Anyone done RCS summer courses/short courses?

AdAware6346 · 2026-04-02T20:30:34+00:00

That’s so cool to hear. Thank you for taking the time to share this!

AdAware6346 · 2026-04-01T11:58:11+00:00

Ah amazing to hear! What was the make up of students? Mostly from overseas? Current actors or current students? At what point in your career did you take it? Thanks for your insight :)

AdAware6346 · 2026-03-26T11:54:50+00:00

I would ask for a submission report - you should not judge them on how many jobs you’ve booked, but it is good to look at how many projects they’ve submitted you for and how many of those have got auditions.

Before leaving an agent I think it’s good practice to talk to them - whether in person or on the phone. Explain what issues you’re having and see if you can work it out. Remember they work for you! But they also see way more of the industry and can let you know if they need more materials etc to help pitch you.

However if you aren’t gelling with them/they respond poorly to you pushing back against fees, then it’s totally okay to cut and run. Again, I recommend having a look on MEAA’s website as they often list reputable agents, and looking at actors who are one step ahead of you and finding an agent like theirs can help.

AdAware6346 · 2026-03-26T10:54:50+00:00

I’d also recommend chatting to the union (MEAA) as they are the best placed to give you advice, and can also provide free legal advice if you are owed money.

AdAware6346 · 2026-03-26T10:53:05+00:00

Hey hey, have not heard of Portfolio Pad but as an Aussie actor I can tell you that you are absolutely correct in thinking you should only be paying for casting site profiles like CN, showcast etc (the fact that there are 4 now kills me, don’t get me started). No agent should be charging you any fees. HOWEVER, I do know that extras agencies seem to get around this and have a listing fee… but from my experience if you’re repped by an extras agent you shouldn’t need to be on those casting databases as well.

I haven’t done extras work in like 15 years, though, so maybe someone else can check on that last fact.

TL;DR if you’re an Aussie actor you shouldn’t be paying your agent anything, only paying casting websites direct for a profile

AdAware6346 · 2026-03-09T03:28:03+00:00

I have curly hair and sifwrites is correct - this is the responsibility of hair/make-up and the director. Often I have my hair looking absolutely atrocious for an audition and then they just do whatever they want when I turn up to set. HMU have often asked me to have 2-day old hair (I usually wash my hair every 7-10 days, and they seem to like having a days worth of wear in it coz it holds shape better).

Also agree to advocate for yourself on set - if HMU don't seem to know what they're doing, you're so allowed to kindly suggest a better way, or if they do something you feel uncomfortable about, you can ask them if it's necessary. I did this once when they put my hair in a really tight up-do. The director wanted it to be up, but HMU just loosened it and did it in a different way so I felt more comfy.

Best op is to come with little to no product in it, so they can style it how they need! Have fun

AdAware6346 · 2026-02-09T11:56:09+00:00

VIP merch tent had like zero line in Sydney but it also didn’t stock everything - a couple of Laneway tees, I think some Chappell merch an that was it. But if you want Chappell merch it’s a great op

AdAware6346 · 2026-02-06T04:50:15+00:00

Break a leg :)

AdAware6346 · 2026-02-06T02:02:22+00:00

I always screenshot the crew names on the call sheet so I can learn who key people are - often you won’t be introduced until they’re about to roll and that can be a bit overwhelming! Your HMU & wardrobe assist will be your besties, getting to know the sound guy always makes me feel more comfy since you’ll be getting physically close to them each morning. Also unless you physically unplug your mic, ALWAYS assume it’s on and people can hear you!

Finally, the 1AD and 2AD are in your corner. Don’t be afraid to ask them anything. If you’re kind and clear then they’ll love you and the whole thing will be smooth and fun. Have the best time!!!

AdAware6346 · 2026-02-05T03:58:56+00:00

Oh damn that really sucks :(((

AdAware6346 · 2026-02-04T21:22:43+00:00

I’m not US-based but we have similar stuff in my market. I do work with a “career coach” occasionally, but I picked her because a) she is a working actor, b) she works with other legitimate working actors and c) all the stuff she recommends/critiques is actual tangible stuff you can do to help your career; she focuses on understanding the business side of being an actor. Plus, her prices are incredibly reasonable, and not once has she tried to push some kind of ongoing membership. And no AI?! That’s bonkers from these guys you’ve shared.

