Wesam Keesh: Actor in Los Angeles, California.

http://danereidmedia.com/2014/06/09/dane-reids-top-10-voiceover-websites/ If you have a good studio, sometimes you can record jobs for projects without having to go anywhere! Recording equipment is very affordable nowadays.

Anita there are sites online. I work with a coach and he has directed me to Voice123.com and voices.com. Get demo, get your own equipment and create a home studio. For me I needed some guidance to really find my niche in it. I don't have a strong skill for the 30sec spot but can do a movie trailer, book on tape or commercial pretty good. I have to practice everyday. You keep working on it.

there is a thriving market for religious movies, I have a director in my area that does nothing but religious movies and she has been very successful. I was lucky to be in two of her movies, she writes, directs and produces all her stuff.

Hi Joshua, thanks for the reply, I would be interested in auditioning for her. Do you have her contact info?

But then you are limited.

I did pay, I worked with a studio in my town. I paid $300, that included a selection of 4 scenes for me to pick from specially written for me. A production crew, and editing. We spent 5 hours, rehearsing, taping, and getting ready. For a final 2 scene demo reel. It was worth it for me. I do agree with Wesam that with technology you can create a well crafted and professional demo yourself, and you can work on other skills in doing so.

@Wesam – I totally agree. It's a great way to not only develop new skills to interact with your craft. Since I've started writing and directing I've seen my performances get stronger and stronger (it really forces you to grow and find faults in your skills). That aside, there is something to be said for working with a strong editor as at the end of their day – they have dedicated themselves to doing that job... hence why editors have jobs and a majority of directors don't edit their own films. @Joshua – Thanks for the feedback. That's pretty cool that you got to shoot the scenes just for the reel.

@Joshua A Jackson, That's an excellent way to set up a reel. Stage it all and put all your best attributes forward! Really cool idea! Thomas- I'd be happy to edit a reel for you if you're ever interested.! Let me know!

Welcome Seth! In my opinion as an actor for nearly twenty years and now a director for the last 15 I think it's very difficult to learn to act in films. A few like Jack Nicholson have done it but the problem is you don't get enough material (unless your the lead) to really work on the craft of acting via films. Therefore I always recommend doing as much theater as possible. I see you're in the SF area and I believe there's a decent amount of theater there. I'd throw myself into it - though at the beginning it will be a lot of no and very low pay. But completely worth it.

Hey Seth, this is Beth from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Acting to Introduce Yourself, as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!

Hello there Seth. I'm in L.A. looking for interesting non-union actors to be in my experimental film.

Great article and advice. I like the part about knowing your audience and keeping a acting journal for life. I played baseball when I was younger and it reminding me of the binder of stats we kept on hitters, where they like to hit, what pitches they liked. Except with this it is CD like to talk, doesn't like to talk, runs late, gives advice, expects you to be off book. Also the advice on how you walk in the room give the first impression. Auditioning is the job and to work as an actor we need to be good at our job. Thanks for sharing RB

What was interesting about the Matthew MacConaughey audition was that he was really responding and staying right in the moment. And regarding that notion, for me, Jimmy Stewart said it best - "There's no such thing as acting...only reacting." When you fully grasp that advice you're on your way.

Bruce I like what you said about interpreting and playing the script. Rick you are right, being in that moment and out of your head is key. The goal is not to act but to be in the moment. I had an acting teacher who pushed me hard on that.

...almost forgot... there's a monthly webinar with RB today. You don't wanna miss that! https://www.stage32.com/blog/On-Stage-With-RB-October-2015-Announced

Thanks for the heads up !

Hey Kenton, I know the LA market is competitive, but theres a lot of good VO work here. Have you considered doing your own web series to showcase your work?

Hi Tiago, have you tried setting up a Stage 32 Meetup while you're in LA? That's a great way to meet fellow actors and creatives.

Hi Shannon, I don't know what that is. I'll take a look. Thanks for the tip :)

Good luck Tiago

Thanks man- I told you she was emotional....

Great to see you here, Wesam!