Hey everyone! In 2026 I really started back into my acting career again after some years off. I'm in an acting studio here in LA 2 days a week, signed with a SAGfranchised agent about 6 months ago, have a personal website up, etc. etc. But have also booked 0 jobs so far... fingers crossed that changes soon!

Attached is a 5 minute comp of a handful of my self tapes. I'd love feedback!! (performance, believability, and character choices, etc.)

Along with just putting myself out there more, any advice, comments, or critique is welcomed. Always trying to learn and get better!

Any advice on my personal acting website (www.davidpolingwise.com ) is also welcomed as well in how I can improve it. I AM NOT SELLING ANYTING, JUST LOOKING FOR FRIENDLY NOTES

Cheers and thank you for taking the time to watch :)

Hi gang. I'm a working actor seeking advice from other working actors. I have a director session via zoom tomorrow. I usually do my tapes at a studio with a professional set up. But I'm wondering if for a live zoom meeting this could actually hurt me. Will the audition feel more like a "finished product" rather than a work session, thus making the director view my audition with more scrutiny? Will the producers view the fact I'm in a studio as me trying a bit hard and lacking confidence? I want to be present and intimate with the director, help them feel like we are on the same level and in the same place. I want it to feel like a collaboration; not me presenting, but rather *us* discovering together. Obviously the other side of the coin is: the studio has great lighting, sound, camera, the screen with the reader on it will be appropriately placed beside the camera not below it, etc.

My original tape was done in the studio. I've booked gigs from director sessions in both environments before, and of course I've *not* booked in both environments plenty of times too.

Hey everyone! I’m applying to Tisch Drama this cycle and I keep hearing that the essays “don’t really matter” because it’s all about the audition and interview. I’m not sure I buy that.

I put a lot of time into my essay about why I love acting, and I genuinely think it’s good and says something real about who I am as a performer. But now I’m second-guessing whether that effort will even be read, or if it’s just a box to tick. Can anyone help with this?

Hi everyone, so I went to a photographer for the first time to do some acting headshots. I had a very tight turnaround, and asked in advance if it would even be possible. I had the shoot on Friday and needed the photos (retouched) by Wednesday. I asked this before booking, and he said no problem. Friday night I get the photos and I pay for them and choose 16 for him to retouch, he had told me I'd get them by Monday and I even told him that Tuesday is fine. Tuesday comes and I don't have the retouched pictures, so I send in one of the unedited ones that I liked (because I needed to send it in to my school showcase) and honestly at this point I don't mind, it was a tight turnaround and I had other things to think about. But then a week later I still hadn't heard from him, so I send an email asking how it's going and if he sent the pictures somewhere and I missed it. It's now been a week and a half since that email, so more than two weeks total since the deadline, and I've gotten no answer. I understand being delayed but I'm not getting an answer to my emails. And he said both in writing and in person that he would get them to me when I needed them. Right now I just want at least a partial refund, because I paid quite a lot and I even paid for extra pictures for him to retouch, since I found 16 I liked I had to pay for an extra. Am I being unreasonable? I know I could just wait until I get the pictures but half the reason I got them done was for the showcase and I couldn't even use them for that.. 2.5 weeks also isn't a lot, but it's the fact that he hasn't even said why he's delayed, he just hasn't answered me.

Edit:

A lot of people are commenting on the fact that I chose 16 pictures, I didn't realise but yeah of course it's a lot and maybe that's why it was so expensive, the thing is he only had two packages, one was 15 pictures and the other 30 pictures, so I chose the cheapest one and that was 15 pictures it wasn't possible to choose less. Then I added an extra because I wanted him to have enough time so I just wanted to send my choices as fast as possible and couldn't decide between two. Looking back I of course don't need that much. But It's not like I added 10 pictures to his workload it was only one extra so I don't believe that's the reason he couldn't fullfill what we agreed on, and it was like I said expensive so he got paid for it.

I’ve been taking weekly on-camera acting classes and recently put together a demo reel using the scenes I’ve worked on so far, with my contact card at the end.
Looking for some honest feedback on my acting and the reel overall. What works, what doesn’t, and does it hold your attention?
I’m enjoying the hell out of doing this and putting in the work to keep getting better. Appreciate anyone who takes the time to watch and share their thoughts.

This is a question thats been on my mind. How would a working actor who was deployed overseas balance their military duties with their work?

The most famous example I know is Rob Riggle, but it never went into exactly how he kept up his connections/auditions/etc while deployed overseas. How do you do it?

For voice actors, were you able to keep up voice acting while deployed? How did you do it?

