what is the best coach or self practice to have right now?
I am an adult with a full-time stable job. I've been taking group acting lessons for the past 6 months which I absolutely love. I haven't performed or anything like that (at least not yet), but have really enjoyed the classes so I am thinking how I could take acting further. My plan is to sign up with an extra agency, recommended by our acting coach, just to get started and see if this is a field for me. But even before I do that there are aspects that worry me and I could use some advice on are around health: \- Long hours - as we all know lack of sleep can have physiological and psychological effects. I'm the kind of a person that needs a lot of rest and sleep. Lack of sleep can make me feel ill (I can get really nauseous to the point of vomiting) and it takes the toll on my thinking processes. I've heard that actors/actresses and crew often spend long hours working and have very little sleep. Any advice on how to deal with that? \- I've heard there is pressure when actors/actresses are ill, they still have to go to the set? How is sick leave managed? \- I have a physical health condition that I am managing by regular intake of fluids (mainly water, going to the loo regularly (about every hour or so) and by not holding any pee. How does this work on set? How's the access to the toilets? Would producers take into account any health needs? Anything else I should know or be aware of? I'm asking these questions to educate myself, I want to make sure I know what I would be getting myself into.
I'm an actor in DFW, been working commercials for a couple years now. If I'm being totally transparent, I am suffering a little bit mentally from a combination of holiday depression, FOMO, and this idea that I started acting "too late" (which I know is a little ridiculous, I'm 27) and wishing I never got tattoos that could prevent my acting career from taking off. Currently my mind is hyper-focused on making this leap to CA for more opportunities rather than sitting here in DFW feeling like I'm in the wrong spot and getting in my own way. I'm curious to hear your opinion about living in CA as a working actor, what area you're in, affordability, experiences, etc. Also, I have an agent in DFW, working to get management in CA. I just really want to break in the film world but DFW is 99% commercials and while it's good money I don't want to be only a commercial actor.
Does anyone know where someone can audition for a TV show? That’s currently on the air and if they’re looking for new actors?
I’m a director in Brooklyn on the look out for actors to collaborate with. Please be based in New York.
I’ve read and heard countless times on how learning to dance is important as an actor, most recently from Uta Hagens A Challenge for the Actor. I personally haven’t taken any body or dance classes ever in my life, I have a history in some martial arts and wrestling but was curious on if learning to dance will be that beneficial to me as an actor. Any advice or input would be appreciated! Thank you :)
So my acting journey started suddenly about six months ago when I got found on Tiktok by casting for a full-length produced feature. I thought as a kid (im **34**) my facial difference would ruin any chance of acting so i buried the dream...Long story short I ended up going in for an extra role and coming out with a principal role. I thought to myself if that just went so well i'm going to make an attempt at this thing. I had a few headshots taken and signed up on backstage. Within a day I got cast for a short indy as a main character and recently an extra in an indy film. This is not to brag at all. It is to explain my problem. This was all done with me posting a few tiktok videos and my pictures...I am just starting...I have no reel...but then I found "self-tapes." and "demo reels." If I have no experience for a reel can I shoot a few monologues showing diferent ranges? (does it have to be a monologue?) I figure do one that's Patch Adams's cliff scene and one that is more flirty and one that is evil/villainous. I'm sorry for the word - vomit but I really want to do this right and have been looking for a community to talk to and learn from other actors.
Hey! Just made my first reel, and I’m really looking for feedback on my acting/performance. I know it’s not the most technically proficient demo reel, (I’m going to pay someone to mix/master a reel for me once I make enough money) and I know there are some issues with the mix/master. However, I’ve never done this before, (recording this demo was my very first time ever even attempting voice acting seriously) and my greatest concern is that I’m a decent enough actor. Thanks all.
I am 13 years old and live in Queensland Australia and I really want to become an actor but I don't know how. Do I use backstage? what do I need to do and what do I need to have?
I'm a filmmaker looking for older actors who are interested in collaborating. Please send me your reels.
If you were an actor trying to make it big in film/TV, would you move to LA or Atlanta? Which has more opportunities for roles, auditions, and representation?
Hi all, I’m recording our annual Year In Review episode of my long-running interview podcast "Actors With Issues" later today and would love to feature some responses from up-and-coming actors. Question: What was the biggest lesson you learned in 2022? Leave your response in the comments and we’ll give you a shout out on our show! And if you’re curious, you can check out “Actors With Issues” on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks!
