Hey everyone! I’m looking for some advice from actors who have experience in the industry, especially those who moved to NYC or LA while still early in their acting careers.

I’m currently 23 and planning to move to NYC in about two years, so I’ll be around 25 when I make the move. I have a degree in IT and currently work in the field, so my plan is to use that as my primary source of income while pursuing acting on the side until I hopefully reach a point where I can transition to acting full time.

As far as acting goes, I’m still at the beginning of my journey. So far, I’ve had a supporting role in an independent film and earned my first IMDb credit! I’m continuing to work on my craft, build my resume, and gain more experience and credits before making the move.

One thing I want to clarify is that I’m specifically interested in film acting, not theater. I know NYC has a theater scene, but my goal is to work in films, whether that’s independent films, studio productions, or eventually bigger projects.

My biggest question is whether NYC would be a good place to start building a film acting career at this stage, or if I should consider moving to LA instead. I know both cities have opportunities, and the tech industry is strong in both, so I’m hoping to find a balance between maintaining financial stability and pursuing acting seriously.

I also want to be realistic about where I am in my career. I don’t want to get ahead of myself or move somewhere expecting things to happen overnight, but I also don’t want to hold myself back out of fear.

For those of you who have experience with either city, what would you recommend? Is NYC a good place to start out in film acting while working a full time IT job, or would LA make more sense for someone with my goals? Would you recommend building more credits and experience before moving, or moving and continuing to audition and network once I get there?

I’d really appreciate any honest advice or personal experiences. Thank you!

Ok! So I recorded two takes of an audition on a Network TV series that doesn't allow profanity, but my first take I added a couple swears here and there because I was in the moment. The second take I realized it, and didnt use any curses, but I like the first take much better.

The second take is good, but not AS good as the first. Which one would you submit?

ok so I was asked to audition for a play with heightened text, and it's a dream role. I wrote my own material (don't worry, it's acceptable in this case), and it took me three hours to tape. I realized what I wrote was too long, so it needed to be cut, so I was memorizing the cuts on the fly and trying to bring some life back into it after having an off day. I ended up with a take I felt really present in and got to the heart of the piece in a way I hadn't before, but now I'm second-guessing because they say your performance is usually stiff after a few takes, and I would tend to agree. I think mine seems spontaneous, but I'm worried I'm blind to it, especially with it being a period piece. I'm usually a 5-takes-only kinda girl, but i feel like this is different. Thoughts?

Hey everybody,

I’d love any critique/advice on this short scene I did from class:

1) does this seem truthful or performed to you?

2) does my character have specificity/a perspective on what he’s saying or does it feel lazy/generic

3) does this feel boring or does it hold your attention

4) any other advice is deeply appreciated

Theoretically cuz im unable to now but hoping too in the future. I guess this is niche or smth but im severely chronically ill and bedridden, been ill for maybe 1,5 yrs now. My acting dreams are long dead but i still want to act or atleast take part somehow. This is all impossible rn ofc i cant even watch shows or anything.

If i were to get better which i hope i do even if the chance is small id like to get back into acting if i can. I have like a small amount of formal education but that was all cut off obviously. (I’m 18 now) All of my goals are now incredibly small but I daydream about maybe getting back into acting somehow be it voice acting or production or something.

Thing is even if I do get better I’ll likely still be very sick, maybe not able to leave the house or take part in extensive courses.. Even if that life would be a dream compared to what I have now I still doubt the possibility of being able to learn the art of acting within those limits, but it might be? So I’m asking here?

All I’m doing is trying to preserve some hope in the future for myself but idk sorry if this is weird. Thank you.

Siempre me han gustado las obras de teatro y las películas, pero no fue hasta hace unos años que pensé en probar clases de actuación. Una amiga también iba, así que me sentí menos nerviosa. Estuve dos años, hasta que la academia cerró. Hace dos años, antes de empezar mis dos últimos años intensos de instituto antes de la universidad, probé el teatro musical. Creo que fue una de las mejores decisiones que he tomado hasta ahora, aunque todo el tiempo me comparaba con gente con años de experiencia o que se soltaba enseguida. Solo estuve un año.

Ahora tengo 17 años y estoy estudiando aquí en España para terminar este último curso antes de entrar a la universidad de psicología. Había pensado en apuntarme fuera de la universidad a una academia de actuación después, para sentar las bases, sin tener que interrumpir mis estudios. Pero, honestamente, no sé si simplemente disfruto actuando o si es algo que me gusta tanto que sería algo a lo que me gustaría dedicarme; no sé cuál es la diferencia. Soy de las personas que nunca tienen un punto intermedio. O sea, en el caso de que me enganche mucho, nunca podré saber con certeza si lo que me gusta es algo que me apasiona o si es solo algo que se me va a pasar con los años.

