We have found 20,072 posts across 4 actor forums:
Would you be an actor if you only made $22 an hour? by RothkoRathbone • last post Sep 16th
A Lister's obviously make huge sums of money. SAG's National Executive Director got a $40,798 raise \[in 2020\] and now makes $600,458 a year. I'm sure you know, SAG don't release what their members make, but: >The Bureau of Labor Statics released the average salary for several jobs within the entertainment industry including actors, producers, and directors. Of the 155,740 actors, directors and producers included in the survey by the Department of Labour; the average person made about $89,000 in 2013, which equates to about $42.80 an hour. The median is quite lower at $30.48/hour. But, it gets worse for actors. According to the report, **the median hourly pay for an actor is about $22.15 or** [**$52,000**](http://www1.salary.com/Actor-Performer-Salaries.html)**.** Actor wages are also inconsistent year to year. So a good year, or a few good years, doesn't guarantee that for the next year. It's challenging being a working actor for little pay no matter what. A lot of luxuries have to be passed over. But, it seems like it gets harder each year for actors because the cost of living keeps going up. Years ago a family of four could have a great living situation on one persons income. It can of course be a financial struggle and hard to get a job in many industries now. The film (and theater) industry is particularly tough though. It's not just actors, writer's, VFX artists, theater folk, all get paid little and don't always have security. Most of the money stays at the top. I don't know, *career* doesn't seem the right word somehow. This information isn't new to me when I think about it. On the other hand it is. It's like I knew and ignored it. It wouldn't apply to me. If you're good enough, the work will come. It's become a lot clearer to me though, as I've gotten better, that talent doesn't have anything to do with it. There are a lot of good actors who make $22 an hour. There are a lot of good actors who don't make anything and never will. I know it's a depressing reality, which is why we don't like to think about it. What I'm saying is, if we really face that reality, what does that mean? I think it's better to be honest about how this all works than delude ourselves. A lot of people make a lot of money off of, and prey on, hopeful actors who are deluding themselves. I think delusion also prevents positive change. If there was more discussion of the reality, it might create more strength and unity. We might be better able to see through teachers, say, who are duping actors that they have the answer, or schools that charge exorbitant amounts of money for their facilities and prestige when they guarantee nothing. Great success is always the rare exception. Anyway, I'm getting too far into the abstract and vague. What do you think about this $22 an hour?
should I drop out of this project as a new actor? by agentkittycat13 • last post Sep 16th
Hi guys! I got cast as the lead for a student short film. The short film is kind of intense actually, there’s a big love confession with tears. I was so happy when I heard I got it, I got great feedback from the director and producer. The problem is that I have zero chemistry with the other lead playing my love interest. He’s a brand new actor too, but his skill set is far below mine which makes it so hard to do my best. He says his lines like he’s thinking of what to say, and it’s mostly because he didn’t even know them. At rehearsal, when he looked at me (as I’m trying not to cry cuz that’s the role), it’s as if he’s holding in a laugh because he’s embarrassed by the director watching. He was so unprepared. We have a kiss as well, and since it’s choreographed with the intimacy coordinator, it needs to be done correctly. He kept screwing up the timing for it which made me so nervous because it won’t be our hands as stand ins while we film, it’ll be my actual face/lips. With intimate scenes like this, you need to be confident and precise to make sure your costars are comfortable. This is my very first role so I don’t want to turn it down, especially since we film in a couple days. I got cast this week, and had one rehearsal, so it’s moving pretty fast. I don’t know what to do?! I really need the experience and the reel, as they’re giving me a copy. But at the same time, I don’t think I can do my best work with my current co star. I want to help others create things of quality, and I’m unsure I can provide that with the current circumstances. I want to email the director tonight and be honest, but IDK. Should I do it anyway for the experience? Thanks guys, I appreciate this.
