AGGREGATED ACTING FORUMS

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Anyone in Toronto want to collab on a short film?

Anyone in Toronto want to collab on a short film?

Posted on Dec 15th

I’m a writer/actor. I’ve written a few short films so I wanted to see if anybody was down to collab on making one so we could all get some good reel footage. All departments are welcome!! I’ve never done this before, but I just thought maybe it would be fun to try and set something up. As soon as I get some responses I’ll set up an email and we can talk about more details. I have a friend who’s an experienced actor helping me as well :)

Actors: How do you stay flexible with 9-5 day jobs?

Actors: How do you stay flexible with 9-5 day jobs?

Posted on Dec 15th

I’m interviewing for a stable, better salary, entry-level, healthier job that I think I have a shot at. However, I’m questioning if I should be transparent about auditioning and the chance that when I book, I may have to drop everything to shoot if it’s more than a day. On the other hand I could also best position myself and when the time comes let em know that I have to take care of important work. This is not a “work from home” job but a lot of work is on the computer. For those of you who simultaneously work 9-5 and audition/work as an actor, how do you do it? Is it possible? Are you really able to call out or take paid sick leave for the event that you have to shoot?? Thanks I’m advance!

Setting up

Setting up

Posted on Dec 15th

Hello everyone. Been on this sub for quite a while and I am actually about to get started. I finished my first training, now in the follow-up training. Claimed a domain and my website is being made. I am firstly gonna focus on the mother tongue which is Dutch. Has anyone got any tips a starting voice actor should know? Thank you in advance!

Some Acting Stats of 2022!

Some Acting Stats of 2022!

Posted on Dec 15th

Working on being more transparent because I think transparency is important for us actors! Helps to see we aren’t all living in an isolated bubble. More or less in order for the year: 1. booked and shot a costar for a new show on NBC. 2. Direct booking. Shot an Indy being produced by one of the guest stars of the NBC show above. 3. Pinned for a recurring guest on a new show on Netflix… released. 4. Pinned for a recurring guest on a new show for Peacock…. also released. 5. Annnnd pinned to recur as a guest for 5 episodes on the new season of a very popular tv show….. you guessed it: released! It’s a journey my friends. I’m hoping to ride this ride this energy this momentum in to 2023.

Acting stats for 2022? I'll go first

Acting stats for 2022? I'll go first

Posted on Dec 15th

I love seeing people's acting stats just because it makes me realize how much of acting is a marathon, and not a race! So if you're ever so willing, please leave your stats down below. I'll start with mine (I actually started auditioning in April - I'm new to this all, so I don't have the full 12 months in) Theatrical auditions from agent: 13 (Feature Film: 3, SAG Short: 1, Series Regular: 4, Co-Star: 4, Voiceover: 1) Callbacks/Booked: 0 :( Commercial auditions from agent: 4 Callbacks/Booked: 0 :( Self-submitted auditions: 71 Open Calls: 2 Callbacks but didn't book: 2 Booked: 9 (3 non-union shorts, 1 SAG short,\* 5 student films) 1 in April, 2 in May, 1 in June, 0 in July, 1 in August, 1 in September, 0 in October, 2 in November, 1 in December \*Might become SAG-E off of this one! Fingers crossed ​ Anyways, 9 months of this acting journey officially down :) Proud of my progress, but really hoping to get at least a callback next year from an audition from agent! haha :) Also - would love advice/comments from more seasoned actors. What should I focus on next year? How can I keep working my way up?

Can casting directors see your union status when applying for work?

Can casting directors see your union status when applying for work?

Posted on Dec 14th

This is mostly related to being an extra but I am curious about the perspective of principal actors as well I joined SAG in October and work came as frequently as it did when I was non union for a couple weeks. I was working my usual 2-3 days a week between testing until early November. I haven’t got any work from casting networks since October 18th. Central Casting sent me 2 jobs since then but it’s been real slow for most of November and December. I get sent availability inquiries from Central Casting and Casting Networks asks for my availability but my success rate has plummeted since November My SAG card says it’s expired as of October 31st on the app but I called SAG because I have no dues or bills to pay. Could there be some mishap with my SAG card even though I’m on the payment plan paying on time?

Time to look for a new agent?

Time to look for a new agent?

Posted on Dec 14th

First time posting here but I'm looking for some advice. I’m currently with a mid-tier, reputable agent in LA but am thinking it might be time for a change. I moved to LA during the pandemic and signed with the first agent I met with so I’m not sure what the average amount of auditions vs how much you book is. In the two years I’ve been with my rep I’ve had a total of twenty five auditions. Exactly fifteen the first year and ten the second. In my first year I booked a great co-star role on the series finale of a popular show, was pinned twice and was requested to read for a series regular for a new upcoming comedy from the same casting director from the previously mentioned booking. In my second year I was pinned once and booked a co-star role on an upcoming apple+ show. Every audition I’ve had, except for the one, has been for co-star roles. I told my agent I was currently taking classes with CDs and asked if there was anything else I should be doing to make it easier for them to pitch me for guest, supporting and lead roles, he responded, “Unfortunately I only save pitches for very specific actors.” Also in a separate conversation I politely requested a submission breakdown so I could see what CDs I was being submitted to and he refused and got very upset. Are these red flags? Should I look into switching reps or am I just being impatient with my career?

