Hot Acting How-Tos

How To: Fake shooting a person with a gun for film

Adam from Chemical Reaction wants to show you a little movie magic. This video tutorial will show you how to fake shooting a person with a gun for your homemade film. If you really want to make it look real, get the most real prop gun you can get, but don't use a real handgun. Fake blood is a good thing to get from a Halloween store. Acting skill is the most needed part here... because you can't look like you're being shot unless you can act properly.

How To: Join a theater group

As Shakespeare said, "All the world’s a stage" – step on up and play your part! You Will Need

How To: Boffer sword fight with a short spear

Live action role-playing. LARP. LARPing. The battlefield. Boffer. Sword fighting. DEAD. Do these terms ring a bell? They should, if you're anywhere but heaven.

How To: Be Amazing at Improv Acting

Have you ever seen Whose Line Is It Anyway? Many people enjoy watching this show, where they can see people do comedy off the top of their heads. There's no prior thought involved and it can be a lot of fun to participate in.

How To: Shamble convincingly and act like a zombie

No matter how good your zombie costume is, you're going to need to get your zombie walk down to convince people you're trying to eat their brains. Walk, talk and act like an extra on Night of the Living Dead!

How To: Nail the cold script reading at an audition

Cold readings are the toughest parts of many acting auditions. Having to act a script you've never seen before convincingly is key to you getting the part. This video will give you some tips for nailing your next cold reading and wowing the casting directors.

How To: Take a great headshot that will get your acting roles

If you're an aspiring actor, your headshot is a vital part of your arsenal. It is the first thing that most casting agents will see, so it has to be perfect. This video will give you tips for getting the heashot you want, the one that will get you your big break!

How To: Perform your own one-man show

Talent show or theater audition coming up? Want to improve your street performance techniques? Looking to impress your friends and family by performing alone? A one-man show might be intimidating, but putting on a good performance isn't that hard!

How To: Sound Like a Biological Woman When Speaking

In this tutorial, we learn how to sound like a biological woman while speaking. There are many different techniques to help you speak like a woman, including going into falsetto. This isn't about getting the sound, it's about learning how to not speak with resonance. You want to focus your voice up in your throat instead of deep down. You probably haven't used the muscles for this voice, so using falsetto is a great way to practice. You may be able to speak a few minutes and feel yourself fal...

How To: Change Your Voice from Male to Female

This sequence of instructional videos provides a near comprehensive lesson on how you can change your voice from that of a male to that of a female. This video series is aimed at aiding transgender individuals, but is also useful for people who want to learn to do really great voice exercises and impersonations.

How To: Memorize lines by identifying the root of a scene

In this tutorial, we learn how to memorize lines by identifying the root of a scene. First, know the way you work as an actor and know the other people you are around. Next, know what the material is and what the scene is about. If you are familiar with what you are talking about, you are going to be more engaged, rather than just memorizing a line. Another trick is to write your lines over and over, so your brain will understand what you have to learn. Also, make sure you say your lines out ...

How To: Find the right agent or manager for your acting career

In this tutorial, learn how to find a successful agent that can advocate well for you and truly believe in you as an actor. Learn how to choose the right agency, agent and team to help your career. Hosted by a successful manager, this tutorial will help you know exactly what to look for when making this important decision.

How To: Maintain family & married life as a Hollywood actor

In this clip, learn how to raise a family and have happy relationships in the fast paced world of Los Angeles. The lives of those in the entertainment industry are often hectic and involve odd hours, so keeping strong bonds is hard. Check out these tips from Kathleen Cooke and keep a happy and healthy life amidst the chaos.

How To: Keep strong morals as an actor in Los Angeles

In this video, actress and producer Kathleen Cooke talks to you about how to keep your moral ground in Los Angeles. As a struggling actor you will be offered jobs that may challenge your morals, and by following Kathleen's tips you will know how to deal with them and establish boundaries.

How To: Get yourself an agent in Los Angeles

In this video, producer and actress Kathleen Cooke, offers advice on how to find a fantastic agent in LA. You won't find much success in Hollywood without representation, so listen to Kathleen's advice and make sure you choose the right one and how to impress them so that they sign you.

How To: Get a great, effective headshot as a Hollywood actor

In this tutorial, learn all about headshots from producer and actress Kathleen Cooke. Kathleen will tell you all about what you need for a great headshot that will work in Los Angeles. From what to wear to how to pose, Kathleen will get you started. Chances are the headshots you have from back home won't cut it in LA, so make sure you have a great set and carry them with you - always!

How To: Behave when on a film or TV set for the first time

In this tutorial, actress and producer Kathleen Cooke tells you how to prepare yourself for stepping foot on a television or film set for the first time. As an actor, you must be aware of the set and protocol. There is a heirarchy on every set, and you must know how to respect it. You must also learn the vocabulary - if you do not know what a gaffer or a honeywagon are, it's time to hit the books and study!

How To: Find a roommate when you first move to Los Angeles

As an actor, finding a roommate is important. Chances are, you will not be making much money right away and will need to save on the rent and bills. Also, having a roommate means you will have a built-in friend when you first move, as well as an (often) already furnished house to live in.

How To: Find yourself an acting mentor in Los Angeles

One of the most significant ingredients that there can be in a young actor's career. Mentoring helps you make great, smart decisions. If you have a mentor, or someone who has been through the same experience before, you will learn so much more and be better prepared to face life as an actor. In this clip, Hans Obma talks about the importantce of finding a mentor in the entertainment industry.

