We have found 19,990 posts across 4 actor forums:
Stage name? by Royal-Change-2094 • last post May 28th
Hello I’m signing to a agency soon and I’m very excited as this will be my first agent after starting about six years ago trying to learn and get involved in the business. On IMDB there’s an actor who’s name is the same as mine but spelled just slightly differently. When I Google my name a bunch of people come up. I actually can’t get my real name on Instagram or anything like that cause a bunch of fan pages for Shawn mendes and Tom Holland pop up and other Shawn Holland’s I’m trying to think of a stage name to use So far I could only come up with Biz Holland Shorty Holland SJ Holland Sha Holland I know those probably suck but I’m pretty bad at coming up with a name but I wanna be really consistent so that’s why I’m worrying about it now. I’m performing a play soon too so I wanted to get a name. Any way I could possibly get help/ suggestions? I can give a few basic things about me ( if you want more just ask) to maybe help brainstorm if you guys have the energy and would like to today I’m from Chicago, skinny black guy , I play guitar & bass . My nicknames growing up with my family was “ 5 stacks” “shawnzy” “Shawnyboy” “ shorty Shawn” I love wearing sunglasses my middle name is Javonte
Why do you want to be an Actor ? by ant01n3du • last post May 28th
I feel like most people including me want to be an actor to be loved , to be someone else because internally they lack something maybe due to mental health issues or even bad chilhood , parenting a sort of ? (Escapism , llive multiple lives , being reconised and seen in a vast world , being a window on the world for people in need for More in their life) And or people who have had familly or previous young experience into acting .
About vocal capabilities by Chilliwiddit • last post May 28th
Any knowledge please on how I can train myself to change my voice like professional actors do? I've been doing it on the side but I can't really hit the desired pitches, tone or effect. Professionals like Christian Bale in American Phsycho can do it with ease. How? Any help please?
Is it to late? by Marmarworld22 • last post May 28th
28 y/o black male live in Georgia, I always wanted to do acting since I was a teenage but because I was so shy,timid, and quiet I never really went for it. I remember every time we use to have a school play I would get so excited like I was in the play lol. Fast forward now at 28 I believe in myself, I’m more confident no longer shy (due to my retail job 8 years ago) and I have a positive mindset. The problem is I’m starting late and do I really have a chance of getting a role because of my age with no experience? If I do have a chance were should I start? S/N: Over the years since I graduated high school I have a few people tell me I look like an actor (larenz Tate) or should become a actor and I think that is another sign that my purpose might be acting.
Retouching Headshots Necessary for Casting Sites? by iamnetizen0 • last post May 27th
I recently did a mutiple look headshot session and from that I have chosen a good amount of photos I would like to upload onto actor casting sites like Actors Access and LA Casting. All these photos look great without retouching really. The lighting is great as is (studio lighting) and my skin looks pretty smooth and even. Some photos have very subtle hair flyaways or eye wrinkles when smiling but unless a CD actually zooms all the way in, I doubt they will notice these details, esp not from a thumbnail which I'm assuming is all they're even looking at. Even if they click and see the larger size, it's not like they are going to dock someone for a flyaways or having natural eye creases when smiling? So I guess I just want some reassurance from you folks -- do you guys just use your unretouched photos on casting sites as long as you're satisfied or do you still retouch every single photo you upload? ​ Also does anyone know at what size are CDs looking at our photos? Am I correct to say they're just selecting off of thumbnails? ​ [View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/uyttif)
Advice needed: Need good reasons to justify pay for performers, both SAG and Non Union by Midnightchickover • last post May 27th
I'm an Atlanta filmmaker who is getting back into film and video production. I've seen the messy intricacies with negotiating pay, especially for on-screen performers. Which is why I want to set the tone with investors and funding parties quite early that I am not looking to skimp on pay. Especially, since I am seeking out streaming services with my production company. I feel like for the main performers in an independent film, which is mine, I'm looking to give them, roughly $1100-$1500 per day. Higher end for SAG actors/actresses. Other performers about $300--$600 per day. Background non speaking -- $150-$200 per day. ​ If you believe this is too high or too low, please let me know.