How do credits get recorded? by EssamTheactor • last post Sep 16th
For example, if I pick up a role on backstage or let's say actors access how will credits show up? Does the owner of the post have to put it in on the website or something else? Or does he put it in the film? Like how will there be proof of my credit to show an agency of some short?
CD Cancelled Audition on Actors Access? by nerdyharrybartending • last post Sep 16th
What do you guys think happened here? I got an Eco Cast on Actors Access on 9/8 saying it was due 9/24. I went to submit today (9/16) and this came up. I'm thinking one of two things: 1) They already cast the role and the 9/24 deadline was more for them than for me, OR2) I looked into it and I realize I did another ecocast for this CD back in August, so maybe they remember me and changed their mind about wanting to see me audition for whatever reason. Has this ever happened to anyone? If it's super rare or something maybe like the project's been cancelled or it was an accident... ​ [Cmail Message when I try to open Eco Cast](https://preview.redd.it/ey44n58b9bo91.png?width=497&format=png&auto=webp&s=e1c934463f96c5ea4747a80b8551be5438fa6ec1)
Animator here I Need a scp 049 voice actor I’ll pay you 11 in robux if you read these lines for me and send me the audio recordings. by Expert-Ad-4467 • last post Sep 16th
“PESTILENCE” preferably in a worried voice “I have saved yet another” in relief And last one “your clear little one” Message and we can discuss this in further detail
Narrator needed for a fan infomercial by BuckarooOJ • last post Sep 15th
For my video editing class I am making a commercial for the album known as "Everywhere at the end of Time", and I will need a narrator, for my one and a half minute video. I want a voice actor sounding similar to [Mark Eliot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWkkECBurDQ).
Does having a day job in the biz helps? by AutoPilotScan • last post Sep 15th
For the working actors (and musicians) out there. Do you find it useful to have a day job in the entertainment business? Say you’re an IT guy, a technician, or a marketing admin at a studio or some media company. Would that help you when it comes to networking and finding opportunities in this industry? I’m thinking about using my skills as an IT guy to get into the entertainment industry but wanted others perspective
Methods in Memorizing Lines - Chunking versus Traditional - by xJoshuaMaye90 • last post Sep 15th
Greetings, /Acting! I just wanted to help those who need some assistance in memorizing their lines for maximizing their full potential in their acting endeavours. WHAT IS CHUNKING? Chunking when it comes to establishing short-term or long-term memory is basically when an actor memorizes one line of dialogue after the next, slowly and gradually, after repeating one line of dialogue about three to five times, or it could be more depending on the person's mental state or intelligence level. Intelligence level is very important, and you cannot successfully memorize your lines if your mental state is not pure or not stable. It's just going to mess you up. Memory is often broken down in the short-term and the long-term, but for acting in the entertainment industry, one must master their long-term memory because when it comes time to perform those lines, this performance could be days to even weeks after you've memorized your lines, or perhaps hours, depending on the blocking of scenes by one's director or producers; especially since most Film/TV productions, each scene is not blocked out or scheduled chronologically. One would have to masterfully remember Scene 1 to Scene 4 to then Scene 10 and Heaven forbid, Scene 45. Not, Scene 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. How unfortunate! That's the industry! Trust me, I had this experience but I'm from the traditional theatre tradition, and I just master my long-term memory quite religiously instead. Short-term memory is remembering something like, "I am the law." Remember this by saying three to five times in focus, either aloud or silently, word-for-word, and then perform it in less than five minutes. But can you remember this line after you fall asleep or hours from now? This is where you get long-term memory. You need to further memorize this line every now and then in preparation for a performance, this is the traditional theatre ideal! Rehearsal! But anyway, in the professional world, if you get any major supporting roles instead of leads, meaning you get roles that are visible but not that visible compared to the lead or a co-lead, then you must remember at least ten lines of dialogue and perform it meaningfully with that scene objective in mind. Try studying this formatted script and CHUNKING is basically tied to long-term memory in that you have to pace