How To: Develop good habits as an actor

In this tutorial, actor Hans Obma give you very important tips on how to practice your skills every day and improve. You will learn how to make acting a daily habit so that when you are in front of a casting director you can stand up with confidence and wow them. Follow along and form some great habits with Hans.

How To: Know what it is like to move to Hollywood as an actor

Moving to Hollywood can be a huge change for some people. In this clip, actress Julie Crisante tells you all about what you can expect when moving from a smaller town to the big city of Los Angeles. Prepare yourself for the hustle and bustle..and the traffic with these tips and advice.

How To: Adjust to living life in Los Angeles as an actor

In this clip, actress Julie Crisante explains some of the hardships you might have when you uproot and make the move to Los Angeles. Make sure you are ready for the major adjustment you will be facing. Los Angeles is an incredible city - it is beautiful, the people are friendly and always fun - but moving as an actor can be difficult for some. A lot of actors wind up leaving in their first year when faced with the cost and competition. Stay focused and stay in LA with these helpful tips from ...

How To: Get a good agent to represent you as an actor in LA

In this tutorial, learn the difference between good agents and bad ones in Los Angeles to make sure you get the best possible representation. Actress Julie Crisante will offer you some tips to make sure you get the best possible agent to guide you through your career.

How To: Find a good acting class to attend in Los Angeles

In this tutorial, actor Shaun Pilkington offers his advice for choosing the best acting classes in Hollywood. LA is a town full of actors and there are many resources available, make sure you pick the best classes and become the very best you can be in your field.

How To: Sign up for the right acting classes in Hollywood

There are many different acting classes available in Los Angeles, so how do you know if you are taking the right type? Don't get stuck with a bad teacher, or learning the wrong method for your chosen field. This tutorial, hosted by actor Shaun Pilkington, will walk you through a few insider tips for choosing the right mentors. Follow along, practice your skill and make your Hollywood dreams come true.

How To: Find a successful, reputable acting agent in Hollywood

Are you trying to make it in Hollywood? You won't get very far as an actor without an agent. Most auditions are limited to those with agents only, so how do you get one? In this clip, actor Shaun Pilkington tells you about the various ways to find representation in Los Angeles. Follow these tips and you will be heading out on auditions in no time.

How To: Ace an acting audition for a film

Acting auditions are stressful, and are different depending on what type of project you are trying out for. In this tutorial, get tips from working actors on how to audition for a film or TV show. Learn how to work the camera, emote, and read your lines the way casting directors want you to. Follow these tips and break a leg! See you on the silver screen!

How To: Brand yourself and become a movie star

Whether you are an actor or a toothpaste, branding yourself is the best way to get yourself out there and noticed. By branding yourself you will be remembered. So, if your dream is to become a movie star and you think you have the skills and the look, check out this video and learn how to brand yourself into stardom. You will be signing autographs in no time.

How To: Become a film or theatre actor

So, you wanna be an actor? It's not as easy as you may think. Check out this four part tutorial from Josa Maule, director of the Montreal School of Performing Arts, and learn everything you need to know to become a successful thespian. Josa takes you through all of the necessary steps and offers plenty of tips. This interesting video is very real and honest, and a must see for anyone looking to get into the biz.

How To: Project your voice on stage

Theater acting is a fun and creative art form but it can be difficult to project your voice loud enough for the audience to hear if you are use to speaking softly. With a few exercises and practice anyone can have a booming voice.

How To: Audition for the Disney Channel

Are you a young aspiring actress? A triple threat? Many top singers and entertainers today got their start on the Disney Channel. In this video, learn how to get that audition with the Disney Channel... Who knows, it could be your big break!

How To: Prepare a Monologue

Make your own luck by having a well-prepared monologue in your acting arsenal. This video acting lesson will teach you some steps for breaking down a monologue into a context that will give you a better understanding of the character, allowing you to enhance your skills. Delivering a monologue doesn't have to be intimidating, so with a little prep work and the steps in this how-to video, you'll be preaching those lines in no time.

She was born a He: How to speak like a Man or Woman

Since Oprah has introduced the Pregnant Man, awareness and recognition of transgenderism has grown. Kandi here shows us one popular transition: from male to female. She's created a library of thorough voice lessons geared to the transgender community, but are in no way limited to it. Her lessons in annunciation, falsetto and modulation are pinpoint accurate.

How To: Impress a casting director

If you want to make it as an actor, you’ll need to get the parts. So the first step on the road to fame is impressing the casting director.

How To: Make a great audition tape for a reality show

So you want to be a reality TV star. The first step? Wow the producers with an awesome audition tape.

How To: Cry convincingly on stage

Knowing a few tricks of the trade will help you cry at the drop of a hat. You Will Need:

How To: Cross one eye or speak with an ech-ech o-o

Want to learn a valuable skill? Well, just watch this video tutorial to see how to cross one eye or speak with an echo.

How To: Build a character's objective for acting

Actor and teacher Benson Simmonds speaks on the actor's process that he teaches in this how-to video. This video acting lesson is about objective and obstacle. In addition, he remarks on the importance of the action. Whatever the objective, the actor needs to be able to translate that into a need and to express that feeling. Watch this video acting tutorial and learn how to build a character's objective.

How To: Boffer sword fight with speed tactics

The Knights of Gray brings you this video tutorial on how to boffer sword fight with speed tactics. Yes, that means being super fast for LARPing. Live action role-playing doesn't get much better than this.

How To: Be a funny clown

Want to be a funny clown? Learn how to use costumes, makeup, props, musical instruments, acrobatics, balloon making and more to make your clown routine entertaining and funny in this free educational video series on how to be a clown.