We have found 19,995 posts across 4 actor forums:
What survival jobs can you NOT have when trying to be an actor? by HoeForCookieDough • last post Apr 17th
I’ve seen articles saying what survival jobs you *should* have as an actor. Honestly, none of those jobs are jobs that I’d want to have anyway. I’d rather know what jobs I WON’T be able to have so that if I do pursue a certain survival job, I won’t be wasting my time or juggling a survival job and pursuing acting with difficulty. So what jobs would be *terrible* to have as a side/survival job?
Should I sign up for SAG? by PendletonNerd • last post Apr 16th
The following points involve my history with acting, SAG, and where I'm at with life. I've been going back and forth with getting the membership, due to the cost, but any input on what I should do would be greatly appreciated. ​ * I used to act in my high school's musical club and received good reviews for my comedic performances. During my senior year, I won a local regional acting award for my performance as one of the managers in Phantom of the Opera. * I went for my undergrad in film production and attempted some acting on campus with bad results. It was a big music school and the acting department was very toxic. I tried doing acting as a minor but ended up dropping out, due to the toxicity of the department. My experience there made me realize that I have a lot to work on. * While this was going on, I did four SAG background acting gigs at my nearest city and became eligible for membership. This was in 2018 and I haven't acted in anything professional since. With that said, I do really enjoy being a background actor. * I just recently got my masters in film production and have been dedicated more to the writing, editing, and production side of the film industry. I really want to get a start in the industry now but due to my current location, I am struggling to find work. * I plan to move to NYC and try the scene there. Ideally, I wanted to try Central Casting and see if that would work out but the pandemic put a pause on signing up. I'm getting my second vaccine soon and I was hoping that they would open up registration for those who are vaccinated soon. Would getting a SAG membership now benefit me now or should I wait? I'm just trying out a bunch of things and feel loss in general. I can better explain my situation in the comments. This was pretty rambling but I'm kinda feeling sad that I'm struggling to get back into filmmaking, either on or off screen.
Auditioning on Backstage and Actor's Access? by nyanya711477 • last post Apr 16th
Is getting the membership for both sites the way to build up my resume? I'm new to acting, but I've been taking some undergrad classes at my university to get some training. I don't have any credits, so I don't have a reel; But, I do have some headshots that my friend took of me. I'm also looking to start local (Bay Area, CA) to increase the probability of booking. Overall, do you think it's worth using backstage/actors access or is there another way to build up my resume? Thanks!
looking to network with NYC based actors by OcasioPorter2024 • last post Apr 16th
currently auditioning mainly on co-star level for network / streaming shows, had a few series regular / recurring / guest reads, and couple weeks ago had a tape for Oscar winners, so im feeling pretty hot, even if I haven't broken through yet. 99% of my friends are not as far as me so I'm trying to meet more people operating on a professional level. would be great to find more people to work on self tapes with, or get a group going to do tv sides once a week or something. in Brooklyn here. shoot me a PM if you're interested!
Chinese American actor needed for role in audio play by fridaynightjones • last post Apr 16th
I'm seeking a voice actor for a brief role in my audio play, The Other Side of Darkness. The project is a feature-length ode to both Seinfeld and the works of David Lynch. If anyone is familiar with @seinpeaks on Instagram, that's me. The character in question is Bruce, the maitre'd played by James Hong on Seinfeld. I'm hoping to find a Chinese American actor, but internationally-located actors of Chinese background will be considered, too. Bottom line, I'm trying to maintain authenticity and representation in casting this role. The part is small (two to three lines in a single scene), but very important to the story. I can pay $100 USD. I'm planning on recording this summer, and releasing the play as a multi-part podcast this fall. Interested? DM me or email me at seinpeaks@gmail.com. And feel free to ask questions.
OKAY CDs: DON'T LIE: How much does it matter for an actor to be with a top agent? Does it make a difference to you? by CuspChaser111 • last post Apr 16th
The other day I was talking to an actor friend (that wound up getting into Slamdance and Sundance), he said he wrote a short that starred an A-list celeb that agreed to do it. My actor friend said, "I hate to say it (my name), but it turned out I looked at 'agencies' more than I should have when it came to actors wanting to audition for my film." He said that those that came from CAA and UTA WME he looked at first. Then GERSH/PARADIGM, etc. Then the other ones...and he said he felt terrible but the numbers of submissions were so many that's how he did - he said he did what he hates others do to him. So now, CDs, I am asking you - how much does Agent matter? Hell, actors that got 'better' and 'bigger' agents that 'matter' - look I am an an 'okay' place and I like them a lot but damn I am sending in good tapes (I have recurred as guest stars and I've had series reg before on Amazon series) and I know my tapes are strong and the girls that are booking over me are just with much better agents. I'm looking up their reels and their reels are not good work. I am a WOC in a very specific category and I have been on shows where they wind up writing me into more (many more) eps bc the writers like my work. Do I need to contact the showrunner from my prev show that loved my work and have him call his better agent friends and have them talk to me?
