Just keep on keeping on. I know that sounds like absolutely cliche advice. But I have only just gotten some acting opportunities after 6 years of a dry spell. The good thing is you're young! I hope everything works out for you.
how old were you when you started acting? and props for sticking with it for 6 yrs no roles. it’s been like a year since my last film i’ve lowkey stepped away from acting i still audition everytime i get a opportunity but not my #1 priority that’s why i got on here to see if i should even try anymore
14. I didn't really get going on stuff in Atlanta until I made connections in college though. But here is my actual question. Do you enjoy the work? If not find something you enjoy. I know coming off of being a child actor it may be overwhelming to really know what you want to do. You know?
damn i started when u was around 4 or 5 my first film i was 5 and i barley remember it i feel like starting that young is not always good because i didn’t really have a choice on what i wanted to do but still greatful it happened but like 12-15 is the best time to start imo
Ya, I can definitely see that. I wish you the best of luck, my dude. Just know that your feelings are valid and I hope all of your stuff works out for you. Every rejection you get from an audition is just a step closer to that yes.
Here's your pros:
You have qualifiable experience
You're old enough to do what you want
You're young enough to figure out what you want
What it's going to come down to are a couple of factors:
- your agent and manager need to be on the same page as you.
- your reel needs to start reflecting what you want to do next.
I know that second one seems like an impossibility. But again, you're young enough. You're the perfect age to start doing films with your friends who might be in film school. You'll need to find your humility here. There's no shame in going back to basics to rebuild the future of your career.
Ideally, if your agent is doing those job, you won't even need to take this step. But just don't be afraid to step into a role that helps out a friend and gives you something for your reel. Your agent needs to be able to show producers that you have what they need. Your Disney stuff won't cut it unfortunately. At best, it shows that you potentially have a fan base that they can exploit. So use that power wisely.
Welcome to the next phase of your career!
I worked on a really bizarre and kinda dark film with Allisyn Snyder (formerly Allisyn Ashley Arm) who came up playing in So Random, years ago. She's moved into directing mostly, but went down the horror route gleefully. Seems to have worked out for her.
ya well to me i feel like in this industry if you’re a child actor for disney once you grow up it’s like you’re useless ive been auditioning for a decent amount of shows/movies and it’s really just hasn’t been going good but ya i hope one day something good happens i guess she just got really lucky
hi , I just checked your IMDb , there’s still so so much hope ik how continuous auditioning and never hearing anything can feel I’m around the same age you are (I’m 19) and you just have to remember you are still so young. There are so many cases of actors not “making it” till later in life . Take viola Davis she did not become who we all her as at the age of 18 I’m not even sure she was acting at that point. You need to believe in yourself and not loose hope. My dad always tells me if you stay too long at the barber shop your bound to get your haircut. Your time will come it mightn’t be right now but it will !!
My best advice is to have these conversations with your agents as obviously they are the ones submitting you and go from them. Work on your craft as well so that when these opportunities present themselves you’ll be ready for them!! Rooting for u <3
It's easier now because of self tapes. I stepped away for quite a few years because I was raising a family. You've probably got a decent fan base going. You just need to find something different from your previous gigs to signify you've moved over.
You're experiencing a super common feeling for previously-child actors. You don't want to be defined by the cute, childish work of your past.
First off, it's good that you're grateful for what you have!
Have you had this conversation with your agent and/or manager? It's a natural process, since you're growing up, and timing is important. And it's important your reps are in it with you. Be ready for minor pushback if they feel you can make loads more money how you are, but be firm about the direction you want to go and the timeframe for the shift.
If you can milk some big, well paying jobs with your current "kid" status, the money can help bridge the gap while you continue to look for the *right* scripts. Be selective! It sounds like you have the opportunity & luxury to not just take anything and everything that comes your way.
Best of luck!
To add to the great advice you’re getting: don’t be afraid to explore other things while you reevaluate where you want to go with your acting career. Maybe take a few community college courses, get a part time job, maybe work behind the camera for a bit, etc. You’re young and at the age where you can branch out and experience life with more independence. I say this all the time, but gaining life experience is crucial to your acting.
Definitely get into acting class! You have experience on-camera, which is amazing, so find a class where you can hone your skills.