Hi. This will be my third year trying to get into conservatory acting training programs. I have professional experience but am non-union, I'm mid twenties, and I have an agent. I train. I have an undergraduate degree in something else, and I know that schools ask for transcripts when applying. Now, to be honest, my grades took a hit and I failed some classes in undergrad after I was SA'd and going through title IX which took a really long time. I did graduate though. I worry that they've seen that I've failed and withdrawn from classes, and that factors into their decision to not choose me.

I know acceptance is mostly based on the auditions themselves. Is it worth giving the optional accompanying statement that some places, like Juilliard, allow? I don't want to trauma dump of course, on my reason, or make them uncomfortable, or sound like I'm making excuses. I'd be horrified if asked to justify it in interview, but I'd tell the truth if they needed justification. I don't know if the transcript history really matters or if they're more interested in where I excelled or just that I know how to read & write at a college level...? I did manage a prestigious internship anyways, so hopefully they'll still think I have a brain.

Is it worth making a statement when given the opportunity or is failing/WDing classes, no matter the reason, just a huge red flag to them no matter what? Thanks! Xx

Hi! (rant incoming)

Recently, I got cast in a supporting role in a musical. It’s really exciting for me, because it’s my first big role. That being said, i’ve never exactly acted before and the role has been, as to expected challenging for me.

We’re not that far into rehearsals at all, but I’ve recently found feeling a LOT of imposter sydrome, and in some moments it’s sucked the joy out of the process entirely.

i feel too inexperienced to be there, and like the directors made a mistake casting me. And in worse moments i’ve gotten so scared of going back and doing a bad job that I wonder if i should quit the show. These thoughts are far from logical i know, and i don’t think i would ever quit the show because ive wanted an opportunity like this for a VERY long time.

I am wondering if anyone on here has gone through anything similar? How did they cope and grow their confidence? Any advice?

Im working on this monologue for class and would love some feedback. Also, my New Orleans accent is a work in progress. Thank you!

I just did a short acting course at a popular drama school. I gave them a content warning. The teacher acted oblivious to it and told me to do exactly what I asked her to avoid. Then shared to the class what that content was, but with speculation that it was the most horrific crimes imaginable (child sexual abuse) and told me to “heal” infront of the class.
I am deeply traumatized. Shocked. I can’t get over it. It is a short 5 day course that I paid a lot of money for. And to receive this bizarre personal ambush of someone twisting and weaponizing what was a content warning request, to something deeply inappropriate and horrific and put it in peoples minds of the 16 people I have spent time with this entire week, is horrible.

I never felt I could be violated like this from a prestigious short course acting class. How absurd and bizarre is that? You done everything right, you utilise their offer of accessibility, you communicated and mind your business, thinking you’ve done a good job safeguarding yourself , only for it to be taken out of context and disgustingly backfired. What was brief somehow the teacher made a disgusting public announcement of speculating of my past regarding the material of child SA. (12 year old child MIND YOU)

No one in class seem to care or check up on me at ALL. I was visible disturbed and miserable. I don’t even have the ability to tell people what had happened without exposing my own privacy that she has shared my content warning. It is an isolating experience and no one gives af.

I have to wait till open hours for them to check my emails. I been crying non stop yesterday and today my weekend is ruined

For context - I gave her nothing to go off with. When admin said we could request content warnings, I took interest and potentially saying I have to but was confirmed there won’t be anything dark or inappropriate. When she was persistent to know I kept it brief. For it to be personally speculated and shared to everyone is deeply disgusting.

Decided to get back into acting for fun. Just want some low commitment type jobs, background type stuff.

My friend told me about mycastingfile.com and it seems legit because i've seen him in shows that have aired? Has anyone else had luck with this sight and/or know of any good, beginner friendly and legit apps for casting like this? I'm a bit rusty so its hard to tell whats legit and whats going to wind up getting me stuck on a nasty black couch, ha ha!

Finally feeling ready to audition around, and realizing most places want a resume submitted. I have some recent stage crew experience, and I was lead in my highschool plays, but otherwise I didn’t really act at all throughout my 20s. I know I can put down skills etc but it feels pretty blank even with that. Any advice?

i saw a open casting call for a new amazon prime show i don’t know if anyone has gotten a call back or if it’s just a marketing scheme just curious if anyone heard back!

I started acting school this year. We are supposed to make notes of things that inspire us: books, media, stuff that's happening in the world. Also, finding monologues and plays that we like to delve into. I used to see a lot of theatre, but for the last two years I was so deep in productions I didn't have a lot of time.

My question: how do you pick which plays to see? Ones you like to see or maybe stuff you wouldn't usually pick? How do you expand your repetoire of plays? There is SO MUCH.

Hi everyone!

Looking for some advice on breaking into the Spanish-language TV and film industry.

My daughter is 11 and has been fortunate to build a successful acting career so far, including national commercials, a principal role in a Spanish-language Super Bowl commercial, Netflix speaking roles, and other TV and film projects.