Beverly Hills Playhouse (@LA actors) by goodmorningcptahab • last post Apr 16th
Anyone taken classes here? I have an interview with them next week and would love to hear about people’s experiences. Which level of classes did you take? Was it worth the monthly tuition? How did BHP classes differ from others you’ve taken? Overall feel of the environment? Do students get the chance to act in plays put on for the public? Thanks! Edit to add: I’m also considering Playhouse West so any insight on PW VS BHP is especially appreciated.
Advice for voice acting classes for a new actor by BentlyZ • last post Apr 16th
Hi I was wondering if folks can offer me advice on where/how I can get involved in a voice acting class for someone pretty new to acting. Not sure if classes are mostly on Zoom nowadays. I live out of my van and work seasonally so I’m not around major cities (Salt Lake and Vegas I guess are within a long days drive). Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated thanks!
Is it okay to ask this in my agency meetings? by CaliforniaStoked • last post Apr 15th
Hello! I recently submitted to a handful of LA Agency’s and heard back from a good amount of boutique agency’s. I’m looking for both theatrical and commercial rep and I do have some decent tv/commercial credits. Nothing mind blowing, but more then your average beginner actor with known networks/companies. I have two meetings tomorrow. Agency #1 for across the board rep and Agency #2 for commercial rep (even tho my email requested ATB rep, but they want to meet with me commercially). Agency #2 is stronger in both theatrical and commercial. But they just want to meet for commercial. Agency #1 is not as strong commercially, but decent theatrically. Would it be out of line to request for Agency #2 to sign me across the board? On the other hand, would it be out of line to request for agency #1 to just sign me theatrically, so I can also be at the stronger commercial agency at agency #1 as well? I’m not sure what’s okay to ask and what isn’t. I didn’t expect to get multiple responses to my emails, so that’s my fault for requesting ATB meetings. The last thing I want to come off as is rude or ungrateful. In a perfect world, Agency #2 will sign me across the board, even tho they originally said just commercially. It’s a small agency, so the agent runs both divisions. I’m in weekly class, go to CD workshops every month, have strong headshots, and I have the funds for private lessons for network tv auditions. I know I have what it takes and I’m being proactive, I just need them to know that too. My fear is that they both won’t budge and I’ll have to choose between one or the other and possibly be without a theatrical agent. I’d love any advice from seasoned actors who are familiar with the ins and outs of agency’s. Thank you!
Chrome extensions, or, ease of access by Jellice_Jeers • last post Apr 15th
Hey all! I'm an actor new to NY and I'm looking to enhance my home base set up as I look for work/explore this new community. Any recommendations or ideas for chrome extensions or apps designed for actors? Thanks so much!
How are you suppose to study your favorite actors? by Thatboy22 • last post Apr 15th
All through school I heard you should steal from the best actors, and that you should study your favorite actors. I originally thought that mean consuming so much of your favorite actors movies. And hope unconsciously your subconscious picked up something. Now I’m not sure I know what it truly mean.
NYC/Long Island this weekend - Actors M/F/All ages by MKLDIA • last post Apr 15th
Hello everyone, I’m shooting a 3min story for a 48hr film competition this weekend. Prompt will be released Friday evening and until then, I’d like to generate a short list of professionals who would be interested in working with me. I’m a creative developer with motion picture credits and want to use this as a way to highlight my writing. I’m aiming for 1st place and if successful will have the attention of two highly successful, well known filmmakers/producers. If you’re interested please DM me. And everyone please upvote anyway this is a good opportunity for creatives to get together. Thank you!
