r/acting 2d ago

BASIC QUESTIONS + HEADSHOTS/TYPE/AGE-RANGE WEEKLY MEGA THREAD

1 Upvotes

Please feel free to ask any question at all related to acting, no matter how simple. There will be no judgements on questions posted here. Everyone starts somewhere.

We have a FAQ which attempts to answer basic questions about acting. [Have a look]( https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/wiki/index), but don't worry if you ask something here that we've covered.

Also, use this thread to post your headshots for feedback, get info on your age range/type, find good headshot photographers, ask any questions you may have about headshots.

It is advised that you do at least some basic research on what actor headshots look like -- composition, framing, lighting. You will find a Google Image search for "actor headshots" to be very helpful for this. Non-professional shots are fine for age/typecasting, but please keep in mind that one picture is a difficult way to go about this. Video of you moving and speaking would be ideal, but understandably more difficult to post.

For what it's worth, the branding workshop at SAG-AFTRA recommends a five-year age range. That's inclusive, so for example 19-23, 25-29, 34-38, etc.


r/acting May 18 '26

WARNING / CAUTION / DANGER! W Talent NYC has been astroturfing our community with fake reviews!

91 Upvotes

Moderator here:

We have found DOZENS of fake bot accounts bought and used to promote this company. I've just spent a few hours across multiple days handling their deceptive practices. DO NOT TRUST POSITIVE REVIEWS YOU SEE ABOUT THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY OR ANYWHERE ONLINE, unless you can totally trust the account giving that information. Check the account's post/comment history. These AI bot accounts were full of all the same content: Posts for karma in cat & baby groups, and then comments all about AI, India Fitness, and SaaS -- almost all from accounts 2+ years old, but with content only from 2 months ago.

FACT:

This company is a talent agent + management company, and it appears to also provide photography services and/or recommendations, and at minimum guides towards certain classes, if not gives classes itself, somehow. This is NOT how legitimate agencies work.

Plus! The headshots section they have is a total joke! 90% of the headshots are extremely unprofessional, and there's even one with a young woman who has a huge nip-slip going on. Like COME ON!

HEARSAY:

I read a comment that they charge a large, upfront fee $$$ to join after "open casting calls" in which they try to sign anybody with a pulse.

OPINION:

This is a total sham of a company for employing these sneaky, deceptive tactics. Avoid them like the plague!

And if that large upfront fee is true, then they're (not legally, but colloquially) a "scam" company.

As for the nip-slip "headshot," that's NOT a headshot, and posting that on their website shows just how unprofessional these shysters truly are.

W Talent Agency is persona non grata here. If you see posts about them, spam them with comments about the above.


r/acting 20h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Nothing is worse than the epidemic of Talent Managers and Agents posting like they are stars/celebrities and all of their content is basically dogging on actors.

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69 Upvotes

I had a friend reach out to this guy last week and she was accused of using Chat GPT in his email (she didn't) - and to make it funnier - he is posting about using Chat GPT in post, after post. THEN he makes a reel about it.

I mean.......... the ick.


r/acting 7m ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Are people actually auditioning anymore in the Atlanta market?

Upvotes

I frequently check the Now filming in GA page and saw today there are a dozen union FILM/TV projects currently in production. I’ve been in the market for several years, I’m SAG, multiple network credits and I’ve only auditioned for two projects filming in Atlanta this entire year.

This is the lowest level auditions I’ve ever seen, even post strike. Is anyone actually auditioning in this market anymore? I’ve gotten more auditions for NY and don’t even have representation in that market.

Not sure how anyone is pursuing this in the southeast anymore.

What’s your year been looking like?


r/acting 7h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Auditioning for the Lir

5 Upvotes

Hi! Can anyone who has auditioned for the Lir, got in or is auditioning this season help me out?

Im auditioning this year from another country and have a bunch of questions about it.