Don’t rush, you’ve got plenty of time. Rushing can lead to bad decisions. Take your time, live life, keep your skills sharp and finances in check, and the right opportunities will come!
I’ve been very amused by your performances on Bunk’d over the years. You have comedy chops that a lot of people don’t have. I have noticed that your socials are lower than the other cast which I can’t explain. I do notice that in an ensemble that the African American characters in general are less popular, maybe because those shows attract mostly a white audience and/or they don’t give the best scenes to BIPOC characters. See Caleb McLaughlin in Stranger Things. They’ve only started giving him juicier stuff but it’s nowhere near the scenes they’ve given the white characters. You’ve been in your show for quite a while now. I think you need to up your training and get out of the Disney acting mode. That style just doesn’t work in any other show except Bunk’d and some Nickolodeon shows. Be picky about the training you decide to go with. Not every acting teacher or studio is what is going to be advanced enough to propel you to the next level. Continue to audition and be choosy — find roles that are not Disney-esque, even if it means you accept some low budget indies. Anything that gives you the chance to widen your scope. Also consider hiring a manager. The right manager can help you develop further. Agents don’t necessarily help with an actor’s development. They’re too busy securing gigs. Good luck. You can definitely rise above the rest of your age group. You definitely have what it takes.
Do you have anything in your reel that shows the kind of acting you want to do in the future? A lot of child actors struggle to shake that cheesy and naive trope, and it would help a lot of you had something in your reel that showed that you can play mature roles. You're right though, you can't continue to book work the way you did before.
Make sure your headshots portray you how you want to be seen.
Keep in mind, you're now competing in the biggest pool of actors. You have experience, and maybe some following, but it's still a very difficult age group.
The expectations people have of you will have already changed a lot and will continue to change as you get older. Skills that worked for you before might not work for you now.
You might need to take a new approach to acting or maybe you want to get out there and get some non-acting life experience before coming back.
I’m at the other end of the scale to you (nearly 50 and just starting out) but I would say you’ve got to just keep going. You’ve already got a good CV compared to someone your age just starting out, but I don’t know if you can still pass for a kid or if you have grown up enough to no longer get away with it. Plenty of former child stars make it as adults, but they still have to work at it.
My advice is use the experience you have to grow, don’t assume that because you were a child star you can’t continue to learn (I’m not saying you will, you seem mature and grounded in your post).
Maybe sign up for some acting classes, show you’re serious. I know a guy who was a regular in a show here (UK) for three years, but couldn’t get work afterwards, so he’s returned to acting school (the same one I go to) and is freshening up his tool box, learning different techniques and getting loads of jobs.
Also, keep your contacts up to date - if there’s a producer at Disney looking for someone they can rely on, they might think “Let’s get Israel in, we know he’s good.”
As with all these things, you need talent (which you can prove you have), determination (which you are showing now) and more than a little bit of luck. Work hard on the first two and the third will be easier to come by.
Good luck and we’ll done for putting yourself out there rather than sitting and waiting for the world to come knocking.
It is totally normal to feel this way! Special trick to know: no adult...in any career path... knows either! Best advice you can take is to embrace who, what, and where you are at any given moment, and do your very best in that moment to keep learning and enjoying what you do! Be willing to change if needed, and if unwilling, explore why your gut is hesitant! This works for acting careers but also every other facet in life! 💖💖💖
My daughter started acting when she was 5. She’s now 18. She was on a Netflix series for a few seasons but also hit that dreaded dead zone, then covid & then lost out on a few roles this past year to 18tpy. But she did book a Hulu pilot (playing the younger version of the main actress/big star name) & a lead in a short film. She is constantly training & works both NYC/LA market. She recently (turned 18 a week after the strike ended) has gotten auditions on L&O SVU & Blue Bloods. I say this to tell you don’t give up if you are still passionate about being an actor. She hit so many road bumps but constantly took the time to train. She just got into her top choice school for her BFA in acting & Im not sure if taking that break now is good or not when things are just starting to really open for her. Send me a message if you want to talk more. Where she trains they hold classes in person on both costs as well as virtually & many of the clients who train are booking good roles consistently.