Greetings lovely folks

Greetings lovely folks

Posted on Dec 14th

- Do you get paid equally for equal screen time as your male counterparts? - Is moving to and working in London worth it? - Does getting an agent aid in lifting visa restrictions or so? (educate me please!) - If you are a citizen of another country, how are a working actor in the UK? (I personally want to start working right away after my course rather than going to drama school) ☆any final advices?

Is blocking and acting on stage/ in front of the camera difficult?

Is blocking and acting on stage/ in front of the camera difficult?

Posted on Dec 14th

I am 20 and am interested in being an actor, but unfortunately I can be very slow at times and am not the best with directions sadly. I feel like if I ever do try to become an actor on stage or in front of the camera, I'd mess up and the director would be yelling at me, and they would have to start a scene all over again. I am asking this because acting is my dream and I would like to audition for roles, but I don't know if I should even try because I might mess up terribly with where and how I'm supposed to move if I ever get casted. To everyone who has experience in tv/film acting and stage work, how much skill and focus do you need for blocking?

My Role Got Recast - Is This Just Business?

My Role Got Recast - Is This Just Business?

Posted on Dec 14th

Looking for some advice. I just got cast in a big supporting role in an audio drama podcast on a major online casting platform, recording remotely. I sent in the first 3 minutes of audio as the director requested, and the he thought I sounded too different than my audition, and had too much energy in my voice, so asked me to re-record. While I was working on that, I received another message from him saying he had just cast someone else in my role, so see you later. Am I right to think that this seems harsh and unfair, or is this just "the business"? Directors and actors frequently work together to get the voices down, right? I was never offered a phone call or live session - just given direction via message that wasn't specific. (There was no character description given other than the job the character held - I was told, "You don't sound like X character. Try again" but not given any specific feedback for what to change.) I am inclined to think this person just isn't professional, and I'm better off without the job, but I'm also early in my VA career and don't know what I could have done differently, and I could use the credits. Thoughts/Advice?

Good Universities for BA or MA in acting in EU

Good Universities for BA or MA in acting in EU

Posted on Dec 13th

Its almost time to choose what university to go to i would love to pursue acting and go to a university where i learn and improve my capabilites as an actor(england is really expensive as it can be 20.000 quids and up for international students) if anyone knows any good unis inside the eu i would appreciate some suggestions. Have a great day!

Is my situation impossible? Would really appreciate some honest and helpful insight.

Is my situation impossible? Would really appreciate some honest and helpful insight.

Posted on Dec 13th

For fear of criticism from friends family I’m posting this under my secondary account. So like the title says, I’m curious if my situation is just simply impossible. I’m a 21 year old guy living in a small town here about a half an hour outside of Corpus Christi. Currently the only productions I’ve been in are only a few school productions, since I had to unfortunately pause on acting after graduating high school. Now that it’s been a couple years and finally on my own I’ve decided to unpause and try and pursue acting the way I always wanted and loved doing when I was a kid. Unfortunately though I’ve hit a major road block. Since the beginning both of my parents and family have been against acting. While acting in school was difficult with unsupportive parents, I still made do, because I was able to audition ofc during school. However now that I’m not in school it’s nearly impossible I feel. I do have actors access but with the slim auditions I see, and none even close to my area, I’m wondering if I’m just wasting time. I don’t even know if I’m self submitting the right way or representing myself the correct way. Since I could learn how to Google I’ve been reading what there is to know about acting but still feel so overwhelmed and unsure with the answers I’ve seen. As far as agents go I have no idea how to even find them or if they would even work with me due to only being in school productions. I only had training and acting classes / workshops for school as well because my parents never wanted to pay or for me myself to pay for acting classes. I feel like I’m still at square 1 and almost 22 and wasting time not knowing and being too afraid to ask questions. So that’s why I’d decided to finally reach out and see if anyone has any helpful insight or advice or if my situation is just not cut out for acting. Virtually I can audition due to having my MacBook but that’s as far as I’ve gotten given the area I live in. I don’t really have friends etheir to be quite honest and the few I do don’t know much or anything about acting. If anyone knows anything that could be helpful, I would deeply appreciate it, because it feels incredibly lonely trying to figure this out on my own and I hope that anyone weather big or small had some potentially helpful tips. I would deeply appreciate it.

How to work with a scene partner who you have zero chemistry with?

How to work with a scene partner who you have zero chemistry with?

Posted on Dec 13th

I’m working on a scene with someone I have absolutely zero chemistry with. Meaning neither do we get along, nor do we see eye to eye on how to approach the scene. Because of our creative differences, the scene is turning out to be very awkward and one of my worst performances so far. But its just so hard to work with them and they seem very disinterested. What do I do? How do I avoid this in the future? I hear communication is key but I’ve also heard of many cases of amazing on-screen chemistry between actors who hated each other in real life, so I know it can be worked around.

