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!
New with no experience…
“Where do I start? Since I was 20, I have been working my butt off, but I feel like I am getting nowhere financially. I am 34 and have my bachelors degree in business administration, which I was late getting. I worked my butt off and graduated from college this spring. I love being a student coordinator for a private college where I live, but it doesn’t make me happy. Financially, I am stressed and have been since living at home where my parents had nothing. I love acting and always have dreamed of making it a career. I love being around people and observing every actors’ talent. I like learning from other people and showing the abilities that I have. I learn quickly and hope for a chance to show it in this industry. I feel I have talent in the acting world and I am hoping I will get an opportunity to make a dream of mine come true. Am I too old?
“I am in debt up to my eyeballs with educational loans and other expenses and I don’t think I can afford going to acting school. I also think that may take too long at my age. By the time I finish acting school, I feel like it will be too late. I am willing to work hard, push myself, and find ways to become a great actor. I live in New York and I am looking to move to California. Only thing stopping me is living expense. Currently, I make $35,000 a year. It’s hard to pay bills, loans, and credits and saving to move to California is hard. Is there a way for me to start my career here in New York, to try and make enough money to move to California as soon as possible? I was hoping to do it in the next year. I wish there was a way to communicate and get advice from directors and famous actors, so I could know if I am trying to go for something that may not be reachable. I want to prove that I can do this. I know that I can do it. I am a successful person and I want to prove to myself that dreams do come true if you work hard enough for it.” —cilla101
Booked a television show, need insight!
“Hi! So I just booked a pilot a week ago, which has now had some new funding and an investor wants to do a full television show now. This has increased my pay rate a lot, and is now going to filming for months. Also, I am nonunion and the show will get me to become SAG. Is it time to start getting an agent or manager? There are a lot of contracts and things I am not familiar with and I feel like I need some kind of collaborative team to help keep me safe. And also, this is a really huge deal for any actor’s career. Should I continue as I am or should I maybe start applying to agents? Thank you all so much!” —Meisner3000
What acting activities can I do everyday?
“Hi! I am trying to find acting activities that I can do everyday or at least every week. But I don’t know what. Only thing I have come up with is finding monologues online and filming them. What do you do? Does anyone have any ideas?” —FilmNerd
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