Acting

Acting

Whether you’re an actor, voice actor, casting director or anyone else related to the profession of acting, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on technique, audition strategies, headshots and all other topics related to the sweet science of acting

- Go pro. Spend money-it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a little about photography.”

- Opt for personality over glamour. Make sure it looks like you. Chi...

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- Opt for personality over glamour. Make sure it looks like you. Chill with the airbrushing. Casting directors expect you to look just like your headshot and will not be happy when you show up looking totally different or 10 years older.

- Remember: It’s all about the eyes. Just like with on-camera acting, it’s all about the eyes and what’s happening behind them. It’s your closeup, your moment. Your eyes should be perfectly in focus, alive, and energized, not dead and glazed over.

- Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background. In general, a good headshot is chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows, unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing.

- Consider natural light vs. studio. Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real, “film” look, which I prefer. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. Both can be wonderful. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is more suited for you.

- Don’t go crazy with clothing and props. I once saw a headshot of a guy with a bird on his head. Why? Because he wanted to stand out. Let’s not get crazy here. Keep it simple and classy. Professionalism not desperation gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you.

- Go easy with the makeup. Yes, lots can be done with retouching. There is no need to put on tons of makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Do your hair the way you would for every audition.

- Matt Newton, On-Camera Acting Coach

#actor #headshot

Q: Is it unrealistic to get a manager before I have an agent?

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Q: Is it unrealistic to get a manager before I have an agent?

Not unrealistic at all! Every actor is different and in a different stage of his or her career. If you find yourself without an agent, that doesn’t mean you are new to the business. For several reasons, any actor can find themselves without an agent during their career: a falling-out, a direction change, a location change, even the I’m-taking-a-break-from-acting scenario.

It is totally fine to seek a manager even if you don’t have an agent. That said, you must have realistic expectations of having a manager versus an agent before acquiring your first (or next) agent.

Managers will advise you on your career and image related to photos, social media, website, and general day-to-day planning and strategy to help you gain your foothold in the industry. Agents are the ones who gather casting opportunities and negotiate the deals and contracts on your behalf.

A good manager can help you get an agent so your career is a team effort and you feel the most productive in pursuing all of what you want to accomplish in your career as an actor.

For new actors, it may even be a better fit to start with a manager instead of an agent to get a sense of what you want in an agent and what your goals are.

A manager will assess your current skill set and encourage you to add certain elements to your list of skills so that you’re better equipped to be cast in more roles. They can advise you on various workshops or coaches, adding more dialects to your résumé, and stepping outside your comfort zone by being more well-rounded in areas you’re currently lacking.

More often than not, having a manager can assist with your perspective of the business and give you a realistic vision based on where your aspirations are with your career, so it’s totally your call.

#actor #writer #manager #agent

Rutger Oosterhoff

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2 people like this
- Linda Butcher (Van Vliet)
- Maurice Vaughan
2 days ago

Nothing. Be yourself. In all things of life. My two cents.

Diogo Ferreira

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2 people like this
- Rutger Oosterhoff
- Maurice Vaughan
2 days ago

Thank you! That´s really the best advice someone could give me. You might be right. I mean that´s all I can do tbh and all I need is just to be confident and be myself. That´s all!

Thanks again!

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Laquan Copeland

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2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
5 days ago

Hi Treisa! Welcome to the community! That webinar sounds like an amazing opportunity for aspiring actors! The Acting Blueprint is such a great title—it’s clear and inspiring. I’m sure attendees will g...

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Treisa Gary

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
4 days ago

Oh, yes! It's going to be amazing for sure. I'm so excited to bring actors this information. It's so important to have guidance on this amazing journey.

Meghann Matthews

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2 people like this
- Treisa Gary
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

I will be on it if town that day. Do you have any others planned in the future? I’d love to join then

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

Out of town*

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2 people like this
- Meghann Matthews
- Maurice Vaughan
2 days ago

Hi Meghann. Yes, I will be doing more and I believe Stage32 will make the webinar available for viewing from anywhere, and you'll still be able to access all the jewels I'm going to drop if you can't tune it on the day. Happy Holidays and have a safe trip!

Suzanne Bronson

Thank you for this article Amanda Toney I have always been confused when an actor says, "I am going Method." I was taught Meisner technique in multiple classes. Stanislavksy's "method" was discussed a...

Maurice Vaughan

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2 people like this
- Brandi Sims
- Suzanne Bronson
2 weeks ago

Great to meet you, Brandi Sims. I'm not an actor, but as a screenwriter/ghostwriter/commercial writer/pitch deck designer, I try to make my projects stand out when I promote them. Unique social media...

Brandi Sims

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2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Maurice Vaughan Great to meet you, Maurice! And thank you so much for your insights and feedback.

You mentioned limited word pitches. Have you noticed outreach has gotten more brief and shorter in resp...

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1 person likes this
- Suzanne Bronson
1 week ago

You're welcome, Brandi Sims. I've noticed that (it's not always like that though). I think it's because of short attention spans and the huge amount of content on social media. I use limited word pitc...

4 days ago

What a great question Brandi Sims I would suggest posting this in other lounges like Flimmaking or producing as well. I bet you'll get a nice variety of answers.

Sorry the show got cut so short, Aaron Marcus. Glad you saw the silver lining in the situation though! Happy Holidays!

Aaron Marcus

Thank you so much, Maurice.

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus.

Sandra Isabel Correia

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2 people like this
- Linda Butcher (Van Vliet)
- Maurice Vaughan
6 days ago

Thank you for sharing Amanda Toney This is very interesting and I must confess, I didn’t except Casting Directors role was so important and vital. I am learning every day and this link made me to thin...

Sam Sokolow

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3 people like this
3 weeks ago

Wow! First off - can't wait to see a Broadway musical on Dolly. She's my wife's idol (and has written blurbs for both of her books, which is amazing) so she has a big presence in our home. Can't wait...

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

This is awesome. I don't have the musical chops to even fake like I can sing but being on Broadway would be a dream come true. Who would I want to play on Broadway? I too, would love to do Chicago or...

Sheida Ghorbani

7 days ago

Hi Karen.

I am sheida.

a passionate writer dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Adept at generating innovative ideas, I consistently draw inspiration from my enviro...

Leonardo Ramirez

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3 people like this
2 weeks ago

I saw this earlier today Ashley Renee Smith. Mack is a huge Selena Gomez fan.

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2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

I love these videos!

Ashley Renee Smith

Me too, Suzanne Bronson! They're always so fun and informative!

Thank you for sharing Tammy Hunt

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4 people like this
2 weeks ago

Great information. Thanks so much.

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3 people like this
1 week ago

Fantastic advice, Tammy Hunt! Thank you for sharing!

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1 person likes this
- Suzanne Bronson
2 weeks ago

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus. Move your mouse over "Profile" on the bar near the top of Stage 32's homepage and click "Video/Audio." You can also post your videos to your profile by moving your mouse...

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2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
2 weeks ago

Wow, Maurice, this is fantastic information. I just uploaded my reels and posted a few quick tip links to my wall page. Thank you so much.

Pamela Jaye Smith

Good idea indeed, Aaron. I've a friend who's been acting in training films for a couple decades now...in addition to his other acting work. He finds it rewarding to be helping train new professionals in a couple of different fields.

Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, many actors don't know that training/educational/corporate films even exist. They can be fun and they also pay well. Thanks again for sharing.

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