I have a very basic beginner set up right now - Blue Snowball mic with a pop filter, Audacity for Mac, and a closet rigged up with furniture blankets for soundproofing. I’ve been a stage/camera actor for several years, so I’m no stranger to the idea of an audition, but I’m really nervous about my first VO audition. It’s for a few episodes of a scripted podcast; the audition will not be live but the recording, should I get it, will be over Source Connect. I have no idea how to go about this audition! I’m currently in a beginner VO class but we’ve mainly focused on reading commercial copy so far. Any advice for an anxious new kid is welcome.
I don't know industry jargon very well. I know a few terms like A-List actor, known actor, working actor, and I think I have a semi-decent idea what those terms mean. There is a tier of actor that I don't know how to describe. I'm talking about actors who a lot of people would recognize if they saw them in something, but wouldn't know who you were talking about if you said their name. I'm looking for an accurate term to describe them (or phrase to describe them if there isn't a term). I also want to make sure to find a way to describe them that isn't accidentally insulting which is why I'm asking in a subreddit for actors. Here are some examples of actors I think fit this description. Apologies in advance if one or more of them is actually famous for something I don't know about. Echo Kellum - Curtis Holt on 73 episodes of Arrow. Osric Chau - Kevin Tran on 19 episodes of Supernatural. Sam Jones III - Pete Ross on 68 episodes of Smallville. Kate Easton - Magic Mike / Can You Keep a Secret. Jordan Danger - Zoe Carter on 50 episodes of Eureka. How would you describe actors at or around that level? Known actor? Semi-known actor? B-List actor? C-List actor? Recognizable faces? Again, I apologize to anyone offended if any of those guesses are unintentionally insulting, I'm asking here because I legitimately have no idea what the proper term would be.
How can you make your character seem like a real person like it doesn’t seem like your playing character but you are the character. actors that transform to their into the character for example actors Daniel day Lewis, Christian bale, heath ledger or like comedic actors Jim carry, Andy Kaufman and Rowan Atkinson.
I prefer not to let my family and friends know anything acting related with me to avoid any B.S little smart comments or public close comments on a...( oh you dumb bro remember this and that )...non related professional topic on my acting social media. How about you? Feel free to follow me on Twitter/josegarciafilm [View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/lk206h)
So, I have been an aspiring voice actor for many years now. I found a love for it when I do stuff on YouTube for my friends or playing D&D with them. I want to go further and try my best, but I live in a state not well known for voice acting (hell even acting). So, because of that and Covid not ending anytime soon, I was wondering if there may be online coarse I should look for to get this all started.
Every time I post an offer 95% of responses are clearly fake accounts after a quick buck. Which always becomes clear when they simply can't provide a demo of a sample script. Are there any other places I can be posting when attempting to find voice actors for short (10-20min) youtube videos?
I am beginning to see posts like these. "Actors share a (certain) % share of the revenue from Amazon and foreign sales. Each actor's percentage is based on his/her screen time." Has anyone worked for a film/tv show which pay depends on screen time? Is SAG doing something about this? I find it really odd even for minor roles you will have to take your day off for work but then you get paid based on how many minutes you got at the final cut? If my understanding of this is wrong let me know. I do not have a hard opinion about this. If anyone would like to share their experience I would highly appreciate it.
Hello, I’m in Los Angeles. I am so confused. On the one hand there are schools that teach well known techniques like Meisner or Adler or Method and then there are a 100 schools which train their own philosophy or techniques. A friend of mine studied at both Meindl and JRS. But he recommended JRS over Meindl. I want to study at a school that makes me better and also one that looks great on the resume. Please suggest.
Yes, people have made it this way, but man, I can't help but feeling its a damn scam. Getting an agent and hoping an CD sees you and calls you back and then you have to wait and wait for a booking. Then that booking comes and then nothing happens. I think actors making their own work is the best route. But its tough. God it's tough. and actors are cheapskates nowadays. They want glory but no journey. Sorry for the rant. I just got denied by an agent and I feel like shit. I cant get my self-tape set up right and I just dont know what to do. i dont know what to do. I'm gonna experiment with my self-tape again..but I dunno....
Who in here is a full time actor? One of my major goals this year is to become a full time actor. I am tired of working these 9 to 5 jobs that cut into time I could be studying, taking classes, auditioning, and working on my craft. If you are a full time actor, when did you decide it was time? How has your life changed? What advice do you have for someone like me?