Working Out for Actors

Working Out for Actors

Posted on Dec 13th

Quick disclaimer: not a doctor, physical therapist, personal trainer, or any other kind of expert in this field. This is just my personal experience going from someone who seriously hated working out to someone who's taken stunt classes regularly for the past two years. :) I've still got a lot to learn, but I hope this helps! **Actors should exercise.** So should DPs, directors, screenwriters, and anyone else who wants to be a physically and mentally healthy human being. Besides all the benefits that a little exercise can offer anyone, for actors, it can also put you more in touch with your body and give you the stamina for long performances. I've read about actors who gave up exercising to add realism to certain roles, which is totally their choice, but they usually mention in interviews that they felt like crap during the process. So worth keeping that in mind. Being fit can also affect the roles you get! A CD's not likely to be impressed with someone who submitted for an action role, then is gasping for breath like they're dying during the audition. **Some actors** ***really*** **should exercise.** Like I just said, being fit is practically a requirement for certain roles. Off the top of my head, here are some types of roles where physical health is important: law enforcement (unless you're the "lazy cop"), firefighters, EMTs; military personnel; certain criminal roles; most romantic leads (especially for men); action hero/heroine characters; characters in survival situations, like post-apocalyptic settings or certain horror movies. **It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.** Outside of stunt class, I spend most of my time working out at home, in my pajamas, with a couple pairs of dumbbells and a yoga mat. I might follow a YouTube video or a routine I created myself. Do whatever works for you. If investing money in an expensive gym and being in that environment is the motivation you need to exercise, that's great. But you don't need Chris Hemsworth's personal trainer or Sofia Vergara's Lagree fitness machine to get a great work out. You can still get great results with straight-forward workout routines that only require your own bodyweight. **It's best to do a combination of resistance training and cardio.** Resistance training focuses on muscular strength and endurance, and includes weightlifting, bodyweight exercises like pushups and squats, and all those other activities that get your muscles burning. Cardio works your heart and lungs to get you breathing and pumping blood more efficiently, and includes activities like jogging (longer, steady state cardio) and doing sprints (short, high intensity cardio.) Of course, if you really hate resistance training, or you really hate cardio, and trying to do both makes you not want to exercise, it's better to do one than neither. It's also possible to do both at the same time with certain sports, circuit training, HIIT, etc. **A few quick tips:** * **Warm up before a workout and cool down after one.** Warming up usually involves easy cardio exercises, like jumping jacks; doing strength training moves with lighter weights; that sort of thing. Cool downs usually involve stretching the muscles you just worked. Both are great for preventing injuries and improving performance during a workout. * **Burn is fine, pain is not.** I'm not a fan of coaches who say "push past the pain", because muscle fatigue and real, "whoa something's wrong here" pain are two different things. Muscle fatigue comes on more gradually and is often experienced as a burning feeling as the intensity of an exercise increases. Pain is often sudden and sharp. It can mean that an injury just took place, and shouldn't be pushed through, or the injury could get worse. * **Pay attention to form.** If you're not sure how to do an exercise safely, research it before you attempt it, especially if you're doing it over and over or using a lot of weight. Bad form raises the risk of injury, even if you don't feel any pain the first few times around. * **Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise routine if you have any medical conditions or suspect that you might have one.** * **The best exercise is the one you'll actually do.** Find something you can have fun with. For me, that was stunt training. For someone else, it might be long jogs while listening to their favorite podcasts. As long as you're not injuring yourself, doing something is always better than doing nothing. I hope this helps and feels relevant to this sub. If someone who hated exercise as much as me could start working out on a regular basis, I'm sure anyone can.

How to get an agent/any sort of work

How to get an agent/any sort of work

Posted on Dec 13th

I have a backstage, casting network, and actors access. I have been applying daily for months and getting no responses. I’m trying to get background work to get my sag card but at this rate idk how long it will take to get three background roles. I have no work to show for an agent its so frustrating. Ik if given the opportunity to auditions I would fucking crush it. I just need help w the first steps. I’m not a model but I’m far from ugly so I don’t understand why I cant get one background role. What agencies can I apply too?

Looking for guidance

Looking for guidance

Posted on Dec 12th

I’m a 24 years old Indian actor living in Mumbai, I’m planning to shift base to the US next year. I’ve given myself 2 options i.e. LA or NY. I’ve been looking into acting courses for weeks now still feel like I haven’t been able to narrow down my options. I’m all over the place trying to decide which course, acting technique, city, more opportunities to face the camera, etc. I should go for, keeping in consideration the cost of living and everything. I have some knowledge about acting as I did go for a couple of acting courses here and I did some theatre too. I also worked as an assistant director in a couple of projects here don’t know if that adds up to something there. I’ve been posting my question here which have been helpful but I’d be great if I could get some guidance, now that I’ve explained the whole situation.

