe.
Hey guys! I’m considering either getting new headshots with Phil Sharp, Faye Thomas or Yellowbelly Photography. However Phil Sharp is SO expensive (he quoted me a four figure number. I don’t understand how it’s possible to charge actors this much!!) and yet he’s the most well regarded in the industry. Have you got any other suggestions? Or thoughts?
Hey everyone, ​ So, I am an actor and filmmaker in L.A, I have worked on stage, TV and film throughout the years. I am also heavy into fitness and using the body to fuel creativity. I just wanted to offer actors in L.A on the sub my actor's physical training sessions. [The details are here](https://thebestyoucanbepersonaltraining.wordpress.com/actors-and-musicans-physical-training/) but the program is for getting out of your head, into your body and truly using your body as an instrument. I have never liked body movement classes as they seem to airy fairy. My sessions get down to the nitty gritty and for you to get a better performance. Have a great day!
Am I just too shy to be an actress? I'm a young girl who has anxiety, more specifically social anxiety. I've always wanted to be an actress, however, I have no experience whatsoever. My race is also against me, I'm Asian. I am aware that acting may be hard, but am I just not suit to do it?
By the time I have booked an audition, I got something else booked for the date planned for the call back. I wanted to tell them at the audition but it went so fast (like three minutes) that I couldn’t fit it in the conversation. It’s a small five line actor role on a low budget short film so I am not even sure that there will be a callback for that or that they will consider me for a call back. I don’t want to cancel my day on set because I will get in trouble if cancel, the five day continuity implied that I had to be there on that day, and a 12 hours day as a background performer already pays more than a small role on this type of low budget production. If I do get a call back, how should I tell them that I am already on another set? Are there any ways I can make this work? Asking to reschedule? Doing it during dinner? Sending them a self-tape? Or just say I can’t make it because I was booked on something else by the time they booked me? Thank you!
I've been doing voice work for about four years, but didn't really get serious with it until about two years ago. Have I gotten work on my own? Yep. But it's definitely not consistent. I have two other jobs, working in the restaurant industry and as a mobile DJ to keep me afloat, but my main goal is to do voice work full-time and do my mobile DJ'ing on the side. If you're not wanting to read this entire post (I don't blame you) the TLDR is this shit is hard but that doesn't mean it won't pay off if you keep trying, do the right things, and meet the right people. A little background about myself, I was a broadcast communications major that graduated in 2014. I interned at a local radio station for about two years and was then brought on full-time for about two years until I was laid off (budget cuts). So 2016 was about the time I really kind of discovered the world of VO and started to dig deeper. I made some decisions that I thought would advance my VO career but it really did nothing but make me lose money and hope for myself. For the sake of space I won't go too much in detail but all together I think I was out at least 7-8 grand on coaching from a "Voice Over training company" and from someone in the business that "promises work for you within a few weeks to a month". I was young and new to the game. I didn't realize that coaches don't get you work. YOU DO. Yeah, saying that you've trained with "X" coach can carry a little bit of clout, or that you got your demo produced by "Y" producer can help, but the fact remains, you have to go out and seek the work. I've been on a few P2P sites. I'm still on Voices right now. Should you get on one? Should you not? Look, I'm not gonna sway you one way or the other. I've seen VO's that make their entire living off of P2P sites, VO's that get jobs here and there, and VO's that wouldn't even spit on a P2P if it was on fire. The fact of the matter is it's a numbers game. What I will say is that if you're new to the game it may be a good option for you to join just so you can actually see some scripts from clients and, at the very least, practice. Now whether you stay after that is your call. If you can, learn about their algorithms. See how you can maximize being seen. Forewarning though, with most of those sites you'll have to pay more to be seen more. Some will also take a percentage of the jobs that you do get (to go along with the sign up fee). There's a HUGE talent pool on all of these sites, so just because a client liked your audition doesn't mean you'll get any of those gigs. For example, last month I had three of my auditions, in a row, get shortlisted by clients and got none of those gigs. It is what it is. You'll hear and see a lot of "no's" in this line of work. I think one of the biggest things that a VO overlooks when they're first starting out is marketing. I