We have found 20,070 posts across 4 actor forums:
How Does The 'Right' Music Turn Your Performance As an Actor into a 'Goosebumps' moment? by Alexandra Stevens • last post Mar 25th
Come and find out in the next "Ask Me Anything' Session Tomorrow Wednesday in the Composing Lounge with acclaimed music supervisor Rob Lowry. Rob will be answering questions over a full 24-hour period about Using Music as a Narrative Tool in film and TV—a must-follow topic for filmmakers, producers, composers, editors, and storytellers of all kinds. He currently has three films in theaters right now—Companion, Heart Eyes, and Novocaine—and this is a rare opportunity for our community to hear directly from one of the most in-demand music supervisors working today.
He’s been featured in Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, THR, and more—and this is a huge opportunity for our members to gain insight from someone who has helped shape the sound of modern cinema.
Here's the link https://www.stage32.com/lounge/composing/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-3-26-Using-Music-as-a-Narrative-Tool
These 3 Self-Tape Editing Mistakes Will Ruin Your Audition: Watch and Avoid Them by Aaron Marcus • last post Mar 24th
These 3 Self-Tape Editing Mistakes Will Ruin Your Audition: Watch and Avoid Them
https://youtu.be/vUu-vEFCzbI
Do you have a great audition tip? If so, please share it here so we can all learn from you.
My New Website
Want to let you know that I have a new website: https://howtoactandmodel.com/
You can sign up there to be on my special mailing list. I send out helpful industry information. And, after signing up, you will receive a great video: 6 Secrets to Mastering Home Auditions.
Read about How A24 Became One of the Most Iconic Indie Brands in Film And Consider Which Negative Beliefs Are Holding You Back by Alexandra Stevens • last post Mar 23rd
In his blog today RB gives us a video about A24 the film distribution and production company. I was particularly interested in their strategy of not spending loads on mainstream marketing but finding ways to do viral marketing, which worked! Here is the link https://www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-breakthroughs-brands-letting-go-of-what-holds-you-back-4048
RB then goes on to urge us to let go of negative beliefs, emotions and experiences that are not serving us in our creative careers. Coincidentally I was thinking about this today. I reflected that I had an ‘unworthy’ (of success) belief lurking around in the background. Rationally I believe I’m totally worthy of success (and success means different things to different people). However I realised the above from certain responses and reactions i had observed in myself. For example a split second of thinking ‘oh gosh, I don’t know if I can help them’ or feeling like an imposter when a new client wants to work with me. I notice these negative beliefs in my clients too and how they can lead to self-sabotage. For example, not putting oneself forward for things, not fully selling oneself or really going for what we want. The way I tackled this belief today, and one way I suggest to clients, is to write down all the counter-evidence. All the reasons why we are worthy of success or whatever the belief is.
So, with this in mind, i'm interested, what negative beliefs, emotions or experiences are you ready to let go of that you believe are delaying or blocking your creative process and progress?
Actors: My Advice as a Manager by Tammy Hunt • last post Mar 21st
One of the biggest traps actors fall into is settling. Don’t do it. You’ve got something special don’t aim to be good when you have the potential to be great. Push yourself. Keep learning, sharpening your talent, and stay in classes and workshops.
Don’t get lost in the weeds. Headshots, agents, managers, auditions, they matter. But zoom out and look at the big picture. Keep your eyes on your larger vision. That’s what shapes your path.
This business is all about relationships. Learn to connect, really connect. Listen. Make a genuine impression one that isn’t just handing over a resume. Volunteer at events, go to festivals, attend mixers for industry professionals.
Stay grounded. I love ambition, but be real about where you’re at. If you’re just starting out, maybe don’t expect your agent to book you the lead in a huge network series tomorrow. Aim high but keep your feet on the ground while you reach up.
Sometimes, just listen. You don’t always have to fill the space. You can learn so much just by observing especially from those with more experience.
Be skeptical. This industry is full of noise. Just because someone says they booked a pilot doesn’t mean it’s true. Sometimes “pilot” means a YouTube sketch their roommate filmed on an iPhone. Take it all with a grain of salt.
Not every opportunity is a good one. If something feels off, it’s okay to say no, whether it’s a sketchy photographer or a role that crosses your boundaries. Trust your instincts.
Keep taking creative risks. You made a bold move pursuing acting don’t stop now. Stay open, stay curious, and keep challenging yourself.
Take care of your head and heart. Rejection is part of the job, but it doesn’t define you. Learn to move through it without letting it break you.
Most importantly live your life. Don’t pause it for your career. Acting is about channeling real human experience, and you can’t do that if you’re not living. Make time for the people, places, and passions that feed your spirit. It’ll serve you well as an actor, and as a human being.
Actors: go for it. by D Kreate • last post Mar 20th
Make your own way. It worked for me.
