All your actor related feeds in one place  •  Actor's Forum

A Powerful Reminder from Two Stellar Performers by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jun 30th

This fascinating audition tape comparison shows Emilia Clarke and Claire Foy both reading for the role of Elizabeth in Belle (2013), a role that ultimately went to Sarah Gadon:

Advanced acting course,based on method, Stanislavsky,Freud and yin by Michael Muschamp  •  last post Jun 27th

I am a British cinematographer with 31 years experience with 32 features to my name, offering a very intensive on.line workshops on.line .

What does it really mean to br… by Nicolá MelissiAn  •  last post Jun 26th

As an actress, producer, and Stage32 ambassador, I’ve experienced what it feels like to be on the outside – and what it takes to slowly, authentically work your way in. In my latest video, I talk about: the invisible “circle” that often determines who gets seen – and who doesn’t how to make yourself heard as a newcomer – without losing your voice why networking isn’t the same as pretending how to know your own value – even before the industry reflects it back to you and why persistence matters – especially in the quiet phases Maybe you’re in that space right now. Or maybe you remember what that felt like. Either way, I’d love for you to watch the video – and even more, to hear your thoughts. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osTbHpC5Qts&t=178s

Suck it up and do it! by Brandon Keeton  •  last post Jun 25th

Hey all!  

Justine Lupe Teases What’s Ahead in Nobody Wants This Season 2 by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Jun 24th

If you’re a fan of character-driven dramedies, Nobody Wants This has likely been on your radar. In this new article from Deadline, actress Justine Lupe shares insights on where Season 2 is headed and how the show continues to challenge expectations with its honest, offbeat storytelling.

Barbra Streisand says she wasn't paid as much as male costars for Meet the Fockers: 'I'm pissed off' by Alexandra Stevens  •  last post Jun 24th

I'm sure this has been discussed before but "Barbra Streisand’s call-out on gender pay disparity got me thinking—how can we, as actors, be more empowered or aware when negotiating our own rates?"

Submitting a project to an Actor by Marc Serhan  •  last post Jun 23rd

Hi everyone,

I’m not entirely sure which lounge this post belongs in, so apologies if it’s misplaced.

I recently submitted a project to an actor’s agent and received this response: "XYZ Agency has a firm policy of not accepting unsolicited material."

I’m a bit confused—how are you supposed to contact actors or directors with projects if their agents won’t accept unsolicited material? Do agents actively seek out or query material for their clients, or is there another pathway I’m missing?

Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!

Actors Should Stop Trying to Read the Casting Director's Mind (Do THIS Instead) by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Jun 23rd

Actors Should Stop Trying to Read the Casting Director's Mind (Do THIS Instead)

Here for the Hors d'oeuvres and good conversation by William Walker  •  last post Jun 23rd

Hello everyone.  Fellow actor here, well actor, director, playwright, but wanted to connect to some actors since theater is my first love.   Hope to make some connections.  I'm an open book so feel free to ask any questions you may have.  I'm a little awkward when it comes to small talk. Thanks for committing to the awkwardness.

Networking Tips by Suzanne Bronson  •  last post Jun 22nd

Do you use a website for your business? by Khari Telesford  •  last post Jun 21st

AI and Creative Crafts of Concept Origination and Acting.. by Ryan OL  •  last post Jun 20th

AI's Vertical Progression -  to imitate, originate, and evolve creative aspects of the art of acting, and creative concept origination. Where is this leading to ... ?

https://ryanol.com/is-ai-replacing-human-actors #AI #AGI #CreativeConcepts #Art #Acting

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?