yourself in memorizing one line after another. Do three to five times for one line as if that's your only line, and then go on the next one and connect it with that scene objective. If you have a partner, this works much better! Have that partner say the other line and this gets you, the actor, to remember YOUR CUE! And then, the magic begins! When you intensely memorize your lines, you would tend to notice something... your eye contact focuses, and you look at your subject directly for whatever that subject is. You start to get into a trance, and this is what some call, method acting. ***TOO LONG DIDN'T READ:*** *Chunking is basically building lines, and to advance in your memory in general, try just saying three to five words at a time in one piece of dialogue and move on to the next for the second round, if there is only one line of dialogue in the entire script.* Try out this script:' ​ >INT. YOUR LIVING ROOM - EVENING > > > >A Reddit User is on their computer, reading random things before - > >REDDIT USER > >I, I... > >Then, > >REDDIT USER > >I, I... am not amused at this thread. > >REDDIT USER > >I, I, am not amused at this thread, and I am upset. > >Then, > >REDDIT USER > >I, I, am not amused at this thread, and I am upset, goddammit! Dammit, dammit, dammit! > >Then, > >REDDIT USER > >Argh! > >END OF SCENE
How much daily practice is optimal? by DXN_Boy • last post Sep 15th
Hey guys, new actor in training here and I’m currently taking a 3-year drama course - this course can be done within a year if I’m able to meet graduation standards in that time frame (something I aspire to do) How much time a day do you feel I should focus on acting training and practice or better question, what what you consider ‘too little’ or ‘too much’ time and effort Thank you
[Paid Gig] FEMALE ONLY - Dark Romantic Fantasy - $100-300/PFH by childish5iasco • last post Sep 15th
Hello there! I have a client who is looking to fill the role of a female audiobook narrator. The male narrator has already been cast. **Specifically, she is looking for a Black or Afro Latina actress.** This project will be done as a dual-narration (not to be confused with duet-narration). Please, only submit auditions if you are experienced with audiobooks. RATE: $100-300/PFH, rate is negotiable (punch and roll recording, audio must be clean with a noise floor not exceeding -50dB) EMAIL ME FOR SIDES: antoine@antoinebandele.com with the subject line "The Rat King Audition" GENRE: Dark Romantic Fantasy CONTENT WARNINGS: Consensual Sex, Attempted Rape (she kills him before it happens), Violence/Death on the page, language. **\*\*\*AUDITIONS DUE BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 23:59 (11:59 PM) PST\*\*\***
How would you make a resume for online casting? by Arya_Skye • last post Sep 15th
I've opened an account with Backstage and Actors Access. I'm extremely new to this but wanted to give it a try. How would one make a resume when you have no experience? I was told I had to have an agent but then I was told I didn't. Thoughts? Advice?
Is it ever possible to be an actor/improviser and still have trouble public speaking? by meekostar • last post Sep 15th
Maybe I’m just a terrible actor cuz there’s something about public speaking (not even just giving a big presentation to a big crowd, even just giving instructions to 2-4 people) where I can’t even control my reaction, I just freeze up and lose all train of thought, the one thing ur not supposed to do in improv. Do other actors feel this way? Or am I just a shitty actor? I guess maybe I’m just supposed to “act confident,” but that contradicts with the advice of “being yourself.”
Has anyone here lived in LA/NY and moved away while still landing work in those markets? by Lipmoshacook • last post Sep 15th
I’m a SAG actor who has lived in LA for five years as well as a couple in NY — in truth, I’m not a big fan of life in either city. I’m way happier in smaller towns. Meanwhile, in the two and a half years since COVID began, I have had ONE in person audition. I’ve booked a guest star and multiple co-stars solely off tapes/Zoom auditions. I want to find out how feasible it is to stay competitive in these markets if I were to move to a different state where I can really enjoy my personal life. I have friends that I can stay with in both LA and NY, so what’s stopping me from self-taping as a local hire and, if I book a job, fly out to work it and then leave? I understand it’s probably not the wisest thing as far as networking goes, but the only time networking has ever really worked for me anyway is when I’m making friends with the people I’m on set with from my booked job. No random run-ins with other actors at a bar or in a class has really led me to gaining any footing. Has anyone done this sort of thing? How has the experience been for you?