Hey everyone, Im an actor and I'm part of an acting agency but I would really like to get an individual Agent to help me get gigs. However i wouldn't know where to look or start. I've googled some agents but just sketchy sites came up so im hoping some people here could help me
Hey everyone, I have an interest of becoming an actor, but I don’t have much experience. I started recently watching films to study how the actors and actresses act. I study the things they do with facial expressions and other body language, and even choices with dialogue that the actors may make. What are some other things I could look for while watching films? Also, what are some good ways to build up a resume for acting if you’re out of high school?
Should an actor react instantly after something happens in the script or should they react after some period of time? (~250 ms) exactly as the human would. This seems like a low amount of time, but it is extremely noticible.
Hi guys I’m an actor who trained for 3 years and recently graduated. I have landed my first tv job and so excited but equally nervous. We did some tv acting at school but not a huge amount. I’m wondering if you guys have any advice for a newbie like me
If there are any fellow toronto actors I was wondering if you have any recommendations for classes. I am a beginner, I started acting in august and signed to agency in September, and now finally have the time to pursue classes. Thank you
Hello friends! I'm looking for an actress for a demo of a videogame I'm working on. This is a small part in japanese (just 6 lines) my budget for this part is (35 us dollars). No previous experience is required. Let me know if you are interrested :) Here is a short film of the project https://youtu.be/gSswrHDuWx8
Hey! Nice to see you all on this reddit! I wanted to ask how it was possible for someone to speak in a register and cadence that is just not his natural or default one , so to speak: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dYNCVoiJss](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dYNCVoiJss) I think it's a lot to do with mic and they way it apprehends sound but really, he has an envyable resonance to his voice, however his natural cadence is not very deep. Here's this weirdo on a guitar rpg'ing as Joel singing however: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cI4Xg2JDMQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cI4Xg2JDMQ)skip to 3 Min! nevermind the depth, he doesn't even sound like himself at all, I can't trace anything in his voice to his normal way of speaking and that's almost impossible with most voice actors (which isn't a bad thing either, more often than not it's the natural voice that brings most to the table). But how can he reach that depth? he barely sounds muddy or choky (like most of us people who don't work with our voices when we try to reach for the lowest register we can). Is there any way to improve the resonance of your voice and reach lower depths? I understand that what nature doesn't give, quick fixes won't solve, but I suppose everyone can work to some degree on it to be better than they started. Any tips? Thank you so much In advance! (I need to lend my voice for a project but I find my inconsistent cadence and extreme variations in tone along with bad air control distracting, and it's a day's worth of voice work, as in about 24 hours of speaking in total, so I gotta do my best with this)
Hi! I hope it's OK to ask in this subreddit. I am a jack-of-all-trades from Denmark (masseur, composer, yoga-performing, handy-type), with a desire to appear in a movie or TV-series (preferably fantasy or sci-fi, but I'm open for ideas). I'm not an actor, but would be perfectly happy both with acting or as an extra. For example on series like The Witcher, Vikings or the upcoming LOTR-amazon series. I'm looking for advice on getting and maintaining connections for casting calls. I wouldn't mind going abroad for a period of time. I'm aware that while voice-over is also a good idea, it is an industry on its own as well. I have a Scandic look (athletic, long blonde hair, blue eyes, tattoos) Are there any channels/communities that I should be aware of? Any tips for someone who has a lifelong romance with films and TV, but a minimal experience with acting?
Hi, I am a SAG member and was just producing a project I wrote with my friends, originally it was supposed to be a live sketch show for UCB or the like. With COVID that was ruined and we thought why not film it and just put it on Youtube. It has dawned on me that this might now be in violation of SAG, even though I appear in it for like two seconds, and most of my actors are friends and/or non union. No one is getting paid. We have not premiered it, but it didn't really even cross my mind as an issue. Anyone have thoughts on this? I willing to do the necessary steps to make the situation work for everyone.