can tell you I've spent more time emailing, cold calling, and just generally talking to people about my voice acting than I have actually voice acting. I got a gig from a guy that came into the restaurant I work at because I told him about my voice acting and I gave him one of my cards. Just always be on the lookout for an opportunity to showcase your talents. Your marketing should be your second most important thing in your VO career after your demo (if you're just starting out). Speaking of your demo, do not produce it yourself. Even the best of the best go to other people to get help with producing their demos. If you have a good coach, they will tell you when you're ready to get a demo produced. If a coach tells you that if you take "X" number of classes and will then get a demo produced afterwards, run and run fast. If the coach has your best interests in mind they will tell you up front if they think you're ready for that step. To the newbies: there are way more areas of VO than just animation, video games, and your prototypical "character" voice over. I started out wanting to get into animation, but slowly realized I'm better at e-learning, narration, and commercial reads. That doesn't mean that you have to put your animation dreams on the back burner, but you'd be wise to at least look into these other areas. Hell, even telephony and on-hold automated messaging system VO can pay pretty well. The umbrella of VO has many arms. You may find out that you're the shit at medical narration (God bless you if you are). Do NOT sell yourself short. The industry has had a huge surge of people, especially within this last year, and a lot of them are doing and are willing to do projects for pennies on the dollar. I once saw someone post that they were looking for a VO to read the ENTIRE Quran for something like $200. Not $200 per finished hour (which still wouldn't have been enough), $200 total. And there were still people that sent in auditions to that person. If you're not sure what the industry standard rate is, take a look at the GVAA rate guide or the Gravy for the Brain rate guide. I'd really like to conclude this rambling with a whole "If you want to succeed in this business then you have to do A, B, and C" type of speech but success is relative. What I want out of my career and what you want are probably two completely different things. So find out what you like to do and be the best "you" at it that you can and never stop learning your craft. Peace, and keep that noise floor below -60.
what kind of college degree should a film actor pursue? there are so many different ones
Hey actors, I wonder if anyone can relate to what I'm going through. I've been in a weekly acting class for one year in Los Angeles. I've been learning SO much about the craft of acting, technique, tools, exercises and about myself as an artist and human being. I absolutely love it and have been getting very good feedback from my teacher. She's moved me to her Advanced class on two occasions but just yesterday I asked her to go back to her Intermediate class because I was floundering in the Advanced class atmosphere. Hopefully by the end of this year I may have enough skill and confidence to rejoin her Advanced class. However, lately I've been feeling very insecure about my training and if it'll be enough to support me in the field. I know there are SO many actors out here who have gone to Juilliard, Yale School of Drama and Tisch School of the Arts. There are also European actors here who have trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Besides these well-known schools, there are actors who've been extensively trained in two or three year acting conservatories or have gone to a college where they received their BFA or MFA. As you can see, knowing there are powerhouse actors out here who have received this level of training, it's difficult for me not to feel like an unprepared and talentless schmuck. I didn't study at a prestigious acting school. I never attended a conservatory. I didn't study acting in college - I studied Biology. I know that at the end of the day casting directors don't care where you've been trained - they only care if you fit their vision of the role. I also know they are MANY actors who have been successful without this level of training. And to give my teacher some credit, she's been teaching for almost 40 years and has even said "my training will put you guys in the top 10 percentile." Nonetheless, I just wonder if this sense of insecurity is common amongst you guys :/
If you're a UK actor approaching 25, signed with an agent, registered on spotlight but you have below the 4 required credits (4 speaking roles in Film, TV or an eligible festival nominated short), will you be kicked off Spotlight after you're 25 if you lack the required credits? I'm an unrepresented actor approaching 25, so this question isn't necessarily for me, just one of pure curiosity. Although I suppose it does apply to me, because if the answer is no then I feel more confident in approaching agents to specifically sponsor me on spotlight despite being 24 and a half.