Encourage each other to grow and create.
Mathew McConaughey Scares Martha Stewart With his Method Acting - Curious What Your Thoughts Are About Method Acting? by Alexandra Stevens • last post Mar 20th
I"m doing some thinking about Method acting with a view to writing something about it. Personally I loved my experience of Method acting in London. And I know that many are wary of. it and a lot of drama schools don't go anywhere near it for fear of students getting traumatised. I can see why they might feel cautious.
As part of my research I came across what Martha Stewart had to say about Mathhew McConaughey. Apparently he scared her because he used Method acting to get into the characters he played in the Uber Eats commercial. Here is the article: https://pagesix.com/2025/03/13/celebrity-news/martha-stewart-admits-matthew-mcconaughey-scared-her-during-crazy-filming-experience/
I wondered what others experiences and view on Method acting are?
White Lotus Creator Reveals Sam Rockwell’s Asian Girl Monologue Was Actually Inspired By Chris Lilley by Amanda Toney • last post Mar 20th
https://www.betootaadvocate.com/advocate-in-focus/white-lotus-creator-reveal-sam-rockwells-asian-girl-monologue-was-actually-inspired-by-chris-lilley/
Are actors booking jobs on Stage 32? by Aferenni Richardson • last post Mar 19th
Hello,
I have been out of the loop for a while and I wanted to know where do I go to see where actors have been successful in booking paid roles while using Stage 32?
Thank you in advance,
Aferenni
Actors - Callbacks by Tammy Hunt • last post Mar 18th
Getting a callback means that the casting team is intrigued by you and your acting, but they may not be totally sold yet. On top of watching you perform, they might also question you about your acting approach and experience. This is the time to showcase your range, ability to portray your character, and overall skill set.
Expect to perform the same material in the same way as in your first audition—but know that you might be asked to make a few changes, such as reading a scene with different emotion or really diving deep into your character’s personality.
Callbacks often mean performing a scene with another actor so the director can see if you mesh well with others.
The casting director brought you back because your type and performance worked for the character and for the tone of the show. Unless you are given specific notes for the callback, do the exact same performance when you come back in but be open to adjustments.
Don’t get locked into your choices. In a callback, the director, producer, and creative team may have you take an adjustment and try the scene a different way. Spontaneous decisions are your best friend so practice various versions of the audition just to be prepared.
#actor #audition #callback #casting #film #tv
Sharing this behind-the-scenes blog post about the making of the film "Alix" in the Colombian Jungle by Alexandra Stevens • last post Mar 18th
Here is the link.https://www.stage32.com/blog/behind-the-scenes-part-2-the-making-of-catalyst-studios-alix-with-leading-actors-cristal-aparicio-roberto-urbina-4041
I wonder what unique or high-stakes conditions any of you actors have experienced during filming?
Why Most Actors Fail Their First Line And How to Fix It by Aaron Marcus • last post Mar 17th
Why Most Actors Fail Their First Line And How to Fix It
https://youtu.be/lnt8YSVlD8c
Do you have a great audition tip? If so, please share it here so we can all learn from you.
Don't forget to check out my new website howtoactandmodel.com. When you sign up you will get an incredibly helpful video - 6 Secrets to Mastering Home Auditions
Tips for Those Actors Just Starting Out by Alexandra Stevens • last post Mar 16th
Hi all. After re-introducing myself this weekend I got asked by Amanda Toney Managing Director for Stage 32 if I had any tips for actors starting out. I thought I’d re-post my tips here too. I guess most of you have many years more industry experience than me but here goes.
1.Celebrate the process, not perfection. Acting is a lifelong journey, so set process goals rather than chasing an elusive idea of "perfection." Focus on things like connecting more deeply with vulnerability or learning to let go a little more. Celebrate these moments, even if they’re not perfect. The more you recognize your growth, the more motivated and fulfilled you’ll feel.
2. Trust that your passion has a purpose. If you have the drive to act, it’s because you have something valuable to bring to the world through your creativity. When doubts creep in—impostor syndrome, comparison, self-criticism—remind yourself that your voice and perspective are unique and worth sharing.
3.. Prioritize self-care and protect against burnout. Acting is a long-haul journey, and staying in it requires self-compassion. Notice your inner critic and challenge it. Instead of focusing on what you did "wrong," practice acknowledging what you did well. Self-care looks different for everyone—whether it’s walks in nature, yoga, time with friends, or simply getting enough rest. These moments of stillness allow for the "fertile void" (a Gestalt Therapy term), where creativity and renewal emerge.
4.Own your uniqueness. There is only one you. Instead of trying to be what you think casting directors want, focus on how you would naturally respond to a scene. React authentically to your scene partners and circumstances—this is what captivates an audience.
