Ask Joshua Young anything! He's an incredible talent and very knowledgeable about acting, ethical AI use, show business, etc. https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-8-5-to-8-6-Ask-Me-Anything-About-the-Craft-Business-and-Longevity-of-Acting
What’s the exact process for it, who decides it, stuff like that
hey, does anyone know what they do/how it works? i can´t find a lot of info online. thanks!
I think Jon Bernthal is an amazing actor. I know a lot of people say he gets typecast because he often plays the same kind of tough, damaged, intense characters. But honestly, I think people confuse a character archetype with an actor’s ability. I just watched *Punisher: The Last Kill*, and throughout the entire movie he blew me away. It’s not just the action or the anger. It’s the quieter moments. The way he carries grief, guilt, pain, and exhaustion without overdoing it. Half the time he’s barely saying anything, but you still know exactly what Frank Castle is feeling. For me, that’s what great acting is. I don’t care if an actor plays similar roles. If, while I’m watching them, I completely forget every other character they’ve played and only see the person on screen, they’ve done their job. Watching Jon Bernthal, I don’t see Jon Bernthal—I just see Frank Castle. Maybe that’s why I’ve never understood the “he’s typecast” criticism. If you can make me believe in the character every single time, isn’t that exactly what acting is supposed to be?
I’m a union actor currently exclusively represented by one agent. I’ve decided to leave and have an offer from another agency that I’m planning to accept. My current agent is reluctant to let me go, so I’m trying to understand the practical mechanics of the transition. To be honest they are giving me a hella of a hard time, and I am extremely shook up and need guidance on what is considered a normal transition and what I can do on my end to keep things smooth. I’m going to contact the union and major casting platforms for official guidance, but I’d really appreciate firsthand experience from anyone who has done this. 1) what happens to callbacks, holds and bookings that come from submissions made by the first agent after you’ve moved to the new agency? If the old agent is no longer representing you or attached to you in the casting systems, who handles those opportunities and how does casting know who to contact? 2) Is there normally a notice/transition period between exclusive agencies, or can you move directly from one to another? 3) How quickly can the casting platforms be updated, and does the new agent typically handle that process? How long does and should it take to set up between reps? 4) Finally, are there any other practical issues I should be thinking about with existing submissions, auditions, callbacks, holds or bookings during the transition? I just want to make sure I understand the normal process and don’t mishandle any existing opportunities. Also if anyone has any stories you feel like sharing about difficult transitions and how you got through them, I'm game. I could really use the support.
I miss acting! The creativity on it, improvisation, stage school, reading scripts, reading plays - all of it. But I don’t miss the seriousness - auditions, booking profesional jobs (once in a blue moon!), theatre teachers who crush everyone’s spirit for the ‘sake of art’ and having to constantly be involved in order to stay relevant. The thought of making money out of this or making it big and quitting my regular job just doesn’t appeal to me anymore like it once did. So I guess what I’m asking is - is it ok to participate in acting but only as a hobby? Or is that really annoying for all the serious actors - us hobbyist kind of just there getting in the way.
16-year-old aspiring actor from Seattle trying to build a realistic path — looking for advice I’m 16 years old and I’m trying to figure out the best path toward becoming a professional actor. I live near Seattle, Washington, and acting is something I genuinely care about. I’m not expecting overnight success, but I want to take the craft seriously and build toward a career in film and television. Some things I’ve done so far: \- Written a screenplay (horror). \- Directed a short film with my siblings. \- Practiced monologues and worked on improving my acting. \- Taken acting-related classes. \- Done a stage combat/sword fighting workshop. My goal is to eventually build a reel, work on student films, improve my skills, and create a professional path. Right now, my plan is to do Running Start during my last two years of high school, improve my grades, and apply to acting programs. I’m interested in BFA/conservatory-style programs because I want serious training. Some schools I’m considering: \- Cornish College of the Arts \- USC School of Dramatic Arts \- NYU Tisch \- Juilliard \- UCLA \- Carnegie Mellon \- University of Washington My situation is complicated because I come from a strict Muslim family. My mom does not support acting as a career, and I’m worried about how my family will react if I seriously pursue it. I also have personal boundaries about certain roles and scenes I would accept. Financially, I’m also trying to be smart. I live near Seattle, so staying local could be easier, but I worry about missing opportunities by not being in a bigger market. My questions: \- Is Seattle a good place to start building an acting career? \- How important is going to a prestigious acting school compared to experience and networking? \- Would you recommend training locally first or trying to move toward LA/NY sooner? \- Is it realistic for someone with no connections to eventually break into film/TV? \-Is it even worth it? I would appreciate honest advice from actors or people who have experience with the industry.