Hello I was interested in hiring a few voice actors for saying a few lines. There would be two boys and two girls. The lines wouldn't be very long. Would anyone be interested? I'll pay
I'm considering in starting a career as an actor in the future and planning to enroll in a few classes at New York Film Academy. I know nothing is easy but I would like to know how often does anyone get a role or auditions for a movie? Or how long would it take? Does it depend on luck? Skill? Thanks.
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.
Hey, I’m in Montréal but was an expatriate from an early age because of my father’s consulting job. This meant I lived in Costa Rica
How do you guys deal with it? I also have OCD along with ADHD so, Whenever I try to perform/practice something intrusive thoughts just ruins everything.It’s just so disturbing.And I can’t explain how much disturbing it gets to me. My thoughts makes me doubt about myself and it says “you’re doing bad” compare to someone who’s a bad and it says “you’re just like him, he’s also human you’re also and you’re no longer better” That thing just ruins my thought process and blocks my creativity and I get so annoyed by it. Some of you may find it so stupid but y’all might’ve heard about OCD people washing hands multiple time for some stupid reason like if you don’t wash your hands germs inside of you is gonna kill you and influence by that thought he/she wash their hands 100 of times and you know it’s stupid but at certain point you believe in that. And also Due to my ADHD problem I keep getting distracted from some stupid reasons like I hear some sound that don’t affect my recording at all but all my attention slips from what I am doing to that sound although I don’t want to. I can’t focus and I keep delaying my works. I know I should seek some professional help which I am going have after few months after I will graduate from high school btw I am 16 M from southasia. I just want to know how do y’all deal with your problem? Not just ocd even if it’s schizophrenia or any other of my next possibility. How do you deal with it as an actor? I am just hopeless can I even be actor?
Okay so I'm in this MFA for performance program and the way they do things is not always best. I have learned some especially considering I didn't study theatre during undergrad but overall the program is just not the best and the work produced from the students who are about to graduate out of the program is not the best either. I've been grappling with decision on whether or not my time would be better spent elsewhere. I want the MFA but idk if I'd be willing to go through the grad school application process again. Also if I wasn't in school I don't really know what my next steps would be. The program is not all bad but probably mostly because I enjoy acting/performing and I'm going to enjoy the times that I get to do that. I'm pretty conflicted so I guess I'm just looking for outside opinions from insiders, lol i.e. other actors
I'm just starting out as an actor. I have prior experience but I'm looking to submit to agencies and casting directors in the near future. I know that I want to go by a stage name, mainly for privacy but I also want to separate my work from my personal life. I have a first name picked out already, but I'm deciding between a few last names. As someone who lacks representation and is just looking to start somewhere, should I introduce myself using my real name or my stage name?
Hey guys, I'm a filmmaker from the uk, basically got a love for the craft but want some people to join me on making a project. It's a Uni romance thing, with like a roadtrip and they drop out of uni. Honestly don't have enough money to pay anyone, but if you're up for working together then I promise we can make something really great. Other big film I've made is about art and skateboarding, if you want to see what I done before it's here - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN\_\_sk3HX2I&ab\_channel=MovementCO](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN__sk3HX2I&ab_channel=MovementCO) . Send me a message if you want to be involved in something exciting aiming for a bitta beauty :)
I’ve been doing gcse drama, and I’ve been wanting to be an actress for a long time. I’ve been taking lessons and everything my only struggle is finding good castings that are genuine .
