Soo I don’t even know how to start this. Basically, I got a letter from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts asking me to apply and they’d waive my application fee. I feel like this is a sign for me to pursue something I am truly interested in. I’ve always loved acting. I love watching movies and tv shows and mimicking what the actor or actress does. I can even make myself cry which I find super fun, sorry if that sounds weird haha. The only problem is I have never acted. Well, I did a play once and I absolutely loved it but I was too much of a coward and had too many schedule conflicts to carry on with theater in middle school and high school. I want to apply and audition and I keep telling myself that if I apply I’m going to get in, (lately I’ve been saying I will rather than I hope or if), but I would feel guilty and nervous. I would feel guilty because I would feel as if I’m wasting their time applying and audition when I have no experience. I would also feel nervous because I’m sure everyone there has had some sort of acting class and I have only stepped foot on a stage once. I’m still kinda confused as to why they sent me a letter in the mail, I’m flattered, but confused
I've always wondered what the per episode salary ranges are. You always hear about the big shows like friends, mash and cheers , but never about a show like burn notice or, say, buffy the vampire slayer.
Hello everyone, I want to start off by saying that I recently joined this subreddit and read a ton of submissions; everyone here seems so supportive and helpful. That being said, I am kindly asking for some genuine advice, guidance and recommendations: Around the beginning of last year, I started having a passion for acting (in retrospect I wish I had realized this sooner, but that's beside the point). I would spend so much time watching film after film for actors' reactions and acting methods. It has always been so fascinating to me. Actors are such brilliant people. So, I thought, what if I could use my own voice to tell stories? From here, I not only studied actors but also read plays to determine if I actually got a distinct feeling from acting; and I did. It feels magical, indescribable. I needed to get involved as soon as I could, mainly because it was something fun I started feeling drawn to. Like I needed to do it. Last summer, I managed to get involved in a community actors program and a character study class. I am forever grateful for my resources and ability to get involved relatively easily, but I have always wanted to do more. I'm not sure if this is some inner flaw or my own self-sabotaging needs to be perfect by doing everything at once. Since the summer I've joined my school's drama club and am currently in rehearsals for the upcoming play. I've continued with the same actors program from last year and have done other smaller things since then. I've also applied for few high school theater programs for this upcoming summer, which I am depending on getting into (with sufficient financial aid). Lately, almost every day now, I stress about the future. I have never felt this way about a career path. I've read books and read articles and watched videos and countless other things. I'm also interested in English and have always been particularly good at it. For someone like myself, it's so difficult to not see a clear future or a steady path, and with acting, this can only be more unpredictable. It doesn't feel...stable enough. I've thought about what I want to do in college (at the moment I am highly considering majoring in English and theater). But I know this will not guarantee me anything, and that a huge part of paving your way into the industry is about luck. Nepotism. Things like that. I guess my question is, what comes after college? Or.. during? Do I just do student films or audition for a shit ton of agencies? Or both? Will I get this advice during college? I currently have a headshot and resume and know some basics about how the industry works, but I don't know how/if there are any ways I can make actual progress as of now. Maybe I just need to take a deep breath and wait until college. But it feels like I should be doing something impactful. And even when I get to college, what would I do besides majoring? I know I'll have to be "getting involved", but what does that mean specifically? ​ P.S. It felt really great to type all this out!! I haven't told anyone my in-depth feelings about this. Any help is appreciated.
I’m pretty interested in acting, and do have a pretty attractive face and i think i could do well. im just worried since i have scaring on my arms and thighs, and i dont think that people would really want to see it lolol
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.
Guys, (29m) My agent didn't get me a proper audition in more than a year. I see them submitting me for jobs on Spotlight, however all I got from them were some commercials auditions... The only proper audition I got was because the casting director reached out as I did a workshop with him. I'm doing classes constantly, but somehow I feel like I'm loosing it. Like I'm loosing the interest, like it's just not happening. I do have offers of some independent stuff, shortfilms etc. but it's just so freaking difficult. Like f.e. I hate when people ask me what do I do. -Im an actor -yeah where could I see you? ...... I don't know, do you guys feel sometimes as if you put so much effort into it and didn't get shit in return? Also, this pandemic.... I was on literally 20 auditions and got 1 job, which was cancelled because of the lockdown... How to stay passionate ? How to feel it again??
I'm a sort of amateur voice actor, I've worked on a few little projects for YouTube but that's about it. I was wondering if any of you on here are looking for voice actors because I'm happy to audition for stuff whether it's paid or unpaid. It'd also be helpful if someone could tell me where the best place to look for work is.