5. Believe that you are enough. Many actors struggle with a deep-rooted feeling of not being good enough, which can lead to overacting. Work on challenging these beliefs—whether through self-reflection or therapy. The more you trust that you are enough, the more naturally confident and compelling your performances will be.
6.. Strengthen your instincts. Improvisation is a great tool for learning to trust yourself. Reflect on times in life when following your instincts led to something positive. If trusting yourself feels difficult, ask yourself where that belief came from. Experiment with small ways to rebuild trust in yourself—it will make your acting bolder and more authentic.
7.. Connect with your body. Your body is your instrument. Take time to notice how you hold tension throughout the day. Try body scans, breathing exercises, or gentle movement. Instead of forcing relaxation, simply befriend the tension. When we stop resisting parts of ourselves, they soften naturally.
8.. Understand what acting gives you—and give it to yourself. Often, our deeper motivations for acting come from unmet emotional needs—perhaps a longing to feel seen, valued, or validated. There’s nothing wrong with these desires, but the more we recognize them, the more we can meet those needs in healthy ways outside of acting. This frees us to fully enjoy the craft, rather than using it to fill emotional gaps.
9.. Live a full life. The richer your experiences, the more depth you bring to your acting. Engage with different people, cultures, and perspectives. Every encounter adds layers to your understanding of human emotion, which enriches your performances.
10. Know your worth. It’s easy to feel desperate for a role, but no opportunity is worth compromising your self-respect. Many sensitive, empathetic people struggle with unconscious feelings of unworthiness, which can lead to accepting unprofessional or exploitative situations. No matter how much you want to act, always remember your value and set boundaries accordingly.
I’d love to hear additional tips that you would suggest to those starting out:
What in your opinion, are the qualities of a good director? by Alexandra Stevens • last post Mar 12th
https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/gael-garcia-bernal-almost-quit-acting-y-tu-mama-tambien-1235102693/ - Gael García Bernal Almost Quit Acting Before Starring in ‘Y Tu Mamá También’
Gael Garcia Bernal talks about how he almost quit acting till he worked with the director, Alfonso Cuaron on “Y tu mama tambien”. It was his direction that made him commit to being an actor. He says, ‘he included us in the process of making it and in his thought process and in his creative process,”. Certainly my best experience with a director is when I felt like we were all collaborating and included in the creative process. I wonder what makes a good director for other actors?
Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 3/12 to Thursday 3/13- Acting in International Productions by Roberto Urbina • last post Mar 11th
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Roberto Urbina was raised in diverse cultural settings. He lived in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Miami, Florida. Pursuing his passion for acting, Roberto trained at the prestigious Stella Adler Conservatory in Los Angeles and earned degrees in Film and Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Roberto’s acting career began in 2000 with his role in Rodrigo Bellot’s acclaimed debut film, Sexual Dependency. The film gained international recognition on the independent festival circuit, winning top honors at the Locarno Film Festival. This success brought Roberto to Los Angeles in 2003, where he officially began his professional acting career in 2004.
Over the years, Roberto has built an impressive portfolio, appearing in celebrated films such as Towards Darkness by Antonio Negret and Che, The Argentine directed by Steven Soderbergh. His work extends to television, where he has starred in internationally recognized series like Grey's Anatomy, Correo de Inocentes, Tarde lo Conocí, Metástasis (the Spanish adaptation of Breaking Bad), Recovery Road, Loco Por Vos, and TNT's Snowpiercer, in which he portrayed Javier de la Torre for four successful seasons. His recent projects include the feature film Deadland, directed by Lance Larson, where he plays the lead role of Angel Waters, and Ana Maria Hermida's Alix, reprising his role as Conejo.
In addition to acting, Roberto expanded into production in 2015 with the film Hostile Border, which won an award at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2016. In 2023, he founded Cinestesia Productions, a production company specializing in feature films and production services in Latin America
Cristal Aparicio Cárdenas is a Colombian actress and singer born in Cúcuta on July 30, 2006. She showed great artistic talent from a young age, standing out in local music competitions. At 10 years old, she and her family moved to Bogotá for greater opportunities, marking the beginning of her professional career.
Cristal was part of the highly anticipated film ALIX, announced in October 2023. In it, she plays a girl recruited by armed groups in a magical adventure. The production has been praised for its originality and Cristal's standout performance.
Additionally, the young actress participated in two major international projects: One Hundred Years of Solitude, the adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez's iconic novel, and Bogotá: City of the Lost, a film shot in South Korea, where she shared the screen with actor Song Joong-Ki.
Cristal continues to shine in the entertainment industry and proudly represents Colombia in high-profile global projects.
Small Beginnings and Forever Learning by Leonardo Ramirez • last post Mar 11th
Hey Stage 32 family - sharing today’s post that I had the honor of writing for Stage 32.
