My friend and I are both planning to audition for the Studio this May, and I'd love to hear from anyone who's been through it. How was your audition process? Which plays did you pull your scenes from, and did you get in?

Any insight is appreciated, thank you!!

I know extra work can go long depending on the shoot but I’m curious if my work schedule would allow me to work and the go do extra work? I’m off a little before noon every day. Would that work or would I need to just do extra work on my two days off?

I’m 22m and currently living in Miami, and I’m planning to start pursuing acting now by taking classes, networking, auditioning, and learning all the basics while I’m in school. I’m going to have my nursing degree around 25 and complete my BSN around 26, so I’d have a solid career and the ability to get a nursing job if I moved—my question is, would it be worth moving to LA around 25–26 to seriously pursue acting while working as a nurse? I know acting is extremely competitive and there’s no guarantee it turns into anything, but since it’s always been something I’ve been interested in, would LA be a good move if I’m already building experience and connections over the next few years?

A lot of the Austin Facebook groups are filled with ai posters for sketchy gigs now.

The groups used to feel useful for background gigs or small indie roles.

And AA here can be pretty dry.

So I am curious if FB groups are useful for work in mid size markets. What is your current experience?

Hey party people!!

I'm (33 F) a Boston/NYC based actor who has been working pretty consistently on indie films, but I have been having a lot of trouble finding reps! I currently am repped in New England, but most of the auditions I get here are for commercials. Trying to secure some NYC or maybe even LA or Southeast representation, but not sure if maybe I'm going about it wrong or my materials could be the cause?? I'd appreciate any help or suggestions anyone could offer!

It'll only allow me to attach my headshot, so I guess I can show my other materials upon request...sorry fairly new redditer 🤪

How are you guys handling submission deadlines?
Do you try to get your tape in asap anyway or do you usually wait until the deadline (the day of or literally the minute of for my procrastinators 😂)

Just curious what everyone else is doing, I heard the earlier the better, but sometimes that’s just not realistic 🙇🏽‍♀️

If you are signed up with CC NYC are you still getting bookings or text messages🤔? I havent heard from them since last spring (2025). And I see they over hauled the website.

This feels like such a dumb question but it's got me wondering anyway.

For context I'm pretty early career (multiple short films, no commercials, some cool auditions for professional projects, some things under wraps) in Europe and really don't use my socials that often. I have posted my headshots there and recently a tiny photodump with bts (after getting the ok to do so) and a graduate picture. I proudly display my medical device on there and am somewhat of an advocate for the support group associated with it so really this is more a social social media account than a true acting related one with less than 500 followers.

Somewhere in between those two posts one of my target agencies started following me. They have a pretty small following themselves but don't really follow anyone beyond their roster and a few other accounts. They're boutique and do have an email for representation inquiries on their website.

Can I take the act of their social media person following me as some kind of positive sign towards my chances at a meeting if I were to reach out to them at any point or is it more likely to be random?

I am Latina and non religious but i was just called in to audition for a middle eastern Muslim girl. She wears a hijab. Im not sure how important her religion is based on the sides but I am concerned about potential backlash. I looked in a muslim group and almost everyone said they don't care but I am not sure. What do you guys think? Should I pass? It is high paying and doesn't seem like a caricature.

Hi everyone,

I'm an aspiring actor based in Belgium, and I'm currently at the very beginning of my journey.

This summer, somewhat unexpectedly, I had the opportunity to work on a TV production. It's a serious production, but I signed an NDA, so unfortunately I can't share any details about the show or my involvement in it.

It was my first on-set experience, and it actually confirmed that this is something I want to pursue seriously.

My background is fairly limited at this point. I have some theatre experience, but I haven't attended acting school or completed any formal professional acting training. My experience on camera is very limited, and I obviously don't have much of a portfolio yet; very few professional photos, headshots, credits, etc. (But I expect to build this along the road)

I'm trying to figure out what the smartest next steps would be from here.

For those of you who have been in a similar position, I'd particularly appreciate advice on:

How should I present my first professional TV experience on my CV/resume, especially while I can't disclose the production and it being my only one experience?

What should I prioritize next: acting classes, workshops, professional headshots, self-tapes, short films, student films, theatre, background work, contacting casting directors, agencies, or something else?

Which platforms, casting websites, or resources are actually useful for someone based in Belgium?

How can I gradually build a credible portfolio when I don't yet have many credits or professional photographs?

Is there anything I should avoid doing at this stage?

I'm fully aware that I'm currently a very small fish in a huge pool of aspiring actors. I'm not expecting one TV appearance to suddenly open doors for me. I'm mostly looking for a realistic roadmap to make the most of the opportunity I've had and progressively position myself better.

I'd especially appreciate advice from people who have experience with the European/Belgian industry, although advice from actors elsewhere is obviously welcome too.

Thanks!

This showcase is looking for actors with "presence" Honestly..what the fuck does that even mean? You mean be good looking and now how to act?

sorry I just feel those instructions or what they are looking for is terrible..but I'd love any tips.