Toronto Talent Agencies Advice by meinai88 • last post May 27th
Hello Toronto actors. I am a newer actor that is ready to submit to agencies (have everything prepared; headshots, resume with training and a student film I did and class videos). I have looked through the actra site and did research and narrowed it down to my top 12. Was going to apply to my first 6 first then move on to my next 6. I was just wondering if anyone here has any experience or insight on the following agencies: 1. Premier Artists' Management 2. Ritter Talent Agency 3. ETM Ltd/Edna Talent Management 4. Hero Artists 5. Hines Management 6. Amanda Rosenthal Talent Agency 7. AMI Artist Management 8. InVision Artists Talent Management 9. Ambition Talent 10. Compass Artist Management 11. Fountainhead Talent 12. Butler Ruston Bell Talent Associates Thank you all for your help
Am I doing the right thing or am I doing the wrong thing? by That_guye • last post May 27th
I’ve always wanted to get an act in common if you was in my profile I’ve never said anything once about acting because I’ve always kind of kept it to myself, kinda like that one kid coming out and saying he likes Barb‘s dolls or something like that, that’s what it always felt like to me, I finally did something and stepped out of my shell and Ashley went out and looked for something to do, I found this company called face forward where I live in Florida, they’re willing to help me but they’re telling me I need to pay $100 for an entry fee and it’s $200 every month for some classes, am I doing the right thing? Is this really how I start to become an actor? I’m poor so this really struggles for me, I’ve already paid $100 entry fee but I don’t know what to do from here on, I was hoping some actors would be able to give me some tips
Atlanta or Chicago by xcalibar0 • last post May 27th
Sorry to bother everyone with another moving post but I’m(22F, african-american) interested in starting my journey towards acting. I currently live in DFW and am thinking about moving to atl or Chicago. My goal is to start acting classes and break into a local smaller market^^ I don’t have much experience but I did theater as a kid and film classes in high school which heightened my love for acting, but unfortunately life happened and I haven’t been able to pursue anything since then. It’s worth noting that I am still a student(taking online classes) and will be just renting a room. I’ve read on here that the market is quite dry in Texas and there aren’t many good agencies(plus with everything going on I don’t want to stay in the state anyway lol) The thing about Atlanta I’m most worried about is the crime rate as well as the potential to get around with biking/transit. I know Chicago is also statistically high in crime but I’ve heard it’s not so bad in some areas so I’m kind of stuck on where to go. Tldr; which city in 2022 do you think is best for new actors to get their foot in the door and i would love to hear about any new actors experience in ATL or Chicago! (and of course if you have any suggestions:)
New Actress in Hollywood by omg_Leandra • last post May 27th
I moved from NYC to LA to pursue acting and modeling after finishing 4 years of college where i majored in theatre. Now as a 22 year old, I find myself running into men who just want to have sex with me "to get me to where i need to be". Now we all know about the gatekeepers and their bullshit… and I’m very stern on not having sex with anyone in Hollywood to maintain a clean reputation… I go to a bunch of networking events, I audition on backstage and casting networks all day…. And yet I’ve been in LA for 5 months and still haven’t landed a role on TV. My goal is Netflix or a series. But it’s just so complicated. They keep asking me “what acting classes do you go to” as if my 4 years of college wasn’t enough. But then to even try to get signed to an agency or get an agent, they say “you need to be referred by someone in the company”- how could i possibly be referred if they don’t even know me yet?! So i try to grow my social medias to gain recognition, i have 16k on IG and 23k on Tik tok but these celebrities will not open any of my messages. But every single time i go outside I’m bombarded with “wow you’re so gorgeous, you have amazing energy” ….. Well then why am i not famous yet?!
Should I audition on the first or second day? by Admirable_Writer_329 • last post May 27th
My area community theatre is having auditions for two days for The Hunchback of Notre Dame and I was going to audition for the part of Esmeralda. I have been doing musicals and plays since I was seven and took a break my third year in high school and have just returned to doing it this year. I've been trying to perfect my acting by reading tips, articles, and videos from other actors and casting directors. I recently read something were it talked about being one of the first to audition is good because according to psychology casting directors will remember you better and you will set a bar for other actors to reach. In my area there are many theatre companies and they all run on favoritism and familiarity. The theatre I'm auditioning for only has familiarity I think. For those who don't know what familiarity is it's when a casting director hires a person they know or have worked with in the past because they are more comfortable with working with them instead of hiring a new person. To put it into context think of it like hiring a pet sitter, you wouldn't hire someone you know over a friend or family member. That is the analogy I heard an actress give from one of the videos I watched and although I think it is a good example I think when it comes to acting there is more to consider such as skills. I consider myself a talented actress at times and hope the company hires based on skills. I've never had a big role when it comes to musical theatre, but have skills and have had a lead in a small play and have won state and nationals on my monologues before where the judge told me I am very talented. My question is if its based on familiarity should I still audition on the first day or not?
Should I sign up for Central Casting? by Minos0526 • last post May 26th
Okay so I kinda need to elaborate on my status of what I am, I am a part time worker in a retail store and I am also a college student as well. I always wanted to be some type of an actor but I realized I get way too nervous about being the main focus so I feel like being an extra is more of my calling. Although I feel like I am kinda busy at times but I feel like I can open my availability to be an extra on the side. I do worry that there may be times where I will be busy if I get any emails about bookings with school and my work. Has anyone dealt with something like this and should I give it a try to be an extra, I do want to be part of that experience so I'm hoping I can just do this on my spare time. Sorry if this post was hard to understand? I just don't know if I should try at this time or just wait later on. I don't want to quit my job currently and I obviously can't quit school, I just hope there is a way to squeeze this in and probably do this like over the summer break, winter break or just whenever I will have free time.
