August 2023: Activities for Every Day This Month
It’s August — time to hit the Farmers’ markets for healthy, seasonal produce! Welcome back to your actor activities roundup, where we recommend everything from empowering exercises to the best entertainment events for each day of the month. August is when both big-budget and independent films are released, aiming to capture the attention of audiences during the end of the summer season. Join in the fun with these 31 carefully-curated activities that will get you motivated for some great harvests, prosperity and success!
Advice & Inspiration:
1. SAG-AFTRA’s historic strike against the companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) went into effect shortly after 3 a.m. ET on July 14. This is the first time since 1960 that both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America have been on strike simultaneously. Find out more, including how to support and take action, at SAG-AFTRA STRIKE.
2. The September 18, 75th Emmy Awards show are currently postponed due to strikes but you can still see the list of nominees and catch up on all the shows.
3. Uncertain times are the best times to develop a thick skin. In the entertainment industry, you’ll encounter criticism and rejection. Learn to separate constructive feedback from personal attacks and develop a thick skin. Use criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
4. Use any downtime you have to continue learning. Acting is a lifelong journey of growth and exploration. Take acting classes, workshops and seminars to continually expand your knowledge and challenge yourself. Stay curious and open to new techniques and approaches.
5. Have you ever wanted to get into animation? Watch a conversation between Casting Directors working in animation, including: Julie Ashton, Shiondre Austin, Ruth Lambert, Mary Hidalgo, Sarah Noonan and Jackie Sollitto. Moderated by casting director Sunny Boling.
6. Keep track of your auditions with these choices of log books for Actors, Singers, Dancers and Musicians. Log Book 1 and Log Book 2. There’s even a Log Book for kids’ auditions!
7. Embrace continuous self-improvement: Never settle for mediocrity. Seek constant self-improvement by setting goals, identifying areas for growth and actively working on them. Regularly assess your performances, seek feedback and strive for excellence in your craft.
8. If you’re a music fan, it’s suggested you book your favorite concerts now for the last leg of 2023 into 2024. Here’s a list of the singers, musicians and bands on tour.
9. Want some real inspiration about building a successful career from the bottom up? Read How the First Black Casting Director Reuben Cannon Got His Start in Hollywood. Who is Reuben Cannon? See if you’re familiar with some of these shows that he cast: Moonlighting, Sanford and Son, The Color Purple and The Greatest American Hero.
10. This month’s social media spotlight goes to… Oh! It’s a tie! If you want to be inspired by dance, check out these two incredibly talented dancers on TikTok: Vik White, who was born and raised in Ukraine, and 17 year old Niana Guerrero from the Philippines. Make sure you have a few days of time before clicking.
What to watch:
11. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Movie (animation) slides into theaters on August 2. The Turtle brothers, who had been protected from the human world for many years, embark on a mission to win the affection of New Yorkers and be acknowledged as typical teenagers by performing heroic deeds. Starring Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Micah Abbey, Paul Rudd, Jackie Chan, John Cena, Ice Cube, Maya Rudolph, Evan Goldberg and Ayo Edebiri.
12. Heartstopper Season 2 (coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama) streams on Netflix August 3. Heartstopper enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated the next season of the Emmy Award-winning Netflix series since April 2022. Following its successful debut, Netflix promptly extended Heartstopper for two additional seasons. Finally, on August 3rd, season 2 debuts, bringing us back together with Charlie, Nick and their companions for further transformative experiences in their journey towards adulthood.
13. Painkiller (limited series) hits Netflix on August 10. Don’t miss this one! The six-episode scripted limited series that revolves around the American opioid crisis and features Matthew Broderick and Uzo Aduba.
14. River Wild (adventure thriller) arrives on VOD. Joey (Leighton Meester) is concerned about potential problems in the future when her brother Gray (Taran Killam) invites Trevor (Adam Brody), a childhood friend with a troubled history, to join them on their whitewater rafting expedition with two tourists. Starring Taran Killam, Adam Brody, Eve Connolly, Olivia Swann, Leighton Meester, Ben Ketai and Mike Nguyen Le.
15. Red, White & Royal Blue (queer romantic comedy) drops on Amazon Prime Video August 11. The film centers on the son of the president of the United States and his relationship with Prince Henry, grandson of the Queen of England. Starring Clifton Collins Jr., Sarah Shahi, Rachel Hilson, Stephen Fry, Ellie Bamber, Thomas Flynn, Malcolm Atobrah, Akshaye Khanna, Sharon D Clarke, Aneesh Sheth and Juan Castano.
