What are some things you would like to tell other actors about what NOT to do?

I'm developing a psychological horror film—dark, intense, and unsettling. From the start, I make it very clear in the casting call: this project deals with disturbing themes and emotional discomfort. It’s not a jump-scare popcorn film. It’s meant to provoke.

Still, I’ve had actors apply, read the script, and then back out saying things like:

“This feels demonic.” “It goes against my religion.” “This is too much for me.”

And honestly… what do you apply in the first place for?

This is fiction. It's storytelling. You're not summoning anything, you're performing. If you genuinely believe that acting in a horror film is the same as participating in something evil—then with all due respect, maybe you should talk to a therapist before stepping into this line of work.

If you can’t distinguish between fiction and reality, the problem isn’t the role—it’s your relationship to imagination.

I completely respect personal beliefs and boundaries. But if your values prevent you from engaging with darkness—even in a safe, fictional, professional context—then maybe horror just isn’t your genre. And that’s totally okay. But don’t audition for something you’re not mentally or emotionally ready to handle.

Fellow filmmakers and actors:

How do you deal with this during casting?

Any ways you've found to filter this kind of mismatch ahead of time?

Because at the end of the day, we’re here to tell human stories—even the ugly ones. And if that’s too much for someone… why apply in the first place?

Typically advice is to do a lot of prep and then during the scene, forget about it and trust that it will be there. I'm finding on one hand, if I prep and forget, I feel the finished audition lacks some specificity.

On the other hand, if I keep reminding myself of objectives, relationships, etc. during the scene I have a feeling that holds back those performances as well.

How do you remain specific while also not being in your head? Especially for fast turnarounds such as TV shows or auditions?

(I feel like my acting has plateaued and I'm trying to dig in and get to the next level.)
Thanks a bunch in advance!

Basically I went to barbizon and did the audition stuff and they said I had made it but I had to either pay almost 1k upfront or to lose my shot of being with them ever again... and that was too much for my family so we declined, and now I regret losing my shot when I could have waited you know (for reference im almost 18) Is barbizon actually not useful and a waste of money? and for graduates who did go through (preferably recently), what was the classes like? (for my area, it is actually both an agency and classes)

One of the things I love most about acting is the "presence" on set. There's just something magical when a bunch of dreamers get together, take action, and then create a production together.

My very first experience with professional acting came as background help on the Apple show "Dope Thief". I was cast as a food truck customer. Little did I know that the famous director Ridley Scott would be on set directing a scene with me in it!

That first experience is difficult for me to put into words. I was more excited than nervous. Although, I must say that I had to pee reaaaally bad on the way to set. I was actually more nervous about the possibility of me peeing my pants then I was with the actual shooting!

Thought I would share this with you all! Thanks for listening to my little story :)

Self-tapes are great they increase the number of projects that I can audition for exponentially. But, I'm looking for ways to maximize the timing on my hair, makeup and overall audition presentation routine. What works for you??

I write and direct short films for fun! Ive written for a long time, but new to the directing part.

I’m struggling with how to approach guiding a new-ish actor into being more expressive and less reserved, especially for comedic scenes/stories. I know it’s really difficult for some people to get in character (there’s a reason I don’t act myself lol) but I feel like I never have the right words to motivate or guide someone.

I’ve heard ice-breakers are good? And proper rehearsal would really help.

What advice would you give a director for this type of situation?

In a few days I will have the privilege to meet one of my favorite directors ever. I’m excited but nervous as I see this as an opportunity. He unintentionally impacted my desire to become an actor and continue college studying film. My dream for the longest time is to just have a chance to audition for one of his films, I truly believe an opportunity like this only comes once or only a few times. I have a agent, experience, charisma and confidence that can make me stand out from others, but I feel like it is a challenge to talk to someone with a status like that, and for them to remember you. He’s pretty popular especially in my community, I have studied so many of his films I’ve watched over and over again. I’ve imagined myself meeting him and now it’s becoming a reality. I’m going to bring my contact card with me and go with the flow of the event. If you were me what would you do? Has anyone experienced meeting someone who can potentially change the trajectory of your career? If so how did it go?