Lower number of opportunities for people who can’t do specific stuff (I.e intimacy, alcohol etc) by Awkward-Ideal • last post Apr 15th
I didn’t really know how to phrase the title so I’ll try to explain it better here. I’m in no way a veteran or seasoned actor. I mainly look through actors access and backstage to see what roles and productions are out there. And I just see so many things that involve romantic relationships, substance abuse, and addiction problems. Personally I am a 21 year old male Muslim. I know because of my religion I won’t be able to participate in majority of the productions because of this. But my main complaint is that is seems like more and more productions have to include these kinds of things as a part of the character’s story. Even for Muslim characters, they are mainly shown participating in acts that aren’t really Islamic. Nobody’s perfect and I get that. But just why isn’t there more productions that don’t need to dwell into those kinds of things to tell a story. Maybe I’m just being nit picky and that’s the way things are but it just feels like every show has to incorporate a sex or intimacy scene throughout the season.
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post Apr 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.
If I laugh naturally during arguments is it okay to do so during a scene that contains arguing? by FedSmokrr • last post Apr 15th
Sometimes I laugh or smile when people say things that to me are absurd. I’ve had one teacher say yes it’s okay because that means your personally invested in the scene and the good stuff in acting is when the actor reveals himself in the role. I’ve had another teacher though say that the character wouldn’t do that so why should you? Me personally, I feel like if it doesn’t say the character doesn’t laugh during arguments means it’s my own interpretation.
How To Create a Demo Reel When You Have No Footage? by Main-Ocelot • last post Apr 15th
Does anyone have experience with this? As a new actor who hasn’t landed any roles yet, how are you supposed to show off your acting skills when you have no previous roles to put together a reel? Is it okay/appropriate to find monologues online and film yourself until you have credits? If so where would I be able to find decent monologues? Thanks so much!
Actors who have gone back to school to get a BA by TardisInterfaces • last post Apr 15th
Has anyone gone back to get a BA in acting? I’m 24, and I want to spend time focusing just on acting and learning about the film industry. Or should I just work on private classes? I don’t have a BA now, and I see this as a way to get other jobs (ie teaching acting) if I find myself unable to make a living wage on acting gigs. I know neither way is a straight shot to a viable career but some insight from others would be nice. I’m very on the fence. Would love to hear your experience navigating the acting world as a complete newbie.
Divorced Actors of Reddit, looking for some guidance... by The_BS_Commando • last post Apr 15th
Background: I am an actor. I re-entered this profession a few years ago after a layoff. I decided I needed a change and wanted to go back to doing what I REALLY loved doing. Acting. I've been married for a little over 25 years. We have two kids. One is an adult and the other is 17. The marriage has always been a bit rocky. My wife and I are really quite different from one another. We once even had a marriage counselor wonder aloud how we even stayed together long enough to get married much less have children. Things have really come to a head in the last 2 years. Currently, acting is my only thing. I do not have a day job (my wife and I talked about this when I went back into acting and she was okay with that. She wanted me to be able to put my full focus into it). At this time, I do not book enough to support myself. We have reached a point in our relationship where the rubber band has been stretched so tightly, divorce may well be the only resolution we can get. As a result, should we go down that road, I will have to shift my priorities in a major way. Obviously, I will have to find some kind of full time employment. The problem there is that I am a represented actor (non-union at this time). My concern is how these changes in my life are likely going to affect my relationship with my agent. Full time job may well mean a lack of availability at times and it just burns me up to have to give up what I have worked so hard to build up the past few years- but I want to be happy too.So, I'm just curious-Has anyone here gone through a similar scenario to what I have described? What effect did it have on your career as an actor? How did your agent respond? Did it ultimately work out for you?I might have other questions later. Extra info: I'm the USA; I live and work in a South Central market (in other words NOT LA, NYC or ATL)
Should I submit to managers/agents even if I can’t work full time at the moment because of college? by livinultralife • last post Apr 15th
(Female, 20, Asian American) I’m in the process of preparing my materials to submit to managers and agents. I have some commercial credits with big brands and training from well-regarded studios but no real TV or film credit. I have one more year left of college where I’m studying Business Administration and minoring in Theater, but was planning to submit this month to managers/agents because I’m 20 now and graduating university in a year. Im attending school in the Bay Area and will not be in LA, but am willing to fly in as an LA local hire considering most auditions will be self tapes for the first round. (Is this ridiculous?) Submitting to agents at 21 after graduation seems like it’ll be much harder to get an offer without experience than it is now when I just turned 20 and diversity is at the forefront of a lot of these agent’s rosters. What do you think? Should I submit now? Also, I wanted to add that I’m graduating a year early so that I can start pursuing acting full time as soon as possible, but I realize I’m still behind considering most teen/young adult range actors don’t even go to college.