Actors with religious family - how do you navigate your career without totally compromising your relationship with your religious family? My situation may be quite specific but I come from a somewhat conservative christian family - they're pretty old school, they aren't outwardly hateful or anything like that but they are regular church goers (I am not) and don't actively hold the progressive values that I wish they did. I have absolutely no issues with performing an LGBTQ+ role if appropriate (I am heterosexual) or a role with sexual scenes but I do fear it could complicate my relationship with my family. Anyone had experience navigating this? Is discussing an issue like this with an agent appropriate? Like requesting them to check with me before submitting me for a role of this nature? My agent is like a second mother to me, but I'm super concerned it could be mistaken as indicative of my level of commitment or own views which it is absolutely not - I've given everything to this career but I certainly feel stuck in the middle, this is the only career where something like this could be an issue and it's incredibly frustrating. I know it's something I should discuss with my family but our ability to talk openly with each other is... complicated. Yes if my family take issue with that, they are certainly in the wrong and I should probably just ignore any issues they have, I wish I was less of a coward in that sense but they are still my family and I do love them - it would be nice to maintain a relationship with them. Curious what actors with family from other religious backgrounds have experienced.
Long story short: I am wondering if I am working less because I intimidate people because I know a lot about the industry, so I am not naive enough to be manipulated by them (as I used to be), and they think I will tell them how to do their jobs (which is not the case). Note: I am a woman. Can this have an impact? Long story: I've been an union professional actor for a couple of years. I usually make a living out of it. However, I often say that I am more on the "business" side of show business. I am not the best actor in the world (even though I am pretty good and still trained and experienced), but I know how to get work and how the business works. I usually get one role per month on set + background work, + special events (which is very good where I am from). But for the past months, I haven't been able to get jobs I am very qualified for... I didn't get called back on background work in continuity, they don't book me for background work requiring nudity and book amateurs instead (even though I have priority as a union member), I don't even get student short films anymore, and I don't get as many roles as I did before even though I am 100% qualified for it (which I agree, is out of my control). The thing is: I am working way less than I did before. Anyone who worked with me said I was a good or great actor. I am always on time, always come prepared, always professional, always willing to do what they want me to do with enthusiasm, I am nice to everyone, no one has ever complained about me, I get very good feedback in acting classes... And I only complain to my union about things that cannot be tolerated (like sexual harassment, casting directors who very clearly lied to me, and I ended up being asked to do nudity and intimate scenes at the last minute for less than the minimum union wage) and not for dumb reasons like the dinner being 15 minutes late. I have asked many of my acting teachers if there was any reason why I was not working as much as before, and they couldn't find anything except that I was out of luck. The only thing I can think about is that I intimidate them. I used to get a lot of work when I had an agent known to provide cheap girls who were willing to do anything and were not respected because they don't know about the union's agreement. I used to get a lot of work when people took advantage of me because I didn't know they didn't have the right to do those things, and my agent defended me. But now, I know the agreements by heart (or know how to find an answer quickly), and I make sure people respect me (but still only complain to my union when incredibly intolerable horrible things happen.) I am known as someone who fights for justice for actors, even though I respect everyone in the industry, by writing articles about how the industry works, mentoring people, and helping them with any problems. I am not calling out names, just behaviors that most professionals (including non-actors) won't tolerate. However, someone has told me that people might perceive it as me telling them how to do their job, which annoys them, even though I have never done this unless they asked for feedback. Moreover, more and more people are specifically looking for amateurs in professional union productions. From what I have seen, it is often because they want to take advantage of them, pay them less, and not respect the union agreement. I think my "business" side of acting is too advanced for my "show" side based on the roles that I get (background work, non-speaking roles, small parts) when they prefer a beginner that they can do anything with, who will never complain, that will be paid less, that won't know if they don't follow the rules, that can be easily replaced, etc. When I get lead roles, people respect me and appreciate that I know a lot about the industry. They fight to make sure I take part in their projects. But it is the opposite for very small parts that I don't even get anymore, even though I am sometimes overqualified for it. My solutions: getting even better as an actor from training and experience to get only more valuable roles, meeting casting directors and directors so they know I'm not a shitty person, letting go of justice for actors and just speaking up about positive things that no one can argue with. Am I going crazy? Or is it possible that I really intimidate people by knowing enough about the industry to make sure they respect me?
If super rich people can apparently buy their way into acting schools, would they be able to do the same to movies. Or at least perhaps buy incredible representation which will get them these insane auditions? Or do the rich have the same chances as most other actors? Edit: Btw I'm not sure if it's true that people can buy their way into prestigious acting schools, this is simply what I've heard from a lot of other actors/students. This is also just for pure curiosity. Wanna see how true it is.