Hello my fellow artists, actors, and navigators. I know this has been an immensely trying time, especially for people who are vulnerable, empathetic, and creative (particularly beginners.) I’ve seen so many posts that really boil down to the core concept of “What is the way?” I know we are all desperate, hungry, and ready- I am equally in the depths with you- so take everything I say with a grain of salt- My words of advice are- Commit to the craft. Everything you seek, from “success” (agents, jobs, etc... etc...) to your delivery, to where your progress is within “tapes”- it is within the craft. I genuinely believe we need a desperate resurgence in dedication to the work. Regardless of a pandemic, economic crisis, a complete reshaping to how and why we create and express our art- if you dedicate yourself to better understanding your own instrument, your own craft- your unique ability to express and reveal your point of view- it will never leave you. You can take it with you wherever you go- and judgement becomes futile in comparison to your love of the work. I know many people will respond, but what about being “good!” But frankly what is good and bad is completely subjective- what matters is your dedication. You will not need a job or awards or even an audience for that matter to validate your ability to be an actor. Your job as an actor is to tell stories- and you can do that whenever, and wherever. Of course, it would be amazing to make a living, and express a story on a grand level (IE a MOVIE, a SHOW, a PRODUCTION)- but the sooner you find that need to express WITHIN yourself, regardless of if anyone else is listening or responding or paying- the sooner you will be able to engage with the larger whole with ease. You have gifts- and you need to nurture them- go read up on the greats of acting- learn about great authors and painters and how they created with or without anyone else! This truth cannot be dampened, bought, or quantized. And you will feel it- of course, you will be unsatisfied at certain points, because this is the never ending journey to discover further depths and understanding. The work is never finished- and there is so much to learn and do! It may feel overwhelming, and it should- but the sooner you begin, the better. If you need any recommendations, my inbox is always open. There is going to be a massive need for storytelling and expression in the coming years, so I beg of you to begin now, so we can get to work. If you’ve made it this far in this- thank you for contributing yourself to a timeless craft and art. Give it the respect it deserves, and do it justice. Your gifts and truth are vital.
Hello everyone. What is everyone’s opinion on open casting calls on Twitter? I’ve just came across one from a British casting director looking for three young actors. Has anyone succeeded through a Twitter open call or know someone who has done it? Is it worth attempting it
\- Not smiling \- Titled angle Torso and above
Moved to Oregon recently, I have worked on TV and film in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New York City, and San Francisco. Disinterested in moving to LA currently because we just had a baby up here and really enjoy the area, and pricing in OR. I had an agent in SF that I recently parted with. My main question is Should I stick to only submitting for projects in portland, or try to submit to other cities for actual paying work such as LA? I worked on an indie here, which I love doing, its just that it seems you can't be a full time working actor in this area. I don't mind traveling for jobs, or call backs. Flights aren't to expensive, but would I even be taken seriously if I don't actually live in the city I'm submitting to? Any help or advice would be much appreciated!
I am doing a project for my acting business class, presenting info on how to find gigs/stay alive in major cities ~other~ than NYC, LA, and Chicago, we chose Orlando. Obviously a lot of pro work would be at amusement parks- but if you have any kind of experience living, working, or auditioning in Orlando I would appreciate hearing it! Is it worth joining AEA or SAG in FL? If any one has any knowledge on cruise line auditions as well, I’d love to hear that, too. Do they do ever do auditions for Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, etc. in Orlando, or are they typically in NYC? It’s kind of hard to find this info post-COVID because all their audition pages are shut down- and they aren’t set to sail until June.
Wanted to get your thoughts on this, so recently I auditioned for a project, a fan made animation on newgrounds and they were looking for people and I wanted to be apart so I submitted my YouTube resume (a YouTube playlist containing my reels, showcase reels, and genre showcase etc). To the creator and a day later he got back to me saying he liked everything but that I was too overqualified for his project and that he would have to pass on me. And that left me kind of confused, because what made me overqualified? I'm not union actor or even have a agent so that's not an issue, I have no issue doing free fan projects (within reason) and my recording equipment and sound is studio standard, so I don't know. I asked this on voice acting facebook and they said it was either him trying to spare my feelings instead of just rejecting me forthright or he didn't want a person at my level to work for free (which apparently is a pretty common response surprisingly according to them). But what are you guys thoughts, can someone actually become overqualified for certain projects?
