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What is a scene you are most proud of? by Suzanne Bronson  •  last post Jun 19th

Hello, fellow actors! I would like to know do you have a scene that you are most proud of? It can be either one you did in acting class that for example, really challenged you emotionally or showed your growth, and perhaps a film or tv series you got to work on with an established actor, or you know, something you did for fun. This is your chance to humble brag. 


I will start: I did an indie horror called Turkey Stuffer, five years ago. I played the victim of a serial killer. I am proud of my work personally, because it was unlike anything I played before, and professionally, it has led to a lasting relationship with the writer/director/producer of that short. 

DEFERRED PAY- Setting Boundaries as an Actor by Brittany Christine  •  last post Jun 19th

As an Actress in Hollywood these days, I am mostly booking film work out of state and the majority of the gigs being offered locally are commercials or influencer type videos, & verticals, (mind you I've been with the same agencies for over a decade and definitely think it's time to switch it up seeing as all my favorite agents at those who were really getting me out there, have now left the business) however, every once in a blue moon I'll get a UCLA or AFI student film audition request that has a great lead character or a really fun script to work with that I can see myself using a clip of for an updated acting reel 


The problem is, it's always DEFERRED PAY, so knowing they are film students, (usually fresh out of high school and this is their college years meaning they haven't had time to work full time and make or save any money yet) I tend to be more understanding and flexible, because in the back of my mind their equipment and education is top notch so even if the project is just for an assignment, the worst that could happen is they bomb it, the best thing that could happen is it's so good they are encouraged to enter it in to top festivals by their professors, (my first two films to play in the Cannes short film corner were both grad student films from Griffith University in Brisbane Australia for example) 

So because my time is valuable, yet I know any of these could have the potential to be beneficial to my career more so than a paid project that doesn't see the light of day somewhere, (which has happened to me many times before too, and I'm trying to not have ptsd from it) this is what I've started to do:
1) I won't memorize the lines, I read it with the script off screen/camera but still act it out completely, this is mostly because they tend to send over 5 pages and for no pay that's even more time commitment to something you don't even know you'll get, but for sure know you're most likely not getting paid for even if you do. I then put in the notes of the self tape, "happy to memorize the lines if I get a callback or book obviously! :)" 
2) Ask the questions, "is this a first year project, third, graduation film etc" because that can also be pretty disappointing if you are going into it thinking you'll get more practice or footage as an actor but then get to set and they are shooting on the oldest camera known to man, with no professional lighting, (you probably won't want to even use the footage for a reel in the end, so weigh up the pros and cons)
3) Once confirmed on the project (not before because then they may go in another direction) I then ask how they will be covering the expenses, "Do I just save the receipts for parking/ubers/gas/food?" knowing these are bare minimum human necessities and travel costs. Also, the amount of times I've had to pay for a lyft because there was no crew/cast parking or I get there and the daily cost for parking is 5x more than what a lyft would have cost to and from, after already spending a half tank of gas there and back, you tend to learn as you go, on how to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary additional fees, because if you're not getting fed either, then you're looking at spending money for up to 3 meals a day and that can easily add up to $100 daily including the transport stuff, (so now you should be getting a producer credit on the film as well since it's basically pay to play at that stage) lol

My question for you: what are your ways of setting boundaries with projects as an actor, while still trying to meet them half way, and how did you come to those decisions? 

Welcome! I’m Nicolà Melissian – Actress, Producer, Stage32 Ambassador & Creative Mentor ♥ by Nicolá MelissiAn  •  last post Jun 19th


Hi everyone – and welcome!
I’m Nicolà Melissian – Actress, Producer, and proud Stage32 Ambassador for Berlin, Hamburg, and the Dominican Republic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T74kA7YajnA

I’m also passionate about empowering fellow creatives as a Creative Mentor.
I’m truly excited to introduce myself here on Stage32 and YouTube – two platforms that allow us to connect, grow, and support one another across borders and disciplines.
On my channels, I share interviews, acting insights, creative lifestyle content, and everything that helps strengthen your artistic mindset.
As a longtime member of Stage32, I believe deeply in the power of global collaboration and honest creative exchange.
Whether you’re just starting out or already on your professional path, I’m here to uplift and inspire through content that speaks to both heart and craft.

✨ Let’s create, connect, and rise – together.

WARNING! Supposed "Investor" Charging Collaboration Fee -- RED FLAG CITY! by Rick Jay Glen  •  last post Jun 18th

I feel the need to bring this to everyone's attention because I realize that Stage32, being a social media platform, has the potential for con artists to reach out to hopefully (sometimes even naive) creatives.