So all throughout high school, I was a star actor. I got all the lead roles. This continued into college. Acting used to be my safe place. Even when I did a bad job, I had the confidence to work through it. It was fun for me. Now I'm about to graduate, and for the last year or so, I feel horrible whenever I'm on stage. I don't know if I've ever emotionally connected with a character. One of my teachers gave a good analogy: "throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks." And I felt that described me perfectly. I find characters by process of elimination and not genuine emotional connection. ​ I can't seem to turn off my inner critic. The whole time I perform, she's screaming at me that I'm doing a terrible job and I can't focus at all. Even sometimes when I give a good performance, I just don't feel good afterwards. I spent 3 months producing and starring in my own zoom production this summer, and after the final performance I just crawled into bed and cried because I didn't get that joy from performing it. Not even necessarily because it was good or bad. And since I lost my joy, my performance has gone downhill, too. I haven't given a good performance in a long, long time. I've built my whole identity around being an actor, but what if it was just because I was good at it? What if I only enjoyed it because it got me validation, and now that the validation is gone I don't know who I am? I'm terrified because if I'm not an actor, I don't know what I am.
This industry isn’t exactly fair to all the players and I know from experience that nepotism tends to rear its ugly head more often than not. But when it comes to actors sharing tools of the trade I don’t understand why some are so quick to keep others down. A buddy of mine has been going out for major roles regularly and I haven’t seen a single thing for my other friend and they’re repped by the same agent. Talking to them, you’ll find that they both have the same photographer, the same kind of headshot, and similar credits (although the one is advancing very quickly with the roles I’ve mentioned). When the first buddy is asked “how are you getting into the room” he’ll say something like how he trains regularly and hires coaches for his reads. But he never says how he gets to that point. For comparison, they are both trained students with a decent amount of schools under their belt. My thought, and it’s been this for some time, is that it comes down to the agent. I’ve talked to agents. They say submitting all clients is the key to their plan. But the only clients I’ve ever learned to have success are ones with agents who call. Agents who really put that extra umph of effort into booking the room. Is it possible that the agent is treating the two unfairly? Or that the one buddy is doing something he doesn’t wanna tell the other? I know most people would suggest the headshot (because it’s literally the first and some times the only thing a CD sees) might be the cause...but they’re nearly identical (could be brothers), but maybe it’s some sort of luck regarding the headshot/resume bit. If it is luck, as we’re often told to believe...then doesn’t this disprove the requirement of having the ideal headshot and resume? As a social scientist I’ve noticed that the same person could do the same steps twice and not get the same result. If the industry is that luck-driven why does anyone trouble themselves with all the “requirements?”
Can anyone explain to me how very very rich and large companies seem to hire the same like 5 voice actors (who are terrible <\~ and this may be my inexperience but we'll get into that). I have a really terrible bias because I dont think dubs are good at all, even if you dont understand the language the power and influence of the actor with their native tongue seems to portray a lot. I will side step that, because sometimes they are decent and im impressed. However, often times a line like "WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING!!!" is literally dubbed as "wat wer u thinkin". I cant quite explain it but its like the voice actors dont understand the lines, the role, the context, anything at all. Its literally like they were paid on fiverr to read lines and I would LOVE for the voice acting scene and the dubs to be so much better, and I know they can, I just dont understand why it feels like its 15 years behind as far as talent/context/result. It really confuses me and I dont mean to insult people because I know theres people out there that can mimic literally anything and do great things. I just dont know why we use like actualllllllllllllly 20 voice actors that are all terrible for any major dub.
I’d love to connect with other actors on there shoot me a message and we can connect
I'm sure this question has been asked, but I'm having a difficult time searching this Reddit. After talking with multiple people from the film industry, it sounds like Atlanta, Georgia is where to go to become an actor. This was a big shock for me since I was raised with the idea LA and New York is the place to be. Now I'm conflicted as to where I should try to land next. I was told that film is leaving these expensive cities to operate in Georgia. Is this true? Should I not be shooting for LA but for Atlanta for acting opportunities? Absolutely any advice or insight would be great. Sorry again if this exact question is somewhere.
Hi! A disclaimer: This has probably been asked a lot, but I thought I could still make my own post and gain feedback for my specific situation. I have never ever done any type of voice acting before but I was an on-stage performer all throughout my elementary and high school years, so I do have a bit of experience. I will say that I haven't done any performance art in two years so I am rusty but still have become increasingly interested in voice acting. It has always interested me but I kind of just let the thought of really voice acting go- it just didn't seem plausible. As I am now out of school (19, just graduated last year) and grow into the adult world, this far off "dream" of mine seems a little more reasonable. I joined this subreddit in search of hope, finding some way to just start... but I just don't know how to do that. I have read blogs, articles, personal accounts, watched videos, listened to podcasts, all the research that I can think of but cannot find a real starting point for myself. Does anyone have advice for an amateur actress looking to start a hobby/career in the voice acting world?
