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!
Help! Just getting started....
“Hello,
“My daughter has expressed interest in acting. She’s 15 and has taken several acting classes, plus she’s had years of dance and has a great voice (no formal voice training). She recently was cast in her high school production, but unfortunately, due to the times, the production was canceled. Where to start? I’m planning to get some headshots for her done. I’d like to think we could navigate this to start without an agent, but what tools should we have at the ready? Demo reel? Make from home? Follow here for opportunities/auditions? Would love some feedback for a beginner, thank you!” —KD7777
Free acting lessons:
“Hello! If you have the app Prime Video on your TV, there are some free acting lessons. I have watched a few from Stanislavsky to Nina Foch. Their techniques are very useful and I definitely recommend them for those who want to hone their skills!” —Theaterhippie
Singer’s rights?
“Hi, I’m hoping one of you will know about payment for vocals, etc. Years ago I sang the vocals on a few tracks my friend at the time asked me to sing. He wrote the lyrics and the music and produced it all but at the time I asked if he’d pay me and his reply to that was, ‘singers don’t get much’ and he didn’t pay me. I guess I did it as a friendly favor.
I’ve just googled the track and I’ve seen that he’s selling it on Amazon, iTunes, Napster, etc. and it’s on Shazam so there’s a good chance he’s earning quite a lot of money from my voice. I could really do with some cash having lost my job due to COVID 19 and having had to put my business on hold.
“Do I have any rights to go back to him and ask for payment? Where do I stand legally? Thanks, Leanne” —SingingSummers
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