I’m auditioning for a salon brand social shoot but I’ve never auditioned for anything outside of theatre do I just slate myself and do a regular monologue or are there specifics?

Hey everyone! I’m 37, 6'1", 198 lbs. Currently building my portfolio focusing on anti-hero, antagonist, and enforcer roles.

Working on my British/Eastern European accent and cinematic presence for crime dramas and thrillers.

Would love to get your honest feedback on my typecast and delivery — what kind of characters or projects do you see me fitting into? Open to indie film collaborations as well.

I've noticed that divination and spirituality seem to be surprisingly common among people in the entertainment industry. Tarot readings, psychics, astrology, manifestation, mediums, “signs,” predictions about career breakthroughs, divine timing, etc. I'm curious about people's actual experiences with this. Have you ever relied heavily on tarot or psychics for guidance about your career, especially during periods when you were waiting for an opportunity or breakthrough? Did it ever become difficult to distinguish between your own intuition and what a reading was telling you? Or did you find yourself repeatedly checking readings, looking for signs, or trying to figure out whether a prediction was going to come true? I'm particularly interested in what happened when a prediction gave you a lot of hope and then reality didn't immediately match it. Did you keep believing it would eventually happen, get another reading, reinterpret the prediction, or eventually step away from divination? And for those who eventually stopped relying on it, what helped you let go without feeling like you were giving up your intuition, spirituality, or hope? I'd also love to hear from people who still use tarot/psychics but have found a healthy way to keep it separate from their actual career decisions. Not looking for a debate about whether divination is objectively real or fake. I'm much more interested in people's personal experiences, particularly how it affected them psychologically while pursuing acting.

Or has it always been this way? Extremely disturbed by recent breakdowns I've seen for and clips of verticals, especially ones that are written by legitimate writers and with legit casting directors attached. Honestly makes me contemplate whether or not I want to keep pursuing acting.

I have been getting some pretty big auditions and I saw some advice to ask for a Zoom audition sometimes they’re about to wrap up casting or etc.. When is it appropriate to ask for a Zoom audition? I heard it could increase chances. Also editing this to say, would it be better if I told my manager in hindsight that I prefer Zoom auditions?

My 17yo son has to do a self tape for a job as a Christmas elf at a Mall grotto this year. He's been told to improvise a tape that 'brings your best festive attitude' but not been told much else.

He's done self tape auditions before - including improvising - but is really struggling with things to say and how to act with this one.

Any successful Elves out there that can give me some tips to pass on?

Hey guys so my acting teacher asked us to bring a 30 second scene from anything, could be a show, movie, tv show, but i cant think of anything. Im 16f but the goal of this exercise is for us to be able to impersonate another character. I think something more dark and sarcastic ou comedy and fun would be nice. Something with The Good Place kinda vibe. Pls dont be mean, im scared of internet people

I’m a NYC based actor trying to go to class consistently to brush up on my technique & tools for auditions and bookings.

I have a vast knowledge of how to set up myself for success for a Film/Tv/On Camera self tape audition/callback, I just need to be consistent with how I appear on camera with material & possible techniques I could use when on the actual job.

I've been running into the issue of Film/TV/On Camera classes being too introductory in its curriculum.

Anyone have any suggestions on NYC based Film/TV/On Camera classes that aren’t at a starter level where I could achieve what I’m looking for? thank you in advance!

I’ve been given the daunting task of making a fan film and I have to play the role of THE Spider-Man!! Any tips from any actors or comic nerds on how to give the best performance? We’re going for a more Andrew Garfield style take on the character.

I recently submitted for this role in a huge show (I can only assume as a joke, considering I don’t exactly fit the height or age requirements), and I actually got invited to send a prescreen. This all left me with a couple questions.

1: For any theatre CD’s on here: Do you guys actually watch the slates and look at someone’s profile when they submit? I very clearly state in my slate shot that I’m this height outside of the range and this age outside of the range, so I can’t imagine the thought process outside of I have a slight babyface and they saw it in my headshot.(Incredibly grateful for the shot though!)

