Acting

Acting

Whether you’re an actor, voice actor, casting director or anyone else related to the profession of acting, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on technique, audition strategies, headshots and all other topics related to the sweet science of acting

Can screen actors legally be considered private contractors? I thought the IRS rule says private contractors set their own hours and are self-directed. Actors don't set their own hours, and they are directed by a director.

You are largely correct in your understanding of the IRS guidelines: because p...

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You are largely correct in your understanding of the IRS guidelines: because production companies typically exercise a high degree of control over actors' work (setting hours, location, and providing direction), most screen actors should legally be classified as employees, not private (independent) contractors.

The Deciding Factor: Control

The IRS and state labor departments use the degree of control and independence as the primary factor in determining worker status.

Employees: A worker is generally an employee if the business for whom they perform services can control what will be done and how it will be done. This describes the typical actor-production company relationship: the director dictates schedules, lines, actions, and overall performance, meaning the actor has little control over the details of how the service is performed.

Independent Contractors: An independent contractor typically has more control over their own work, sets their own schedule, provides their own tools/equipment, and has the opportunity for profit or loss in their business. This is not the standard situation for most working actors on a set.

Real-World Practice vs. Legal Standard

Despite the legal standard, it is common practice in some parts of the entertainment industry, particularly in low-budget or non-union projects, to misclassify actors as independent contractors (paid via Form 1099-NEC instead of a W-2). This is often done to save the production company money on payroll taxes and benefits like unemployment insurance and workers' compensation.

However, this misclassification carries significant legal risks for the production company, including fines and penalties for back taxes and liabilities.

Exceptions

There are a few situations where an actor might be legitimately considered a contractor:

Loan-Out Corporations: Highly successful actors often form their own personal service corporations (also called "loan-out" companies). The production company then contracts with the actor's corporation, not the individual actor. In this case, the actor is an employee of their own company.

Unique Circumstances: If an actor brings their own unique equipment, supplies, and intellectual property rights to a short-term, non-integral part of a production, they might be classifiable as a contractor.

Specific Roles: Certain high-level roles, such as writers and directors (who are involved in overall planning and implementation), may sometimes be classified as independent contractors depending on the specific circumstances.

In summary, based on the IRS's control test, most screen actors working for a production are legally employees, even if they are sometimes incorrectly paid as independent contractors in practice.

Hi everyone, I'm back on STAGE 32!

This image captures a moment from Che Lingua!

Here in the role of Dante, in a powerful backlit shot by Massimo Apeddu, taken during the performance on December 20th at the Piccolo Teatro Comico in Turin.

Che Lingua! is a winding journey through the most significant...

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Hi everyone, I'm back on STAGE 32!

This image captures a moment from Che Lingua!

Here in the role of Dante, in a powerful backlit shot by Massimo Apeddu, taken during the performance on December 20th at the Piccolo Teatro Comico in Turin.

Che Lingua! is a winding journey through the most significant pages in the evolution of the Italian language, guided by some of the authors who shaped it and made it known around the world.

The performance retraces the birth and formation of Italian, from its most ancient origins to its literary development, placing language under a magnifying glass and exploring how it changes, resists, and survives through time.

Through theatre, music, and physical storytelling, the audience encounters Dante, Manzoni, Collodi, and Pirandello, whose works become living presences on stage rather than historical references.

Yes, if you're wondering... I play all the characters! It's exhausting!

Artistically, Che Lingua! emerges from the desire to explore language as a living, emotional, and political body.

History, irony, imagination, literature, and sound coexist in a shared theatrical experience that investigates the deep relationship between language, identity, and memory.

Italian becomes a space of encounter, conflict, and play — inviting the audience to actively participate rather than simply observe.

Conceived in Italy with an international perspective, Che Lingua! is designed for festivals, universities, and cultural institutions interested in language, heritage, and contemporary performance.

Its adaptability and immersive quality make it a strong proposal for international dialogue and intercultural exchange.

The show premiered during the XXII Week of the Italian Language in the World at the Bogentheater in Innsbruck, Austria.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support,

and to wish you all a peaceful and warm Merry Christmas.

