Acting

I've been diving into a lot of YouTube courses and online resources lately, and I'm learning so much that my previous acting classes didn’t cover. It’s becoming clear to me that truly embodying a character goes beyond just memorizing lines. You have to understand the character, bring them to life, know the backstory, and really dig into script analysis. It’s about grasping the underlying purpose of the script, understanding your role, and delivering it in a way that aligns with the writer's vision. Good acting requires knowing the emotions, the intentions, and so many other nuances that I feel weren’t fully explored in my in-person classes.

I’ve gained more from collaboration groups and just watching scenes from movies or soap operas, like The Young and the Restless. Watching a simple scene, practicing the performance, and recording myself has been eye-opening. It’s fascinating to analyze, rework, and refine a scene on my own. People-watching has also been a big part of my learning journey.

Honestly, I wish these foundational elements had been emphasized more in my earlier classes. Thank goodness for YouTube, collaboration venues, and all the resources out there—from platforms like Stage 32 and Backstage to simply connecting with other actors and casting directors. This journey has motivated me to keep improving, to become the best actor I can be, one step at a time. Just wanted to share that for this Tuesday!

Hello all of you actors that are out there doing your thing. My name is Philip David Lee and I'm a screenwriter/Director in Maine. I'm wondering if some of you need material for your reels that will expand a producer's knowledge of your range and talents. I have a 10 page short called SUFFERING about paranoia and suicide that I am offering to an actor that can assemble an available crew that wants some material to post on Youtube, make for a festival, help use as a learning opportunity for crew or use parts for a reel. It centers around a cast of two with some extras needed for the final scene. I am not seeking compensation for the screenplay and I think it's a good vehicle for a short. Please contact me on my page and we can discuss if it's right for you. Thank you for your time.

What Actors Need To Know Before Signing Agency Contracts

https://youtu.be/VOfMX4vq68Q

Are you considering signing an agency contract now or in the future? It’s crucial to understand specific details that can make or break your acting career. Many actors overlook critical elements in agency contracts, which can lead to costly mistakes. Don’t be one of them!

Watch the video and learn what actors absolutely need to look for to make sure they aren't hurting their career.

Have you signed an agency contract? If so, share your experience on the channel so we can learn from you.

Hi everyone, I wanted to share my latest take on the Harvey Dent monologue from The Dark Knight (2008). I’ve prepared two versions: one is a stock version with no background or effects, and the other includes a backdrop and music to enhance the intensity of the scene. I’m experimenting with adding these elements to see how it impacts the performance.

This monologue comes from the scene where Harvey Dent addresses the crowd outside the courthouse, reflecting on his transformation from Gotham’s hero into something darker. He confronts the moral cost of becoming the very thing he fought against—this is a moment of deep internal conflict and realization for him.

For this performance, I did a full character study, including backstory, script analysis, and exploring the emotions that drive Harvey’s actions. To make it even more personal, I drew on my own experiences from the Army and my career in cybersecurity. Having served as a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel for 33 years and leading troops in challenging situations, I’ve experienced moments that required tough decisions and moral dilemmas, similar to what Harvey faces. Relating these real-life experiences to the character allowed me to tap into the intensity of his journey.

Compared to my last monologue, I feel I’ve improved in terms of pacing, emotional depth, and connecting to the character’s internal struggle. I’d really appreciate any constructive feedback on either version or both. Let me know what worked, what didn’t, and how I can continue to grow as an actor. Thanks for taking the time to watch, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Best, Glenn

Monologue Links below

https://youtu.be/Iii6HnreV_g

https://youtu.be/TnEDzmk4O90

Feedback!?

Hi All! Happy Saturday! Hope everyone is doing well!

Wanted to ask for some feedback. Here’s a voice-over reel titled "Life's Fleeting Moments: A Reflection on What Truly Matters," which I put together last night. It’s intended as an introduction for a family drama movie or film with a reflective, "after life" theme. I’d love some objective feedback on it. The goal was to capture genuine emotion, with a focus on making the delivery feel authentic. I worked hard on voice beats, flexion, and the overall emotional tone to match the script. Does it bring out the right emotions, and is it believable? I’m not just looking for subjective opinions but more objective feedback on things like pacing, layout, and how well it all comes together. Your insights would be much appreciated!

https://youtu.be/PQUIju1gf-k

CARTEL TIMES - a monologue by Austing Jones

For the record, I do not condone drugs or crime, this content is strictly for creative purposes!

Hello guys! I hope you´re all in great shape!

So my name is Diogo and I´m from Portugal. I have acting experience however I would like to have international experience like in USA or London... I feel in my country I wont be able to get what I really want as an actor.

I downloaded this app today and I would like to know your opinion. Do you think I´m going to be able to find opportunities as an actor here? Do you think I might even be able to get opportunities? I really would like to have opportunities for it!

Oh and if you have any tips for this app then let me know!

Thank you for reading this!