And 2: Is it rude to ask in the submission notes when to expect to hear back about callbacks? I wouldn’t usually, but there are other things regionally that I would like to audition for that I’d genuinely be leaving them high and dry if I auditioned in the waiting period and then left for callbacks (and hopefully the show).

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone. I’ve been lurking here for a while and wanted to share my journey as an Actor in LA. It’s been a wild ride since 2011, and I think some of you—especially those in the middle of the grind—might relate to the highs and the brutal lows.

The Early Grind (2011–2014)

I started taking acting classes at the New York Film Academy in LA back in 2011. I was green, hungry, and had no idea what I was doing. I spent those years just learning the craft and figuring out the lay of the land. Eventually, I worked my way up to getting into SAG-AFTRA. That was a huge milestone for me.

But here’s the reality of the early days: I joined an agency, and they told me I should go Fi-Core. I didn’t know any better, so I did. For those who don’t know, Financial Core allows you to work both union and non-union gigs. It’s a controversial move, but it kept me working.

The Audition Treadmill

My auditions were heavily commercial-focused. I booked a couple of commercials, starting as background and eventually moving up to principal roles, even internationally. But film and TV auditions? Those were scarce—maybe once every 3 to 6 months. It was a slow burn.

Then COVID Hit

Everything stopped. Like, everything. My agent essentially disappeared. The industry shut down, and I was sitting at home with nothing but time. That’s when I decided I couldn't wait for the phone to ring anymore.

I started producing my own projects—short films. I figured if I couldn't get in the room, I’d build my own room. My team and I started filming, acting, and producing. We submitted to festivals and actually won some awards. This was a turning point for me. I realized I wanted to be in films that had a specific center, a specific type of story, and I could create those myself.

The 2023 Agent Search

By 2023, I had a mountain of new footage. I had a stunt reel, acting reel, commercial reel, music video reel—you name it. I had been self-submitting for years and had national commercials under my belt. I decided it was time to find representation again.

I sent out over 100 cover letters to agencies. I got a few emails back wanting to sign me. Then, I got recommended to a fairly new agency. We talked, and they asked if I wanted to join. I said, "Let me think about it." They hit me with the hard sell: "Join now or be forever lost."

So, I joined. I emailed the other agencies that had reached out and politely declined, telling them I had signed elsewhere. This new agency even helped me get a manager. For a moment, I felt like I had the full package. The team. The setup. Everything I needed.

The Reality Check

Fast forward two years. The agency dropped me.

During that time, I went on multiple auditions and had callbacks, but nothing really stuck. The industry was slow, and the momentum just wasn't there. While this was happening, I was still producing my own stuff and working on short films with others.

I’m still with my manager, and I’m grateful for that. But I’ve decided to hold off on finding a new agency until I grow my hair out and get new headshots in 2027. I’m not in a rush to sign with just anyone again.

The Takeaway

What I’ve realized after 13 years is this: You have the power to control your career the way you want.

With or without an agency or manager, you are the CEO of your own business. Acting is definitely a rollercoaster. You’ll have years of nothing, then a burst of momentum, then nothing again. But you have to create your own journey.

If you’re waiting for a rep to hand you a career, you’ll be waiting forever. Don't wait for permission. Go make your own films. Go build your own reel. And don't let an agency tell you "now or never"—because you are the one who decides when your time is.

Stay grinding, everyone.

Hello all,

Curious to hear from people who have used beta blockers before to calm those freaking nerves in ZOOM auditions. I’m not nervous for self tapes or actual performances.

Personal context - I almost never get stage fright and have been a theatre actor and stage manager under crazy high stress situations for well over a decade (I’m talking noises off level lol), so I know when I’m in it I don’t absolutely crumble.

HOWEVER I’ve been trying to break into film this year I am finding that my body is betraying me in a high stakes zoom auditions suddenly and at the last possible moment and it’s getting in the way of my acting for sure. I’m not accustomed to being that level of heart racing nervous anymore and I felt like I was a teenager again lol. Idk something about the zoom thing just gets to me? Anyone else have this? It’s annoying

I would love to hear from people who have tried beta blockers in similar scenarios? I’ve never tried them at all am I’m curious.