— Gigi

Ashley Renee Smith

Head of Community at Stage 32 ♦ Creative Executive, Producer, Author

December 2025 Open House Webcast

Find Your Footing on Stage 32: Join Our December Community Open House!

Monday, December 29th at 12:00 pm PT!

Every success story begins with a first step.

If you’re ready to take yours, join me, Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32, for our December Community Open House Webcast happening Monday, December 29th at 12:00 pm PT!

Free Registration: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-december-community-open-house-webcast-with-ashley-smith

Whether you’re chasing representation, looking for collaborators, or simply tired of creating in isolation, this live event is your chance to show up, be seen, and start making real progress.

This isn’t just an overview — it’s your creative launchpad. You’ll walk away with practical tools, new connections, and a clear path forward, no matter your background or where you are in your career.

You’ll Learn How To:

Navigate Stage 32 like a pro and make the platform work for your goals
Build authentic connections through the Stage 32 Lounges
Access Education, Certification, and Script Services tailored to your next big move
Show up in ways that get you noticed by the right people at the right time
Participate in real-time Q&A and get guidance specific to your path

Whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, actor, producer, composer, editor, or wear multiple creative hats — this is where your Stage 32 journey truly begins.

If you can’t attend live, don’t worry — registering ensures you’ll receive the full recording to watch anytime from anywhere.

Who’s planning to join me live for the Open House?

Click HERE to Register for FREE!

Event starts
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Oracle Laura

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- Maurice Vaughan
11 hours ago

2nd image

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- Ron Reid
- Maurice Vaughan
11 hours ago

3rd image

Maurice Vaughan

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1 person likes this
- Ron Reid
10 hours ago

My condolences to Brigitte's family, friends, and fans, Oracle Laura. I haven't seen any films she was in.

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- Ron Reid
- Maurice Vaughan
9 hours ago

Maurice Vaughan , the first Brigitte Bardot film I saw was And God Created Woman. Perhaps I should watch Spirits of the Dead.

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Khalid Rivera

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3 people like this
1 month ago

Thank you for sharing. I hope all agents are aware of this.

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3 people like this
4 weeks ago

Wow Ray Watters thanks for this. I can't believe that number is soooo low. So then in order for actors to qualify for those affordable acting housing options, that is their maximum threshold? I know f...

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Eric Charran

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2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
2 days ago

Suzanne, I appreciate your kind words. In my experience when we insist on proper classifications and clear agreements everyone benefits and the work environment feels more secure and creative.

Khalid, thank you for taking the time to read this. Making sure that agents and managers know these distinctions empowers them to advocate for their clients and fosters better agreements.

Ray, I appreciate you bringing this up and sharing your article. It is eye opening that these income thresholds have not kept pace with reality. Advocating for updated legislation like HR 721 is one way we can support working actors and create fairer standards.

Faraj Jaballa

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2 people like this
- Juliana Philippi
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

For me i would say listening to old golden music , and voice warming and breathwork .

Juliana Philippi

2
2 people like this
- Faraj Jaballa
- Maurice Vaughan
2 days ago

Faraj Jaballa Love that, voice warming is definitely something to remember, the vibration of our voices is so powerful, and when we get out of our own way...it has a way of knowing where to go. Thank...

Vic Alexander

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2 people like this
- Juliana Philippi
- Maurice Vaughan
5 days ago

Hi Juliana. I'm a feature film director who writes his own screenplays. I live in Glendale, California now; but my favorite location is Malibu. So I write screenplays for Malibu locations only.

Wendy Kay

Merry Christmas! The message is beautiful and appreciated! Thank you!

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2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Wendy Kay
5 days ago

Wendy Kay Merry Christmas to you too!!! Thank you, I am happy it resonated with you : )

Haley Mary

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2 people like this
- Juliana Philippi
- Maurice Vaughan
4 days ago

Happy Holidays!

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2 people like this
- Haley Mary
- Maurice Vaughan
3 days ago

Haley Mary Happy Holidays Haley!