I can crry on command

I can crry on command

Posted on Dec 12th

Is this something most actors can do? (misspelled in title to avoid being taken down. Automated system thinks I'm asking how to)

I’m (14) Stuck on how to be a voice actor and I need help

I’m (14) Stuck on how to be a voice actor and I need help

Posted on Dec 12th

I’m 14 years old, and I aspire to be a voice actor, however I just don’t know where to start, I tried Voice.com but you have to be 18 to do anything on there, are there any other websites for voice actors or just any helpful tips? Cheers

Voice Actors wanted for Star Wars fan-edit [unpaid]

Voice Actors wanted for Star Wars fan-edit [unpaid]

Posted on Dec 12th

As the title suggests, I'm looking for some voice actors who can do the voice of Anakin Skywalker(Hayden Christensen), Yoda (Frank Oz), Old Obi-wan kenobi ( Alec Guiness) for my star wars fan-edit of the sequel trilogy. I'm attempting to make the sequel trilogy better with including some characters from the prequels and the original trilogy. I can't legally pay you for a Star War fan-edit, but I can credit you in whatever way you'd like. It's not a glamorous job...mostly just something fun you could say you were a part of. Early response of this edit has been positive. Any takers?

NY or LA for actors?

NY or LA for actors?

Posted on Dec 11th

I’m planning to move to the US next year but I am still confused as to which city is better for actors in terms of getting auditions, finding an agent etc.

Starting out in Australia

Starting out in Australia

Posted on Dec 11th

Hello, r/acting !I am currently 17 years old, reside in Australia, and will begin college in 2023 to pursue a degree unrelated to acting or the arts. I just experienced a little of burnout and was contemplating a career in acting. I've been interested in acting for a few years and enjoy playing characters in short films I make in my spare time. Regrettably, I never had the confidence to go for it, not even in a high school play (something I deeply regret), because I had low self-esteem and toxic relationships did not help. In addition, I am not a fan of over-theatrical theatre, and I like realism, which is why I wish to work in film acting. In spite of this, I assisted with lighting, cue callouts, advertisement banners, the production of media, and its administration in my most recent school performance, which earned me a lot of credit and some excellent contacts. With four more years of college to go, I'd like to try my hand at acting and have done research resulting in this general plan for getting into acting. \*Headshots for applying to classes (Required for all classes nearby) \*Creating Short Films \*Taking acting classes (Good connections here which may be beneficial) & Accent Classes thats online \*Doing workshops \*Doing small short films with connections made from classes \*Signing up onto casting platforms for casting (FAQ was very good for this info as well) ​ I believe I will be able to do this part-time while studying and working in an area linked to the university's degree, which will give me with more than enough money to invest in courses and other activities, so the cost should not be an issue. I will be relocating to the United States after graduation for work reasons, but I believe this is a fantastic opportunity to be exposed to a new market in acting as well, thus I want to spend my time in Australia in a less competitive sector like this wisely. I have 4 years ahead of me like I said, and this is a starting plan with the research I did from IMDB, connections, casting director posts, other actors in nearby studios and always a bit of Kurt Yue (Cool channel). What are your thoughts about this? Are you an actor in Australia, what route did you take? What routes should be taken? (I know this is basic but having no background experience other than working backstage and creating short films for 3 years, which is why your thoughts are very important to me and feel free to be blunt with them.)

I’m only just starting out. What do I need to be doing?

I’m only just starting out. What do I need to be doing?

Posted on Dec 11th

So, I’m a late bloomer. I’ve always loved acting and have done things here and there (local theatre, background in films) but it always felt unattainable as something to really go for, and I was also mostly focusing on music and my band. This last year though, I’ve tried to be more serious about acting and have been auditioning for small projects often and throwing my headshot out there. I just look at other actors my age (I’m 27) and see they started as kids or straight out of high school/in college and get discouraged and overwhelmed. I know it’s probably not too late, but how do I deal with feeling like I’m running out of time? I’m also not sure what I need to be doing exactly to really start putting myself out there beyond student and short films. What if I don’t have a reel? Do I need an agent? How do I get one? What resources are there? Any advice or resources or insight would be so very appreciated.

Just trying to learn

Just trying to learn

Posted on Dec 11th

I've heard that streaming TV shows (Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, etc) tend to "film like movies" in the sense where they do crossboard filming, or they film scenes from all episodes at one location, and then move on to the next. I can see how this resembles the movie style, and streaming shows have more time to film than networks because they make episodes, but they film faster than movies right? Like they get more footage at the end of each day than a movie does right? Because if every Netflix TV show started filming at the pace of Hollywood Blockbuster, the TV industry would not do that great. I've heard Hollywood movies barely get through a page or two in a day. I'd much rather work on a Netflix TV show that gets maybe 4-6 pages in a day, even if it's from different episodes. So basically what I'm mostly asking is when people say these show "film like movies", they mainly mean the filming by location, not really the pacing? I'd imagine that these streaming shows are slower than network shows, but faster than Hollywood blockbusters (or indie films on a good budget). I know it most likely varies per show, but is there a more general answer? I'm new to the industry and am trying to do my research. I got these above estimates from other sources, and it's always good to check. I tried posting this in the filmmakers section, but it didn't work. Also, does anyone know any good side gigs to do? I'm approaching the end of high school and I'm really serious about making acting my full time career, along with screenwriting, but I know that although my dream is to work consistently as an actor, it won't be that consistent the first 5 years maybe longer. And even when I am working consistently, I'm aware I might still need a side gig, but a more flexible one because I would be booking more. What are some suggestions? I have so many questions, but I'll leave it here and post more in this subreddit when they come to mind. I just got reddit today so I've got a lot to learn Thanks everyone!