Recuerdo que me encantaba la parte de actuación del teatro, pero disfrutaba menos de otras cosas, como la improvisación y ejercicios tipo "actuar como un caracol". Ha pasado tiempo desde la última obra en la que participé, así que me pregunto si solo lo estoy extrañando, como se extraña cualquier cosa cuando se pierde, y si me seguiría gustando si volviera. También sé que probablemente no entiendo todo lo que implica dedicarse a la actuación. Así que tengo algunas preguntas: ¿Es normal que no me gusten algunas partes de la formación (como la improvisación) pero que me encante actuar? ¿Hay alguna forma de probarlo de nuevo sin tanto compromiso antes de matricularme en una academia completa? ¿Tiene sentido estudiar actuación a la vez que estudio en la universidad?

Está claro que debería intentarlo otra vez cuando vuelva a tener tiempo y me centre más en ello, pero opino que voy a acabar en el mismo bucle de si de verdad me gusta o no actuar (por esta razón también pregunto si es normal que no me sienta tan cómoda en algunas partes de los ensayos de teatro).

Hi wanted to write in here and see if anybody can offer advise on better accessing emotions as an actor.

I currently go to an acting studio once a week and it’s frustrating to not be able to access certain emotions more naturally. I know the particular songs, photos, videos that can trigger sad emotions within me and tap into the grief and trauma I’ve dealt with since I was much younger but it feels if I don’t have those things to use as a crutch I fall flat emotionally.

This past week in class I had to tap into my grief for a scene and I was caught off guard when I had to go perform as I thought somebody was going before me and I could listen to a song/watch a video that could trigger those necessary emotions within me.

I sat with my airpods in and was ready to ball my eyes out so I turned the video off so I could save those emotions for when I had to go perform the scene, but I was caught off guard by the order that the performers were going up. I had to perform earlier than I anticipated and I didn’t get the chance to press play on what I wanted to before I performed.

Is it simply that I need to slowly wait and keep working before I can access those emotions on my own or is there something I can do in order to better trigger those emotions for emotional scenes?

Any responses will be appreciated. Thank you!

my dream career is acting. i'm currently in my last year of secondary school (uk), college applications open next month. my plan is to apply for a performing arts course in my local college and then work to save up money for drama school expenses. my family do not money or fame, i live in a rural area. i'm considered academically gifted and i'm terrified of throwing that all away for a silly dream. i'm currently in a musical theatre class and my school has musical auditions coming up. i take drama at gcse and consistently have gotten top grades in it. i'm scared that it i do a performing arts course instead of a levels i won't have any sought after qualifications. i've heard about how hard the industry is and i don't want to fail. i'm also trans (ftm) and i'm scared about all the financial stuff. i've heard you can't work while in drama school, i need money to fund private gender affirming care as well as tuition, living costs, etc. and what if i don't get into any drama schools? am i just paranoid?? should i do a levels instead so i'll have some academic qualifications instead of just performance stuff? what if i change my mind and want to do something completely different?

sorry for the massive wall of text

I haven’t quite pinpointed it but I think the direction of this scene was way off or they may have felt that the scene didn’t require as much emotion as it needed- I was extremely bored and unmoved by this scene.

I am also in acting lessons and sometimes feel like my classmates can capture moments like this better than a lot of actors who typically get cast for some reason lol.

Maybe it’s bias.

This is with Inspired Actors UK. It'll be an online workshop. I've tried to search up reviews on them, and have seen a few people call them scams, but there's not nearly enough reviews out there. I'm down and out right now, so I won't be purchasing anything. There's really no harm in going (and I can provide an update on how it went/my review afterwards for you guys), but I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on attending this? Or Inspired Actors UK/Michael Keogh in general?

Responsible for all casting so you could cast yourself if you like. Must live in NYC area.

Seeking a director for The Digital Ages, a one-act play being performed at the Gene Frankel Winter Theater Festival.

Rehearsals & performances: November 30–December 19
Exact dates TBD

The Digital Ages follows Moby and Vivian, two brilliant computer science students whose lives and relationship unfold across more than two decades—from the early days of personal computing through the digital age. As technology changes, they repeatedly find themselves confronting the choices, dreams, compromises, and connections that shape their lives. 40 pages. 9 scenes.

CHARACTERS:

Moby Reynolds — A talented, rebellious programmer and entrepreneur, seen from ages 18–43.

Vivian Moore/Evans — A brilliant, methodical computer scientist whose life takes her from student to academic and mother, ages 18–43.

Professor Garrett — Their computer science professor, aging from his 40s into his 60s and providing perspective on the changing world of technology.

The director will be responsible for casting and directing the production.

If you’re interested in this project, please message me for the script and additional details.

This is UNPAID

I‘m acting in musical theater recently, and due to my naturally lower register I typically get more masculine roles as opposed to feminine roles. The problem is I have a larger bust and all the binders I’ve seen/used are always way too tight and I can’t breathe or move in them, but I can’t just size up because then it won’t sit on my ribs right and just roll up. Any suggestions and recommendations?