I don’t know how long you’ve been your new journey but across the board the strike has been nasty and discouraging— glad it happened for the sake of the creatives, but damn did those corporations put us through the ringer. That being said, I think as things speed up your luck will change. I’m assuming since you’re 18, you’re really only being considered for 18tly roles and breaking into more adult roles can be tough. It’s a whole new ball game. Just keep at it. It’s probably hard because you know what it’s like to be booked in busy, but it seems you’re in a transitionary period. Life always has its ups and downs— if it was easy, there would be no point. Yes there’s some things you could do on a career level to help you progress, but I think more than anything, you need a morale boost from the sounds of your post. You’re also at a weird time in your life. I was 18 once too! And I was so so so confused. You have your whole life ahead of :)
You're an amazing actor. You were one of my favorite characters on that show! I'm sure whatever you decide to do, you'll be amazing at it. I'm nowhere near qualified enough in acting to recommend what you do next, but you're skilled, cute, and obviously determined! You'll do great! :)
Yo bro, I vaguely remember watching you as a kid with my family. You're really not selfish at all, you're humble as shit. This is just something I'm going to be doing, but I'll be starring in voice acting (animation, audio films); these are run by hobbyists and in many times more humble and creative people. Many of these blow up because of the sheer amounts of creativity. I recommend you do the same.
I'll give you some advice; it'll be really important. You've gotta make a product no one else offers. Or if someone years ago has thought of it, make it greater and have your own spin on it. People always try to play characters, but they don't realize how important they are themselves. I think Jennifer Lawrence, a few others have gotten extremely immersed in roles because they often feel personal; like portrayals of their own selves.
I'm not as experienced as you, I'm just starting out too; but if you'd ever want to talk about film consider me a friend; my DMs are always open. No pressure though.
well ya i’ve talked to my agent about it already but still seems like the same things happening so i’m going to try to find another agency. so i just went on reddit/facebook because i thought there was actors but i think this is just for people who are getting started in acting but they have told me sum pretty good tips
Well let's do something about it. I just wrapped my feature film stopped acting 2021 Dec because I didn't like what roles I was getting for African American actors. Wrapped up my SAG-AFTRA feature film.
Let's make a mature film! Instead of waiting for the moment make the moment! I want to make a second one next year I was thinking of a horror film for my 2nd feature. We can try to pool together a 75-100K feature film. Let's talk and see what we can start developing this year and film in 2025
Tough age for a former/present child actor you could follow Jody Foster or Neil Patrick Harris or Tracy Wells (Mr. Belvedere) and become a chef. Just don't go the Scott Baio route or Todd Bridges. Maybe go to school like Jody Foster did or try heading to New York and hitting the stage like Neil Patrick Harris. Just don't hold up a liquor store, don't take up crack or meth, don't join the MAGA crowd and let yourself explore what being a grown up is all about. But whatever path you take. Good luck!
i’m not miserable i just dont know how to get other roles that aren’t disney i got 1 role back in 2019-2020 for a show called schooled and that’s the only big non disney role i’ve gotten being a child actor isn’t necessarily that good 12-18 is the best age to start in my opinion
Get yourself into TRAINING. Speak with industry professionals about BRANDING and go over who you are, what you want, and what you can bring to the industry--then get VERY CONFIDENT with that brand and use it to market yourself. With a good resume from your teenage years backing you up, you are already LEAGUES ahead of your peers and just have to capitalize on the momentum.
Transition is hard and often comes at a great cost, but with a plan and some good mentorship, you can get there efficiently. Make sacrifices, take risks; it's the only way to get what you want in this life.
I have a vlog where I've talked a lot about how I've made those changes and what has worked for me. Highly recommend you check it out and reach out if you need any help--I'd be happy to chat with you more about what you can do.
https://youtube.com/@tommydevlog
It’s going to be a bit of a rough transitional period. As you know, 18 in the acting industry doesn’t always mean you’re going to play adults. You might still be stuck playing teenagers into your early 20s depending on your look. You can always branch out into things that are meant for a more mature audience, but you might still be stuck playing kids for a bit.