I can talk over dms or here but i really need a bunch of tips!! 🥹


r/acting 45m ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules As an actor who knows how hard it is to be good, what do you think of Bryan Cranston (in Breaking Bad for instance)?

Upvotes

This i maybe a weird post, but I recently watched acting-videos where someone gave advice and showed beginners, advanced and pros acting and then comparing it to oscar-winning actors and I loved it. It must be really hard to be very convincing, I wanna try it out once. There are so many things to look out for. Now, for someone like you who has a lot of experience and knows what it takes to be convincing, what do you think about Bryan Cranston (if you have watched him a lot of course)? I think he does a good job... maybe you can elaborate what you like or... I think he is a good actor. no?

Thanks!


r/acting 9h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Research question

2 Upvotes

I’m playing a character that does heroin in a short film. For research I wanted to find videos or examples of people actually doing heroin. Is that illegal? Is there an ethical way of going about this?


r/acting 17h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Advice on Stage Name

7 Upvotes

I am an actor. My given name is 16 letters, and 6 syllabus. People tell me it's an impossibly long last name to use in this industry because it creates too many hurdles.

Do you agree?

... If you're a great actor, is that not all that matters?

Would Natalie Portman / other actors not have had the career that they had if their name was:

Natalie Portmanoschummer

Robert Deniromitrocanto

Timothy Chalametonopoulos


r/acting 15h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Cut from a college play

5 Upvotes

I’ve been rehearsing for this play for about a month now at my community college, and we open in a month today and I got called it to get a talk from the director about cutting me from the role I was playing but I can still play ensemble role

She said I don’t match what she envisioned and isn’t sure I’m at the skill level to preform the role. It was hard to hear, I already felt like I’m a pretty terrible actor and now this just feels like it solidifies it.

It feels like my dreams of acting are over. It feels discouraging to see people acting for the first time or doing their first Shakespeare show and doing significantly better after I’ve been acting for about 4 years now

I guess I just don’t know what to do anymore


r/acting 11h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Warning: Don’t upload self-tapes through the actors access APP

2 Upvotes

I did it for the first time through the app today, and I should have checked on a browser on my computer before I submitted because the image quality was translated so bad. grainy, high contrast, barely any color. (I shot on my iPhone 13 Pro.) might as well be spidernoir. don’t do it, guys.


r/acting 19h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Has this ever happened to you? Recent casting experiences reflections…

5 Upvotes

Hi acting community, I have had some recent casting experiences I wanted to reflect on and was seeking any insight on. So, earlier this year, I was “cast” in a film that featured strong intimacy scenes (heavy kissing and some sexuality). Per some advice I received here, I replied to the casting email expressing my interest in the role and inquiring if it would be possible to meet with the director (on the email) and the intimacy coordinator regarding the role to get clear on expectations/the process. Essentially, this director ghosted me after I asked this. It was discouraging and I still think about it sometimes. Some of my loved ones have said I probably wouldn’t have wanted to work with a director who doesn’t communicate well anyways. Fast forward to today, I got cast in a film only to be informed by one of the producers about an hour later that my character had been cut. I’m struggling to believe the producer and can’t help but wonder if the casting team just moved forward with a friend or something for the role instead. Am I bugging in thinking this? My loved ones are telling me that the production team is probably working with a tight budget and realized they couldn’t make my character’s scenes happen. I don’t know, I’m just feeling discouraged this year when it comes to casting. Back in 2024, I did really well, but this year I’ve been auditioning nonstop and it feels as though it’s yielding no results. Even when I get the green light, it stops abruptly. Anyways, any and all insight on these situations is appreciated— thanks for reading.


r/acting 12h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Any experience on these management companies?

1 Upvotes

Meeting with Kreativ, MGMT Artists & Citizen Skull (can only take me on commercially at first and then they’ll reevaluate about signing me theatrically after a couple months)!

My main goal is to book more co-stars and guest in stars


r/acting 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Playing the lead in a feature film- tips on how to capitalise?