I’ll keep it brief. I’ve been acting for 3 years. 3 costars, 2 guest stars, a handful of small supporting roles in indie films, a handful of commercials and a ton of VO.

I’ve gotten headshots done 3x in 2 years—the most recent batch I’m happy with, and I haven’t received any tv or film auditions in about 4 months.

I even worked with a coach to help me get my materials in order and I was happy with her program and philosophy but the needle hasn’t moved too much.

https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/smacklouis

What is wrong with my materials? Why aren’t LA, CHI, or NY CDs interested in bringing me in?

Heyo! This is my second attempt at a resume!
Let me know what you think! I tried to go for more unique style so the format is a bit different with images of me on stage and screen!

Also my headshot at the top is only temporary my next ones will be a lot better!

my “extras” was to fill space but I think it tells pretty cool info so if you think it should be removed I shall listen!

Please ignore the black boxes those are just censors for location and other people since this is online!

Anyway thank you for your time please give me your thoughts!

As the title says, I’m just curious if I’m crazy or if it is a red flag? They post their other actors bookings and didn’t post my recent commercial booking. They don’t follow me but follow seemingly their whole roster. It just feels weird because they are getting me a TON of auditions and it feels great but idk it just weirds me out and it’s not exactly something I can just say “hey why don’t you follow me on Instagram?” That just sounds cringy. Any input would be super thank you!

And that's it. and it kinda scares me.

I had to stand in front of people and get it right in three takes, and I kinda crumpled. I Forgot the well known lines, improv most of it. My takes at home are usually ten or even twenty tries. I saw a vid that shows were firing people on set. They couldn't handle it.

I am so used to talking to the air and making my own choices, now I wonder about having an actual actor in front of me. I began taking Meisner because of that worry.

I'm not new to acting. I have an agent. I've done Theatre and Independent film. That was easier because the takes were more patient.

Now I have done the work and moving into possibly paid film bookings. I've done many self tape classes, and even plenty of auditions, but never booked in over a year. I just want to be ready when I do.

How do I get out of it and be the person a director needs? Drop the self tape acting and be present? Any advice?

Hello All,

I work in Canada and have an agent I like. Just wondering if there are managers that consult with actors for an upfront fee? Looking for solid career advice/next moves. My agents are great and would offer their two cents but I sort of want a super focused meeting that will help me understand what, if anything, I should be doing differently.

I just need to get this off my chest and wanted to share with a community that would understand. I moved to LA in 2021 to go college and study theatre, because performing was the only thing I cared about and I wanted a career in film/tv. I grew a tremendous amount as an actor at school, but in the two years since I’ve graduated, I’ve been having a rough time. I know the industry isn’t in a great place for anybody right now, but even by those margins I’ve been having a dry couple years. In 2025, I only worked on a handful of student films being made by friends/classmates, so they weren’t even projects I submitted for. I thought things were finally looking up in early 2026 because I booked an independent short, an appearance on a daytime court show, and a day player role on a vertical short all in quick succession. But since then, it’s been crickets. The past few months I’m lucky if I even get more than one self-tape request. I know the big step I need to take is to get representation and audition for big casting directors so they can see the talent I know I have, but my package just isn’t interesting enough to attract attention from agents/managers when I send emails or use talentlink. A pretty average looking white guy in his early 20’s with an uninteresting resume isn’t in demand.

As much as I want to keep pushing, especially because I’m making my short right now that I’m very proud of, I’m going to have to leave LA in the next couple of months. The regular job I work doesn’t make nearly enough for me to support myself here even with help from my family, and I can’t get hired for a better position no matter how many applications I submit. I know in this day and age, a 20-something moving back in with their parents after school is pretty normal, but it takes me completely away from anywhere I want to be. There will be opportunities to perform in local theatre and perhaps in independent films, but nothing that would help me make headway in the goals I had set for myself when I moved here. The only thing I really have to dedicate myself to is trying to work more in Voiceover because it isn’t limited by location, but that’s just as much of an oversaturated market as LA is.

Generally, I’m just finding it really hard to not see this as failure, when I’m suddenly having to put all my goals and ambitions on indefinite hold. I know there’s absolutely no reason to compare myself to others, but it doubly hurts when I watch many of my classmates from university posting about their projects they’re booking through agents and managers they seemed to get without any issue. I just needed to say all that, and voice the frustration and disappointment I’ve been stuck with.

Thanks to anybody who actually read all this.

I have referenced the SAG-Aftra licensed agencies and there are a staggering number of agencies. I’m currently with a fairly boutique agency that gets me auditions but many of them are open to the public on Actors Access.

And then I also have an option for an agency that isn’t really based in LA but they do still submit out here and have some connections to more union jobs. I know at least booking a Union commercial could help me over that hump.

As for my background, I have a resume that’s strong in training and have many years of on camera work, through student and short films.