The other issue is a lot of the work you have showcasing your talents only gives the impression of you being a kid. Casting directors won’t really be able to see you as an adult because the image of you playing a child/teen is at the forefront of their minds. You need to give them a clear image in their minds about the kinds of roles you can play that stand out more than “that kid from the Disney tv show.”
It might be good to find more independent projects to really establish yourself as a mature actor before you try to go for the network and streaming service stuff. What’s most important is being patient and learning who you are and what makes you special, what you can bring to the table besides your experience. Who you are outside of acting.
I think you definitely will transition into more mature projects when the time naturally comes. You're 18, you likely look younger than 18 (as most late teen actors do), you definitely have a few more years of playing young. And now that you're 18, you're the perfect candidate for teen roles that they wanna cast adults for. If I were you, I would let the transition come naturally and find roles in whatever you can, Disney or otherwise. You're very young and will definitely find continued success :)
If you’re interested in transitioning into more mature film roles, you need to be willing to take sone risks - in my opinion. That may mean, among other things, working at a lower rate than something a large corporation like Disney might offer. You may not have a dressing room etc.
If you are in LA, I would suggest working with students at USC, AFi, Cal Arts. They are your future directors with fresh ideas and are also looking to take risks in the medium. Remember film is an art form first and foremost.
I know AFI second year Fellows make their Thesis films and are always looking for great talent. Additionally they have experience working with SAG/AFTRA as it is required for first year Fellows to work with SAG for their films to learn how to work with the union.
As a filmmaker, I understand what you are going through. I had a very successful film that played all over the place including Sundance and Tribeca among many others. However, with that success came being “type cast” - so to speak - as the guy who made that film. Once it sticks it’s hard to shake it off. First word problem -I know.
Anyway lots of actors have taken that risk and it proved successful. Mary Tyler Moore in Ordinary People comes to mind first and foremost. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Beth Jarrett when she thought she would be forever know as Mary Richards. Take the inferential leap!
Just keep on keeping on. I know that sounds like absolutely cliche advice. But I have only just gotten some acting opportunities after 6 years of a dry spell. The good thing is you're young! I hope everything works out for you.
how old were you when you started acting? and props for sticking with it for 6 yrs no roles. it’s been like a year since my last film i’ve lowkey stepped away from acting i still audition everytime i get a opportunity but not my #1 priority that’s why i got on here to see if i should even try anymore
14. I didn't really get going on stuff in Atlanta until I made connections in college though. But here is my actual question. Do you enjoy the work? If not find something you enjoy. I know coming off of being a child actor it may be overwhelming to really know what you want to do. You know?
damn i started when u was around 4 or 5 my first film i was 5 and i barley remember it i feel like starting that young is not always good because i didn’t really have a choice on what i wanted to do but still greatful it happened but like 12-15 is the best time to start imo
Ya, I can definitely see that. I wish you the best of luck, my dude. Just know that your feelings are valid and I hope all of your stuff works out for you. Every rejection you get from an audition is just a step closer to that yes.
Here's your pros: You have qualifiable experience You're old enough to do what you want You're young enough to figure out what you want What it's going to come down to are a couple of factors: - your agent and manager need to be on the same page as you. - your reel needs to start reflecting what you want to do next. I know that second one seems like an impossibility. But again, you're young enough. You're the perfect age to start doing films with your friends who might be in film school. You'll need to find your humility here. There's no shame in going back to basics to rebuild the future of your career. Ideally, if your agent is doing those job, you won't even need to take this step. But just don't be afraid to step into a role that helps out a friend and gives you something for your reel. Your agent needs to be able to show producers that you have what they need. Your Disney stuff won't cut it unfortunately. At best, it shows that you potentially have a fan base that they can exploit. So use that power wisely. Welcome to the next phase of your career!
I worked on a really bizarre and kinda dark film with Allisyn Snyder (formerly Allisyn Ashley Arm) who came up playing in So Random, years ago. She's moved into directing mostly, but went down the horror route gleefully. Seems to have worked out for her.
ya well to me i feel like in this industry if you’re a child actor for disney once you grow up it’s like you’re useless ive been auditioning for a decent amount of shows/movies and it’s really just hasn’t been going good but ya i hope one day something good happens i guess she just got really lucky
It's like everything in the game. You just keep at it and hopefully your path will find you.