I was messaged by a man named Jonny Owen. Self-proclaimed "investor" and as always, I was immediately skeptical, but always allow for some time to be allotted to new contacts. However, it didn't take long for me to see the red flags, and I'm sharing this with people for 2 reasons:

1. To make you all aware of a potential bad actor lurking on this site.

2. To give this so-called "investor" the opportunity to correct his approach.

I'm truly hoping for the latter.

That being said, after a couple of emails, he mentioned that he charges a "collaboration fee." I cannot let this go or simply ignore this problem. I have to make this perfectly clear for anyone else who might be approached by him or any other account that suggest potential investments.

REAL INVESTORS DO NOT CHARGE COLLABORATION FEES!
REAL FINANCIERS DO NOT ASK FOR MONEY UP FRONT FOR ANY REASON!

Now, I do like to give people the benefit of the doubt before I completely blacklist them, so here is the opportunity for everyone to see how to appropriately respond to someone asking for money to acquire financing.

What Exactly Is a Beat—And Why Should Actors (and Writers) Care? by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jun 18th

This new Stage 32 blog is one of the clearest breakdowns I’ve seen, especially for those of you looking to refine your acting craft. It goes deep into the history of the term "beat", explores how different techniques define it, and lands on an incredibly useful and actionable definition that screenwriters can use to actually write scenes actors want to perform.


Check it out here:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/the-actors-beat-your-missing-link-between-script-and-screen-4133

Let’s discuss: How do you define a beat when preparing a role? Has a writer’s clarity—or lack of it—ever made your job easier or harder?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Start With Micro-Goals & See Where They Take You! by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jun 18th

You don’t need more hours in the day. You need a better process.


Stage 32 CEO RB (@rbwalksintoabar on social media) breaks it down: The reason most people fail at their goals? They don’t make them attainable. They don’t set themselves up for success.

Want to write a screenplay but feel like you don’t have time? Write one page a day.
In 100 days, you’ll have a feature film.

It’s not about huge leaps. It’s about small, consistent steps that compound over time.

Watch this and start setting yourself up to win.

What’s one micro-goal you’re setting for your creative journey this week?

What's in a Name? by Brandon Keeton  •  last post Jun 16th

Hello everyone!  Have you ever been around someone and they say "I'm bad with names."?  I am notoriously bad with names and faces and as an actor, that can sometimes hurt.  


Welcome, once again, to a story about how I screwed up!  Ha!

About two years ago, I'm at a meeting of Central Pennsylvania filmmakers in York PA.  It's pretty nice.  People are dressed up a little, they're serving decent food and drinks and I'm talking to a few people I have worked with before.

After a few minutes of conversation with my friends, a very attractive lady walks up to me and starts in on our talk, specifically with me.  I'm in my 50's, I'm old and fat and bald with a gray beard, so this sort of thing doesn't happen very often anymore but I took it as flattery and held the conversation, enjoying the moment.

After a few minutes, she stops, looks at me directly and says: "You have no idea who I am do you?"  My friends go wide eyed and hide their faces with drinks.  This is going to be good!

I stammer a bit.  "I'm so sorry ma'am.  I meet so many people.  Have we worked together before?"

She playfully hits me on the arm.  "I'm your god damned Agent you bastard!"

The entire circle of friends erupts in laughter and "Oh snap!" and "You screwed up bro!"

It was at that point that I realized that, of my three Agents (New York, Atlanta, and here locally in PA), I had only met one of them face to face up to that point and the one that I HAD met face to face, was when he signed me.  The others, including Ms. Tashina Roberson, my local PA Agent (Central PA Talent, check her out if you're close), I had not actually met face to face.  Everything was done with docusign, phone calls and emails.  We still hadn't worked our way completely out of COVID it seems.

She is very forgiving and is still my Agent.  AS a matter of fact, we were together earlier today for a Central PA Actors Panel.  She's the one behind me, second from the right. 

But this could have been worse.  Though we all do it for one reason or another, I do know that in this game, remembering people you meet, especially your Agent, can have positive effects on your career.  Some of us just have to get better at it.  Myself included. 

I'd love to hear of any instances where you have forgotten someone important to you and your career.  Please don't tell me I'm the only one!

I await your responses, as I try to remember who I met at Cannes this year...

Favorite shows of 2025 by Ryann Goldberg  •  last post Jun 16th

Hey everyone! 

Now that we're halfway through the year, I’m curious... what's been your favorite TV show or streaming series of 2025 so far?