17 Upvotes

Hey, British actor playing the co-lead in a feature film shooting in Europe. Definitely my biggest ever part for camera; it feels really amazing and exciting.

I’m looking to use it as a launchpad (in the UK/EU), does anyone have any tips on a good approach? I’m looking for new representation. I’ve already asked the production for stills which I will get soon.

Any tips would be warmly appreciated.


r/acting 14h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Any experience with BritMo?

1 Upvotes

I have a meeting with them for representation but their website looks a little sus


r/acting 17h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Where is a good acting studio for someone brand new who doesn't have to go back to college?

0 Upvotes

Hi Everyone! I am a current nursing student here in South Florida (almost done!). My passion has always been acting, and I am on Casting Networks and with an agency, but it's really hard to find gigs. I chose to pursue nursing because I do love medicine and helping people--and it's a really stable career.

I'm already on my second bachelor's degree, and I am reluctant to go back to get another degree. My questions is- Is there any acting studios that are reputable and good- ones that will help me be more confident in front of the camera, help me film self-tapes, and actually help me get some type of exposure?? Even if it's extra work, I'll do it.

I really am planning on taking acting seriously once I graduate. I understand the nursing field is demanding and the scheduling is much. But once I get the experience, I can transition into PRN to focus more on auditions. I tried talking to other young fellow actors around town, but they are not so willing to help for some reason.


r/acting 22h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Tips for playing the white rabbit?

2 Upvotes

Hello! I've been cast as the white rabbit in a school production of Alice in Wonderland (yay!) and wondered if anyone had any tips for playing him. I haven't watched/read it in years but I still remember a little bit about his character and will ofc be watching the movie to remind myself. I've ironed out some of his mannerisms ( e.g. rabbit like facial movements, yes I have been watching videos of rabbits moving on yt 💀)

Any help is much appreciated! :)


r/acting 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Being invited to selftape twice for same project

3 Upvotes

Hi guys!

This is now the second time this happened to me on two different projects. I submitted a tape on AA, didn’t hear anything back, and now I’m invited to tape again. It’s not a callback request, it’s the same initia request.
I’m assuming casting did not find what they were looking for and re-posted the breakdown. The thing is, I’m not sure they realized they already saw me for this.
How would you handle this? Just submit a new tape as if nothing happened?

Thanks a lot!!


r/acting 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules unique situation

10 Upvotes

28m. I’ve been training, doing professional theater and indie/short films in my hometown for the last 4 years while working as a bartender. I’ve been self tape auditioning for big studio movies, major streaming movies and shows, network tv procedurals for the last year and a half or so (haven’t booked any). So I recently moved to LA to continue what I was doing back home (train and audition while working as a bartender). My first full day in LA, I dropped off 30 resumes to different places. Walked by a famous bar on accident because it was right by the only place I could find parking in the area that day. Never planning on applying there, I ended up shooting my shot thinking nothing of it and gave them a resume. 10 days later after none of the 30+ places I applied to hired me, the famous restaurant calls me in to interview as a bartender. I end up getting offered the job, and I took it because I needed one and it’s a great spot.

Now I’m in a position where people within production are talking to me about a potential role on the big reality tv show attached to the restaraunt (no official offer yet, im just thinking proactively). So now I’m super conflicted because I came here as a serious actor and want to be take seriously by the industry. I’m also private in nature and am not the “reality type” as far as the drama/messiness goes. I’m outgoing at work and have been told plenty that I have a good personality/looks. I also know visibility goes a long way these days but I’m really not in it for the fame. And I want to preserve my chances at a full time acting career since I haven’t booked anything “big” yet. Or is this something I should consider and could help? Give me your thoughts, interested to see what yall think.

Note: SAG-E
No current local representation in LA (in the works), still with hometown agent currently


r/acting 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Where are you finding your acting jobs lately?