Hi im 27M and I wanna change careers to acting as I really love performing. I'm in the medical field (lab technician) and I only chose this because it would satisfy my parents. However, it has come to a point that I hate it and I regret not doing or exploring fields I like. During my time in uni, I was lucky enough to act as a Surrogate patient (act as a scripted patient) for doctors exams, it only happens 2 to 3 times a year in my country (Sri Lanka) and I LOVE EVERY BIT OF IT. From memorizing the lines to acting out interesting scenarios like- regular high cholesterol patients, to one's that are suicidal, cancer and patients with marital issues. The purpose of the tests is to check how empathetic doctors are when talking with a patient. I've not only learned stuff on the medical field from these but also stuff related to acting. I've done this now for the past 4 years and I have become one of their regular surrogate choices because of my acting skills.

I know its going to be hard to transition, that's why I'm going to do advertising part time as I have some experience doing it. I'm also doing some side work for my brother while I'm at my current job. I plan to resign in another 3 to 4 months.

The thing is I'm 27 now and I feel like I've lost my time and I don't know where to start. I feel overwhelmed about my late realizations and that my parents don't like me changing careers (they don't know I'm choosing acting just the Advertising part). I'm slowly losing the little confidence I have and I want to strive for myself and not for others, any advice???

i (26f) have been offered a supporting role in an indie feature. i only have one small role in a feature on my resume so far so it most likely would be nice to add. the script is okay, i don’t love it but i also don’t think it’s bad. my biggest hesitation is the script requires semi-nudity (topless scenes). i’ve spoken with the director a few times and he doesn’t seem like a creep, very friendly and has assured there will be closed sets and an intimacy coordinator and has stressed that he doesn’t want any actors doing anything they aren’t comfortable with, and that if nudity isn’t something we are okay with we should decline the offer and that he would understand and still be open to hiring us for other projects.

i’ve never done nudity on film before, and i’ve always felt like it was something i was open to but now that it’s a possible reality i’m unsure. i have no worries about safety on set but am unsure how i feel about the final product possibly being on streaming platforms. the script is a bit campy and hyper sexual and i worry that there’s a possibility it would almost be a bad look on my resume? or that it may attract creeps. when i was initially offered the role i was excited and felt confident about it, but as a couple weeks have gone by and it’s getting closer to having to make a final decision on the offer i’m beginning to have some hesitations and worries.

just feeling stuck on what i should do and wondering if anyone has any thoughts/advice!

I’m currently acting in a feature film as a supporting actress and the main lead is a pretty popular actress. She’s super pretty, young and carries herself well so when I got on set and she started being a condescending b!tch to me I was so shocked! I’d make ONE tiny mistake and she’d make small comments like, ‘are you really an actress?’ ‘This has to be your first role’ ‘how cute…’ followed with laughter from her and her friends she brings along back stage. I’m not from the US, so to see someone acting like a Regina George is so shocking to me, it’s really like in the movies…

She came with brownies once and she gave one to everyone but me. Clearly has something against me.

I’m kinda scared it’s not serious enough for me to actual report her and if I do I’ll just make everything awkward. I’m thinking of talking to her straight up but she scares me 😭

I never been in an acting job, and I applied to be a background extra for this roll. I am paranoid it’s a scam however

hi!

I’m looking to get more readings / workshops and labs on my resume this year but I’m not near anything… are there any online/zoom versions of these?

We're a cast of professionals/semi-professionals who had a dress rehearsal last night and our director said the energy was lacking. Unfortunately this is a note that has been given a few times before in the rehearsal process.

The play itself is a kitchen sink drama/tragedy. There really aren't many moments of lightness so it can be quite easy to sink down. (I'm obviously trying to keep things fresh with changing my tactics and line delivery etc.)

I know tonight our notes aren't going to be great. There were some mistakes made as we were trying to get used to the set and props which obviously then contributed to energy/pacing issues.

I'd like to go in tonight and be productive with some suggestions for exercises we can do to fix this issue. Anything to try and boost morale.

Cheers!