Agent

Agent

Posted on Dec 11th

Should you really spend money on expensive acting classes? I don’t understand how to find and get experience from nothing. Can you just film scenes at your house and use it on your reel? We’re all actors rich and could afford these expensive classes?

Can anyone recommend ideal self tape kits online for beginning actors?

Can anyone recommend ideal self tape kits online for beginning actors?

Posted on Dec 11th

I’m in drama school and want to start applying for things on Backstage to develop my experience and beef up my acting resume. Some of these jobs require self tapes, and I was wondering if anyone could give me self tape kit recommendations that are portable (lighting, background screen, etc). I’m also pretty new to acting, so any kind of set up recommendations or gear that SAGAFTRA or very seasoned professional actors are using would help. Also, what cameras would you recommend using? People say use your phones for self tape, but that doesn’t seem professional. I have a NIKON D5300, but it’s only really great for photography and it’s focus is for shit on video. The max it goes up to is 1080P.

Should a beginning actor take bit roles in the ensemble?

Should a beginning actor take bit roles in the ensemble?

Posted on Dec 11th

I got cast in a play, but as many different bit parts, I will have roughly like 15 lines altogether. I am a beginner. I am wondering if this is worth accepting or if I should keep looking around for other shows that might give me something more substantial to work with. All of my friends got leads as well, so it is even harder as they now think less of me I believe.

Recommended school program?

Recommended school program?

Posted on Dec 11th

Hi,pursuing actor here, have done a few local 3 month programs with different local teachers and have been thinking of taking it to the next level and I’ve been thinking of moving to the states/London (probably states) in order to enroll in a larger program to deepen my skills and improve everything I know (and also to work in English) so a little bit about me I’m 22 and as I said I’ve done a few local courses I’ve been to some auditions and have worked with a few local directors I can say I’m into both film and theatre but I’m leaning towards programs that works on films. I’m aware most big programs are probably 3-4 years so I could recommendations on where spending my time will be most efficient List of school names I’ve been getting recommendations on are Stella Adler Lee Strasberg RADA Julliard Tisch If any of you know and could tell me a bit about the pros and the cons in these schools and obviously can list more names that will be super appreciated! Also I’m gonna be an international student if that’s something I need to mention. Appreciate all the help thanks! :) If any need further information I haven’t listed just let me know

Is there such thing as a good starter commercial agent ?

Is there such thing as a good starter commercial agent ?

Posted on Dec 11th

Hi I would love to find auditions for commercials and more print work. I’ve been self submitting on backstage and casting networks & actors access but I have no luck sometimes but wonder if having an agent would help. I am sag eligible so I feel like that would help but how do I go about submitting? And I’m based in nyc but should I look outside of the city as well. Besides a good headshot and what would a good resume look like? Thanks again

how should this project be listed on a resume?

how should this project be listed on a resume?

Posted on Dec 11th

I got this gig on Backstage. I'm a newbie actor seeking any experience. But I don't know how would I categorize this project on my resume. It's not a movie or a play. It's a video of a monologue. How would you categorize it? ​ [https://www.backstage.com/casting/the-kardashian-komplex-2544847/jordan-skopp-4516527/](https://www.backstage.com/casting/the-kardashian-komplex-2544847/jordan-skopp-4516527/)

Actors, for how long you can survive in your respective city if you stop getting work from tomorrow?

Actors, for how long you can survive in your respective city if you stop getting work from tomorrow?

Posted on Dec 11th

In the middle of anxious financial situation. Do you guys save up money in a different bank account for situations like these? If you are a non established actor, how do you plan your finance? Any perspective is welcomed!

How to face rejection.

How to face rejection.

Posted on Dec 11th

Okay so I’m an aspiring actor and i’ve recently auditioned for a role that i really wanted, got a callback, but only an ensemble role and i’ve been really beating myself up about it. Eg. saying things like ‘why did i ever try, i was never good enough, im such an idiot i should just stop’. If anyone has any tips on how to avoid feeling this way, i would love to hear them. Now every time i watch a tv show or something and maybe go to criticise it, i think ‘how in the world can u think that thats bad acting when u cant even earn a role’. Also if u have any tips on how to improve my acting, I NEED THOSE. Thanks.

Resources & organizations for actors / filmmakers in NYC?

Resources & organizations for actors / filmmakers in NYC?

Posted on Dec 10th

I've been in the city for a few years now and I'm trying to take my game to the next level both craft wise & networking wise. I'm wondering what other good resources you guys use in the city that I might not be aware of? I'm aware of and a member of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to take advantage of their workshops, The Actor's Fund, the quiet library on the 3rd floor by Lincoln Center, etc. but what else exists that I might be able to take advantage of that I'm not currently? Actors Connection apparently doesn't do their "Free at 3pm" workshops anymore, Actors Launch Pad used to be $40 a month and is no longer around, are there anymore good deals like that to be found? (i'm not really a workshop person, but I will do them on occasion if they are free or super low cost) Are there any good organizations for filmmakers as well? Theatre groups that are some-what easy to join? From my research, all of them seem to be really convoluted on how to actually join, or you just have to hope to be cast a bunch of times before thats even an option. Reputable writers groups? My friend in LA does Deadline Junkies, which is just such a phenomenal resources for writers & actors, I've done a few zoom ones but it's west coast hours, I WISH they had a chapter in NYC! (maybe I could start one actually...)