I'm not an actor but I spend a lot of time reviewing stuff about cool ways we share information so this might be boring but I wanted to post about it somewhere. In Persona 5, there's a cat that's convinced it's not really a cat because they don't look like one in the kind of dream worlds you fight through. One of the world's is just a subway with enemies. When you first get there, it turns out Morgana can turn into a car. The voice actor's portrayal was amazing. They were pretending to be a cat pretending to be that specific cat pretending to be a car. Mannerisms and all.
My biggest problem with my acting career is I literally don’t have a reader. None of my friends can/want to, I live far from my family, and I always end up spending money to go to a studio to do a self tape. But even they say there’s the option for actors to bring their own reader. But how do you even find “your own reader”. I always have different readers and it’s not like I’m super connected to one. I’d love to not have to pay $25-$80 bucks every time I do an audition
What teachers gave you your biggest breakthroughs in terms of becoming a better actor? For those of you who took a long time to book your first professional credit, was any teacher a catalyst that helped you finally become a working actor? If you could recommend any 1 teacher that made the biggest difference for you in your training, who would it be and why?
Posting this in a few other subreddits, we'll see if we have something good here. Basic idea - screenwriters on the sub post short scripts and actors on the sub perform the dialogue. Sort of like [r/DrawForMe](https://www.reddit.com/r/DrawForMe/) in the "collaborative art" aspect, except in this case the requester is putting more work in. This is pretty beneficial for all sides. If you're a screenwriter, you can post a script and get someone else acting/voice acting it a few hours later - this might help you get a better feel for the script and where it works and doesn't work, and besides, it might just be nice to hear someone else act out lines you wrote. If you're an actor, you have a free supply of practice material. If you're just spectating, you get to watch interesting scripts and acting performances for free. In addition, this could help establish partnerships if the screenwriter and actor like each others' script/acting so much that they would like to work together. What do you think? Not to brag, but it I think it sounds like a pretty cool idea. Any ideas for names?
"You have to know iambic pentameter! You must!". Let's start with the text, if I speak it aren't I running into the pentameter close enough? It is after all written that way. "You need to understand the text!" No, I do not. I just need to study the text a lot. "But you need to perform..." If I'm to perform with the meter in mind, how am I not behaving like every other actor there is? That brings us back to the text, shouldn't I be good enough to form coherent thoughts out of the text Shakespeare wrote without consulting a rule book? At the end of the day words come out of mouths.
I have a very similar look to a prominent actor-enough that I rarely go a day without someone approaching me to tell me. My girlfriend has a following on Instagram and when she posted a photo of us her comments were filled with “whoa you’re dating (famous actor).” I emailed his agent (according to the info I could find online) awhile ago but I’m wondering if there’s some other avenue I could pursue? I’ll also add that I’m an LA local.
Hi, ok so when I was younger (this was pre covid) I used to be quite into performing, now I wasn’t amazing but I had the confidence to try it. But every since lockdown happened I’ve just been really scared to try to get back into performing. I’ve been thinking about joining this class for which you have to audition for however I can’t help but feel that im not good enough, especially compared to others who will probably have more experience as well as skill than me. Now im not a serious actor but acting is something that I’ve been missing a lot lately and I was wondering if anyone has any advice. Im not sure if this is the right subreddit to post this. Also Im sorry if the format is all weird im on mobile.
I'm just looking for some ideas as to what kind of flexible jobs are out there since a standard 9-5 just wont work if a shoot comes up.
I am moving to NY from Mumbai, India this coming fall. I am applying to the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute conservatory programs. I'll take a personal call on the technique that I prefer (I feel every actor/actress should do that) but in terms of faculty, course structure, visas (student and work) networking, etc. which one would you suggest?
Hi! TL;DR I need monologues that portray strong emotions, but I am also open to any that you have/ recommend I (F16) compete regularly in drama competitions and eisteddfods and have been wearing my materials pretty thin for the past few years. In 2023, I will be doing more competitions and performances than I have ever done, therefore I will need as much content as I can acquire. my competitions are all on stage and I find that my competitors are very theatrical, though I have never been one to 'over-act', and rather use the Stanislavski method. My forte lies in performances that portray strong emotions, such as the slow descent into insanity or madness. I would like to challenge myself with this by having material that some are too scared to touch out of not doing it justice etc. I intend on doing this as I do not compete to win, I compete for the experience. it is my dream to be an actress and if I want to accomplish my dreams, I need to put in the work. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. ​ Thank you all so much!
i want to make a little self tape reel for my actors access since i dont have any performance videos on there, but my issue is most of my tapes are from previous auditions ive done this year for tv shows, and im unsure about whether i can use them. one of my self tape auditions i really want to use was for a popular show, but the episode the sides are from already aired recently. the thing is ive seen many people post self tape reels on youtube lately or self tapes to their aa profiles so im wondering if i can add little clips from these self tapes to my aa if the project has already been released, or is it not okay to do so?