I’m looking to find other actors locally and start a group but there’s no scene here. Any tips? by SynthGreen • last post May 26th
I’ve been searching for weeks now, and the only lessons are for youths 18 and younger, or private lessons. Private lessons are really helpful I won’t deny that, but I want to make friends and form an acting group through meeting people and private won’t help with that much. Does anyone have any tips on meeting new people who may be into acting…outside of acting?
Paid. Older male voice actor wanted for independent short animated film. British accent, English/Scottish/Irish by hissyhissy • last post May 26th
I'm searching for a narrator for a short animated film which is nearing completion. The work will involve the recital of a poem which is written in the style of gothic horror literature, similar to The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe or, The Rhyme Of The Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The story is set in a coastal village within the UK and while it has dark undertonesand is unsettling it does not contain explicit or especially graphic content. We ideally are looking for an older male, with a rugged and robust voice. British accents are very welcomed. Ideally you will be able to add natural depth to the role, though we will give instruction on pacing and mood. As a loose approximate it will involve recording around 6 to 8 minutes of narration. The position is paid and we are happy to discuss your rates. You will also be fully credited when the film is presented at short film festivals, unless you wish to remain anonymous. If you think you would be suitable I'd be delighted to hear from you! Please feel free to send me a dm, any samples welcome, I'm happy to answer any questions you have. As stated in the title this is a small independent art project so you would be working directly with the creators. Thanks for reading!
Acting in Texas? by Same-Moose-2115 • last post May 26th
is anybody a texas based actor? how do you like it/whats been your experience? i’ve heard texas is one of the up and coming acting states so please give me your thoughts!
Two extra voice actors wanted for short sequence. Older voiced. American. Man #1 10 lines. Man #2 4 lines. $30usd. by warwaker • last post May 26th
UK National Theatre as a foreigner? by Fishbait982 • last post May 26th
1. Do non-brits ever get into NT? Is that even possible? (Let’s assume one already has a visa and has worked as an actor in the UK) 2. Are they biased towards those with theatre degrees or can anyone with an established acting career apply?
Has anyone gone to theatre school later in life? by Fishbait982 • last post May 26th
I’m approaching my 30s and I’m still interested in going to do a BFA. Would this be a dumb idea? I know not all actors have BFAs but some of the strongest actors out there do. I feel like there’s a lot to learn that could really transform how I work and help me in the long run. BUT… I’m worried about looking like a fool being in my 30s and going to school with 18yr olds, and whether that insane age gap would ruin my experience. I went to uni late for my other degree, and even being 4 years older than my classmates screwed me in terms of getting positions at school clubs. There was insane nepotism, and it was very difficult for me to make friends so I couldn’t get any decent positions in clubs of my field. Not having those connections is what caused me not to go into the field I studied. Every time I’d try to make friends, they’d eventually see that I wasn’t slumming it student style in a crap apartment and the demeanour would change. I never lived in a residence in my first year either. I even considered moving to a shabby looking place so I could make friends. When I finally did, it helped but then the same would happen when I didn’t lie about my age. It was crazy because I never experienced discrimination like this outside of uni ever. It sounds stupid but it really ruined my uni experience, I became depressed and had to move to my hometown to finish my degree online. It was very difficult for me to make friends outside the univ because I didn’t speak the language (this was abroad). It put me off uni entirely and I lost all desire to study. It made me feel like there was something fundamentally wrong with me. I’ve never experienced ostracisation like this and it really changed the course of my career. I’m glad I found acting but now I’m faced with the same dilemma and I’m scared I’ll be miserable again. TLDR; I want to do theatre school but I feel old and out of place, and previous experience with age gaps in uni traumatised me.
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post May 26th
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.
Why would my agent want be to be exclusive? by wc6g10 • last post May 26th
Hello everyone, I have found myself in a strange yet fortunate predicament and would like some advice from other actors, if I may. I have been lucky enough to get an agent who is putting me forward for work, not as often as I would like, but nonetheless does. This agency is not particularly well known or 'big' but they took me on without much experience so for that I am very grateful to them. When I signed with them, I was also suggested by another actor whom I met on a job to approach his agency. This **second** agency is bigger and more well known, but they said initially they could only offer me a commercial contract. I said ok sure, why not, and signed with them for a rather large commission on their part. Since signing, I have not booked any work with them. My predicament is that now this second agency is willing to offer me a full acting contract with better terms, but they want me to be exclusive and therefore drop my first agency. I am reticent to do so because I can't figure out what their angle is, why would they want me to be exclusive? They said on the phone that it was because it looks more professional to be with one agency and people will take me more seriously, but I have no idea if this is true. I should note that the reason they are now offering me an acting contract is because I am on 'Spotlight' the UK casting site which all actors kinda have to be on to get anywhere. Does anyone have any idea why they would be suggesting this? I can only assume it boils down to money and presumably they don't want another agency potentially benefitting from their work? I certainly don't think its because I'm anything special! Any help would be **really** appreciated. Thanks!