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We have found 19,459 posts across 4 actor forums:

Hollywood's Dirty Secret (one of them, anyway) by Matthew Cornwell  •  last post Sep 3rd

I posted this video yesterday on YouTube. It's about Geographic Discrimination. It's a problem all markets face that aren't LA or NY. Thankfully, the topic gained traction in our negotiations last year with the AMPTP, but only a little progress was made. Nothing codified into the contracts. But even with that progress, it won't go away anytime soon. Probably ever. Has anyone here experienced blatant Geographic Discrimination? I know I have for just about every single one of my IMDb credits...


https://youtu.be/v65wiv1gnMw

THEY SAY I'M A GOOD READER AND HAVE A GREAT VOICE: MIKE GAINES (New Member... treat 'im nice...) by Mike Gaines  •  last post Sep 2nd

I'm interested in voice acting and in my work I'm often told I should be in radio with that voice. I've studied acting at Strasburg-L.A., improv with "Off the Wall," and studied and performed stand-up at a few clubs in LA including The Comedy Store.


Anyone out there looking for voice talent?

Mike 

Perspective for when you don't get "the part" by Jason Mirch  •  last post Sep 1st

I know it can seem like A-List actors are never rejected from any role. But check out this article from Deadline. Winona Ryder lost out on the role of Clementine that went to Kate Winslet in the Oscar-winning (and one of my favorite films) ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND. And she lost out on it because of " excessive tabloid and paparazzi" attention. It had nothing to do with her talent. 


So don't get disheartened if you don't get the part. The stars will align and there are a lot of opportunities out there. 


Full article: https://deadline.com/2024/09/winona-ryder-lost-eternal-sunshine-role-media-attention-1236075051/

Clothing Options To Have for Self-Tapes by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Sep 1st


Keeping a small portion of your closet devoted to clothes for auditioning that are kept clean and pressed can save time and panic later.

Here are just a few to consider:

- Basic Commercial:
Before getting into character types, it’s important to have a few basics.
For commercial auditions, this will typically be something in a solid color, and on the more cheerful side.
Think of the “family friendly” version of you.

- Basic Theatrical:
Same idea as commercial, but a more serious look.
This might mean darker or more muted colors, possibly longer sleeves, something that makes you feel grounded.

- Mom/Dad:
Having a parental look will go a long way for commercial auditions and day players.
A solid cardigan or polo shirt you can throw on to look approachable and relatable can easily suggest the role. Maybe have a pair of glasses handy. You want a slightly more conservative look for this one.

- Flirty/Seductive:
If it’s in your wheelhouse, having a flirty ingenue or vampy look might be something to consider. It’s a fine line to walk, as you still want to look professional. Hair and makeup can also go a long way here.

- Dystopian/Gritty:
Get yourself that grungy gray tank top or noticeably worn tee. Having an appropriately lived-in looking jacket (army green, brown, or other darker earth tones) might also be a good idea.

- Professional White Collar, putting together a look with a blazer or suit with a tie can suggest a lawyer, CEO, detective, accountant or any type of white-collar professional.

- Professional Blue Collar, on the other side of the spectrum, a nice denim shirt that you can roll up the sleeves can easily transform you into a farmer, hometown clerk, etc.

- Scrubs, bring on the medical dramas! If you don’t have actual scrubs (though they can often be found in uniform stores) a solid color v-neck shirt can suggest a nurse or technician. A lab coat might be good to have on hand if you can find one.

#actor #audition #selftape #wardrobe

I’m a teenager trying to navigate herself into the industry by Mya Ginindza  •  last post Aug 31st

hi everyone, the names mya ginindza and I’m a 15 (soon to be 16) year old who has aspired to become an actress since I was a child and honestly I was informed about this amazing app that allows me to connect with other fellows who r interested in joining the industry. let me just get straight to the point, I’m planning on taking acting and vocal classes soon but I’d like to know if anyone had advice on how to audition and find an agent, and if I can upload a video of myself on here performing to hopefully show my skills off to some of you on here.

Self-Tape equipment on sale! by Matthew Cornwell  •  last post Aug 31st

Actors, if you're looking to build or upgrade your home self-tape studio, this might be a good weekend to buy. With Labor Day sales everywhere, and the industry slowly ramping back up, there's no reason to delay.


Here are some LED lights that we use at our taping service (Get Taped!), and they're great. Amazon has them 22% off this weekend:
https://amzn.to/3XplR7S

NOTE: as an Amazon affiliate, I may benefit from your purchase. However, your price is not affected.