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.
Hi, has anybody used talent link and doesnt live in LA or NY? will agents still reach out if i dont?
Someone I know asked this question and I’m curious about it.
i want to make a little self tape reel for my actors access since i dont have any performance videos on there, but my issue is most of my tapes are from previous auditions ive done this year for tv shows, and im unsure about whether i can use them. one of the self tapes i really want to use in my reel is an audition i did for a popular show, but the episode the sides are from already aired recently. the thing is ive seen many people post self tape reels on youtube lately, or self tapes to their aa profiles. so im wondering, can i use auditions in my reel if the project has already been released?
I've recently developed an interest in acting from taking weekend/night classes. I've gotten my headshots taken and signed with a decently sized agency in the midwest. I've done a few student films as well as a few photoshoots and commercials but definitely not at the rate to quit my day-job. in fact i am actually quite deep in the red paying for the headshots and classes, private lessons, etc. but all good for now heh. For my day job I work in operations at a small IB. I've been doing that for about a year and have my my FINRA licenses, which helped me get a better job offer in Atlanta. So far, I've been feeling hesitant about the cost of living in a big new city and leaving home where my family is. I know Atlanta is great for aspiring actors, but what's the point of moving there if I'm gonna be stuck in an office all day and not pursue my dream of acting? Any advice? Trying to find the best of both worlds until (if) my acting career takes off.
As a voice actor, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to what I could offer people in exchange for them supporting me on patreon? I'm just wondering what I could give to those who subscribe to different tiers.
i want to make a little self tape reel for my actors access but my issue is most of my tapes are from previous auditions ive done this year for tv shows, and im unsure about whether i can use them. one of the self tapes i really want to use is an audition i did for a popular show, but the episode the sides are from already aired recently. the thing is ive seen many people post self tape reels on youtube lately, or self tapes to their aa profiles. i also saw some wednesday auditions posted publicly as well even though the show released not too long ago, so im a bit confused on the etiquette now lol. can i use these self tapes in my reel if the project or episode i auditioned for has already been released?
Hey! I’m an autistic actor who’s in the process of applying to colleges. While I struggle with some other aspects, audition tapes are something I find the most difficult- Specifically, I’m having a really hard time looking at the camera, and my body language feels awkward (both of which are exasperated due to being autistic, as eye contact and body language are NOT great). I do well on stage and in performances, but for whatever reason, I’m having an absolute nightmare of a time trying to film myself. Any tips?
Hello, I am 20 year old guy who is quite interested in becoming an actor. To give some useful context about me, I am currently living in Toronto (a city with a strong entertainment industry) and am in my second year of university studying film production. Starting at age 13, I was a background performer in various films and television shows in my city (though stopped because of the pandemic). When I was in high school, I acted in various school plays, having both minor and major roles. As a film student, I have gained some on-set experience as a crew member in a few student productions. During this period, I came to realize that I enjoyed performing in front of a camera and creating my own stories instead of doing sound or camera work. Therefore, I enrolled in a theater course as one of my electives during the last semester. I ended up having a blast in that class, as it allowed my goofy, eccentric personality to flourish in the form of monologues and speeches. I have also auditioned for my university's theater club this academic year. I ended up landing a major role, allowing me to return to acting after a pandemic-long hiatus. I feel very lucky to play a character that suits my persona and am enjoying every minute of it. Now, after much encouragement from fellow classmates and professors, the acting bug has bitten me once again. Minute by minute, I am becoming ever more intrigued with the notion of pursuing a career in acting. My motivation here is NOT fame at all. If I end up becoming an A-list Hollywood actor, good for me. I want to become an actor because I genuinely enjoy the craft of portraying characters and entertaining an audience. Making others laugh and feel emotion is what drives me to perform, both onstage and via my goofy demeanor. My goal is to land a major role in a Canadian TV show by my mid to late 20s, and by doing so, make enough money to lead a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. To give an example of what I am aiming for, think of actor Paul-Sun-Hyung-Lee (one of my idols) when he was playing Kim's Convenience. I have come up with a few ideas of how to make this ambition of mine a reality. The first thing that comes to mind is to start a YouTube channel with my film friends in which we produce a series of comedy skits/films. This will allow me the opportunity to practice my acting, screenwriting, and storytelling skills, and quite importantly, to build an online presence. Having exposure on the internet would make it easier for directors and other people in the industry to see my skills and therefore, ease the process of networking and landing roles. On top of that, I will volunteer as an actor in as many student films as possible. Considering that I am a film major myself and am good friends with my fellow filmmakers, the barrier of entry for me is quite low. Other ideas as to how to "put myself out there" is to seek additional roles within my university's theater club, audition in my local community theater, and return to background acting. As I gain more experience, I will obtain professional headshots and assemble an acting resume/demo reel. Once I have enough credits under my belt, I will sign up (or audition) for an agent. Having an agent will help me find more opportunities for professional work, which will advance my career. Now, I understand that acting is not a stable or highly lucrative career for many who are starting out. Therefore, I will have a day job/main hustle to provide a reliable source of income (you cannot live without money). One idea I have is to start a hot dog stand (a low-risk low-reward small business), though I am unsure of how realistic it would be for me to balance this and an acting career. I am also considering learning a skilled trade and turning that into my lucrative vocation. This is the part where my plans come to an end and now seek your advice. I am looking forward to any useful suggestions or bits of wisdom that may aid my journey of becoming an actor.