Starting acting at 16

Starting acting at 16

Posted on Dec 10th

Do you guys starting out acting at 16 is too late? I just turned 16 and I don’t really know how to start off and when you look at successful actors majority of them started at a very young age in theatre and musicals to get experience young. It feels hard to start off. What should my first step be as a 16 year old? I took acting classes 2 years ago and I’ve been in quior and a couple of school musicals.

As a new actor who is now SAG eligible because of Background work is it worth joining now or should I wait for a job that I would be a must join?

As a new actor who is now SAG eligible because of Background work is it worth joining now or should I wait for a job that I would be a must join?

Posted on Dec 10th

Hi hopefully the title made sense lol, let me tell you a little bit about my journey bc I’m lost again. So I started my actor journey professionally last year ish with doing background work on major film sets and my goal before was to rush through and collect the 3 waviers so I can join sag because everyone on set was telling me the pay is better & id be in the union with better benefits but as a I slow down and think about the goals I have I want to be a professional working actor. I would love to work on commercials and films. My fear now is that I know when your sag you can’t work on nonunion student films ( I don’t have a full reel yet) so I’m wondering is that even necessary. Because I don’t want to be professional SAG background actor, I want to try to audition for roles and commercial work. & I know it could get more limiting because some sets only hire like 20 SAG workers a set, But it’s being sag with no agent or manager beneficial? I’m so confused

Advice for getting started in the industry?

Advice for getting started in the industry?

Posted on Dec 10th

What can recent college graduates do to get into the industry as a working actor besides going to grad school? Any advice?

Where can I get auditioned in Europe?

Where can I get auditioned in Europe?

Posted on Dec 10th

I live in Italy and Germany at the moment and all the websites I stumble by like backstage, actor access, casting frontier are all for US locations which is pretty damn far away. Does anyone know a website like these for Europe? Thanks.

Could a VA also be a consistent YouTuber?

Could a VA also be a consistent YouTuber?

Posted on Dec 10th

I'm now considering being a voice actor, could I also be a YouTuber as a secondary hobby?

How do you find your commercials?

How do you find your commercials?

Posted on Dec 10th

I'm a working actor in DFW. Been in a handful of commercials this year but have ever only seen one (and only cause it got recorded for me by a family member). I met a friend on set who said she got all her footage that she shares on her socials through certain websites. I tried it but couldn't seem to find anything. How do you guys get your footage?

Resources for Theater Business

Resources for Theater Business

Posted on Dec 10th

Does anyone have good resources for understanding the theater business as an actor? I just finished Peter Skagan's "Screen Acting Trade Secrets" and found it incredibly insightful into the film and TV industry and how to best market yourself as an actor in that side of performance. Anyone know of anything similar for commercial theater, like Broadway or WestEnd? To be clear, I'm not looking for acting technique guides as much as marketing and general business resources. I found the book list pretty scant lol.

Tips on how to study films and the actors' performances

Tips on how to study films and the actors' performances

Posted on Dec 10th

I think as actors, being well versed in the the processes behind every film and performance is very important and something I am trying to learn more about. Is there anyone in here that do "case studies" with their favourite films to help them learn and if so what do you look for because I want to start watching films as an actor rather than just an audience member, if that made any sense. ​

Juilliard Extension

Juilliard Extension

Posted on Dec 9th

Hey! Just wanted to see if anyone had experience with Juilliard’s extension courses, particularly scene study? Was there a particular methodology they taught? And, they say it is open to brand new beginners to professional actors, so, I was curious if they split the class up in any way? They only offer one section of scene study, so I was curious how that worked, and if anyone had experience with the class. Thank you!

What are my chances of becoming successful?

What are my chances of becoming successful?

Posted on Dec 9th

How to start acting in my situation? So I live in Europe, I am from a country in which English isn’t the native language. So we naturally have a strange accent, but unlike others I think I know English quite well. I am a 10th grader (sophomore year). Soon I will play a minor role, or so my director told me (don’t have the role yet) and then I might even play a role of younger version of our great respectable king (not to much screen time, probably 10/15 minutes), if everything goes according to plan. This movie will only get national fame, but I guess it does add up to something, so I guess it’s a great place to begin. I have absolutely 0 experience with acting, not even an accidental background shot, but my country has no movie industry, so theaters and art/drama schools are very rare. Plus my parents HATE the idea of me becoming an actor, so even if I found a great school, I wouldn’t get any aid, because I am currently dependent on them. Trust me on this, I want to become an actor, I would do anything for it, but my country won’t allow me that and it will be near impossible to start it directly from L.A. I do generally plan to move to the US. How can I reach success and how can I become a successful actor, do I need talent (I think I lack it) do I need to be able to dance (if it will be necessary I will learn it) do I need to go to some special school/hella lot of money to be auditioned (I can’t right away since I won’t have support, but maybe in later when I have some money) Not trying to brag but I am a hardworking dude, so I know it won’t be easy and I will do literally anything to reach my goals, but how likely is it for me to reach success (I know it will be hard from the start, but how hard are we talking about?)