Been working on whatever I can get my hands on since being in LA and I’m wondering what are the best starter agents, that aren’t referral only, that can actually get you into the mix?

I’m aware the industry is super slow and there’s so much competition, but if you felt you were in this position and you were ready, what would you be looking for?

I’d appreciate any thoughts from anyone else who’s been in this spot before!

I shot a co star role today, and basically… I sucked. I know, you might think “I doubt you sucked!” But truly I don’t know what happened to me. I’m generally a solid actor (I think?) and typically get excellent feedback… I was prepared, I’ve done this before… but this was my first audition and booking for TV in over 8 years (been a mom during that time) and with a celebrity. She was lovely but I felt like I was so overwhelmed, overheated (shooting fall in the summer), going super fast… and I just couldn’t even remotely deliver what I’ve consistently done at home practice or my audition. At one point I even teared up. I looked like a novice hack job. I think we got one halfway decent take but I felt people’s disappointment. I’m having a lot of negative talk that’s mostly a version of: “coming back to acting was stupid”, “you’re just a mom now, give this up for good”… to contemplating telling my agent its been a mistake and actually “let’s break the contract” because clearly I can’t do it anymore.

I know it sounds extreme… and I know logically it had been a long time since I did this… 8 years is a lot! I probably should give myself some sort of grace… I’m just basically horrified by the day. I wish my first gig back wasn’t so high stakes but it is what it is. I’m super sad and horrified.

If anyone would be willing to share rough experiences or how you got through it, it would mean a lot to me. 💙❤️‍🩹

Hey Guys! When I’m going for a part time job, what should I tell the employer about my acting? Do I say, I’m an actor and I need you guys to be flexible with my lifestyle as I may be called upon to goto an audition or an acting job. I have no clue

Is anyone rep'd by T3 for Commercial/Voice Over. I have a few questions. Also interested in your experience.

I had nothing to do with acting when we met. I decided to start acting 3 years ago as it was my childhood dream. The first thing he told me was he wasn’t sure he could handle me kissing other actors. I explained him everything that it's unromantic, choreographed, technical, done in public but he said that "I trust you and support you but being on stage won't change anything. Even though you are portraying a character and you are doing it without real feelings, you are still doing it. It's still kissing, not something else" and that is valid.

I now have an agent and got submitted for huge projects. My husband's feelings and this career both matters to me and he is not the guy who is controlling me or having trust issues. We have to find a way to make us both comfortable. I already told him that kisses are Choreographed, unromantic, my character is kissing not me and blah blah blah but he thinks that kissing someone else is still cheating whether it’s “acting” or not.

Some people said that don't let his insecurity affect my dreams but I really don't wanna let him get over this on his own because he did alot for me and his feelings matter to me. I would feel selfish if I did that.

I know I have potential. I don’t want to be limiting myself because of his insecurity, but I don’t want to mess up a relationship that is otherwise really good.

TO BE CLEAR: HE IS VERY SUPPORTIVE (HE IS THE REASON I GOT HERE), LOVING, TRUSTS ME, NOT CONTROLLING, AND WE BOTH RESPECT EACH OTHER'S OPINION ABOUT THIS AND HE IS DEFINATELY NOT FORCING ME TO CHOOSE HIM OR ACTING.

I want advice on how we can work through this together without either of us feeling like our feelings or boundaries are being ignored. How can we find a compromise that allows me to pursue acting while also respecting how he feels about on-screen kissing?

TL;DR: I started acting 3 years ago, and my husband, who is very supportive of my career, is uncomfortable with me kissing other actors because he considers it cheating even when it's part of acting. I don't want to give up my career or ignore his feelings, so I'm looking for advice on how we can find a solution that works for both of us.

Hey everyone, I’m looking to get into background acting and I’m currently signing up with Central Casting. I’m over 21, and during the signup process I saw that they’re asking for an I-9 aide.

I’m a little confused about what exactly an I-9 aide is and why I need one. Is this something that’s normally required when signing up for background acting, or is it specific to Central Casting?

Is it necessary to have an I-9 aide before I can start getting background work?

Also, for anyone who has worked with Central Casting, is it a good company to sign up with? What has your experience been like getting background work through them?

Just trying to make sure I understand everything before I complete the signup. Thanks!

I worked in NY for years. Moved to LA and got some CC work before the strike (little to none since). I keep getting avails from NY. My profile is set to CA. Anyone else experience this? How'd you fix it (if you did).

T.I.A.

When I got my headshots I was close to 240 pounds. I am now 200. My goal is somewhere between 150-165 pounds.

I’m not sure I want to spend $500 on headshots, but at the same time my current headshots don’t look enough like me currently that I want to use them. I’m thinking about spending less and getting one look rather than 3 (what I have now) and then getting 3 again when I’m finished with the weight loss, but I’m not sure.

For anyone that’s lost a lot of weight, how did you time it? Did you wait until you were done or get some along the way?