- What teacher gave you the biggest breakthrough in your training? - What teacher was the catalyst for you becoming the best actor you could be? - Who challenged you the most out of everybody you studied with? I'm based in NYC and I'm not fucking around anymore. I can't afford an MFA or multi-year conservatory financially nor logistically because I'm a working class adult and it's simply not feasible and it will never be feasible for me, and I can't torture myself about that fact anymore. It is what it is. I've always had to piece together the best a la carte training I can possibly find (and afford) and I need to step my game up and do better. I prefer in person classes, but at this point, I'll settle for some overpriced zoom nonsense. - Who helped you become a working actor and start booking? - If you could pick 1 teacher to study with above anybody else, who would it be, and why? - Bonus question: Is it worth paying for private coaching for co-star auditions if you get pinned for them randomly & get repeats from casting but you haven't booked any yet? And if so, is there anybody you would recommend that would be worthwhile for smaller auditions like a co-star?
So I’m relatively new to VO and am wondering how I should go about making a fiverr profile as I only have 1 role that I’ve done for a YouTube series that isn’t an official credited production and my Commercial reel that I just finished about a month ago but that’s about it. I don’t have a strong resume to submit or showcase on a VA website… what’s my best course of action do you think?
I’m a relatively new actor located in Sacramento that has an acting showcase coming up in LA. I want to get signed by an agency in LA really badly, but I’m afraid that they won’t want to sign me if I’m located 6 hours away from LA. I’ve also been stressing over the fact that if I do get signed by an agent in LA, that I’ll have to be in LA to do bigger network auditions. Are bigger TV networks still holding in person auditions? And if not, are they coming back within the next year?
Hello everyone and happy Holiday!! A have two questions! My attorney who is responsible for my o1 artist visa told me that I need AOL(Advisory Opinion Letter) from two unions. The SAG and the AMPTP. My agent in LA (who's in signed in SAG) told my that he has a friend who owns a big production company and he can make me a letter of recommendation. 1. Is it going to be helpful for my case? 2. Is there any chance they will deny to give me AOL? (I have credits in IMDB) Thanks in advance!
I’m an actor and UX Design student running a “usability study” for an app I’m creating, called ACT II, helping to connect actors with experts in the field. To improve the app’s design and functioning, I’m looking for a few actors who are interested in trying out a prototype of the app and giving some feedback after using it! It’s not much, but as compensation for 15-20 minutes of your time, you will receive $5! You’ll be asked to do some short tasks using the prototype, then we’ll discuss a few questions about your experience and perceptions of the app. We’ll hold the test virtually at a time that works for both of us (within the next 7-10 days ideally!) As a fellow actor and student, I’d be so grateful for your time!! Let me know if you’re interested via answer here or through chat :) Thank you!!