How does one get a UK agent when based in Europe, but not the UK?

How does one get a UK agent when based in Europe, but not the UK?

Posted on Dec 9th

Have any of you Europe-based actors had success getting UK agents? I’ve heard some actors from other European countries have managed to get agents in the UK, and since it’s the center of film and TV in Europe it’s quite beneficial to have one. I was wondering does anyone know is it okay to just approach agencies with a showreel and CV or are they looking for actors particularly based in the UK?

Need your advice actors — should I take the 2 year opportunity to work in UK as an actor or go straight to LA post graduation?

Posted on Dec 9th

I am a postgraduate student in London currently completing a 1 year course in film production. I wanted to study the business of film for future projects and make UK connections. When the programme ends, I am entitled to a 2 year graduate visa in which I can work in the UK without sponsorship. Once this 2 year period ends, I either need to obtain a work visa, a creative temporary visa (if I happen to land a role it’s a 6 month visa for that particular film), or leave the country (yes I could marry someone but not relying on that / in a rush). Therefore I’m looking at 2 options -take the grad visa opportunity, sign with an agency and see what work I can get in London as an actor before returning to LA. Pros: London has a lot of film work going on here and I could land some good gigs. Cons: I’ll be 24 by then, not getting any younger and don’t want to wait an eternity to start my career in LA. If I took the 2 years I’d get to LA at 26/27 yrs old. Or: -go straight back to LA and start working right after graduation. What would you do? Thanks! X

Is it easy to become an actor and is it worth to move to USA from an eastern European country

Is it easy to become an actor and is it worth to move to USA from an eastern European country

Posted on Dec 9th

Im 17 and I am from an eastern european country where movies nowdays are not taken very serious,I like acting a lot and i don t wanna sound narcisistic but people told me I d make a good actor,altough I have never in my life played in a theatre.I just can t think of another thing that would earn me money and like it for myself so i said that i will be going to an acting university in my own country and after I finish it I will move to the U.S or Australia because there are more movie oportunities.But i do not know if this is a good idea like what state should I go in,what do I do until i get picked for a movie altough my parents will send me money i still wana make my own Now i don t necessarily want to be the main actor in a movie or tv series(even though i d like to) but I d like to know if i could make a well paid career by being even a background or side character or simply if I can win nice money from this acting stuff so I would really appreaciate your advice.

How to move the needle as an actor and artist

How to move the needle as an actor and artist

Posted on Dec 9th

One thing I have been thinking about a lot recently is: how can we as actors spend our time when we are not acting, prepping for auditions, etc really feeling like we are moving forward? I feel jealous of musicians because they can spend so much down time writing music, but as an actor, there’s only so much monologue memorizing, job searching and what not one can do. So how do folks spend their down time not only feeling artistically engaged but feeling like you are benefitting your career? What can be beneficial? Anyone else have this experience?

How to get over the fear of criticism?

How to get over the fear of criticism?

Posted on Dec 9th

Hi Reddit VAs, I've been voice acting for around 2 months, and I've had my brother criticize my voice acting right when I started. I was really sensitive to that because he was criticizing something I am the most hard with myself, and while I know it's not going to happen now (I've told him about it, and he stopped saying stuff about it) I still know he whispers negative words behind my back. I know this because he's whispering words *on the same day* we have an argument/disagreement, and I know what it implies. This post will feel like a diary of some sort, and it will seem like this post doesn't belong in this subreddit. I'm trying to find if anyone has the wisdom to help me. Continuing... It bothers me that I'm needing to express strong emotion for the script that he will hear, (unless we switch rooms, where he can use the kitchen exhaust to drown my voice, and since the smaller room won't carry sound as far), not because I can't, but because I can't open up to the script without being extremely uncomfortable and being judged severely, by him. Not my peers though, I'm the life of the party when it comes to class presentations and stage acting, even though I am an introvert with social anxiety (self reflected). In the past and current, my brother is blunt and invalidates how I feel. For example, when I ask him a question, he may say 'you're trying to get my attention, and I won't give you this attention, because you're *looking* for it. but in that situation, *I have a damn question.* And you, reader, imagine what's worse when I'm having to express strong emotions while acting a script. I can't. Not while he can hear me. There's no way he can *not* hear me, *unless* we switch rooms. Now here's the tangent. I haven't met anymore more invalidating, and it hurts since I've been emotional to him in the past, and he hasn't accepted me. He still doesn't accept me until I'm perfect until his standards, which is, *straight As in all classes*, a *cleaner freak than him*, a *1/2 chore maid*, the *perfect sidekick, but not over pushy,* **and** *cold and brooding. Seems like those are his goals too, because why else would he demand do much from his twin?* And if I try to ignore him, those problems will eventually affect other parts of our lives. We're twins and I personally feel like it's not necessary to say 'please' and 'thank you' every time when we've lived nearly 24/7 for all our lives, and when we can basically read each others' minds when we know we're grateful, etc. He still wants me to be that *anime girl* who's super expressive and kind, to a degree. Anyways, I want to take voice acting very seriously (I've invested over $1000 in gear and have a [voices.com](https://voices.com) membership from the black friday deal). I'm still young, 18, fast learner, in uni doing engineering, and I know there's a long way to go for both of my careers. I know my weaknesses, which are needing to enunciate better and become less nervous in front of the mic (*not* acting, though, since I was told I was really good by many actors in theatre when I was 17). There's a lot for me to improve on, but I really want suggestions on how I should become more comfortable expressing myself even though brother will use it against me. This fear feels like a chain, and the more I move freely, the harder the chain grasps. My goal is to learn to get comfortable acting with or without him hearing me, but a solution may just be to switch rooms and he won't be able to hear me. What would you do? TLDR: don't want to let brother hear voice acting, because he will use my openness and pure emotion against me. We live basically 24/7, and he can always hear me across the room. He demands lots of silence, and for me to be a certain way, similar to the stereotypical unaccepting dad to his daughter. I am still passionate and want to succeed, despite this, but I'm asking for how I should make sure I'm comfortable acting, with or without him hearing me. Edit; Rewrote basically everything, because my previous version seemed like I was just a person who doesn't like to be criticized. It is more than that. I added much more details to show my situations and fears.