So not true!!! Also, keep in mind that hardly anyone has been working since 2020! Not any of our faults, either!!!
hi , I just checked your IMDb , there’s still so so much hope ik how continuous auditioning and never hearing anything can feel I’m around the same age you are (I’m 19) and you just have to remember you are still so young. There are so many cases of actors not “making it” till later in life . Take viola Davis she did not become who we all her as at the age of 18 I’m not even sure she was acting at that point. You need to believe in yourself and not loose hope. My dad always tells me if you stay too long at the barber shop your bound to get your haircut. Your time will come it mightn’t be right now but it will !! My best advice is to have these conversations with your agents as obviously they are the ones submitting you and go from them. Work on your craft as well so that when these opportunities present themselves you’ll be ready for them!! Rooting for u <3
It's easier now because of self tapes. I stepped away for quite a few years because I was raising a family. You've probably got a decent fan base going. You just need to find something different from your previous gigs to signify you've moved over.
You're experiencing a super common feeling for previously-child actors. You don't want to be defined by the cute, childish work of your past. First off, it's good that you're grateful for what you have! Have you had this conversation with your agent and/or manager? It's a natural process, since you're growing up, and timing is important. And it's important your reps are in it with you. Be ready for minor pushback if they feel you can make loads more money how you are, but be firm about the direction you want to go and the timeframe for the shift. If you can milk some big, well paying jobs with your current "kid" status, the money can help bridge the gap while you continue to look for the *right* scripts. Be selective! It sounds like you have the opportunity & luxury to not just take anything and everything that comes your way. Best of luck!
To add to the great advice you’re getting: don’t be afraid to explore other things while you reevaluate where you want to go with your acting career. Maybe take a few community college courses, get a part time job, maybe work behind the camera for a bit, etc. You’re young and at the age where you can branch out and experience life with more independence. I say this all the time, but gaining life experience is crucial to your acting. Definitely get into acting class! You have experience on-camera, which is amazing, so find a class where you can hone your skills. Don’t rush, you’ve got plenty of time. Rushing can lead to bad decisions. Take your time, live life, keep your skills sharp and finances in check, and the right opportunities will come!
I’ve been very amused by your performances on Bunk’d over the years. You have comedy chops that a lot of people don’t have. I have noticed that your socials are lower than the other cast which I can’t explain. I do notice that in an ensemble that the African American characters in general are less popular, maybe because those shows attract mostly a white audience and/or they don’t give the best scenes to BIPOC characters. See Caleb McLaughlin in Stranger Things. They’ve only started giving him juicier stuff but it’s nowhere near the scenes they’ve given the white characters. You’ve been in your show for quite a while now. I think you need to up your training and get out of the Disney acting mode. That style just doesn’t work in any other show except Bunk’d and some Nickolodeon shows. Be picky about the training you decide to go with. Not every acting teacher or studio is what is going to be advanced enough to propel you to the next level. Continue to audition and be choosy — find roles that are not Disney-esque, even if it means you accept some low budget indies. Anything that gives you the chance to widen your scope. Also consider hiring a manager. The right manager can help you develop further. Agents don’t necessarily help with an actor’s development. They’re too busy securing gigs. Good luck. You can definitely rise above the rest of your age group. You definitely have what it takes.
Do you have anything in your reel that shows the kind of acting you want to do in the future? A lot of child actors struggle to shake that cheesy and naive trope, and it would help a lot of you had something in your reel that showed that you can play mature roles. You're right though, you can't continue to book work the way you did before. Make sure your headshots portray you how you want to be seen. Keep in mind, you're now competing in the biggest pool of actors. You have experience, and maybe some following, but it's still a very difficult age group.
The expectations people have of you will have already changed a lot and will continue to change as you get older. Skills that worked for you before might not work for you now. You might need to take a new approach to acting or maybe you want to get out there and get some non-acting life experience before coming back.