When you’re thinking about joining an acting class what things are you looking for? What makes you say “no thanks.” And what makes you say “these are my people?” Years ago, I was in a class with a well known teacher, and after about 2-3 months I started honestly looking at my acting and the acting I saw in class. When I was honest I didn’t feel like I was improving, nor was I being taught specific ways to improve. I was given feedback , but no clear approach. And when I watched the work from other actors in the class, I started asking myself If I paid money to watch this would I want my money back? And 99% of the time my answer was - “I want my money back.” Anyway, I’m curious how you decide on a class and how do you determine if the class is really helping you.
For like, a Hollywood series for example. While it's a big production sure, they probably won't need the craziest experienced actors to just fill the gaps right?
So I wondered about this… Do ya'll include a headshot thumbnail at the top of your actor resume with your contract info, or no? Or is it a matter of preference? Asking because I’ve been in the business for more than 20 years, and the rules indeed change. Some say, yes -- but only for more independent castings like on the FB groups. No- for casting and agents- as your online profiles already show who you are, in the email or website submission, alongside your uploaded headshots. I’ve created the two different versions of my actor resume, with just my information at the top. Another version with the thumbnail at the left or right, my info neatly opposite and readable. As seen from other online actor examples. So, what do you think? The thumbnail headshot included only for independent casting auditions, with the straight info resume- for agents?
simple and sweet. looking for acting buddies to create together, similar to the thing curry barker and cooper tomlinson have going on! Let me know if youre interested. Thanks!
I'm just seeking some advice on my career and such. I've been acting in theatre since the second grade (I'm 23 now). I went to college, I've done multiple short films (student and independent), and I was a part of a national live event (NHL Winter Classic). I know it's a difficult time in the industry at the moment, and I don't live in a major hub (FL). I feel like I have good materials (professional headshots I got taken in ATL, a pretty full resume, and an acting reel of things I've done). Despite this, I've submitted to 30-40 agencies and have gotten nothing except one rejection. I'm trying to move to either ATL or Savannah in Febuary so that will hopefully open more opportunities for me, but I just feel a bit lost as to what else I could be doing. Unfortunately, my area doesn't really have advanced acting classes or tons of opportunities. I apply to everything I can on Backstage and Actors Access but rarely get responses. It's hard not to get discouraged, and I know it's most likely not due to anything I'm doing. I'm just wondering if there's anything I could be doing to either get seen more or better my chances? Or if anyone has insight on ATL vs Savannah, or if I should just move to LA? I just don't know what else I could be doing in the meantime while I wait to move.
Some stories don't begin with a scream...
Hi! Beginner actor, if you can call me that, here. I am working on a script for a class on Friday and I am in need of a reader. Would anyone be willing to jump on discord or something and help me out?
I've never acted. I don't see myself getting into it. But I often wonder random stuff while I'm watching you do your thing. This is one of those random thoughts. Bonus, do y'all intentionally pull your pants forward when your hands are in your pockets to make your butt look better?
ok so I did double and triple check the FAQ to make sure that my particular question wasn’t answered, so don’t hurt me. I’m a 17 y/o high-school senior and I’m looking into fully beginning my acting career. I’m not a true beginner, i’ve been acting on stage and been in acting classes since age 6 or 7 and am consistently involved in my school theater. Well, it’s time for college apps and i’m looking at what to do with the rest of my life. In a perfect world where I had unlimited money I would 1110% choose acting. But unfortunately my family is middle class and I don’t know if I can afford to be an acting major and not starve and die. So, at the moment i’m looking at getting started on sites before I make a concrete decision, just to have my foot in the door. I’m setting up an Actors Access account and I need to input a resume obviously but all I have is my highschool productions.Not to toot my own horn, but i’ve been in many of them and my school ia known in the area for being pretty darn good. But, can I even put highschool stuff on a resume? is that unprofessional or dumb? and in that case, will I really have to start with a nothingburger resume even when I have spent so much time and effort on my acting? I have never tried to audition for anything on-screen before now. Just school productions and classes as well as some regional classes.