There is one immortal,
self-reflective question that we all constantly ask ourselves: how can I make
myself better? The answer is rarely a simple one, let alone
evident—but it’s there.
Acting is no different. One can always be better; that door never closes. Acting is, at its core, an art form, with the
objective being to personify emotionality into something tangible. It’s about taking that “…” and creating
drama. And in order to do that you need
to get out there and freaking act.
So how do you do it? Which is the best road to success? Well that’s the million-dollar question,
ain’t it? Luckily, your friendly
neighborhood Across the Board Talent writer has assembled a few pointers that
will help you on your way!
1.
Acting
Classes
Acting is a like a muscle: if you
don’t work it out, it’ll melt into gross slop.
As an actor, you need to exercise and train, and that doesn’t mean
sitting on the couch sipping gin & tonics while reading Harold Pinter
plays. Go out into the world and really
interact with people. Get to know human
functions on an intuitive level. One way
to do that is by participating in acting classes.
Acting class is the same as trade
school in that one goes there to learn and become better at a craft. Classes force actors to interpret texts and
stretch their emotive range, bouncing their material off the other
classmates. Monologues are great, but
compelling dialogues? That’s why movies
are made.
Let’s take a step back and be
honest with each other for a second, okay?
Some actors have a bit of a, for lack of a better word, ego. “Acting classes? Pft, I’ve had all the training I need. What more do I have to learn?” There is
no such thing as too much training. Buddy,
even Brad Pitt takes lessons. Granted he
has a private acting instructor, but still…he receives coaching. You always
need to flex those muscles.
Remember folks: leave that ego at
the door. In the immortal words of
Katherine Hepburn, “Acting is the most minor of gifts, and not a very
high-class way to earn a living. After
all, Shirley Temple could do it at the age of four.”
2. Casting Director Workshops
Casting Director workshops are
often great ways to meet – and subsequently show off to – Casting
Directors. These are the people in the
business who get you past the door and onto the stage, and being on their good
side is a coveted position.
These CD
workshops can be very delicate environments and, like everything else, there is
a right and wrong way to approach them.
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| The Webseries Good Job, Thanks! |
RIGHT: Do your research and be
selective. Don’t stretch yourself too
thin with these classes, and really take the time to acquire a legitimate rapport
with a Casting Director. Create a list
of projects (film and television) that you love and want to be part of, and
then find that Casting Director. If he
or she is holding a workshop, congratulations!
You just found your calling.
Most
importantly, always follow up your workshop with a lovely “Thank You” note to
the Casting Director, especially if
your performance received rave reviews.
Create that connection with your acting, and do whatever it takes to
keep it alive.
(NOTE:
Looking for workshops near you? Your
best friend Google has all the answers!)
3. Try the Theater
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| Fact: Moms love Clooney. |
If being a
successful actor in the entertainment industry were easy, more people would be
doing it. My mother would be able to
rattle off twenty, thirty names instead of the usual two (“George Clooney and
George Clooney’s hair”). This business
is tough. Actors need to explore every
outlet to work and be noticed…and that’s where the theater comes into play.
NEW YORK ACTORS:
The Los Angeles theater circuit does not
have the same level of panache as it does in New York. Feel free to skip the following paragraph.
Theater
acting is an excellent way to hone your skills as an actor. There are no cameras, no multiple takes…just
you and the audience. On stage an actor
builds confidence and style, because there is no editor in a dark room
somewhere cutting your performance together into something “film ready.” Your fate lies in the hands of one person:
you.
Acting on
stage also provides actors with more direct opportunities to give back to the
community. Whether performing for
children, the elderly, or at the Geffen Playhouse, theater acting is a far more
intimate experience than being projected onto a screen. You as an actor have the ability to truly connect with the audience. Your performance has the potential to affect
someone out there in the dark, cool theater in a positive, visceral way. There is a very personal, private connection
made between the actor on stage and the audience in the theater that is often absent
from the cinema.
Every time
an actor acts before an audience, whether live or on screen, he or she creates
the potential for progression. There is
always a young boy or girl out there in the black theater, watching intently,
analyzing and absorbing every one of your moves. How will you affect this person? Will you create a fallacy, some sort of
façade that hides your true self? Or
will you be sincere and pure, portraying something emotionally honest that
captivates the audience?
As an actor
you have the power to affect those around you.
You are an influence, an inspiration.
The question remains: what will you do
with that power?
Light, camera, action.
Got something to say about this? Have any questions? Comment below!
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By Alex Tafet