Could be something new that totally surprised you, or an old favorite that came back stronger than ever. I’m always looking to add more to my watchlist. 

I’ll go first: Severance! What about you all?

How I Changed My Audition Strategy After 40 Years of Acting by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Jun 16th

How I Changed My Audition Strategy After 40 Years of Acting

https://youtu.be/LZ_0XrWmsuM

Do you have any suggestions, tips or tricks for getting more auditions and bookings? If so, share it here and on the channel so we can learn from you.

Hello everyone! I'm one of your new Lounge Moderators, Brittany Christine :) by Brittany Christine  •  last post Jun 15th

I joined this platform last week after meeting the wonderful stage 32 team in person @ Cannes Film Fest last month and am so impressed with everything it offers us creatives! 


I'll be posting weekly in here and for my very first I wanted to open the discussion on something that I keep experiencing EVEN AT TOP FESTIVALS once they learn I am an Actress, and that is questions along the lines of, "are you in anything I've seen" 

Instantly I want to reply, "obviously not or you would have recognized me right away" but that would be rude of course, and in general, I'm a pretty positive, upbeat person, so want to respond accordingly. 

Also for context, it's one thing to get questions like these from those completely outside of entertainment, who have no concept or understanding of the industry, but it hits a little different when you're at a sit down invite only SXSW lunch surrounded by a bunch of the industries leading talent & creative agents (who you would LOVE to be repped by, and whom are all suddenly quiet, listening in) so playing humble does not work in your favor in this situation, but I truly don't believe boasting or exaggeration of ones resume is ever the way to go either. My question to you is, what would you do? 

What is holding you back? by Suzanne Bronson  •  last post Jun 15th

This is a question for all the actors out there who, as RB says, "lurk." You visit the lounge, you read the posts, but you don't post or even comment yourself. My question is (and it's not meant to be judgemental rather as information gathering) what is keeping you from posting about your work? I hope this inspires you to comment. Ask that question you have been dying to ask. Even if you're a beginner, share your goals, what classes you are taking, if you want recommendations. We.Are.Here.For.You.

Sharing this week's "Coffee & Content" about Cilian Murphy and the continuing value of short films by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Jun 15th

Here it is: https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-when-the-work-is-good-enough-it-finds-the-light-4134


I lapped up reading about Cillian Murphy's work ethic. So rare to read about such a grounded and humble artist. I hadn't been aware of  his focus on only doing films that challenge him or are close to his heart, rather than heading to Hollywood at the first opportunity. And eventually a leading role with fame found him anyway via Oppenheimer.
My question to you is: How do you stay focused on the work when the spotlight isn’t guaranteed?

Acting as Therapy? by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Jun 15th

"I’ve never played someone so rageful in my life. I went to darker places that I had never gone before, but what a gift that is to get to do that. I learn so much about myself on these jobs. It’s crazy. It’s like therapy that you can’t pay for" - so says Kaitlyn Dever in an interview about her role in "Reunited".

Here is the article: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/walton-goggins-kaitlyn-dever-reunited-awards-insider?srsltid=AfmBOor2mGRDnW2R_eIxioREknREIieidy1lXu6oJBx1hoq8qThsFPWn

This interview between with Dever and Goggins piqued my interest this morning. Later in the day when I had some precious alone time I connected with feelings of grief. I feel them recently  whenever I rehearse my role as a woman who can’t have kids for an upcoming play.  I’m trying to find ways to separate the role from me and yet I’m aware the role is triggering my own grief related to childhood . As I sat with the feelings and spoke to the sad part triggered in me and asked it what it needed, the grief shifted and I felt brighter and inspired again. 
The sad inner child part wanted to be seen and honoured and validated. Which is what I proceeded to do and committed to keep doing. I realised then why the article had interested me, because I had just had my own experience of acting as therapy.  
I wonder if you have learned about yourself, integrated more of yourself through acting? Or perhaps you believe an acting role should be kept within a boundary. Do share

My Motivation by Matthew Gross  •  last post Jun 14th

This afternoon, I received a CMail audition invitation. It's a day player role in a short film. I got excited, because it is for a cruel, angry, judgmental neighbor. A single, venomous line. Here's my motivation. I'm calling upon the past 5-years with my neighbor who decided to extend her house. There was constant construction noise. Then, she decided for 8 months to let some guy build furniture in her backyard--the same small table. I was living in hell! My lawyer sent her a few letters. I will draw upon my stored up rage to deliver this line during Monday's audition. I'm not playing this part. I "AM" this part. I hope I get this job. 