5 Ways Yoga and Movement Helps My Acting Career by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Aug 31st

In today’s blog, Sara Quiriconi shares how yoga and movement have amplified her acting career and creative pursuits.


www.stage32.com/blog/5-ways-yoga-and-movement-helps-my-acting-career-3842

Nicole Kidman keeps it original by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 30th

I can't remember Nicole Kidman doing a sequel - other than Season 2 of Big Little Lies. She pushes the envelope and supports directors who make original material. Kudos. What's your favorite Nicold Kidman project? https://variety.com/2024/film/festivals/nicole-kidman-babygirl-venice-standing-ovation-harris-dickinson-1236116549/

Angelina Jolie makes a comeback by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 29th

Sometimes we get caught up in the TMZ of it all but when an artist does good work it always bring me back to what it’s all about. Not defending the public drama but always glad to see someone digging in and letting their talent do the talking. What do you think? https://variety.com/2024/film/festivals/angelina-jolie-weeps-maria-venice-standing-ovation-pablo-larrain-oscar-buzz-1236115537/

Actor Dialects Are A Skill To Perfect by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 29th

How to Teach Yourself a Dialect, According to a Voice Coach


Jim Johnson teaches voice and dialects at the University of Houston and has coached actors including Aidan Quinn and Hal Holbrook. He also runs AccentHelp, one of the leading resources for dialect training at home.

He recommends that the first thing a student does is listen to native speakers. “Just get used to hearing it, without trying to listen for anything specific,” he says. There are a number of resources for listening to authentic dialects, including Johnson’s AccentHelp courses and the International Dialects of English Archive, a website Johnson highly recommends. “It’s free, and a number of people, including myself, contribute recordings,” he adds.

After a few initial listenings, he says, students can then get into the details: “Start listening for sound changes, trying to get the intonation down. Get the rhythm of it, where the pitch moves.”

To incorporate the “musicality” of a dialect, Johnson will often have students use physical actions to follow the movement of pitch and rhythm, such as moving their arms up and down with the pitch or tapping out the rhythms. He finds this helps speed up the learning process. “Hopefully, they’re not just feeling it, but they’re seeing it as well,” he says. “They learn it through auditory, kinesthetic, and visual means.”

Exaggerate the dialect, study vowel sounds, record yourself, keep practicing, and use your acting skills: In the end, Johnson thinks the most important element in a believable dialect is great acting, with the ability to sell it.

 #actor #voice #dialect

Today's AMA guest in the acting lounge is the talented Kym Jackson! by Omari Washington  •  last post Aug 28th

Kym Jackson, Actress, Producer, Author, & Stage 32 Thought Leader (The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors, THIS IS US, THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS, N.C.I.S), will be hosting a 24-Hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") from Wednesday 8/28 to Thursday 8/29 in the Acting Lounge, focused on "Mastering The Art Of The Self-Tape". https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-8-28-to-Thursday-8-29-Mastering-The-Art-Of-The-Self-Tape

SAG-AFTRA Chief’s Pay Tops $1 Million, Highest Among Hollywood Unions by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 28th

I am of two minds here. This is a big job for an industry that produces a lot of revenue. That said, I served on some AEA committees in my time. Broadway generates billions and the Executive Director made nowhere near that much. 
Curious as to your thoughts on this.


https://variety.com/2024/biz/news/sag-aftra-duncan-crabtree-ireland-one-million-pay-unions-1236105854/

Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 8/28 to Thursday 8/29- Mastering The Art Of The Self-Tape by Kym Jackson  •  last post Aug 27th

Heya actors!  

For the past 10 years, I've been working with, teaching classes and seminars for actors.  I've helped thousands of actors make consistent progress in their career and to strengthen their mental fortitude and mindset along the way.  In part, because so many working actors and industry pro's helped me along my way when I was first starting out - and still do today!  We all need a little guidance sometimes. :) 

Tomorrow, I'm doing an Ask Me Anything for Stage 32 and I'd love to know if there's a challenge, goal, or problem you'd like some guidance, input or suggestions on.  Or if there are just questions you have about 'how things work' in the industry, pop them here and I'd love to answer! 

Here are two of my prior classes for Stage 32: 

https://www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Kym+Jackson&h=actors-the-8-steps-to-booking-more-work 

and 

https://www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Kym+Jackson&h=actors-master-the-art-of-your-self-tape

See you on set!
- Kym Jackson

Want to Fire Your Agent - Try Saying This Instead by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Aug 27th

Want to Fire Your Agent - Try Saying This Instead

https://youtu.be/slBGuzjm4Kk

If you ever thought about firing an agent (I have left a few agents) you might want to use the words I share in the video before you make that decision.

There are times when it is essential that a change in representation happens, but make sure you are making this decision for the right reasons.