Don’t despise small beginnings is what I always say.
Thanks for reading! Here’s the link:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/small-beginnings-and-forever-learning-4036
Improvising Lines by Maurice Vaughan • last post Mar 10th
Do you improvise lines in movies, shows, plays, etc.? What are the pros and cons of improvising lines?
Why the Oscars Have Lost My Interest - Even Though it’s Hollywood's Biggest Night by Aaron Marcus • last post Mar 10th
Why the Oscars Have Lost My Interest - Even Though it’s Hollywood's Biggest Night
https://youtu.be/gAtU6Gueabs
Did you watch the Oscars? If so, what do you think? I would love to hear your opinions. Share them here and on the channel so we can all learn from you.
Why We Avoid Learning Our Lines—And What to Do About It by Alexandra Stevens • last post Mar 8th
I wanted to follow up on Tammy Hunt 's great post about not learning our lines and using that as an excuse for not giving our all in acting. In my experience, this often happens because we have a lurking belief in the background that we aren’t good enough. Rather than risk ‘failing’ by fully committing—learning our lines well and giving it everything—we hold back. If we don’t get good feedback, we can tell ourselves, *Well, I hadn’t really learned my lines anyway.*
It’s a strategy to cushion the blow of disappointment. And while it makes sense, it doesn’t actually help us grow as actors. What does help is understanding why we do it. Once we have more awareness, we can make different choices.
Here are three things we can do:
1. Who is the avoider/excuse-maker? How did they develop?
Get to know this part of you—the one that avoids learning lines (or anything else). How old do they feel? Are they a teenager? A child? Don’t overthink it—just go with what comes to mind first. When did this part develop? Was it in secondary school when exams started to feel overwhelming? Or in PE class when you dreaded being picked last? Understanding where this pattern started can give us insight into why it still shows up.
2. How is this avoiding/not-fully-invested part trying to protect you?
This might seem counterintuitive, but every behavior we develop is originally there to protect us—even the ones that don’t seem helpful anymore. If we view them as having a *benevolent* intention, it changes everything. The ‘not-fully-invested’ part likely developed to shield you from the shame or humiliation of failing. Ouch. No wonder it still tries to step in.
3. Have compassion for that part.
Once you recognize how hard this part has been working to protect you, show it some appreciation. Our inner parts respond to being valued and validated. Let it know that you’re an adult now, not a child or a teenager. You’ve survived plenty of ‘failures’ and are still here. You’re okay. More than that, you’re *safe.*
You can reinforce this by giving yourself a hug, taking deep breaths, or doing anything that creates a feeling of physical safety. The more this part trusts that you’re okay, the less it will feel the need to hold you back.
So next time you catch yourself avoiding, I invite you to take 10 minutes to check in with that part. Get curious. The more you befriend it, the less power it will have over you.
I’d love to hear how it goes!
Stunt Performing: The Art of Falling by Maurice Vaughan • last post Mar 8th
If you’re thinking about becoming a stunt performer or you want to learn more about stunt performing, check out today’s blog. Zuzi Fort talks about how she became a stunt performer, where she trained, why it’s important to get accredited as a stunt performer, and more. www.stage32.com/blog/stunt-performing-the-art-of-falling-4034
Acting Habits to Avoid by Tammy Hunt • last post Mar 7th
- Using lines as an excuse
- “When I know the lines I’ll be able to perform the scene better” - this is an excuse to cover up many things, mainly inhibitions, the fear of trying something or not knowing what to do because you haven’t read the scene/script enough. As Lee Strasberg (The Method guru) once said, learning lines is about memory and acting has nothing to do with memory. My advice is to play and experiment with the scene. You can only do this by reading it and making justified choices. Find a suitable way of training your memory to learn lines effectively because that’s not the job of your acting coach.
- Not reading the script enough - AKA lazy acting. Some actors go through the script, but only to learn their lines. You need to know the full story, not just the story of the scene your character appears in or only the story of your character. To get the full picture you must read the entire script (more than once). Depending on your character and the size of your role this may not be possible because casting isn’t allowed to send you the full script, but if they can this is the best scenario of course.
Here are some things to think about when reading the full script: Why does your character choose those specific words? What do they really mean? What is really going on? What has led them to where they are now? In the early stages of character development you’re like a detective; you have to piece the full picture together to be able to connect to the character, then you have to figure out what the motive behind the character’s behavior is so you can make clear choices in each scene you appear in.
- Forcing emotions/trying too hard - this is usually done to impress, and there is logic in that, but acting should feel effortless. When you try too hard or try to force something, it looks fake, feels strange and just doesn’t make the thing you’re trying to make happen appear. The same happens with emotions. Find inner purpose for what your character is going through and demonstrate through gestures and expressions.
#actor #tv #film #script #casting