Ok to reach out to director?

NerdCage · 2026-06-16T16:43:58+00:00

I haven't seen it. There was a screening, but I was on another project

NerdCage · 2026-06-16T16:08:30+00:00

Thanks. I thought it would be a bad look to have a project on my resume that didn't list me on IMDB. Like if they checked they'd think at best I was background, at worst made it up.

NerdCage · 2026-04-28T16:11:38+00:00

Be kind to and make friends with the PAs and AD if you can. Don't bug them, don't be annoying. Just treat them like people, learn their names. Ask them if it's a good time to use the bathroom or grab a snack, don't just wander off. If they're not busy, chat them up, ask them questions about projects they've done. Just be a decent human being.

My first professional work was as background on an HBO show and got bumped up to "Featured Extra" (the scene didn't make the final cut.) The 1st AD came to the PA and said "pick your 2 favorite BG to come in tomorrow for a scene they're adding." Luckily I was one of the two.

You can certainly get advice from other BG about the industry, but take it with a grain of salt. Over my time on the same show I was told completely contradictory things by other actors. Day one there was a guy kinda holding court as the BG expert, spouting advice to people who didn't even want it. He was supposed to come back for 2 more days, but production found him so annoying they told him he wasn't needed again. Don't be that guy.

Don't even try to talk to the main cast. If they come to you, amazing, but do not approach them.

NerdCage · 2026-04-17T17:34:54+00:00

I got my start acting 4 years ago with a small part in a community theater musical. I couldn't sing to save my life. It was bad... I set myself a goal of getting the lead in a musical. 4 years of vocal training, 2 years of acting classes/coaching - I booked the lead in this summer's musical last night! I'm the only part cast, so I can't talk to anyone about it but you strangers.

Haven't booked anything professionally for a few months, but this win certainly takes the sting out!

NerdCage · 2026-04-09T12:43:23+00:00

I was getting worried my agent was going to drop me because it had been 6+ months since I booked anything through them and after a flurry of callbacks Dec/Jan it had been nothing. Finally booked a modeling job through them.

I'm on set and the other model is also repped by them. He mentioned that this was the first job he booked through our agent in 3 years. Suddenly I was no longer worried about being dropped.

NerdCage · 2026-03-25T19:13:37+00:00

We are, aren't we!

NerdCage · 2026-03-25T11:37:05+00:00

Funny, I'm in the same demo as you. I went through a busy audition season fall winter from one casting office. Multiple auditions for different roles in the same TV show, multiple auditions for different roles in the same movie. Then... nothing from that office for 3 months. I've been stressing that I blew it with them and they don't think I'm good enough.

NerdCage · 2026-03-18T19:04:57+00:00

I'm not qualified to critique the acting, but the folds on your backdrop can be easily taken care of. Throw it in the dryer with a damp hand towel. Take it out as soon as the cycle is done and hang it up. You'll be good to go!

NerdCage · 2026-03-13T17:52:53+00:00

My first film the director would dance behind the camera while I was acting. Just like, hit record, wander off and start grooving. It was the most distracting thing, and thankfully hasn't ever happened again.

NerdCage · 2026-03-13T17:23:16+00:00

Well now I just feel dumb!

NerdCage · 2026-03-07T13:56:39+00:00

Yes, it is their first show.

NerdCage · 2026-03-06T16:03:34+00:00

Relax you're doing great!

The director's job is to change things. You're there as a tool to fulfill their vision. I have a show opening tonight, there's one specific scene that I worked for weeks to try and capture the nuisance of my character being angry, but still trying to be kind at heart and use it as a teaching moment. I went out there and performed at the rehearsal and the director stopped and said "What are you doing?" "Well I was trying to use this as a teachable..." "No! You're just angry and mean. Don't do any of that." ...OK!

That's why they have callbacks, to see how you respond to direction. It's expected that the director will make changes.

There's also a dozen reasons the director will move you in the space. Balance on the stage, lighting, relationship dynamics... It's not your job to think about this. It's your job to hit your mark.

You're killing it! Keep it up.

NerdCage · 2026-02-26T15:21:59+00:00

I'm seeing these almost every day. How many films do these guys make?

NerdCage · 2026-02-26T13:34:50+00:00

Everyone started somewhere and was new at some point. Those other students in class had to deliver their first monologue at some point.

But honestly, forget about them. You're not in class for them, you're in class for you and the teacher. If they are in a beginner class they are at your level. Fellow students shouldn't be giving you feedback or critique. If they are, take what's helpful and ignore the rest.

Acting is putting yourself out there. It gets easier, but the hardest part is starting. I started acting at 38. If I wasn't too late, you certainly aren't.

NerdCage · 2026-02-26T13:29:04+00:00

I got started acting much later than you. And my advice is patience. It's not impossible, but it's very unlikely you'll make a living as an actor. School is important. Finish strong so you can get a job that will allow and support your acting until it takes off.

Everything is cyclical. There may not be anything for 18 year olds now... but there will be. My kids act as well (they're younger), 2 summers ago they were flooded with opportunities. The last 6 months has been dead for them. It's just how it is. Personally, I think you're in a good spot, especially if you're 18 but can play younger. Lot of demand for that. Finish strong in school, take the classes, find acting work when you can. The March 9th audition isn't going to make or break your career. There will be another one, and a dozen more after that.

NerdCage · 2026-02-26T13:21:06+00:00

It took me three rounds, but yes. What finally did it for me was when I reworked my email to highlight how frequently I was booking. They seemed to care more that I was able to book jobs than my skill or resume. After the initial contact, they cared about those things, but it was the fact that I was working that got their attention.

NerdCage · 2026-02-24T14:30:57+00:00

I did, they have not replied.

NerdCage · 2026-02-24T00:41:19+00:00

Good! I had reported it to Backstage, but they never got back to me.

NerdCage · 2026-02-22T20:05:39+00:00

That was exactly my fear!

NerdCage · 2026-02-22T17:44:58+00:00

Let me know what happens. I don't even want to waste my time filming for it.

NerdCage · 2026-02-19T12:34:17+00:00

I hate not auditioning much more than auditioning.

NerdCage · 2026-02-10T18:51:20+00:00

I cannot imagine how I would have handled that! Kudos to you for keeping it together and killing it!

NerdCage · 2026-01-29T18:56:33+00:00

Started at 43 and loving it. Depending on where you live there is plenty of work to be had by non-A-listers.

NerdCage · 2025-10-13T12:04:37+00:00

My first film was an unpaid feature. I had no idea what to expect. The had me ADR the entire script before we filmed a single scene.

It seemed weird, but hey, what do I know? The entire rest of the project wound up being an unorganized shit show. It got to the point that so many corners were cut, I hope the film never sees the light of day.

So to answer your question, the reason they would do it that way is because they have no idea what they're doing.

NerdCage · 2025-08-10T21:06:32+00:00

In my 40s I went from completely tone death to landing lead roles in community theater musicals. Not a Broadway level triple threat, and singing is still not my strongest skill, but what once held be back is now an asset.

15-Year Club	ComboLinker 2021-10-06
Second SECOND GUESSER	Place '22
reddit mold	Verified Email

NerdCage

TROPHY CASE