You know, I’ve been reflecting today. It’s Friday, and usually, I spend my weekends focused on my acting craft—working on auditions, improving my delivery, and staying sharp. Recently, I worked with an agency that asked me to submit a monologue. But after that, they kept pushing classes on me, telling me I needed more training. The thing is, I’ve already spent over $2,000 on acting and modeling courses, and I do this part-time.

It got me thinking about mentorship. When I was promoted to captain in the Army back in 1999 and became a company commander, mentored new lieutenants. In the Army, of course you’re not allowed to charge for mentoring—it’s part of your duty to help develop the next generation of leaders. I would never have thought to charge them, because that’s just how it works—you give back to ensure the future is strong. I believe the same should apply in acting. Seasoned actors or full time working Actors, those who’ve made it and have a name in the industry, should mentor and coach new actors for the future. After all, when you’re gone, the legacy you leave behind is through the people you’ve helped. That’s how you build something lasting.

I’m sharing this because my experience with that agency left me a bit disheartened. I wasn’t discouraged, but it made me question if some talent agencies are truly interested in developing actors or more focused on making money by selling courses. And let’s be honest—many new actors have already spent a lot on headshots, portfolio work, and courses including myself.

In the military, mentorship was about leadership, growth, and leaving behind something meaningful. It should be the same in this industry. Collaboration and helping each other is what makes us stronger, and the reward for that goes far beyond money.

Just some thoughts for the day. I hope many of you can relate....

Best,

Glenn Axelrod

https://arizonaactors.com/listing/glenn-axelrod/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16332133/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

I've been reflecting a lot on my journey as an actor lately. Some of you may have seen my earlier reels, and I’ve submitted for roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve received some constructive criticism, which I openly welcome. It takes courage to be transparent, but that's the only way to grow in this industry—through honest feedback.

Acting is about stepping out of your comfort zone. It has to be believable and authentic. If you go to the theater and pay $20 for a ticket, you expect to be moved by what you see. The same goes for us as actors in front of casting directors, network producers, or anyone in the industry. Our performances need to be flawless, and that level of mastery doesn’t happen overnight.

Just like becoming a certified cybersecurity professional (from my experience), it takes time. For example, when you want to earn a certification like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), you have to pass a tough exam. I remember when I took it, the pass rate was about 30% the first time around. But I passed the first time because I put in the work—studying, practicing scenario-based questions, and getting good at my craft. Acting is no different. You have to study, learn from others, and constantly refine your skills.

Whether it’s watching YouTube videos, monologues, or scenes, and observing how others bring their characters to life, you’ve got to do the work. But at the end of the day, it has to come from you. One thing I’ve learned in this industry is not to try to be somebody else. You have to bring your own experiences and authenticity into every role.

For those who don’t know, I had my first production back in August, where I got to dive into an 1880s businessman role in Tombstone, Arizona. It was an improv-based project, and I’ll share more about that experience later. For now, I just want to say, I’m a part-time actor—balancing this with a full-time job, family, and my background as a retired US Army veteran. So, for those who are feeling stuck or like they’re not progressing, remember that everything worth doing takes time.

If you want to be on TV or the big screen, it’s not something that happens overnight or by luck for most of us. You have to work for it. Nothing in my life has come on a silver platter. At 60 years old, retired from the US Army after 33 years of service, I’ve had to work hard for everything. Even in the military, I had to adjust my personality and leadership style to fit the role I was in and the unique dynamics of each unit I commanded.

That’s why I see a lot of parallels between acting and my time in the Army. In both, you have to understand your character—or in the military, your role—and balance that with the reality of the situation you're in. Whether it’s on set or in command, you need to adapt, know your audience, and bring your own truth to the table. For me, acting feels like an extension of the role-playing I did throughout my military career. It’s about adjusting based on your experiences while staying true to the character or leadership role you’re taking on.

Now, if you're an actor and you're really good at your craft, you need to share your knowledge. I understand that some people are making money from this, and I get that—we all need to make a living. But for a lot of us actors, we don’t have the funds to pay for constant coaching or advice. I know for me, I’m fortunate to have my Army retirement, but I’ve still got other expenses and a full-time job to manage. That’s why when I make it big in this, I’m going to give back and not charge a thing for helping others.

As a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, I already do that in my own way by helping transitioning veterans with their resumes and job interview skills—for free. It’s my way of giving back. And honestly, interviews are a lot like acting. You’re stepping into a role, presenting yourself, and trying to convey why you’re right for the part. It’s the same skillset in both. I think that experience translates really well into the acting world.

I’m still new at this, but I’m gaining a lot of wisdom as I go along and learning from others. I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far, in the hopes that it resonates with you. If you’re feeling discouraged, welcome to the club—but don’t let that discouragement make you quit. Actor Morgan Freeman once said, "You only fail in this industry if you quit." And I believe that. All the Best, Glenn in Arizona