Being an actor can sometimes make you feel alone and isolated. You’re constantly on the go, looking for auditions, preparing for said auditions, and feeling rejected when you don’t do well at those auditions. It’s hard work no matter how driven and passionate you are about your career; having people you can talk to about the good and the bad of the business can be helpful.
Classes are always great, but what if you’re struggling financially, between gigs, or living outside of an area rich in acting resources? Online acting communities can be a helpful substitute when you need support, guidance, and even just a good laugh. Here’s how to start looking for one that feels right for you.
Know what you’re looking for.
Are you looking to connect with voiceover actors? Shakespearean actors? Actors in specific cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta? Actors who’ll help with self-tapes? Or maybe you’re looking for general support, or to take part in weekly readings on Zoom. There’s a virtual place for everyone. As you start looking, keep in mind that you want a supportive and kind group. There’s no need to join a community that makes you feel bad about yourself in any way. Acting is hard enough as it is.
Do your research.
It’s good to look for communities with ties to SAG-AFTRA and Equity. Be sure to read the account or group descriptions to get a general sense of what they’re about. Facebook still has some thriving communities of actors if you search under “groups.” Visit a few and see if they feel right. Check out Instagram and TikTok, too, as groups have formed around a mutual interest in various actors, casting agents, and teachers. Connecting with people there will help you find other communities.
As for Reddit, there’s a subreddit called “r/acting” that describes itself as a family of users who help each other and share interesting topics. Recent topics include “Headshot feedback” and “Do you send in two takes?” And don’t forget to check out Backstage Community Forum to discuss subjects like “How long do producers take to get back to you?” and “What can I do if I don’t have a video reel?”
Vetting and lurking isn’t a bad thing.
It’s not wise to join a group without getting a real sense of what’s going on there. Visit the groups and read their posts and comments. Take the temperature of the community. What kinds of people started the group and are members? You can do some Google searches to get a sense of this, or go to their profiles on social media or IMDb. What is the communication vibe? Are members supportive and respectful? Do people have a sense of humor? Are they trying to sell you something? Exercise caution. Run away from groups that are shaming or critical; look for those that connect to your heart.
Build it and they will come.
Consider creating your own content and building your own online community. If you take what you love and put it out into the world, you can start attracting others who you connect with. Create sketches, sing, do monologues, read poems, interview fellow actors, or share useful quotes. To quote TikTok’s guidance on how to build a brand (you are the brand!), build love and community “the same way you’d approach a new romance… be present, develop trust, be authentic, and put in the effort to demonstrate that [you’re] invested.”