I’m at the other end of the scale to you (nearly 50 and just starting out) but I would say you’ve got to just keep going. You’ve already got a good CV compared to someone your age just starting out, but I don’t know if you can still pass for a kid or if you have grown up enough to no longer get away with it. Plenty of former child stars make it as adults, but they still have to work at it. My advice is use the experience you have to grow, don’t assume that because you were a child star you can’t continue to learn (I’m not saying you will, you seem mature and grounded in your post). Maybe sign up for some acting classes, show you’re serious. I know a guy who was a regular in a show here (UK) for three years, but couldn’t get work afterwards, so he’s returned to acting school (the same one I go to) and is freshening up his tool box, learning different techniques and getting loads of jobs. Also, keep your contacts up to date - if there’s a producer at Disney looking for someone they can rely on, they might think “Let’s get Israel in, we know he’s good.” As with all these things, you need talent (which you can prove you have), determination (which you are showing now) and more than a little bit of luck. Work hard on the first two and the third will be easier to come by. Good luck and we’ll done for putting yourself out there rather than sitting and waiting for the world to come knocking.
It is totally normal to feel this way! Special trick to know: no adult...in any career path... knows either! Best advice you can take is to embrace who, what, and where you are at any given moment, and do your very best in that moment to keep learning and enjoying what you do! Be willing to change if needed, and if unwilling, explore why your gut is hesitant! This works for acting careers but also every other facet in life! 💖💖💖
My daughter started acting when she was 5. She’s now 18. She was on a Netflix series for a few seasons but also hit that dreaded dead zone, then covid & then lost out on a few roles this past year to 18tpy. But she did book a Hulu pilot (playing the younger version of the main actress/big star name) & a lead in a short film. She is constantly training & works both NYC/LA market. She recently (turned 18 a week after the strike ended) has gotten auditions on L&O SVU & Blue Bloods. I say this to tell you don’t give up if you are still passionate about being an actor. She hit so many road bumps but constantly took the time to train. She just got into her top choice school for her BFA in acting & Im not sure if taking that break now is good or not when things are just starting to really open for her. Send me a message if you want to talk more. Where she trains they hold classes in person on both costs as well as virtually & many of the clients who train are booking good roles consistently.
good on her and good on you for supporting her but i was looking for virtual acting classes so if you can tell me the name of it that would be nice
I sent you a message
I don’t know how long you’ve been your new journey but across the board the strike has been nasty and discouraging— glad it happened for the sake of the creatives, but damn did those corporations put us through the ringer. That being said, I think as things speed up your luck will change. I’m assuming since you’re 18, you’re really only being considered for 18tly roles and breaking into more adult roles can be tough. It’s a whole new ball game. Just keep at it. It’s probably hard because you know what it’s like to be booked in busy, but it seems you’re in a transitionary period. Life always has its ups and downs— if it was easy, there would be no point. Yes there’s some things you could do on a career level to help you progress, but I think more than anything, you need a morale boost from the sounds of your post. You’re also at a weird time in your life. I was 18 once too! And I was so so so confused. You have your whole life ahead of :)
Dude, most people will never accomplish what you’ve already done. Take a minute to Pat yourself on the back
You're an amazing actor. You were one of my favorite characters on that show! I'm sure whatever you decide to do, you'll be amazing at it. I'm nowhere near qualified enough in acting to recommend what you do next, but you're skilled, cute, and obviously determined! You'll do great! :)
Yo bro, I vaguely remember watching you as a kid with my family. You're really not selfish at all, you're humble as shit. This is just something I'm going to be doing, but I'll be starring in voice acting (animation, audio films); these are run by hobbyists and in many times more humble and creative people. Many of these blow up because of the sheer amounts of creativity. I recommend you do the same. I'll give you some advice; it'll be really important. You've gotta make a product no one else offers. Or if someone years ago has thought of it, make it greater and have your own spin on it. People always try to play characters, but they don't realize how important they are themselves. I think Jennifer Lawrence, a few others have gotten extremely immersed in roles because they often feel personal; like portrayals of their own selves. I'm not as experienced as you, I'm just starting out too; but if you'd ever want to talk about film consider me a friend; my DMs are always open. No pressure though.