16. Blue Beetle (superhero) blasts into theaters on August 18. Mexican-American teenager Jaime Reyes discovers the Blue Beetle scarab on the way home from school. It turns out the scarab provides him with a suit of extraterrestrial armor which can be modified to enhance his speed and strength, as well as to create weapons, wings and shields. Starring Raoul Max Trujillo, Xolo Maridueña, George Lopez, Damian Alcazar, Angel Manuel Soto, Harvey Guillén and Susan Sarandon.
17. Ahsoka (action adventure series) arrives on Disney+ on August 23. After the fall of the Galactic Empire, former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Starring Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Hayden Christensen, Wes Chatham and David Tennant.
18. Golda (drama, biography) comes to theaters on August 25. The film is about the former Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, set during the Yom Kippur war of 1973. Starring Camille Cottin, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Martin, Dominic Mafham, Ed Stoppard, Guy Nattiv and Ben Caplan.
19. Vacation Friends 2 (comedy) comes to Hulu on August 25. Straight-laced couple Marcus and Emily meet up again with wild and thrill-seeking Ron and Kyla. Starring John Cena, Lil Rel Howery, Ronny Chieng and Steve Buscemi.
20. One Piece (live-action adaption) arrives on Netflix on August 31. This fan-favorite Japanese manga series will be one of the most talked about and most popular Netflix shows.
Wellness Activities:
21. August is a fresh beginning when preparation for school begins. Prepare yourself physically and mentally by taking some Yoga classes. Did you know that besides physical postures, Yoga also emphasizes mindfulness, concentration and the cultivation of inner awareness?
22. Meditation: Take a few moments each day to sit quietly, focus on your breath and clear your mind. Meditation can help reduce stress, improve concentration and promote a sense of inner calm and well-being.
23. Nature Walk: Spend time in nature by going for a walk or hike in a park, forest, or beach. Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase overall well-being.
24. Journaling: Make it a habit to dedicate some time every day to jot down your thoughts, emotions and encounters. Engaging in journaling can be a healing activity that allows you to attain a better understanding, navigate through your feelings and cultivate introspection. Drinking tea while writing in your journal is a perfect combination!
25. Try a brain-boosting game and improve your mental agility! Instead of choosing Sudoku, how about playing a game you’ve never heard – Kakuro. Kakuro is a number-based puzzle game that is similar to Sudoku in that it requires logic and deduction skills to solve. However, instead of filling in a grid with numbers, Kakuro requires players to fill in a grid with numbers that add up to a specific value. Check Kakuro out here.
26. Healthy Cooking: Preparing nutritious meals involves using fresh ingredients and cooking at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of your food, making healthier choices. Additionally, cooking can be a relaxing and creative way to unwind and find comfort.
Live/ Virtual Events:
27. Truth Seekers Summit – August 2. Variety & Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by SHOWTIME® Documentary Films, explores the art of documentary and investigative storytelling. Don’t miss exclusive keynote conversations and panel discussions with leading documentary filmmakers, journalists, and cultural trendsetters making an impact and effecting change.
28. Check out New York’s SummerStage, by City Parks Foundation. City Parks Foundation is dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building and education programs for all New Yorkers.
29. This is your year to visit Lollapalooza! Lollapalooza has announced the 2023 lineup for its festival, which will take place between August 3 and 6, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Four-day tickets can be purchased online at Lollapalooza.com, and one-day and two-day passes are also available now, starting at $125 for one-day tickets and $250 for two-day tickets. Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Odesza, Lana Del Ray, Karol G, The 1975 and Tomorrow X Together will be the headliners, but the lineup will also include dozens of other acts.
30. Hard Summer Music Festival is coming to Los Angeles. The electronic music-focused San Bernardino, California music festival’s 2023 edition will be held August 5-6, 2023 at the LA Memorial Coliseum and BMO Stadium. Hard Summer 2023 will be headlined by artists including Kaskade, Skrillex, Four Tet, John Summit, 21 Savage, Kid Cudi, Diplo and Black Coffee. Additional performers include Gorgon City, Oliver Tree, Ludacris, Fat Joe, Kayzo, Dillon Francis, Flosstradamus and more. Tickets are available here.
31. Outside Lands 2023 will take place at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California between August 11 and 13, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at SFOutsidelands.com, with general admission passes starting at $449. Headliners are Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Odesza, Lana Del Rey, The 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Zedd, Janelle Monáe and Maggie Rogers.
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You may also like:
- A Quick Guide for Working During the SAG-AFTRA Strike
- 3 New Movies Streaming in August 2023 You Won’t Want to Miss
- How Spending Seasons Help Your Finances as an Actor
Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with instinctive wit, quick humor and a taste for deep human emotions. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film and television credits, she is adept at, well, lots of things.