What is your favorite actor??

What is your favorite actor??

Posted on Dec 9th

is not a with the best performance, but the one with a memorable and has a unique performance(there is a performance that you like) and who succeed play different roles without being generic. In my opinion, the best is christian bale: I like his acting style and I think it's amazing how he bring an acting show in any role: like Vice, the fighter, Nolan’s trilogy (he achieves interpret bruce wayne as well as his alter ego batman),the promise,American psycho. Quoting others like james franco(11.22.63,127 hours, The Disaster Artist,OZ,Annapolis) oscar isaac and benedict cumberbatch are spectacular in their expressions, faces serious and ironic they give prominence to their characters even though they are supporting characters: (moon knight,the imitation game,the power of dog,the courier,ex machina(Oscar Isaac is awesome in this movie),Dune,Star Wars) sorry for something i wrote wrong

Grad school vs no grad school + Help and Advice

Grad school vs no grad school + Help and Advice

Posted on Dec 9th

I am in desperate need of some serious help. For about a year now, I've been wanting to go to grad school for acting to train and get more skills and sharpen the ones I have before I go out into the world and jump into the "pool of sharks" that the business of acting is. I've been looking at URTA and planned on going in January in Chicago. But recently I was nominated for an Irene Ryan Award (that's a whole other topic) and now I can go to the KCACTF festival this year. The problem is, that conflicts with the dates of URTA this year. Keep in mind, I am a senior in college, and this is the first time I'll ever get to go to a KCACTF in person festival, if I decide to go. I tried to tell my director about this, and she had a couple things to say. She said: A) If I go to grad school, then by the time I get out, I won't have much experience in the real world of acting, and I will have spent 25-26 years of my life in school and no time away from school to gain life experience that could help my acting. She said "You need to get out and live your life a little more instead of being in school all the time. You're 22 and a senior in college, you practically have no life experience in the grand scheme of your lifetime. You haven't had many relationships, struggles, defeats, successes, wins, you haven't had many opportunities to show yourself that you're capable of what you can do. You won't have much of that when you're still in school." I'm paraphrasing what she said by the way. B) I might appreciate grad school and it's training more if I were to take a break from schooling for a couple years, and try to get experience in the real world. By the time I did get into grad school, which would ideally be a couple years from now, I will have had some forms of experience or others, I would have gotten a better idea and understanding of what my strengths are as an actor, what I need to work on, and I would appreciate what the program has to offer and teach me. C) Grad schools don't often take people with hardly any experience in the field. But I also feel like I need training before I jump out into the world, so that when I do, I'll be better equipped and more skilled and have more tools to tackle what may come my way. I told her this, and my teacher also said that even if I were to get into grad school and come out in three years or so, life would still be waiting for me. I don't know whether to not apply to grad school or to apply to grad school and see what happens, or if I should just jump right into the world after I graduate from college. The thing is, I don't know what I'm going to do if I don't go to grad school for acting. I don't have any contacts in any other cities where theatre/film/tv is. I don't know what opportunities I can do! I don't know / haven't really considered any other ways to get started in the industry. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! I don't know where to go. I don't know where to look. I don't know who to talk to. I don't know what resources to look for. I. DON'T. KNOW. Please, I need help and advice.

Is it too early to submit to a new agency?

Is it too early to submit to a new agency?

Posted on Dec 9th

I’ve been acting since I was 9. I did commercials until around 12 and then did theatre throughout high school. Along with student films. My resume has a ton of training, and I have a good amount of useful skills. I’m currently with a boutique agency that I don’t feel is really prioritizing me. I booked 1 commercial through them this year. My dream agency is CESD and I was curious if my credits/resume make me a good applicant or is it too early to submit to them? Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a very talented actress and am fortunate in the looks department. I know this industry takes years, but I just don’t feel like like my current agents really care about me right now. I haven’t gotten a single audition since October from them. I am getting new (theatrical) headshots next month & am now fully vaccinated, so I presume these will help me in the co-star and guest-star booking area. Advice is appreciated!

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