Have you ever booked a union job through LinkedIn or Instagram? And can you give details about the gig and how it happened? I see a lot of people brag about booking gigs on those sites, but it's almost always non-union stuff, would like to know if it's worth my time joining those sites, as opposed to focusing on IMDB and Actors Access. Thank you for any info.
Obviously extremely new to the acting industry. I’ve just signed up for actors access. I was wondering if someone could briefly explain the different types of casting calls there are. Like shorts, episodically, industrials, print?
I recently started taking classes at 3-2-1 acting studios and was invited to the showcase after just one class. this seems odd to me because the instructors haven’t really seen what I can do or how much I can improve. is this just a move to get more money out of me? has anyone taken classes here and/or been apart of the showcase?
This info all comes from /u/glitteringtarget0 who put this post together but accidentally deleted it, so she sent it to me to make it part of the conversation here permanently. I'll be putting this into an item in our FAQ as well so please direct people to this post or the FAQ when this comes up in the future! --- In order to work as an actor in the US, you need either _O1 visa_ (non green card visa) or _EB1 visa_ (green card visa). And to get the visa you need to satisfy these requirements: #O1B Visa Offer of employment • O1B visa applicants must have a confirmed US job offer before they apply. An US Agent can be the employer. • While to my knowledge EB1 doesn't require you to have a beneficiary/you can be your own beneficiary. #Visa Criteria There are 6 criteria for the O-1B visa, and applicants should usually meet at least 3 of these for their visa to be granted. However, there is some flexibility. >Alternatives may be considered. Evidence of having been awarded a highly acclaimed prize or award – such as an Oscar, Turner prize, or ArtPrize – also allows applicants to meet the eligibility criteria. #Evidence of at least 3 of the following criteria is usually required: - You have held a leading role in an art, film, or TV production. - You have gained national or international recognition from various articles or other publications written about you. - You have been a key member of a highly acclaimed production in the art, film, or TV industry. - The piece of work that you have done has been highly commercially successful. - You have had critics and other key members of the industry praise you in articles or journals. - You have been highly paid for your services in the industry. So in other words you need to establish a career in your home country first before moving to the states/eligible for the visa. >Important note: you can't enter the US to work as an actor with any other visa options, except for EB5. [Here's the link to the complete source!](https://visaguide.world/us-visa/nonimmigrant/employment/o1/o1b/) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx __Extra info for those who seeks UK VISA as well!__ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx #Tier 5 UK VISA >You need all of the following to be eligible for the creative category: - make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example you’re internationally renowned or are required for continuity. - certificate of sponsorship reference number be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses). - enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt). #Certificate of sponsorship >You need a licensed sponsor to give you a certificate of sponsorship before you can apply to work in the UK. >A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document. >Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number. >They must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example how much you’ll be paid. >Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you. [UK govt website](https://www.gov.uk/temporary-worker-creative-and-sporting-visa/eligibility)
Hello there, Since I am producing a show with SAG-AFTRA actors and now know what an expensive hassle this can be, here's the question: Are there similar guilds for actors also in other countries? Or would it be way easier to get - say - british actors? Or australian etc. I want to do a project with less bureaucracy involved. I find it especially silly how SAG treats producers from outside the USA. The only way, my current project is affordable, was doing it as a "New Media" project; otherwise, SAG would have considered a simple web-series as an "international tv-production" with absolutely unaffordable day rates for actors. Now, it's not about NOT paying actors - on the contrary. But (indie) filmmaking is expensive as is already - and this ridiculous bureaucracy, SAG is putting into low- to no-budget productions, is a joke. Thanks.
I want to know what might be the reason?