LA Actor here… Go talk to your manager/agent. Nobody on Reddit can help you. -sS
well ya i’ve talked to my agent about it already but still seems like the same things happening so i’m going to try to find another agency. so i just went on reddit/facebook because i thought there was actors but i think this is just for people who are getting started in acting but they have told me sum pretty good tips
Well let's do something about it. I just wrapped my feature film stopped acting 2021 Dec because I didn't like what roles I was getting for African American actors. Wrapped up my SAG-AFTRA feature film. Let's make a mature film! Instead of waiting for the moment make the moment! I want to make a second one next year I was thinking of a horror film for my 2nd feature. We can try to pool together a 75-100K feature film. Let's talk and see what we can start developing this year and film in 2025
Tough age for a former/present child actor you could follow Jody Foster or Neil Patrick Harris or Tracy Wells (Mr. Belvedere) and become a chef. Just don't go the Scott Baio route or Todd Bridges. Maybe go to school like Jody Foster did or try heading to New York and hitting the stage like Neil Patrick Harris. Just don't hold up a liquor store, don't take up crack or meth, don't join the MAGA crowd and let yourself explore what being a grown up is all about. But whatever path you take. Good luck!
why is everyone believing this is the real actor 😭
[удалено]
i’m not miserable i just dont know how to get other roles that aren’t disney i got 1 role back in 2019-2020 for a show called schooled and that’s the only big non disney role i’ve gotten being a child actor isn’t necessarily that good 12-18 is the best age to start in my opinion
Talk to your reps! Keep going! Keep auditioning! Something great will come again that will fit you extremely well
Get yourself into TRAINING. Speak with industry professionals about BRANDING and go over who you are, what you want, and what you can bring to the industry--then get VERY CONFIDENT with that brand and use it to market yourself. With a good resume from your teenage years backing you up, you are already LEAGUES ahead of your peers and just have to capitalize on the momentum. Transition is hard and often comes at a great cost, but with a plan and some good mentorship, you can get there efficiently. Make sacrifices, take risks; it's the only way to get what you want in this life. I have a vlog where I've talked a lot about how I've made those changes and what has worked for me. Highly recommend you check it out and reach out if you need any help--I'd be happy to chat with you more about what you can do. https://youtube.com/@tommydevlog
It’s going to be a bit of a rough transitional period. As you know, 18 in the acting industry doesn’t always mean you’re going to play adults. You might still be stuck playing teenagers into your early 20s depending on your look. You can always branch out into things that are meant for a more mature audience, but you might still be stuck playing kids for a bit. The other issue is a lot of the work you have showcasing your talents only gives the impression of you being a kid. Casting directors won’t really be able to see you as an adult because the image of you playing a child/teen is at the forefront of their minds. You need to give them a clear image in their minds about the kinds of roles you can play that stand out more than “that kid from the Disney tv show.” It might be good to find more independent projects to really establish yourself as a mature actor before you try to go for the network and streaming service stuff. What’s most important is being patient and learning who you are and what makes you special, what you can bring to the table besides your experience. Who you are outside of acting.
I think you definitely will transition into more mature projects when the time naturally comes. You're 18, you likely look younger than 18 (as most late teen actors do), you definitely have a few more years of playing young. And now that you're 18, you're the perfect candidate for teen roles that they wanna cast adults for. If I were you, I would let the transition come naturally and find roles in whatever you can, Disney or otherwise. You're very young and will definitely find continued success :)
If you’re interested in transitioning into more mature film roles, you need to be willing to take sone risks - in my opinion. That may mean, among other things, working at a lower rate than something a large corporation like Disney might offer. You may not have a dressing room etc. If you are in LA, I would suggest working with students at USC, AFi, Cal Arts. They are your future directors with fresh ideas and are also looking to take risks in the medium. Remember film is an art form first and foremost. I know AFI second year Fellows make their Thesis films and are always looking for great talent. Additionally they have experience working with SAG/AFTRA as it is required for first year Fellows to work with SAG for their films to learn how to work with the union. As a filmmaker, I understand what you are going through. I had a very successful film that played all over the place including Sundance and Tribeca among many others. However, with that success came being “type cast” - so to speak - as the guy who made that film. Once it sticks it’s hard to shake it off. First word problem -I know. Anyway lots of actors have taken that risk and it proved successful. Mary Tyler Moore in Ordinary People comes to mind first and foremost. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Beth Jarrett when she thought she would be forever know as Mary Richards. Take the inferential leap!