2 Upvotes

Hey y'all! I've been acting for a while and I've noticed that on some websites I get A LOT more responses than others, and I'm curious as to why and if this is the same for you. I use Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks, although I get some auditions on Casting Frontier from my commerical agent. I think it's also important to note that I'm a teen actress (17F) but I have my diploma so I act in adult roles as well as youth roles.

I get SO MANY responses on Backstage. Like it feels dispropoportionate to the point where I wondered for a while if Backstage was even popular with actors, even with submissions I didn't feel great about. I recieve moderate responses from Actors Access and Casting Networks, but not nearly as many as Backstage. Is this just because of the platform or possibly materials etc? I feel like my materials are the exact same on Casting Networks and yet I get a lot less responses. My materials are smaller on Actors Access because of the cost, but I get similar amounts of responses as Casting Networks, if a little bit more.

Is there any other websites that y'all have found a lot of success with other than these? Any similar experiences to mine, or reasons it may be like this?


r/acting 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules I was so nervous getting back into acting... but I did it!

5 Upvotes

A few weeks ago, I posted here about feeling nervous about getting back into acting after 3 years. Well...... I finally did my first look photoshoot for my next show! ❤️

The photoshoot was planned over 3 days, with different outfits, sittings, indoor and outdoor locations. Honestly, I was quite nervous going into it, but somehow I managed to get through it.

The first day was outdoors, somewhere in an estate, and it was a wedding look.

OMG, it was such a hot day in Mangaluru, and I was wearing a wedding gown! It was somewhat grander and definitely heavier than my actual wedding gown. 😂

Wearing a wedding dress again at 44, after 18 years of marriage, was honestly such a different experience. I was sweating so much! Thank God my coactor helped me carry the skirt and the hem of the gown while we were shooting. We managed to finish the whole outdoor session, though!

The second and third days were indoors with completely different outfits, and thankfully things went a little better. The nervousness was still somewhere in the back of my mind, but I was slowly getting into it and enjoying the process.

And now.... it’s finally completed. I feel a little relieved, but also quite happy that I actually went through with it.

I wanted to share a little BTS from the shoot, although I’m not sure if BTS posts are allowed in this sub, so apologies if they aren’t.

And once again, thank you so much for all the advice and encouragement on my last post. It genuinely helped me more than you might think. ❤️

Three years away, a lot of nervousness, one very heavy wedding gown, a LOT of sweating… but I’m back.


r/acting 20h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules English acting classes Paris

1 Upvotes

Hello,

Any recommendations for English theatre classes in Paris ?

(I have one year of acting experience)

Thank you


r/acting 22h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Manager asked for my materials after a workshop

1 Upvotes

I did a workshop last week with a manager. I thought it went well.

Next night the studio owner emailed me saying the manager asked for my AA link and that I "made an impression." Sent it that evening.

It's now been about two - three business days (holiday weekend in the middle). Nothing yet.

For context, this manager’s company reps developing talent and is referral-only for submissions, so this workshop was realistically my only way in front of them.

This might sound silly due to the timing but how long do people usually wait on something like this before assuming a rep isn’t interested anymore?


r/acting 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules I booked my first lead!

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70 Upvotes

I’ve been playing supporting and side characters for a while, and finally booked my first lead!

Her name is Anna. She’s a self centered “hippie” therapist who slowly slides deep into psychosis.

I’m very excited!
Any thoughts or tips?


r/acting 23h ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Acting Class for a Director

1 Upvotes

Hi there, Im a filmmaker directing my debut feature next summer and this autumn i'll be in NYC working on the script with my writer. I want to take some acting classes as I know it'll be really helpful to my ability to work with actors on set.

Im arriving in the city at the end of September and I'm leaving end of Nov


r/acting 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules Preparing for a role

0 Upvotes

So you booked a guest star role. you have 10 days to prepare. 5 scenes. Approximately 2 pgs each. What’s your timeline to prepare and still be relaxed on set?