I understand and agree with the need for a union to negotiate minimum pay, distribute residuals, enforce safe working conditions, and help individual members through hard times. However, I have been reading up on SAG-AFTRA as a whole and a lot of the parts that do not directly involve those functions are starting give the appearance of being a pseudo pyramid scheme-like monstrosity that does not serve the vast majority of its members and frankly rips them off. * How is it right that producers have to pay into the health and pension plans for every role when the vast majority of the members who booked those roles will never see the benefits? If that money was paid straight to the vast majority through increased session fees and residuals, they could use it to pay towards health insurance off the exchanges that they have to get anyway or invest it towards retirement. As it stands, they are paying their own way as well as that of a teeny tiny minority who make a lot more money and are in a better position to afford it themselves. Seriously. The percentage of members who qualify for those benefits is so tiny that the union refuses to even say what it is. * How is it right that dues, a huge initiation fee that it takes four co-stars to pay off, and lord knows what other streams of revenue that in one way or another come out of actor pockets go towards paying all the employees of the union their salaries along with full benefits to administer the health and pension plans for the teeny tiny minority of members who qualify along with umpty-leven other programs? That is over 400 non-actor employees across the country being paid by broke actors even after the staff cuts that happened because of the pandemic. I can't find anything about the overall structure of how all that is funded but I assume the producers must be paying towards it as well. What if most of that money went directly into actor pockets instead? The punchline to this part of the joke is that the employees cannot also be members who could use those positions as survival jobs! * Speaking of the umpty-leven other programs, how many of them are really necessary considering the costs? What do they even cost? Why should those who already spent gobs of money to attend conservatories they might still be in debt for have to pay towards another conservatory that isn't even a proper conservatory? Why should they be paying towards a film society? MOVE and NextGen Performers? Radio Plays? WTF? How many members even benefit from those things? I like the Foundation interviews on YouTube, but is that really necessary considering that it comes out of broke actors' pockets? And why in the world do actors need our own credit union? I love, love, love the Audrey Helps Actors podcast, but now that I think about it, the segment on "Shit You Didn't Know About Your Union" should be more properly entitled, "Shit Your Union Wastes Money On." What am I missing here? Why is there not a rebellion in the membership to stop this foolishness? I will be a "must join" the moment I set foot in Los Angeles, New York, or any other place that is not right-to-work and hate having to join an organization 90% of which I would as soon burn to the ground so help me out.
Hello, so I am female, 23 years old and an aspiring actress from Germany. So far I have done some local theater and had some acting lessons. I have always wanted to work internationally and not limit myself to german tv and films and I know that there are quite a few german actors that made it internationally (Diane Kruger, Franka Potente, Christoph Waltz is austrian but you know what I mean). And my question is how do I manage that? Because I honestly have no idea how to work as an actress worldwide and not only in Germany. Any advice?
Im 13, I really want to be an actress and i love acting but my mum wont let me go to lessons and we are in lockdown. What do i do? Does anyone know any online classes that are free and how to get an agent online? ❤
Anyone holding any zoom meetups for play readings or anything else acting related? I'm really missing being able to connect with other actors and playing with some scripts.
So I just started acting about a year and a half ago and I’m still attending classes, I’ve been on platforms like Backstage, Actors Access, and I’ve had a few auditions and I’ve only booked a skit so far. I’m 22 and sometimes I feel like I’m starting to late. This acting career is so exciting and fulfilling but it’s definitely a scary one. How did everyone get over their doubts and fears that come with this career choice.
For anyone who may not know, theatre will always require at least two contrasting monologues typically dramatic/comedic/classical. Most film and television productions do script readings, but they sometimes also ask for monologues and are generally okay with non theatre pieces in my experience. -writing your own monologue is rarely a good idea just don’t do it (it’s usually not even allowed in most theatre settings) -best way to find theatre monologues is going to a bookstore and standing in front of the playbook section and grabbing what interests you. -do not use famous movie monologues done by an internationally renowned actor (Pulp Fiction, A Few Good Men, The Shawshank Redemption, The Dark Knight etc) you know why? Because now the whole casting team is comparing you to Heath Ledger homie, bad move -for the love of god, do not ever respond with ‘that’s how they did it in the movie/play/tv show’ when someone is trying to give you direction in an audition. That shows that you came in with someone else’s work -monologues should be ‘in your body’ by the time you’re auditioning. focus should never be on trying to remember your next line when you’re already in front of the casting team. Don’t underestimate how much time you may need for memorization I hope this helps!