Abdel-Rahim Dris /Actor by Dris Abdel-Rahim  •  last post Jun 13th

Hello everyone, I am Abdel Rahim Dris, an Algerian actor who always strives to be brilliant.
 I recently finished producing some action and science fiction scenes. 
And I was the director, producer, montage and actor in this small production. 
Therefore, I invite you with great enthusiasm to evaluate my production out of 10 and to provide me with some guidance that may benefit me in my artistic career. 
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKXxHB7M96A/?igsh=MWFkNnEya2lzejNwYQ==

Best regards 

Abdel-Rahim Dris 

Study Screenwriting in Greece! by Cathy Lynn Yonek  •  last post Jun 13th

https://thegoodwordwritersretreat.com/ Ask about our special Karmalicity rates!

Long Conversations by Michael Fitzer  •  last post Jun 12th

Maybe some of you can provide some guidance. Since becoming a regular poster, I find some people make connection requests and want to hold long messaging conversations. I appreciate the connections, but like all of us, my time is relatively limited. I just don't have the bandwidth, but I also don't want to appear disrespectful or sour anyone to Stage32. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks!

English language accents… Transatlantic vs Mid-Atlantic by Ryan OL  •  last post Jun 12th

English language accents… Transatlantic vs Mid-Atlantic: are these real accents? What are the differences? Where do they exist ? Clearing up mis-conceptions… https://ryanol.com/trans-atlantic-and-mid-atlantic-accents #EnglishAccents #Transatlantic #MidAtlantic #Accents #English

Not Rattled at All But I Screwed Up... BIG TIME! by Brandon Keeton  •  last post Jun 11th

Hey everyone!

I see that Ashley has posted something to this lounge about Actors and anxiety. Rather than answer in her thread, I have to air some dirty laundry about my lack of it, so I'll answer it and look for guidance from those more experienced in the field.

But first, a little history. I've only been doing this for five years. I started when I was 47 years old. I had served 21 years in the Marine Corps and then did 9 years as a small business owner before selling it and working a third career as an Actor, Writer, Director, Producer. Suffice to say, I don't get rattled anymore... by anyone or anything. I think that this helps when I audition, as I am not like "Oh I NEED this to pay rent" because I'm not showing any signs of anxiety or pressure. I can just do my best with the part (Except for the Cobra Kai audition but that was because I was fanboying all over the place but that's for another post! Lol!). But sometimes a little anxiety can be a good thing and in one particular case, I wish I had more of it. See below.

Now, for some dirty laundry. There is a VERY well known casting director here in the northeast who has cast me before in a few things. I've also taken classes from this individual and had just completed the latest class about a week before what I'm about to tell you occurred.

I made it to the callback round for a commercial and the callback was on Zoom. Unfortunately for me, I barely made it to my computer in time because of traffic coming home (I am the world's oldest film student too, more history for you) and being a fat guy, I was out of breath having just run to make it.

Well, of course, this person didn't like my set up for the callback and asked me to move locations, which I did but what was supposed to be a five minute callback was now three minutes in.

I could tell that they were angry with me from the get go. I was still out of breath trying to control it and admittedly it wasn't my best performance.

They began pounding on the table and yelling at me, no doubt because I had just completed their class and I was screwing up royally. "This is a very well paying gig Brandon! What happens if you don't get this?! What will you do!?" Now, remember, I was a Marine and in many ways, I still am. When I feel attacked, I attack back without thinking sometimes. I replied: "You mean go back to being retired, waking up at noon and @#$%$ the wife twice a day? No! Please! Not that!"

Needless to say, this sent this person into an absolute tizzy and I ended up, obviously, not getting the part.

Now, my question to you hive mind! Is there ANYTHING I can do to repair this relationship? This person IS very well known in casting circles and it's not someone I want against me. I think that if I had a little bit of healthy anxiety, things may have gone differently. I would have left class earlier, I would have maybe gone to the secondary location to start things. I wouldn't have had to run.

Let me know what you think!

How Do You Deal With Your Anxiety As An Actor? by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jun 11th

We all feel it. The nerves. The doubt. The anxiety.


But Stage 32’s fearless leader, RB Botto (@rbwalksintoabar), has a simple truth that just might change the way you move forward:

The more you do, the less you worry.

Every audition, every pitch, every rewrite puts you in a position to win—and builds the confidence to keep going.

Missed an opportunity? That’s okay. There’s another one around the corner.

Watch this video and keep moving.

What part of the creative journey triggers your anxiety the most? Let’s talk about it in the comments.