Is it feasible for an Indian to come to LA to become an actor? by Nervous_Return_9633 • last post Sep 15th
What kind of roles am I looking at ? Also, what's the competition like for roles specifically for brown people?
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post Sep 15th
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.
Affordable NYC classes and casting director workshops? by actorlylife • last post Sep 15th
Hi everyone. I’m surprised there isn’t an acting sub just for the NYC market where we can help each other with resources. (Or is there??) I was in LA for a long time and through luck found affordable casting director workshops at a place called ITA. Here in NYC, I’ve only found One on One and Actors Connection, neither of which are particularly cheap. (Especially considering so many of the workshops are now on Zoom, I’m not sure why they’re so expensive?) Are there other NYC casting director workshop sites that an actor here should know about? How about on-going once a week acting classes at under $200 a month? Online or in person. Thanks in advance!
What do you see as the biggest challenge for being in the moment ? by cryoncue • last post Sep 14th
The one thing we all talk about as actors is “being in the moment” The challenge is acting teachers, directors , casting directors and other actors will often tell you… “ just be in the moment…” but what they are not understanding about acting is … Acting is not REAL life … everything is done under fake / imaginary circumstances … Without understanding this massively important reality , they’re expecting actors to create TRUTHFUL human emotions and responses without ever actually teaching the critical skills that make it possible to BEHAVE TRUTHFULLY under imaginary circumstances. What do you see or hear from people that either helps or makes this a bigger challenge for actors ?
Book Recommendation by Impossible-Wind-987 • last post Sep 14th
When to move on from an acting class? by ActorActingInLA • last post Sep 14th
I want to preface this by saying that I love my acting class. It has helped to drastically improve my acting. My teacher is incredibly kind and supportive, and never misses an opportunity to tell me how proud they are of me when I book something. I feel a little conflicted currently tho. It's an ongoing audition technique acting class in LA, and each session is 4 weeks long. I've been at this studio for a year now. Continuing to renew after the 4 weeks is up. Its a group of 10 of us in class, and its a solid 7-8 actors that renew and enroll every month, so I'm around the same group of people for the most part. I'm fairly "new" with the group, since I've only been there for a year, others around 2-4 years. So they are all friends. And I'm friends with them too, we just don't have as long of a history... These last few months I've been feeling that class has become more of a social hour. Students memorizing the scripts right as we get to class VS the whole week we had prior. As a class, we get off topic a lot, and tend to talk about unrelated things for a good 15 minutes, a few times a class. A lot of students have been friends for years, so they'll sometimes go off in little groups and talk about personal lives. And also a handful of students aren't pursuing acting seriously, they are doing it more as a hobby? We only have about 3 of us in class who are booking things. Now I don't mind the extra banter and off topic-ness, cause I'm guilty of it too. But thats exactly my point... I feel like I'm too comfortable in class now. I put in the work, and memorize my script, and make my choices, and perform, and 95% of the time I'm happy with my performance. But these last few months, I feel like I'm plateauing. That I'm not having any breakthroughs? Is this normal? Is it time to switch things up? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable again? Will the same process happen when I enroll in another class and continue to go month after month? (Also, this isn't my first acting class. I've studied at a few of the big schools in LA. This is just the first acting class that I loved enough to keep continuing, even after the initial session ends)
Is voice acting still doing remote gigs or are they going back to studio time? by PaxtonButlerVoice • last post Sep 14th
So I’m still a relatively new voice actor, but I was wondering if since the pandemic the industry has since gone back to studios, or is it still possible to get gigs remotely? I want to find out before I move and that’s *if* I move in the first place. So, would I need to stay put? Or could I still have some potential security?