I’m in a performance arts program with NYU through Yellowbird online. I really enjoy it. It’s informative and engrossing. I do an improv and acting class every week sometimes twice a week. It’s awesome and it’s with an actor who made me laugh in a film that I loved before I even started getting into acting. I’ve done background/extras work for the last two years on two TV shows and a couple films. A new show just started up and I got a text asking if I was available. I should have said no. The last two days have destroyed my self esteem and joy for acting, little by little, cut by cut. From the angry AD who oscillated between menacing and snide attempt at jocular humor to the craft service guy who, when I asked for a Coke, said quietly, “We don’t have any dick though.” The PA wrangler was snotty too. A SAG member was given a non-union voucher and was trying to tell her she was SAG. She showed the woman her number and everything and the PA blew her off. I gave the woman the number to call the casting agency that put her on set because she didn’t have it and they were the ones that contacted me. It was just a seriously horrendous experience that I can’t shake. It’s like the negative, crass, petty energy that rolled off some of the crew followed me home. Like I don’t even wanna do my improv/acting class tomorrow. It was just such a terrible experience.
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 guys. So I was on set to be a background actress and then was asked to do a speaking role. It wasn’t very many lines at all, but I’m just wondering what I put on my resume for it?
A common post I see on the Internet (and occasionally on this subreddit) is, "Are there any famous actors who started at 30?" I know what this is about. These are from people who did not start acting at a very young age worried that if they try now, it will be a waste of effort. They go on Wikipedia and look at "years active" and see they started at the age of 18-22, if not even earlier. I know this because I have done the same. Of course, if you go into acting solely to become extremely famous, we all know you are setting yourself up for major frustration and disappointment. But even knowing that, you aren't even sure if you can get your foot in the door at that age. The answer to the question above is, not a ton, but some did. Most actors start early simply because it was their passion from a young age, which is something you truly need if you want to succeed in entertainment. And most of the people who started later still loved acting and entertaining as a hobby of some kind, which meant transferring later to acting was not a huge shift. If you're starting entirely from scratch, it's likely even harder. The list includes (and some of these are late 20s): \- Billy Bob Thornton \- Ray Romano \- Denis Leary \- Danny Glover \- Bernie Mac \- Wanda Sykes \- Jason Statham \- Gerard Butler \- Chi McBride \- Phil Hartman \- Viggo Mortenson \- Will Forte \- Ricky Gervais \- Mads Mikkelsen As you can see, it's far easier (relatively, obviously) to start later if you're a man. It's extraordinarily difficult to find famous women who started at that age, and sadly we all know why. It's also easier to start later if you're a comedian. Comedy and comedic acting have their own networks and types of exposure that widens the age range. For dramatic acting, it's a bit more slim. However, the question is what "started" means. Wikipedia has their "years active" section, as mentioned above, but those are not always correct or equal. Sometimes the first year is simply "started in acting school" or "did a open mic in a dive bar for fun" or "started a band that went nowhere" or "won a talent show". Remember, Wikipedia can be fudged. And most actors likely embellish parts of their early career when they can. A lot of a well-known actor's early career is difficult to research anyway, since we don't know what small, under-the-radar productions they were doing that have never been discussed, and even if we do, any pertinent details. And that's probably the way they like it. Sometimes a Wikipedia article will state an actor's first year is X because he stated in a single interview that he did his first gig at some place that year. We don't even know if it's true, and neither side has anything for proof, so it's taken as fact. For example, I'm an aspiring comedian and actor (although COVID has made me put some of that on hold). I was active in school theater, and did open mics and standup shows when I was 17 and 18 in 2007 and 2008. I was never paid for them, they were classes and open mics. However, when I got to college, I somewhat lost interest and felt like studying other things, so I put it on hold. But I never stopped writing jokes, and I occasionally did an open mic here and there, just for fun. Eventually, I went to grad school for engineering and completely put it out of my mind. I'm 30 now. When COVID hit last year, while having a lot of time to think alone in my house, I decided to put myself back out there. After COVID blows over, I hope to drop my "staying-inside-during-COVID" weight and work my way up from the bottom. I've started doing online standup shows and am loving every minute of it. But if a Wikipedia article were written about me, would they say I started in 2007, or 2020? Just remember: there's no one way to become an actor, and there's no one way to become a famous or successful actor. If it's your dream, you will work for it and try to defy the odds.