I am unsure of a good place to promote the page I made for people to audition. What are some good websites I can use to promote this?
i've wanted to do voice acting for a while. i do it sometimes as a casual thing for world of warcraft machinimas i make (and i really do put the most effort in the voice acting rather than the video editing and whatnot). i feel like actors, both voice and live action, have been doing this for awhile. like, you all have started out as theater kids who came into a full-on career on the screen. i was a band kid so i didn't have the time to devote to acting, but i was big into my speech classes and the short-lived speech club that existed at my school (it had an improv bit that i rocked, like give me a character and i'll own them). i love watching VA panels for video game conferences. i'm currently watching the 2021 blizzcon VA panel and what draka's VA, debra wilson, says about losing yourself really resonates with me. blizz is a company that likes to advertise "baring yourself" and connecting with a character on a personal level, and i'm all about that (there have been characters where i've imagined lines they might or might not say, sometimes i'm like, "is that him speaking or is that you imposing your own self on him like a fanboy") but i'd also like to break away from myself and deliver voice lines so perfectly that are so perfectly written it stays with ppl forever. i love world of warcraft and would be honored to act with them, especially as a trans man. but i feel like i'm a little too starstruck by the VA conferences, as every kid who follows the red carpets can tell you. i'm a musician so i think i understand how it feels to see a person who watches a few live concerts think they can shred on guitar without the right amount of practice. i'm here asking for a plan (and admittedly some feelgood encouragement). for now all i can think of doing is signing up for singing lessons, they offer those at my local music shop. what else should i do?
I swear the industry is full of nepotism and it’s so irritating. I was watching YouTube the other day and and ad popped up for a trailer of a new film staring Lily Rose-Depp (Johnny Depp’s kid) and so I read an article about her to see if she did any sort of training but not any that I could find. It seems she got offered a lead role in an indie film at 14 by her dads friend and the realised she loved acting so she dropped out of school at 16 to peruse it full time! I wish I had that luxury haha. I get that some kids will want to do the same thing as there parents and that’s great if you work for it like Uma Thurman’s daughter in Stranger Things. She seemed to try to get things the right way and even went to a top British Drama school for a bit before being offered a role, so at least she wanted to develop her skills through training but I swear a lot of these people ring up a parents friend and BAM starring role lol. I don’t want to hate on these people but I just wanted to start a discussion and am curious see what other people think about all this?
For reference, my boyfriend was drinking last night and wanted to get into the topic of my career (or lack of one) for acting. I told him that with the pandemic, along with me not having fiscal/networking support that I have to work my way up from the bottom and play the waiting game (I’m wanting to do on stage musicals, so it quite *literally* is going to have to wait) For now I’m working part-time at a privately owned Texas grocery store by choice. I got told by him while I was describing how I can improve in my department, that I should consider a white collar job, which I declined because white collar = full time = takes away from acting/theatre opportunities. To paraphrase, I was told I should consider a white collar, desk job (he does IT work for a living) because what I am doing might not work out. I know he meant well, but being told what I am doing is unrealistic stung, especially hearing it from him. I heard it all my life from just about everyone, really (for the past 10 years I switched majors/careers because I listened to the negativity and it only hurt me in the end) I am aware of the pros and the excruciating cons of being a struggling actor, and he knows this. And as much as I want to defend myself and my passion, I’m afraid in execution it just sounds like me being naive. I know we’ve _all_ been told this; but how do you cope/respond to your closest loved ones hinting doubt about your acting/performer/etc. career, or your wanting to start one?
I am a 25 female actor diagnosed recently with autism. I see it as a strength more than a difficulty. However, I was wondering if I should be open about the fact that I am an autistic actor. I recently got a job as a host specifically for that and know that people are trying to hire autistic people to play autistic characters, but one of my teachers thinks that my “condition” as he calls it can be seen in a bad way. However, I wish that more people could see how autistic people can achieve great things and be a role model for those who feel underrepresented. So should I talk about it and if so, how?