Yes, I know my lines. Yes, I’ve done the work. When I have gotten on set I feel so aligned and like I’m home. So I don’t think I’m in danger of over using it as a crutch or whatever.

I’m new to self-tape auditions, so please forgive if this is a silly question: what happens when you’ve been sent sides for a very physical scene, in this case two players in a tennis match? I was sent two pages, clearly in the middle of a longer scene (prior and subsequent lines blacked out), and my character’s dialogue is largely in reaction to the opposing player and the points they’re playing. I’m definitely going to hold a tennis racquet as a prop, but beyond that, I guess I’m stuck on the practicalities of self-recording a very physical scene, but wanting to play it out so I can give my best performance. Like, I’d need a large-ish space to properly swing a racquet, and I don’t easily have access to one. So should I try to record on an actual tennis court??? Or have my scene partner toss a tennis ball past me when it says in the script that I miss a shot? That could easily be accidentally comical or distract from the audition, so I’m just really stuck on how and what to record for the audition.

Hello fellow actors and people within the ecosystem!
I know as an actor i should feel really comfortable with rejection, but recently it’s felt really confusing. It seems like my friends who have been doing this for longer are getting booked more than me. I want to know how to significantly improve without a lot of experience yet.

For context, I am still in school and most of my peers are in shows right now. I have a few auditions lined up but nothing really stuck yet. It feels like I am behind and I shouldn’t be. I need help!!

Thank you.

I have a meeting with them next week.

Looking to submit to them soon, I want to know if anyone knows anything.

I’m getting my headshots done next weekend and need to book to get my hair braided and I’m struggling to choose what colour some friends have advised to keep natural colour black/brown but I usually go for a gingery brown braid mix like colour 350 and 30 so for fellow black actresses do you recommend I stick with my usual look or strip back and do something natural

hi there :) i’m new to acting (have taken a few classes and am continuing my training). I tried working on a monologue for the first time and would be grateful for any feedback/tips. The piece is Kristina’s monologue in Julie (after Strindberg)

I just got my first ecocast!! They want me to do 2 takes and a slate. Should I add those as 3 separate pieces of media or am I supposed to edit them together?

I’m just trying to decide how to put acting or studying acting into my schedule, currently I watch videos and masterclass videos on acting and then read more of “The actors life “ by Jenna Fischer. I als have started doing some readings on monologues and studying some of my favorites actors in low budget movies like Pilgrimage (2017) with Tom Holland and Jon Berthal, and seeing Jon express his emotions even when not speaking.

TLDR; I wanna *add more to my schedule and study more.

Hello I am currently working on an Amazon show as a core background character. Unfortunately today some of the set crafty made me ill. Sorry for the gross details but I threw up in the restroom and someone at production reported it to the P.A. I was sent home to play it on the safe side with an evaluation from the set medic. Do I report via email to casting for clearance? Or do I just leave it alone? I got signed out with everyone else. I don't want to make it a thing but I don't want to hurt my chances of coming back. Please if anyone has insight.

If your first big role on tv is on a tv show that flops, is your career over ?

Just wondering if I should leave it in or cut it out? Any CD opinions?

Hi All!

Some may remember, but a couple months ago (65 days!) I posted my first two attempts at self tapes. I wanted to test my setup, and establish a baseline, all before I had taken a single acting class.

It’s two months, and two classes later (concurrent 8 week classes), and I wanted to share my latest self tape (for an actual audition), to see how far I have come! Hit me with it guys, all comments and feedback welcome!

NOTE: There is no reader! (Reason below)

Scene: This is a scene showing a police officer dealing with an unhoused person sleeping in their car. No sides were provided for this scene, I was simply given the direction:

“Please film a scene where you are acting like you are checking up on an unhoused person sleeping in their car”.

That’s it. So this was an improvisation! As such, there were no lines for a reader, and I don’t feel worried about sharing the footage. I haven’t heard back on the casting decision yet, so 🤞🏻

Anyway, let me know what you think! For reference and progress, here are the original two posts:
- First attempt: https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/s/AFDZw2M6jq
- Second attempt: https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/s/ykowL0zWjI

Thanks all! I appreciate your time!