Me in an episode of Modern Family, which was my very first network TV gig!
I started acting when I was 19 years old. Since then I’ve been on network TV, streaming, and movies. Almost a decade later, I’m really lucky (and proud) that I’m now auditioning for the leads of some of the biggest projects with some of the biggest filmmakers and creatives.
Every time I talk about acting in my vlogs or IG stories, I always get tons of questions about the industry and career field. I’ve even been asked if I could do a Q&A, but I’d rather do it here than on IG stories where the answers disappear after 24 hours.
So…here it is! Ask me anything about acting, Hollywood/the industry, etc!
How has balancing acting and YouTube at the same time been? A few years ago you made a video about the frustration of having to quit your acting class to film/ submit content. Also, do you think someone trying to pursue acting should produce their own films online (like Issa Rae did with Awkward Black Girl) or get signed to an agency and audition the traditional way? I’m having a hard time choosing between the two.
When you are in a trailer that shares a wall or walls with other actors trailers, how much are you able to hear each other? If you practice your lines out loud are they able to hear you? Do you ever hear other actors practicing lines or talking on the phone? What is the general etiquette regarding trailers and practicing lines out loud?
How do you feel about the competition in the industry? I've never been to LA but I reckon it must be a looot of people trying to get them roles. So basically how's the vibe?
Do you have any advice or tips on booking roles, I’ve been getting auditions for lead roles within the past couple of months and I wanted to know if there’s anything I could do to enhance my chances?
I see you used LA Casting to find projects and eventually that’s how you got your agent. Do you know anything about the website Backstage? Is it the same concept/do you also recommend it for beginning actors with no experience?
Also, what’s the best way to go about getting headshots? Makeup, cost, outfits etc. And at what point do you find that step to be necessary?
How do you handle self doubt? I’m an actor in NYC, SAG and represented. I have an existential crisis at least once a month where I panic wondering if all the work I’m doing is leading towards anything. Also really struggling with feeling like I’m running out of time, and reps constantly telling me I need to look as young as possible in my headshots/ feeling like I have to audition for 17 year olds forever even though I’m in my mid 20’s. It just feels like a lot of pressure. Sorry that’s a lot, but any thoughts? Lol
Do you have any tips for acting in the NYC, Philly area? I’ve done some theatre so I’d love to get some background work but I don’t know where to start.
Did you have a reel when first starting and we’re they just short films, student films, etc? And what is your best advice when it comes to acting and getting that first role?
I’ve heard that you should always be careful what you say when wearing a mic because you never know if your mic is on and people might hear what you’re saying even when you’re in your trailer. My question is when you have to use the restroom do you take your mic pack off and mute it or turn it off? And does your answer change depending on if you are on set in the middle of filming a scene vs if you have been sitting in your trailer for hours waiting for the next scene?
Did you book Modern Family and other co-stars through opportunities from your commercial agent? (wondering since this was your 1st agent) Or were those from after you got a theatrical agent? Or were those from finding the auditions yourself?
How has balancing acting and YouTube at the same time been? A few years ago you made a video about the frustration of having to quit your acting class to film/ submit content. Also, do you think someone trying to pursue acting should produce their own films online (like Issa Rae did with Awkward Black Girl) or get signed to an agency and audition the traditional way? I’m having a hard time choosing between the two.
How do you balance acting/other work/life? I wanna act but I am very busy and I wanna be able to have a good balance
When you are in a trailer that shares a wall or walls with other actors trailers, how much are you able to hear each other? If you practice your lines out loud are they able to hear you? Do you ever hear other actors practicing lines or talking on the phone? What is the general etiquette regarding trailers and practicing lines out loud?
How does one get started doing background/extra work?
what casting sites do you use? and how long did it take you to start actually getting work…was it before or after getting an agent?
how did you sign with your first agent? and how do you think you got where u are today?
How do you feel about the competition in the industry? I've never been to LA but I reckon it must be a looot of people trying to get them roles. So basically how's the vibe?
Do you have any advice or tips on booking roles, I’ve been getting auditions for lead roles within the past couple of months and I wanted to know if there’s anything I could do to enhance my chances?
I see you used LA Casting to find projects and eventually that’s how you got your agent. Do you know anything about the website Backstage? Is it the same concept/do you also recommend it for beginning actors with no experience?
Also, what’s the best way to go about getting headshots? Makeup, cost, outfits etc. And at what point do you find that step to be necessary?
Have you worked in any movies in the past few years? Would love to watch 🤗
How do you handle self doubt? I’m an actor in NYC, SAG and represented. I have an existential crisis at least once a month where I panic wondering if all the work I’m doing is leading towards anything. Also really struggling with feeling like I’m running out of time, and reps constantly telling me I need to look as young as possible in my headshots/ feeling like I have to audition for 17 year olds forever even though I’m in my mid 20’s. It just feels like a lot of pressure. Sorry that’s a lot, but any thoughts? Lol
How important is having good skin for being an actor?
How is it possible for people that don't live in the USA find casting possibilities and opportunities in the industry?
Acting class recommendations in LA?
Have you done any acting in the PH?
Did you do theater growing up? How did you figure out your interest in acting?
Have you lived in LA the entirety of your acting career? Or have you tried pursuing acting while living elsewhere (outside of CA)?
Did you prioritize getting an agent when you started out? Is it possible to start anywhere in acting without one?
Do you have any tips for acting in the NYC, Philly area? I’ve done some theatre so I’d love to get some background work but I don’t know where to start.
Did you have a reel when first starting and we’re they just short films, student films, etc? And what is your best advice when it comes to acting and getting that first role?
Thanks!
Belle
What are ways to meet and connect with people who are in the production industry? How can I set a foundation or find an opening into that world?
I’ve heard that you should always be careful what you say when wearing a mic because you never know if your mic is on and people might hear what you’re saying even when you’re in your trailer. My question is when you have to use the restroom do you take your mic pack off and mute it or turn it off? And does your answer change depending on if you are on set in the middle of filming a scene vs if you have been sitting in your trailer for hours waiting for the next scene?
Did you book Modern Family and other co-stars through opportunities from your commercial agent? (wondering since this was your 1st agent) Or were those from after you got a theatrical agent? Or were those from finding the auditions yourself?
how did you get an agent?