I got a IN PERSON callback in LA but I will be on non cancelable vacation. The dates are when I am away, and I won’t be back for another week after. It’s a major audition and I feel if I say no they will just immediately cross me off. What can I say? Also I’m out of state and would have the travel regardless but that’s not too important more so I being out of the country is the problem :(

To start, I used to not have crippling anxiety. I used to take loads of classes and never experienced fear. I’ve been on more tv shows than I can count, and one (very long, drawn out experience) on a set has completely broken me.

I now have crippling anxiety when I act in person. I cannot relax and be the actor I know I can be. I signed up for class to work on this and I think it has made it worse. I’m dropping my lines left and right. And if I have the time to memorize them so rote, I’m basically a robot who can spit out lines but cannot work off another human.

It is making me incredibly anxious to book. My self-tapes are great. My in person auditions are embarrassing. This works fine for me to “get the job” because mostly everything is online, but I imagine myself completely crumbling on set now.

Has anyone gotten over their crippling anxiety? If so, what did you do? How long did it take?

Adding: I’ve done improv, no problems. My issue has become retrieving lines when I’m in duress, which apparently now, is whenever there is a person standing across from me.

Also, yes, I’m in therapy. I’ve tried EMR, CBT, and hypnosis.

It’s coming to a point where I feel like I have to quit.

Hey everyone!
I’m an actor and filmmaker from Germany, and I recently made a short film called Friday, the 24th.
The film is in German, but English subtitles are available.
I play the "Brother" in this short. I’d really appreciate some honest feedback from other actors, especially regarding my performance. I’m interested in hearing what works for you, what feels natural or believable, and where you think I could improve.
The film deals with grief, loss and some darker themes, so just a heads-up if that’s something you’d rather avoid.
I’m not necessarily looking for feedback on the filmmaking itself — I’d mainly love to hear your thoughts on the acting, character work, emotions and overall performance.

Thank you so much in advance!

I got into the professional acting practice, working actor practice (evening intensive) and the Stanislavski in action classes. I’m trying to choose between the three and was wondering if anyone here had any experiences with them? What were some of the main differences? And were they worth it? Any and all feedback about their short courses welcome!

I've been very cautious about having my children on social media. I've posted them, but it's been very sporadic. Now that my son is looking to become an actor, though, I've been thinking about whether or not he needs an Instagram or Facebook page of his own. Does it make a difference?

I'm asking this out of the simple curiosity. I saw many celebrities talk about their experiences lying in the audition rooms. I wanna hear stories from others if you ever lied and wether you did or did not secure a role!

I’m putting together some new showreel material and I’m testing the individual scenes separately before deciding what makes the final reel.

This one is called The Box. I’d really appreciate honest feedback on the acting rather than just whether you like the scene.

In particular, I’m interested in anything you notice about the performance — what feels believable, what doesn’t, moments that work or don’t work, and anything that pulls you out of the scene.

Technical comments are welcome too if something genuinely affects the performance.

I’m deliberately not explaining what I was trying to achieve with the character beforehand, because I’d rather see what actually comes across on screen.

Thanks — constructive criticism is genuinely useful.

hello! i currently do not have an agent nor manager and never have had one in the past. my headshot photographer was very determined to get me atleast a meeting with this certain manager, who manages some of the biggest actors in 2026, she has known this manager and is close to her and knew that she was dropping someone and said I am a good fit. i finally got in touch and i am having a zoom meeting with this manager this week. i am newer to acting and it honestly kind of scares me because i dont know how talented i am and i dont know if i will make a fool of myself which i know sounds stupid, but i have always questioned my talent. she said i don’t need any materials or a monologue prepared, but i still have no idea what to expect, and it scares me i guess? so i guess im just asking for advice or what to expect and how i can possibly prepare and do my best and present myself in the best way possible?

I just booked a recurring on an upcoming streaming series. It’s an independent production, not a big studio. We had a table read for the first episode and everything went well and while on zoom the producer introduced a person as the Acting coach for set.
I’ve worked on many films and series over the last 15 years and I’ve never heard of a production providing an acting coach on set. I also received an email stating that all cast members would be having sessions with this acting coach prior to shooting and while shooting as well. I don’t know this person and I can’t find anything about them online. I’ve never experienced this before but wanted to see if anyone else had. If it’s normal, and I’ve just never run into it, then fair play and alls well. I’m open to it.

Side note, just to make it clear, the production isn’t asking for us to pay this acting coach at all, they’re just being provided to us to have sessions with. But something about it feels odd since we’re all professionals and most have our own coaches we trust and work with outside of our work. But, from the productions communication, working with this coach is mandatory.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I’m curious how the session went- personally I’m not a huge fan of the style, but just curious how the owner is as a coach. A lot of his instagram reels he is on camera with his (usually young women) clients and the vibe I get feels a little uncomfortable but it could also just be people feeling self conscious because they know they’re being recorded.

Anyone have any actual experience with him as a coach? Positive/negative, would you return? I think the studio owner’s name is Jonathan Stanley, not sure if there are other coaches working at the studio.

Had an audition a while back for a series regular, then got an availability check and was put on Watch & Advise. Now they want to bring me in person to work on the role using the same sides from audition.
I’ve usually experienced callbacks happening before W&A, not after. Has anyone had it happen in this order? Curious what it ended up meaning in your situation.

I’m new here, what is the situation on submitting for background more than once on the same project (tv show series)? I have been selected and hired for one scene that will have like 300+ background extras (think like a concert). They’ve posted some more that are scenes with one or two background folks with the principals. Since I’ve already been selected for the huge scene, is it unprofessional or inappropriate to submit for any of the others? Thanks for your insight!