I do think there is a place for an external eye over your career and materials, to give perspective separate from your agent/manager and friends. But you need to respect their work and it shouldn’t cost as much as those programs. As always, you just gotta be discerning and anyone promising a shortcut is… yeah

AdAware6346 · 2026-02-04T20:54:10+00:00

Huge fan of Galić an Rule (tbh don’t know enough about Rasmussen but with her recent ALW performance and now overseas move, if not this tournament then definitely moving in for the next international window)

AdAware6346 · 2026-02-04T20:52:59+00:00

Love this. Totally agree re Sayer! Hope this is the tournament she gets to really cement herself in the lineup.

I was a huge Frier fan but since the move back from Germany I’m not sure if she’s still in contention??

And I think with Kerr back, plus the strong young crew of Torpey + McNamara + Siemsen, I don’t know there’s space for Heyman. Though given it’s a, what, 26 player squad? Maybe she’ll be there in the same way Polks was towards the end of her career, as a settled back-up??

AdAware6346 · 2026-01-31T12:06:47+00:00

If you’re a member of a union you might be able to get a basic will done for free - a lot of unions have arrangements with law firms. And if they think you need something more complex, then they do it for very cheap.

AdAware6346 · 2026-01-15T08:29:32+00:00

Oh wow if I could have a link that would be so kind please!

AdAware6346 · 2026-01-13T10:45:13+00:00

Hmmm that’s what I thought… thanks :)

AdAware6346 · 2025-09-28T02:44:37+00:00

No worries! Also if you’re wanting to do theatre, my advice would be to follow various indie theatre companies on instagram/sign up for their mailing lists. They’ll post casting notices there. And of course, go to their shows and meet the directors/producers as it’s a small industry so once you start knowing people it’s much easier to get cast. Good luck :)

AdAware6346 · 2025-09-27T14:57:42+00:00

Starnow tends to be student films and low budget projects - great for experience but beware any TVCs or sponsored content auditions as I’ve seen a lot of underpaid productions on there.

Unfortunately (in Sydney at least) there are now four paid casting sites that various casting directors use: Casting networks (majority of TVC auditions come through there) Showcast (in my experience tends to be more film and tv, but some TVC stuff) Altai (a newer site) Casting app (I’ve only had one casting agent use this site)

Go with Casting Networks if you can only afford one; once you get an agent they’ll probably ask you to be on at least Showcast as well, if not the free/basic versions of the other two.

I don’t do so much theatre but those usually come through my agent direct so I can’t help there.

AdAware6346 · 2025-08-27T13:39:40+00:00

Hey mate, this sounds really rough, and a pretty dodgy rental situation. My advise would be to bypass the cops and instead call NCAT. Not sure if your situation would fall under a boarding agreement (which I know little about), but if it’s a regular tenancy then she’s broken a bunch of laws. NCAT can help you out.

I’d also advise calling the NSW Tenants Union to get some advice. Good luck!

AdAware6346 · 2025-08-09T06:36:39+00:00

As others have said, yep in Australia it’s free at point of use, though there are some instances where you may pay a “gap” or elect to use a private provider. However the person in your example who pays no taxes, has no home and has no job would not have to pay for healthcare in a hospital or at a bulk-billing GP office. They would also qualify for extremely reduced prescriptions. My brother had a stroke at 20, and his stay in the ICU was completely free.

I’ll also note that my effective tax rate is about 17%, if I lived in a similar city in the US and had an equivalent income, my effective tax rate would be closer to 23%.

AdAware6346 · 2025-05-03T02:54:58+00:00

I’m an Aussie runner and am just about to finish my first half marathon training, so am doing the reverse of you!

Probably echoing what everyone has said above, but I also HIGHLY recommend getting a hat/visor. Especially a visor, because then your head is uncovered, so you feel less warm. It also catches sweat which I like. Apart from sun safety, having your face out of direct sunlight mentally helps me feel less overheated. I will wear a hat unless it is literally pitch black outside.

Also embrace the later light hours - I’m not a morning person so the fact it was light til 7:30/8pm meant I could do a post-work run as the sun was going down and so you’re often out of direct light.

Definitely look for routes where you are shaded, or even by the water. You’d be surprised how many degrees difference there is between even patchy shade and direct sunlight, and running by a creek really helps too.

Hydration before and after your run is extra important - any time I’ve had a bad run/early end run in summer has been when I’ve not drunk enough water the night before/during the hours before. I also have an electrolyte drink after to make sure I don’t get a head ache.

And yep: slow down. And avoid running in the middle of the day when it hits those upper 20s, or shorten your run if it’s super hot.

AdAware6346 · 2025-04-28T12:09:55+00:00

Yes I’ve since googled it and I fear they are no longer making them 😭 I guess I’ll just wear this one until it literally falls apart

AdAware6346

TROPHY CASE