You already know Backstage is the go-to for any and all information pertaining to your craft. But now, you have the chance to get in on the action with the Backstage Community Forum. Here, you can engage with others in your industry, as well as teachers, experts, and, yep, even agents and casting directors. Below are some of this week’s most interesting new topics; drop a reply or post a new thread. Either way, fire up that keyboard and get involved right here!
How do you answer when a friend or family asks if you’re trying to be an actor?
“I guess when you first start out, people can kinda be a little funny with you when you first get into acting. I’ve been training in acting class for a few years. Love it. Have been in a couple small films, even made my own short film. Of course I have aspirations to be a regularly working actor, but it’s a process. It’s hard and not an overnight thing.
“Sometimes someone will see you and ask, ‘You aren’t still doing that acting thing are you?’ Or a family friend will say, ‘Hey, you’re just doing that acting thing for fun right? What was the reason why you’re in that class again?’
“The way they ask you about it seems kinda odd, though. They think you’re in some underground type thing and it makes them so curious why you would do something like that. If you’re not a Hollywood star overnight, they demand to know why you’ve been going to acting class.
“So of course, when you’re not established, people don’t exactly take you seriously. I’m just wondering what is the right way to respond to people? If you say you’re an aspiring actor and hope to get established one day, you might get ridiculed. But if we tell them that we don’t have aspirations, then that’s lying, too.
I’m sure you have gone through this, people always asking you if you got the job after you auditioned, etc., then suggesting you to do something else if it doesn’t work out. What’s your response to everyone? Thank you.” —Julian
Looking for a commercial agent:
“Hi All!
“Hope everyone is safe and doing well! I’ve just moved to L.A. and I'm looking to find a commercial agent. Was wondering if anybody could help me with that. Thank you so much!” —diyashoji
Résumé details?
“I am very much new to acting—as in, no experience in anything. What would I put down on my résumé? I have quite a few ‘special skills’ and online training. I’m in the process of making audio recordings and video reels to put on my profile; is that enough?” —IndustryBeginner
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