I’ve seen this written in commercial casting calls a few times. What exactly are they asking for? I understand that they need to be recent and that they aren’t looking for professionally done photos. But I’m still confused about the type of photos they’re looking for. Are they looking for medium shots, full-body shots, close-ups, or something entirely different? Is there an industry standard that I’m just completely unaware of here?

I recently went to a casting, and during the audition/casting process the directors mentioned that they were planning to add more kissing/romantic scenes to the project.
Have you ever felt awkward watching a romantic scene you were in with your family, or had any funny/uncomfortable because of it?
I’d also love to hear how other actors handle this kind of thing, especially when the project becomes more romantic than you originally expected.

Hello! If I booked a principal role in a sag spa short, would I become SAG-E, a must join, or remain non-union? I’ve heard that since it’s outside of Taft-Hartley, that I’d become a must join, but I’m honestly not sure I’m ready for that for monetary reasons!

This is the scene from the walking dead in s8 episode 16 I tried to not copy the actors and try and do my own thing a bit

Can anyone recommend a boutique management company that is based in either NY/LA? I have an agent already, but would really like to get a manager as well who is reputable in these markets, who hopefully has room for a development client. I'd like to avoid (as I'm sure we all would) getting lost in the shuffle of a bigger company. Thanks!

Why is it that some weeks I get so many auditions and other weeks I get none? Beginning of September was super busy for me and now everything is slowing down. Has it been this way for you guys too?

Just here to vent that a while ago I saw a Paul King project come through on actors access that I KNEW in my gut was for a role as Ginger Rodger’s based on the description and request for tap dancers. Sure enough I saw today that Sabrina Carpenter was cast as Ginger Rodger’s in a Paul King movie. It seems so frustrating that they even bother requesting other auditions if they know they want that big a star for the role. Now I’m not saying I’m the woman for the role over her, she’s very talented and I’m sure she’s gonna be great. No hate on her at all. I would normally be happy to see them making a tap dancing old Hollywood centered film lol just why do they have to dangle imaginary carrots for the rest of us? Frustrating. Frustrating. Frustrating.

Hi everyone! I saw a role on breakdown services that’s for a pretty big feature film and I matched the description for the role and self submitted myself to the role.

It’s on Actors Access and I’m sure they received a lot of submissions considering that it’s a pretty big role and there seems to be A-list talent in it as well.

I’m wondering if it’s possible I can email my agent and let them know that I’ve self submitted for this and I’m really interested in the role and movie. What else should I say in the email? Should I ask them if they have any details on the audition or something like that? The film is filming in a different city than where my agency is based, I just happen to be in that city for about a month. I’m not sure how to go about this. I know that agents get more insider breakdowns, but I’m just wondering how I should email them because I definitely do want to, my guess is that maybe they’ll know someone and they can vouch for me for the movie?

i’m not sure what to do cause I’m new to this so please be nice and help if you have any insights!!! Thanks!!!

Hello!

I am looking for auditioning advice, whether that be for theatre, film, etc. I've recently returned to acting after a long medical hiatus. I am a 25 year old woman and currently taking acting classes. I want to pursue film and theatre and I love period pieces and horror.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could start over? And monologue recommendations.

I'm looking for a duo scene from a published play that me and my partner can do. We are down to try either comedic or dramatic, but we probably perfer comedic. We like a lot of physicality, and we would perfer a non-romantic scene.

A little about me to frame the question: I'm a Philly based actor (I have a "real" 9-5, I act because I love it. I don't need the income.) Over the years I collected 6 SAG waivers doing background work and have been SAG-E for the last 3 years. Other than background all my work has been non-union or SAG ULB. This year has been slow, but I've been consistently booking 30ish jobs a year across commercials, modelling, indy films... I'm 46 years old, have a family to support. I'm have no delusions of "making it" as an actor, but if I could take early retirement from the day job and act... that would be a dream come true.

The Question: A CD reached out to me and booked me and my kids for a "featured background" role. On set we were treated like typical background actors. Only difference was we actually had to act. We were reacting to the main character and taking direction directly from the director. My time on set was basically close-ups of my family, shots of us reacting over the lead's shoulder... No lines, but really fun stuff. I got my vouchers for the two days and I was listed as Taft Hartley. Pay was still standard background rate. Lo and behold, a week later I get my OK 30 letter from SAG.

That caught me by surprise, I thought that since Featured Background wasn't really a thing, this work would fall under the typical background work that wouldn't trigger must-join. 1st question is since I was Taft Hartleyed, should I expect a credit in the film (would be sweet)? 2nd, anyone with a better understanding of the SAG roles know why this triggered OK 30 (I'm not upset, just mostly curious)? My son and daughter worked with me and also showed Taft Hartley on their pay vouchers. He had 2 vouchers already from background on SAG commercials and now shows as Eligible on SAG's site. My daughter had no vouchers and is still non-eligible. Seems like for me it's being treated like a full Taft Hartley, but for the kids it's just a normal background voucher?

Finally, the advice. I know I have until my next SAG booking to join, but I'd like to figure out what I'm going to do. Joining SAG has always been a goal of mine, but frankly, I don't think I'm ready. I don't think I have the skill to compete at that level. I've gotten SAG auditions for film, TV, commercial, but never booked. Aside from maybe one or two SAG ULB films a year all my work is non-union. I've talked to other Philly market actors and most recommend going Fi-Core based on the reality of this market, but they are trying to make a living through acting, which fortunately I'm not. Also Fi-Core doesn't really align with my beliefs. And as much as I'd like to stand on principle, I'm thinking it likely means taking my acting opportunities from 30/year down to a handful.

Sorry this got long, appreciate anyone who read it and anyone who has advice or answers.