Hey, so this post is half-advice needed and half-rant. I recently got my headshots taken with a professional photographer. MUA required. The whole session cost around $1,000. This was my first time on such an expensive session, so I was feeling a bit nervous. But I decided to trust the money and trust their talent. I even showed them photos of me from my recent self tapes, so they had a good idea of the look I was going for. I came in with my hair styled the way I'd have it for auditions -- which is very, very straight. The MUA said they'd just touch it up a bit, just to give some volume. I was thankful, because my hair can be so flat. In retrospect, I should have said something when she picked up the curling iron. But I was still nervous, and I figured she knew what she was doing. In reality, she only curled a few strands near my face. But in the photos I've received, it looks like I have wavy hair. To be fair, in all good headshots I've seen online, the actresses have wavy/curly hair. I've very rarely seen straight hair. So is this more in line with the industry standard? Should I just learn how to curl my hair? And has anyone here ever hated their headshots? What did you do? I definitely don't want to give the photographer or MUA any grief, because they were just doing their job. But is it pretty uncommon for someone to feel like all the headshots feel widely different from who you are? At the end of the day, I guess if these headshots get me called in more, I'm all for it. I just have a deathly fear of even one hair strand being out of place during an audition and different from my headshots that cost me the job.
I've been having no luck landing a reputable agent in Toronto. I've studied partially at both Armstrong and the Pro Actors Lab, I have an imdb with several credits and ontop of all this I landed a lead role in a short thats airing on CBC in the summer. I've applied months ago to the Characters, OAZ, Noble Abrams, and the like with beautiful headshots taken by Denise Grant. And of course a cover letter and resume. Is it because I don't have a recommendation or referal from inside one of these agencies? I'm usually told their roster is full but being a visible minority I thought I would be indemand at the moment. Should I include a monolgue instead of a demo reel, like the one in my post history? Any insight would be super helpful.
John this server if you want to help https://discord.gg/6BTKx2tYTj
I’m not sure this is a question if not more a rant. Any other female actresses sick of being at the bottom still and feeling like all male actors want is to incorporate come kissing/sexual/your in love with him shit? Don’t get me wrong - I know this is a crucial part of acting and we will all probably come across it at some point but at that point it’s much more about having the job and performing it. Recently I reached out to actors about wanting to create our own scenes and shoot them for a reel and I got so much response and 99% of them are male actors who just want to shoot a scene where I basically make out with them or am jealous of them in some way. Don’t use this as an opportunity to try to have some “affection” with every female actress you come across. Idk maybe it’s just me, but it sucks. Then they think I’m not cut out to be an actor because I’m not trying to do all make out/fuck scenes. And sorry guys, I know it’s not ALL of you. But there’s so many out there it makes me not want to connect with the ones on my level sometimes. That’s all. Rant over.
I'm 20 years old, female. I'm not doing anything with my life. I dream of becoming an actor or a model so much...but, I have experience in neither and I do not have anyone or anything for support. I have also been heavily stressed and I have acne with scars and I just gained weight because I recently had my baby. I'm not confident in myself or my body. I just have no idea how it is done or where to start...or even if I have what it takes. Yet, I feel so drawn to wanting to pursue this. I have no idea what to do or how to start, can someone help me and please give me advice? I started an Instagram account to try to gain some followers and some publicity, but it is not going so well...I have no more ideas and I feel lost.
Not like... the order that you put things. I know what it's supposed to look like. I mean... how do you *physically* format it onto a piece of paper. I've never been good at formatting on google docs, and I can never get things to line up. I constantly see actors put up REALLY great, sharp looking resumes. I'm moving to LA this year, and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to make it look nice on a pdf, and I can't find any good templates online! So I'm wondering if someone could share with me the ways they did it? Or send me a template? That would be really helpful.