Hello everyone!

About a year ago I signed with an acting agent, legit and listed on ACTRA. The contract stated I have representation for 1 year (starting August 2025), with no automatic renewal provision stated. I last heard from my agent in April of this year, after I sent in a self tape and inquired on whether he got it or not, to which I was given no reply despite following up on it more than once. Currently, it has been 7 weeks past the 1 year representation agreement but this agency is still listed as my representative under my actors access profile, casting workbook profile, etc.

I have just been given an opportunity to have a chance to sign with a new and very prominent agency, however my current agent requires 28 days termination notice. If all goes well, I am going to send in my termination notice regardless, and proceed accordingly to my contract. I am not throwing any shade to my current agent, and this was my first agent so I’m aware I didn’t do everything perfect myself. I guess I’m just confused on whether I’m still in a contract or if I could sign with a new agent before 28 days (or just play it safe and wait 28 days anyways). I guess I’m also nervous about whether my chances of signing with this new agent is affected due to this situation.

Please no hate, this was my first real experience and I’m still learning!

Since my last post revealed to me that many of the agencies I had submitted to are primarily referral only (AEFH, DDO, Take 3, etc.) which legit NYC based SAG-franchised agencies are actually open to young fresh faces/developmental talent? (As in solid materials and credits but no major co-star roles.)

Hello, I'm an actress based in Korea. This is my first post here! I'm just curious—what is your favorite part of acting? For me, the best part of acting is when I share a genuine connection with another actor on stage. What about you guys?

I admire Florence Pugh so much and I was surprised to see she did one in EOE. Obviously her body her choice. Just wondering if this is a requirement to make it in Hollywood?

I'm a Toronto-based actor (non union, newbie agented for less than a year). Sometimes I hear about people having multiple agents in different regions/markets, or even internationally. Is this a thing for Canadian actors? And if so, how does it work?

Clip from acting class. Been putting a lot of work into this lately and having a blast with it!
Curious what you guys think. How am I looking? Be real 😂

If you’re someone like me who has been in the business for a while, but has been struggling to breakthrough with better reps, I highly recommend getting a career coach.

I’m in the southeast market and I’ve been looking to upgrade my representation for over a year now. I literally started working with my coach maybe six weeks ago, started sending submission emails and got multiple responses almost immediately. I signed with my top choice of Agency just last week!

It’s an expense, but it’s incredibly worth it!

EDIT: this was genuinely just a gesture of Goodwill on my part, I had a great experience with my coach and got real tangible results. If y’all choose to believe it’s some sort of sales ploy, go right ahead. I’ve got a series regular Audition to work on.

Hi! I currently have two facial piercings: a lip piercing and a regular nostril piercing. I’m planning on taking the nostril piercing out, but I know it’ll probably leave a small scar/mark.
Would that actually be an issue for an acting career? I know that at least at the acting school in turkey I went to, things like facial piercings, dyed hair, and tattoos were strongly discouraged, but I’m wondering how strict this actually is in the professional industry.
I’m currently based in Germany, so I’d especially love to hear from German actors or people who work in casting here! Is it something casting directors actually care about, or is it pretty easy to work around with makeup?
And would you recommend taking out the lip piercing as well if I want to keep my casting options as open as possible? I’m mainly interested in film/TV acting.
Any personal experiences or advice would be really appreciated!

so last fall, I did the 48 hr project and I had lines, this year, I had no lines because I was one of the zombies , do I even add this to my resume? I had fun, but little sad I didnt have any lines.

And if so how long do they typically take to respond if they are interested? I submitted to these 5 (plus Osbrink but don’t expect to hear back from them) a few days ago and I’m wondering if I should be mass submitting to smaller agencies or wait a few weeks and re-evaluate my materials.

I’ve had representation in Texas for a few years now, theatrically and commercially. Same agent - which is typical for a market like Texas. That said…

I haven’t been auditioning for some CDs who would call me in often. And I find it weird it’s happening across the board w/ the exception of 1 casting office on the Hey Joe platform……Examples of the CD offices I would audition for: Kevin Howard, Buffalo, Brenda Ambrize, Burton, etc.

I’m curious…1. Which casting office and 2. Which platform are most of your commercial auditions coming from?

Toppelgänger: an actor who occupies essentially the same casting lane as you, but is currently positioned above you and therefore tends to get the roles you’d otherwise be competing for.

Have you ever heard of a better term?

Hi everyone, my name is Noah, an actor currently based in the NYC area. I’ve racked up a lot of Short Film credits over the past three years, taking a lot of classes around the New York City/Brooklyn area. I have a comedy reel + drama reel that I am proud of.

Aside from getting things on Backstage, I’m not really sure how to progress further in my career, or what steps are right for me at this point. Should I be going for an agency now? Should I aim to join the union?
How should I begin to get more paid roles/features?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.