Hi, I’m a non-US actor who has been studying acting part-time since 2020 and recently signed with a small agent. I’ve had some auditions and one booking and I’m happy so far, but part of me is a little wary about what kind of work I’ll get, if anything. One day I’d love to do American work, maybe small roles in Netflix limited series or something. I don’t want to be a Hollywood star—well, part of me does, but that won’t happen lmao. Stick me in a small limited series where I play a weird minor character or something. For now I’m happy with whatever I can get. I do see some posts and I’ve heard from actors I’ve studied with about how their journey to their agents took years. I went with the first acceptance I got. I’m not unhappy with my agent but I guess I am wondering what quality of roles I will get submitted for and if moving on in a few years is a good move. It feels somewhat mean of me to think this. I am not the best actor I am capable of being yet and I am comfortable being a work in progress but I know I have talent and passion and I’ve grown a lot. I guess what I’m acting is for any input about your journey to a place where you’re happy and comfortable with the auditions you’re getting. It’s only been a few months since I signed so I’m so grateful to have even been signed, and while I continue studying I’m happy to continue as I go, but one day I would love American rep. Sorry for the ramble. I just am very worried im being a dick haha
I currently have a manager who’s great. I audition all the time and worked a bunch this year. 3 tv shows, few big commercials, etc. I feel like I’m ready for an agent. I asked my managers to refer me and they were really against the idea. They said we don’t recommend I get one until I’ve booked a recurring on a tv show or a big movie. Issue is, every actor I’ve spoken to thinks this is bullshit. They are younger than me, work less than me, and have an agent and manager! Some have even auditioned for Marvel/Disney, etc even though we’re the same demographic so I should also be getting those. I don’t want to miss out on potential momentum and it’s probably good to note that my managers are a small agency that typically takes singers. What should I do? Should I push my reps more, wait it out, try to get an agent myself?
Actor 15 years exp Good basic resume w a commercial and some theatrical reel clips. Bipoc actor Old but looks 20s
For context, I am an EMC stage actor in the DC area. I have been very lucky to have been able to work with several Equity theaters in this area and I am wondering how to handle EPAs/Equity Video Submissions in the near future. I hate self tapes/chosen monologues and songs with a passion. I am much better with sides/when given a specific show's materials. This past year I have been fortunate that theaters have been calling me in for their individual shows, one in particular that has called me in multiple times this past year (and called me back multiple times as well.) They're currently accepting video submissions but, in addition to not being great at those, I am also quite congested and don't feel I'd be sending them my best work. What should I do? Submit a general audition anyway? Ask to be considered for specific shows in their season without the general tape (since they already know my work?) At what point in a relationship with a theater do you stop submitting for their general calls and expect that you will be called in? Thanks!
Looking into the 2 years conservatory programs offered by Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NY. Looking for opinions on which institute holds a better reputation in terms of faculty and exposure.
I personally think it's Pete Postlethwaite. He has been in a lot of great movies with some of the all-time greats like Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Spacey, etc... and he never felt out of place with any of them, but I feel like he never got the recognition that they and a lot of other actors he has acted with got. Who do you think is the most underrated actor ever?
My preferred acting technique is Meisner. I love it because you react naturally and instinctively based on the other actors' words and actions. It keeps things fresh and interesting for me and everyone in the scene. Any tips on how to get into the "character zone" beforehand? I want to be ready so that when they call "action" I actually feel like the character in the world. Is there anything else I need to do, or should I just keep studying and working on Meisner? Thank you :)
I’m an LA-based talent lawyer and had historically done all of my business through referrals with agents/managers, but I’m trying to make partner and decided as a New Year’s resolution to be more proactive ….strange question, but is there somewhere central to review materials of actors/actresses in the area?
The thing that I am asking is who would like to audition to voice actor for donnie. I like you sound like or try to sound like a 11 year old boy. If you would like to addiction then DM me okay
I know this is probably an ignorant question, but I've been trying to find out how to become a voice actress. Google is very vague and it just kind of says, "well just audition and bam!" I just want to know where and how to start. I currently have my own narration channel on TikTok, and a lot of people tell me I have a really nice voice and I should do voice acting. I just want to know how to get started, build my portfolio.. how to go about auditioning, ect.
I'm aware of the minimum wages for child actors that are a member of SAG-AFTRA through the published 'Rate Sheet', but could the actors of this sub share with me what they think are the **average** and **median** daily rates for a child actor who will be starring in one of several 30-minute films that will be sold to schools and published on Youtube? I want to fairly compensate the actors and provide a competitive wage. Our budget for the entire production is <$300,000 USD. Thanks for sharing your insight!
Spoke with Maura Chanz about breaking into Hollywood, working for Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, The Game) and Yara Shahidi (black-ish, grown-ish) Amidst all the talk of nepo babies, she talks about how she got into the industry when she had no family ties to it and wasn't from LA Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-industry-podcast/id1658358016?i=1000591386330 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ch5GAZlJ1h2S4UmGJaxXQ?si=Oe9PnZlkRrm\_bYl5CkL2Ug YouTube: https://youtu.be/IYquBw6r-QY
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.