Hello everyone, I need some help; I am not an actor, but I am in the planning phase of a project that will involve actors. I would really appreciate it if some of you could give me feedback on my plans; I am out of my depth when it comes to the possibilities and limitations of acting. This is a long post, so thank you to anyone who reads it! Also, let me know if there is a better subreddit for a post like this. Concerning the concept below, I’m hoping some of you might point out any challenges you can think of, ways to improve it, or whether any part of this is not possible. Maybe it’s even a common job and there’s some existing structure I could use? Forgive my lack of knowledge, I’m sure there are some concepts below which have specific names that I’m not aware of. Here is the basic idea: For this project, I would seek out either amateur or part-time actors. During the audition, I would try to determine any strengths that the actor might have, and give them characters that play into these strengths. Depending on how broad-ranging their strengths are, each actor I hire would be given some number of “character blueprints” (not scripts), that would provide them with information such as: 1. personality type 2. receptiveness to strangers 3. Mood 4. A few specific behaviours 5. Typical reactions to given stimuli The actor would then role-play a character with one of my clients (1-on-1), attempting to create a genuine interaction. The clients would not be acting, but they would be aware that they are talking to an actor. The content/subject matter of the conversation would depend on the individual and the actor, and would change with each new individual the actor talks to. The interactions would be between 10 and 30 minutes. If the actor has multiple “character blueprints” they have learned, they would be given some amount of time (let’s say between 2 and 5 minutes) to get into character between interactions. The actor might also be given additional tweaks to their character in this time; for example, going from a “grumpy” mood to a “hostile” mood. They might also be given situational information that is specific to that interaction, such as: “You are an interviewer hiring for a New York law firm. You may choose to use the following questions, if needed: ….” I’m concerned with being able to provide clients with interactions that they can immerse themselves in (ie. forget that they are talking to an actor). What kind of acting quality might I expect in terms of “% clients immersed”, if I paid $15/hr? $25/hr? $40/hr? Would some character types be more challenging and therefore more expensive? Is there any other information I should provide the actor to help them build a realistic character? Finally, I would really like to enable actors to grow their skillset, if possible. Would this type of position be engaging for actors, especially if they were a part of it for months/years? Is there some way I can make it more interesting/challenging for them? Some rough drafts of potential “character blueprints”: Example A: 1. Nurturer 2. Very receptive, friendly 3. Happy 4. Listening, giving positive feedback if it’s their turn, asking interested questions 5. Laugh at jokes, interpret intent positively Example B: 1. Thinker 2. Unreceptive, closed-off, and standoff-ish 3. Grumpy/Irritable 4. Interrupting or attempting to speak over client, using logic in an attempt to dominate conversation, exhibiting passive-aggressiveness 5. Interprets any argument as a personal attack, misinterprets and falsely summarizes opposing view when cornered in an argument (“so you’re saying…”), begrudgingly receptive to good-natured jokes
What movie in your opinion is a MUST watch for any actor/actress?
I’ve been working as a professional actor for a couple of years and now make a living out of it (when there is no pandemic). I am in both actors unions in my country, have good casting pictures approved by casting directors, good demo approved by casting directors, a resume full of training and experiences, am my own agents (which means I receive all the confidential breakdowns and, personally, it gets me more work than having an agent). I usually get one professional role per month + background work + roles on special events. I have lost everything with the pandemic. And now that everyone is going back to work, I struggle to get something as simple as background work even though I am supposed to have priority with my union. They hire beginners they don’t even have the right to hire instead of me. I don’t get the roles I am perfect for anymore and those I get get cancel with the pandemic. And for years, I have been struggling to get speaking roles. I have mastered the non-speaking roles (I had more than 30) but can’t get to the next level on professional union jobs. I asked many of my acting teachers if I am doing anything wrong and they can’t figure it out. What am I doing wrong? How do I get back what I had and go to the next level?
Hi everyone, I did a quick search through the subreddit looking for an answer to my question, but it seems best to try and put the specifics of my circumstance out there and see if anyone can help. I’m non-union and signed to a reputable agency. I booked and shot my first full commercial last month, and per the details of my compensation I was to be paid $500 for the day (a 12 hour shoot, which they used every possible second of) + a $6000 buyout “if recognizable in final edit”. From what I gather, this simply means that if my face is clearly visible and you can tell it’s me, they have to cut me another check. I expected to be paid the day rate separately and before anything else, and sure enough today I received a check from my agency for the day rate ($750, instead of $500) minus taxes and agency fee. I’m one of two principals, and in fact the only two actors, in the commercial. Based on the shoot, there’s a large number of shots in which my face would be clearly seen unless they completely discard almost the entirety of the spot’s “narrative” and its runtime. Neither principal role has any dialogue, but the other actress and myself were featured heavily—myself probably more so. Has anyone experienced this particular circumstance? What was the approximate turn around on day rate compensation vs. buyout compensation? Is this something I should, or even could, ask my reps about at an appropriate time? I appreciate the help!
The internet has failed me in finding commercial actors that have extensive insight on the industry. Want to hear the perspective of someone that's not a famous tv commercial actor.
Just wondering!
Hello Internet Strangers!! My name is Jo and I am the producer/actor of a new fan series! We are looking for actors to portray several characters for our first episode! We have the script written and we are currently working on the next 5 episodes! We hope to have this out by June of this year. Here’s a quick synopsis of the series. Venus Flint, the adoptive daughter of Jenny And Vastra Flint, meets The Doctor at Demons Run. Being only 18 at the time, she develops a slight crush on him. She spends her days waiting on him to return, though she doesn’t think anything will come of it. She joins up with Torchwood to track him down since her infatuation is getting the best of her. He eventually returns and finds her, now 20, engaged to another man, who is abusive. Long story short, he stops the wedding, they run off, hijinks ensue. So, right now, we are currently looking for these roles. 11th Doctor Jenny Vastra Strax Amy Rory Dorium Maldovar Aaaand that’s it for now! We can discuss payment once you receive the role. Though our budget is pretty slim. I think we can do 25-30 for leads and 10-15 for smaller parts. Though we can discuss this later. I will be listing my email down below for anyone interested. Email me to get your audition script! Can’t wait to work with all of you!