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1 person likes this
- Gigi Colasanto
4 days ago

Welcome back, Gigi Colasanto. Congratulations on the role! Merry Christmas!

Leonardo Ramirez 2

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2 people like this
- Gigi Colasanto
- Maurice Vaughan
4 days ago

Merry Christmas Gigi Colasanto!

5 days ago

Thanks for sharing the interview, Amanda Toney.

"One of the issues with making filmed entertainment, be it movies or TV, is that people often assume that a director or showrunner controls everything fr...

7 days ago

Merry Christmas, Dan Martin Roesch! Congratulations on all your accomplishments this year and hope you have more next year! I'm looking forward to writing you a role one day!...

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
6 days ago

Dan Martin Roesch Happiest of times to you and yours, and a wonderful, growing, and magical 2026!!! Looking forward to the networking link next year!

Aaron Marcus

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3 people like this
7 days ago

Best wishes with your project. and thank you for your comments here.

Pamela Jaye Smith

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2 people like this
- Salisu Abdullahi
- Maurice Vaughan
7 days ago

Hope your sci-fi series is a big success all round, Salisu.

Salisu Abdullahi

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2 people like this
- Pamela Jaye Smith
- Maurice Vaughan
7 days ago

Thank you so much, Pamela! That truly means a lot coming from you. We are diving deep into some intense mythological themes with THE PHOENIX—specifically exploring the idea of a 'designed species' red...

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2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Salisu Abdullahi
7 days ago

Fascinating, Salisu. You are definitely tapping into a universal Mythic Theme that shows up in so many culture's myths. Please do keep us all posted on the progress of THE PHOENIX.

Thank you for the encouragement, Pamela! It means a lot to have a mythologist of your caliber interested in THE PHOENIX. We are working hard to ground our sci-fi in deep mythological underpinnings, especially regarding humanity’s origin. I look forward to sharing more as we progress!

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2 people like this
- Juliana Philippi
- Meriem Bouziani
1 week ago

Hi, Juliana Philippi. Introduce Yourself Weekend has been incredible like always! I've made a lot of connections and gotten opportunities at them. Have a fantastic Holiday Season!...

Meriem Bouziani

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2 people like this
- Juliana Philippi
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Happy IYW to you.

It’s a beautiful event to meet one another and share our goals and creative journeys. I’m truly impressed by reading about everyone’s accomplishments and aspirations.

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2 people like this
- Meriem Bouziani
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Maurice Vaughan It has been an overflow of support, new faces, new contacts, and just so much joy and excitement for being writers, actors, creatives, truly inspiring. You as well!!!!! Happy, happy Ho...

Meriem Bouziani Happy IYW to you! IT is very inspiring, and heartening...everything is as we feel, think, and intend it, how wonderful is it...

2
2 people like this
- Meriem Bouziani
- Juliana Philippi
1 week ago

Thanks, Juliana Philippi. Happy, happy Holidays! I hope you have a fantastic new year!

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4 people like this
1 week ago

As a screenwriter, I couldn't agree more, Suzanne. I always tell people that a script is just a blueprint; it's the 'drive' and emotional hard work of the actor that actually breathes life into the characters. It's a true partnership of discipline!

3
3 people like this
1 week ago

Suzanne Bronson Fantastic and fun question : ) I've gotten, "Oh, so you didn't go to college?", and, "OH wow...that must be so hard..." Lol. I wish people knew, we are the, for the most part, the most...

Suzanne Bronson

That's interesting Juliana Philippi I wonder why people think you don't need to go to school for acting? I went to college. Majored in theater. I like your answer, people don't realize actors are empa...

Thank you Salisu Abdullahi for your kind words. And for supporting actors!

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2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
1 week ago

Suzanne Bronson People don't know a lot, if it's not right under their nose, and no judgement : ) Acting is a mysterious business : ) All good, we fascinate them, and elude them, and I hope, inspire t...

Find Your Footing on Stage 32: Join Our December Community Open House!

Monday, December 29th at 12:00 pm PT!

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