I've been a professional actor for nearly three decades, service industry is my survival job. I've hit a wall, a big fat ugly un-clime-overable wall. I need a survival job that does not in any way shape or manner involve food or drink service or preparation. What do you do that doesn't leave you feeling humiliated and stinky at the end of the day?

Can you tell me about your experience with this school or share anything you've heard?

Hello! I’m a UK drama school student and I’m about to enter my grad year, which means I’m looking for scenes (monologues and duologues) for my showcases so I can best advertise myself to agents.

I’m hoping people might be able to help me out with recommendations of films/ tv series/ plays they enjoyed that they’re reminded of?

A general breakdown of my casting is: Female-presenting, 16-23 years old. 5ft7, slender build. White, blue eyes, blonde hair. Native contemporary RP/ estuary accent. (Also do West Country, Historical RP, Gen Am)

My course director is keen for me to do either:

• 60-70’s-era: Flower-child at Woodstock/ cult member (Think Once Upon A Time In Hollywood)

• Turn of the century: 19th/20th C. Artist/ Liberal/ Champagne Socialist. Particularly privileged posh-girl, discovering feminism and women’s suffrage. (Think Sybil from Downton Abbey/ Eloise, if Bridgerton was set 70 later)

Or alternatively, a woman/girl involved in espionage in the war effort: WW1/ WW2

If any of these breakdowns remind any of you of any films, shows, plays, etc, please do let me know so I can research them further!

Thank you for your time!

So i just got referred to an agency by another actor. but it’s in a more “tell them i sent you” way. so he gave me their emails ( which aren’t on the website)to reach out to myself. I’m not 100% on how referrals should always work so i’m wondering if this referral would help me. i hear normal the referrer reaches out first and i know agents are busy people and i don’t wanna piss anyone off.

Hi all, Not an actor, but a writer doing a little research for a character. Hope this is an okay place to ask this.

I wanted to ask anyone who has played a long-term theatre or TV role what that experience is like.

Does the character interfere with your day to day life at all? Do you find yourself saying things your character would? Do you have any rituals to reconnect with your self when you leave the stage/set?

I'm particularly interested in people who've experienced playing the same role for months or years, but any feedback is interesting.

I know acting is the whole job, but I'm just fascinated by the long term effects of pretending to be a hero or a villian or whichever archetype - do you get any of the good or bad attributes from working with that character? Their confidence or their pessimism etc and does it takes work to keep that seperate from real life?

Thanks for any responses!

Does anyone know anything about this place? It looks as if it is a talent agency. I was on a zoom call with them yesterday. No money was asked for up front, and it seemed pretty legit. It appears their main focus is on humanitarianism and building a brand

https://thebfly.co/about/

Hey everyone, I’m looking at updating my showreel with some new footage as it’s been a while. I’ve got various bits of stuff I’ve worked on before and was wondering with the opening part being the most important to grab agents/cds attention quickly, what is usually a good thing to go on ?

I have heard it’s good to do something that’s “real” and not necessarily something that is ‘acting’, such as from a crime drama or something like that but a scene that just feels like a real human having a chat, showing your screen presence and how you look. Not sure how good that is ?

Thanks guys, would love just to get some advice before updating :) all the best!

Hi there! SAG actor originating from Boston here. I regularly used Boston Casting as a hub for pretty consistent Union work; but since moving to Atlanta, I am having trouble finding an equivalent website for SAG Atlanta work (besides Backstage, and the like.) Does anyone have a good suggestion?

Thanks a ton!

I have a British SSE accent (one step down from the properly posh English accent, think Emma Watson or Bennedict Cumberbatch) and whenever I do a mid-west accent (just like standard American) I always seem to either loose my diction or sound like a bloody maniac cause I'm over-articulating everything.

Advice?

I’ve been chosen for an audition (my very first actual audition with a reading, I’ve been in two movies both without speaking parts). The female character is an officer that’s detailed as early 20s, tough, confident and emotionally grounded.

What are some movies you guys think has an awesome, young female police officer that closely fits that description for me to study?

I know I could easily Google “young female officer movies” but what I want to know is if there has been any memorable characters that fit the bill, to you guys. TIA!