This got lengthy. TL;DR at the bottom. I used to be signed to a modeling agency that also had a talent division under their umbrella, so to speak. I was never under contract with this talent agent, but after I was sent out on an audition and a casting director took the time to call this agent to let them know that I was more than just a model (and that I can actually act), the agent decided to work with me. I always wanted to be an actor. I was a theatre arts major and completed a year of study before dropping out and moving to NYC. I thought starting out with modeling would be an easier “in” when I moved to the big city, so that’s what I ended up spending most of my time doing, all the while sporadically taking acting classes at various studios. Anyway, after the phone call with the casting director, my agent started taking me more seriously. I took some headshots, and enrolled in a 3-month acting for film program. At the completion of that program, I took all of the footage from the class and made a quasi reel of if it to show my agent. I sat down with them as asked what types of things they were submitting me for and if we can set a game plan to get me in bigger doors. Ultimately, they felt I still wasn’t ready, that I didn’t have enough credits to go out for bigger roles, and frankly that I wasn’t a good enough actor. They said they were only submitting me for background work and student films... I was obviously gutted, but I understood some of what my agent was saying. But I wasn’t going to let one persons feedback stop me. I decided to reach out to one of my teachers from the 3-month program to ask for his advice and to tell him what my agent had said. I actually unearthed our email exchange today, and he reassured me that my agent didn’t know what they were talking about. That I didn’t need lots of credits to go out for co-star roles, nor did I need an agent to submit to background/student films. He also said I already had the ability to work in the business, and I should consider finding new representation with someone who would go to bat for me. Thanks, teach. I didn’t stop there either. I tracked down the email of the casting director that actually did go to bat for me. The one that made that call to my agent, expressing that I actually had talent. Surprisingly, the casting director took the time to meet with me and allowed me to pick their brain. As diplomatically and professionally as I could, I explained that my agent didn’t quite believe I was worth sending out, but they also reassured me that I had everything I needed to go out for at least co-star roles. Thanks, casting director. I ended my contract with my former modeling agency and therefore that talent agent 3 years ago. Fast forward to today, I am working with an acting manager who IS sending me out for co-star/guest star roles, and receiving callbacks almost every time. Oddly enough, I was introduced to my acting manager via my former agent, so I guess I have to at least thank them for that introduction. I wish I had a bigger ‘fuck you’ story to tell, but I am still trying to break into the biz and haven’t booked a role yet. I know it takes time, and the pandemic didn’t help matters at all. But I am still trying. However, this email from my former agent kinda jarred me. Why would they bother reaching out if they thought so little of me when I was working with them? And I don’t want to be one to burn any professional bridges, but do I bother responding? TL;DR After 3 years of no contact, a former agent (who thought I wasn’t a good enough actor to be submitted for more than background/student films when we worked together) reached out to see if I was still acting. After receiving positive feedback and validation from a former teacher and a casting director that I was indeed good enough, I stopped working with the agent. I don’t want to burn a professional bridge, especially since I am still trying to break into the business, but do I bother responding to someone who didn’t believe in me?
Hiya, I’m a young aspiring actress who would like to one day make acting a career... it’s going to be hard I know. After lockdown I plans on taking some classes, I live in England however nowhere near London (huge bummer) do any of you have and tips or anyone to go to such as agents ect. Thank you
Hello, I, along with a friend of mine are aspiring filmmakers who are in the early stages of producing a short film based on a script I’ve written. If anyone were interested, we are looking to cast 2 actors in supporting roles. “A 20 year old living in a basement apartment with his mother, has done everything he can to help her out. But by doing the right thing, he’s in trouble.” Additional Details: Long Island, New York Non-paid Crime/Drama Contact: GlassBootProductions@Gmail.com
The exchanges between the agent and I were pleasant, I sent out an email asking to meet and they gave me a time and interview registration. Tonight, a day before the interview is supposed to happen, an assistant emails me saying they’re cancelling because they’re “downsizing” their roster and are not looking for new talent. I guess I’m just more confused than anything because why would they even set up a meeting only to cancel it instead of telling me from the beginning they weren’t looking for new talent? I feel like this is super unprofessional to do and if an actor did the same thing they’d get chastised for it. Is there something maybe I’m missing? Some “reason” they decided to waste both my and their time by pulling this? Sorry about the rant-y nature of this, I’m just a little frustrated at this situation.
What’s the next step after graduating college w an acting major to getting auditions or an agent? What do you do in between to get an agent or get those auditions outside of websites like backstage and actors access. Is there a specific methodology to obtaining an agent or obtaining roles? What further steps would a industry professional or anyone recommend I take. I’m a little confused on the how, any help would be much appreciated.
I haven't acted in over a year because of covid 19 i have lost 6 jobs do to no budgets or covid-19. i've lost a golden opportunity to attend a prestigious youth class because now i'm too old. And It seems a lot of actors my age (20) seem to be doing great and thriving. Like am I just not made for an acting career? Do any of you people have any advice?
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.