Have you ever fired an agent? If so, share your experience with us.

O Griet sy's Droog by Karin van der Laag  •  last post Aug 27th

I am so excited for the premiere of a short movie I performed in called O Griet Sy's Droog. It opens tomorrow at the Silwerskerm Fees (Silver Screen Festival) at the Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. Hoping it receives great reviews.

Gemstones stunt performers rock! by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 26th

I loved reading this and being reminded just how much stunt performers enhance storytelling from action films (obvious) to comedies. What's the best stunt you ever saw in a comedy? https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/the-righteous-gemstones-stunt-coordinator-interview-monster-truck-1235983768/

Discovering your Signature Performance by Matthew Cornwell  •  last post Aug 24th

My mentor, the late Sam Christensen (Casting Director for MASH, Clash of the Titans, etc), cared so deeply about actors, but what plagued him was how few of us knew how to "relax", "do less", and "just be yourself" in the audition.


If you're an actor, you've heard phrases like that before. In class, in a live audition, or on set. Jack Lemmon famously told a story from early in his screen career where the director kept telling him to "do less" and he finally shouted “If I do any less, I won’t be doing anything at all!” 

Exactly.

To be clear, you MUST have craft. You must have training. But that's the part of our careers that is more obvious. What makes us unique is something different. What makes our version of Hamlet or Ophelia so different from every other one is what Sam would call your SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE.

And as Jack Lemmon discovered that fateful day, you have to get out of your own way to let that signature performance shine through. It's a paradox for most of us. Because we want to DO something when we hear ACTION. We want to SHOW the director, the audience, how well we can put on that character. Oftentimes we want to show the work we've put into it, the years of training we've had...

The truth is that in the moment we hear ACTION, it's about letting go and letting the uniqueness of ourselves shine.

Sounds so simple, but it's so hard to embrace when the time comes. Quite honestly, we're bored with ourselves. That person you see in the mirror... with all those flaws and "boring" traits.... who wants to see THEM on screen, right?

I'd love to chat more about this very topic. If you're still reading, and you're curious, I'll be hosting a Zoom call this Wednesday, August 28, at 7pm EDT/4pm PDT to talk about Sam Christensen and the 4-day process he created as his life's work. We already have about 40 RSVPs, so you can keep your camera and mic off if you just want to be a fly on the wall. That said, we will have a Q&A at the end. 

I'll leave you with a question: Can you, with specificity, identify what makes you unique? Not just the characters you play, but what part of humanity you bring to those characters. If you're struggling to find your place in this industry, we can help...

You can learn more and RSVP for the free Zoom call here: https://www.get-taped.com/sam-christensen

What’s the Best Way to Cast in the US? by Sam Iwata Aka Liu  •  last post Aug 24th

Hey there, it’s Sam from the Far East Land!

For the past twenty years, I’ve been crafting TV commercials for names like Estee Lauder, Filorga, and Piaget and dabbling in short films across Asia (mostly China). Shooting a short or feature film in the States is the ultimate dream, but since I’m still a fresh face in that market, I’ll probably have to roll with my own scripts.

Being a non-US citizen makes getting a work visa in our industry a real challenge, so a non-union shoot might be my only option. But I don’t want to leave a bad mark in the land of dreams. So, it’s either I get the visa, or I’ll have to take my project elsewhere.

Production is pretty universal, so it shouldn’t be too different. But the casting part keeps bothering me. In China, I brief my casting director, and they bring me a list of talents. I’m not sure how it works in the US, especially if I want to cast union actors. Should I go to a casting company or hire a freelance casting director to handle it?

As I said, shooting in the US is a dream, but it’s not entirely up to me. So, my backup plan is to fly actors to China, Thailand, or Australia for my projects. My question is, how does that work?

I’d really appreciate any insights you can share.

PS: You can check out some of my work here:: https://vimeo.com/iwatasam.

James Spader Sets Marvel Return as Ultron in ‘Vision’ Series by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 23rd

I loved Spader as Ultron (one of the few good things about the movie). I would watch him read a phone book. https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/james-spader-ultron-vision-series-marvel-1236116657/

Free Actor Web Design - Looking to help a few actors by Michael Karpienski  •  last post Aug 23rd

Hi Fellow Actors, 


I am looking to help a couple actors on here and willing to build a few actor websites for free to get some new web design examples in my portfolio. If interested, shoot me a text or email me to discuss a possible partnership! Thanks!

Actor Web Design Examples:
https://graycetoon.com/
https://iamrissa.com/
https://kirageiger.com/
https://megsands.com/

‪(201) 380-1019‬
hello@michaelkarpienski.com

Thanks!
Michael Karpienski