Apologies for the long post, TL;DR at the bottom. Before I annoy anyone with yet another LA class post, let me assure everyone that I am fairly familiar with the sub, and with the extensive list of reputable LA coaches by Truthteller that gets posted whenever someone asks about LA classes. I have researched almost all of the entries quite thoroughly, and have taken classes at a number of those fine institutions (and audited or visited many more), but none are quite what I am looking for now, since most of the entries on the list are foundation technique or on-camera classes. Yeah, I know, I know, “No shit, it’s LA,” but I have hope. Essentially, I’m looking to strengthen my on-stage performances. I did not study theatre in college; I began my training in a two-year Meisner program, and have continued it with a variety of scene study and on-camera classes (most from the list, all great) over the past half-decade. Things are going well, and I’m comfortable in front of the camera, but there’s a stage-shaped hole in my heart, and I’m desperately looking forward to a return to live performances. However, like most LA Meisner programs, mine consisted exclusively of the technique class itself , instead of a more complete conservatory-style curriculum. As a result, while I have faith in my ability to “do” the work, I find that I have little faith in my ability to actually convey it from the stage. I feel my instrument requires some tuning, if you will. Simply put, I feel I cannot use my body and voice in the way I’d like to use them on stage. I’d really like to hit the ground running when live theatre is a thing again, so I’m already preparing a return to in-person classes. I’m already planning to sign up for Independent Shakespeare Co.’s first in-person class back, but unfortunately, most of the other big boys (Sacred Fools, Circle in the Square, Echo Company, etc) don’t seem to offer much in the way of training. I know Antaeus has an academy, and The Actors’ Gang offers...some sort of training (though it appears to be Commedia-based). Has anyone taken a class with either of them? There’s also a smaller one near me called the New American Theatre, but I can find precious little on them online. Anyone familiar? Failing that, I wouldn’t mind technique-specific coaching (such as Alexander/Williamson for movement, Linklater/Fitzmaurice for voice, IPA/Skinner for speech), if anyone knows of good coaches for those. Also, if anyone has any recommendation regarding the sequence in which to take them, I’m all ears (for example, I hear some full programs teach Alexander into Williamson into Viewpoints). Apologies again for the lengthy post, I tried to be as specific as I could in terms of what I’m looking for. Thanks! TL;DR: Wanna get better at using the physical tools of acting on stage. Anyone take any classic, theatre-oriented classes in LA? Any experience with Antaeus, The Actors’ Gang, or the New American? If not (or even if so), I would really appreciate any recommendations for classes or coaches to work on movement, voice, and speech. Thanks!
A casting director I spoke with recently mentioned that Central is not the only way to get work as a background actor in LA. Is anyone familiar with other agencies or CDs that you can register with to get BG work? Thanks!
So we all know that having a reel is essential to booking substantial jobs. It seems like you need one to even submit a self tape. Let’s have a reel discussion. Has anyone successfully made their own reel? Just filmed scenes/monologues yourself? Has anyone paid a company to produce a professional reel for you? I’ve done 5-10 projects that promised a copy and I never got one. I’m also mostly a stage actor, therefore I don’t have a ton of me on film. Any tips for creating a reel are welcome!
Okay, so I'm currently a junior in High School and I live super close to New York City. I've done a ton of musical theater and drama acting, and I've taken classes. My question is whether I should look into getting an agent now, with about a year and a half before I go to college (maybe not near NYC and therefore not in a major acting hub), or if I should wait until after college to look for representation. Another wrinkle in the question is that I do not have enough material to make a professional reel to submit to agents, and so it would mostly be self taped monologue and scene footage. Would it be better to wait until college, work on student films at that school, and make a reel out of that once I graduate? I've heard agents and casting directors are more lenient about self taped reels when the actor is on the younger side and I have a resume and headshots put together from my theater work. Thanks!
I apologize if I am using the incorrect term here. By “bigger background role” I mean someone who is not in a giant mosh pit or crowd of people. For example someone who directly interacts with a principal actor... and may have a small speaking role. For example a waitress who directly serves the principal actors/actresses at a restaurant, maybe says thank you etc. I do not have an agent. I am located in canada. . and I get bookings for background work through a casting company that only hires for background roles. Ive been in a couple well known tv shows. Never had any speaking roles . I’m super new to this and would love to explore more. Thanks for the help :)
Im a 15 year old girl and I’m an aspiring actress. Due to Covid I can’t join a stage school or anything but I’m working from home. Right now I’m practicing my emotions,developing my skills,looking for online castings(I’ve already auditioned for one) and just improving myself etc. Is there anything else I should be working on. I want this to be my career so when I’m 18 i won’t be 100% starting from scratch.Any advice aswell? Thank you
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