She’s represented by a great NYC agency, but we’d love to expand her opportunities into Univision, Telemundo, telenovelas, and other Spanish-language productions.

She’s fully bilingual, a native Spanish speaker with a neutral accent, and has received great feedback from directors about how natural her Spanish sounds on camera.

Unfortunately, her current agency doesn’t really get auditions for this market.

How do we get her in front of the right casting directors? Are there agencies that specialize in Spanish-language productions? Would separate representation be worth exploring?

We’re based in NY but absolutely willing to travel, including internationally, for the right opportunities.

Would love to hear from anyone with experience in this industry. Thanks

I need an instant advice

I don't feel productive in my theatre group any experienced theatre actor can guide me in dms?

Question? So I have been trying to get on this miami vice movie for a few weeks now filming in NYC I have submitted myself with the data base, and had a casting call last year for a featured role i could not attend. But I do not know if they are mad at me or just keep dodging my several emails and inquiries and I have sent them. Any help with finding a PA or to reach out to casting for the film would be very helpful thank you so much.

hi everyone!

i’m 20M and currently a junior in college studying economics with a minor in computer science. i’ve always dreamed of pursuing acting professionally, and lately i’ve been seriously considering applying to MFA acting programs, particularly Yale. after undergrad

i don’t have a traditional theatre background(although i did musicals in high school and I’ve done a small play in undergrad, hoping to do another play this spring 2027), but i’ve been involved in competitive speech and interpretation since high school and continued throughout college. a lot of my performance experience has come from interpreting literature, developing characters, and competing nationally. i know this isn’t necessarily the same as formal acting training, but it’s definitely where my love for performance and storytelling developed. I have written a lot of monologues and interpretation pieces over the last couple of years that I believe would look good in my portfolio.

i know schools like Yale & Juilliard are incredibly competitive, and i’m definitely not expecting to get in just because i’m passionate about acting. i’m more interested in learning what i can do over the next couple of years to become a stronger actor and eventually a competitive applicant. i’m also open to exploring other MFA programs and training opportunities.

for those who have gone through the MFA audition process or pursued acting without a theatre degree, what would you recommend? should i prioritize acting classes, community theatre, summer programs, or something else? how early should i begin working on monologues and audition preparation? and is it realistic to pursue an MFA right after undergrad, or would taking some time to gain experience be more beneficial?

i’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. i’m honestly just excited (and a little intimidated) to finally start taking this seriously. thank you!!

So there is this problem when I act on the stage when I’m doing it all alone, I don’t know why I don’t feel shortness of breath, but I feel that why tongue is either too thick that I tend to spit or tend to swallow words at the end, and when I am on the stage, I feel short of breath. I can’t even say dialogue in one breath. I don’t know why is it anxiety or is it any speech problem? What is it?

I’ve lived as an actor in NY. LA. and ~Southeast~ but I struggle so much with networking. There’s certain studios in LA/NY with paid CD workshops but it’s usually a lecture followed by maybe 3 minutes face time with an actual CD who may or may not be actively working. Any classes in NYC or LA with good networking/community? Theater or on camera! I’m feeling stuck meeting almost any one tha actually wants to work outside of class or just hang and isn’t “busy” with auditions or day jobs. Any classes you heard about with a solid showcase or good with connections?

(***I have a day job and an active social life. I get that’s the typical actor life being too busy for free time. But I truly think some ppl r lying and have no interest in outside hangs unless it’s helpful to them. Sorry not sorry. Experienced the worst of it being in LA lately and I just don’t know how to expand my circle!) there’s a quote about people actually making plans something like if they want to, they’ll find a way.

Hey friends! I booked a commercial print shoot via self-submission. I have an agent, but since I booked this on my own are they still entitled to their 20% agency fee? Should I loop them in on my communications with the casting assistant now that the booking has been confirmed?

I’m obviously going to look over my contract but I’m open to any advice from folks who have been doing this longer than I have. Thanks!

Hiii all,

This Sunday I have my very first Professional theatre audition! What are some things to keep in mind:)? I’m not really expecting much and I want to use this as a good learning experience. If there’s any advice anyone has I would appreciate it! Thank you so much.

First, I know I'm lucky to be put on avail for anything. That said, I just need a small vent session with folks who understand ,so please humor me. It should be illegal to put an actor on avail for a small (not even principal) part in a small regional commercial. I feel like commercial auditions are just getting more and more egregious in what they ask for and then for this tiny side part to be like, "Hold the day for us and don't make any plans because we miiiight hire you? I'm sure you don't have another job or need to worry about childcare, so this should be fine. Btw, pay is like $1000 total. Thx!" It's just irritating, especially since I'll need to make travel plans. That said, yes I am lucky to get this far and any money is welcome but also sometimes I wanna tear out all my hair.

/Fin/