Actors have to create their own material. Not only is it the most likely way for us to get the parts we want, but the industry is expecting it now. Yes, there’s the old joke that “The good news is that now anybody can make movies. The bad news is that now anybody can make movies.” Read more…
(Guest blog for ActorsAndCrew)
Most people are secretly in awe of actors. It’s true. Despite our narcissism, emotional instability, and poverty, people still admire those of us who stick our necks out in this strange and beautiful way.
And these admirers often ask this question: “Don’t you get nervous?” Read more…
(Guest blogging for ActorsAndCrew…)
I watched an actor give a mediocre performance recently. He knew it and we knew it. But when he stepped forth for his curtain call, there was no doubt in his mind: he had been fantastic.
Read more…
An interesting point was raised by Ron Van Lieu in class yesterday at The Actors Center. After offering some notes on a scene from “A Doll House,” the work started up again. After the second go around, Ron noted that the actress had taken his notes and veered straight into “character,” nearly forsaking the content of the “scene.” What she did was certainly entertaining, but it neglected something fundamental. Read more…
About this time last year I began my descent into a massive burnout. I had been energized by all the changes in my life – moving back to NYC, getting my career back on track, trying to make up for years in the matter of months – but in the process I overwhelmed myself, and by spring I was a weakened, babbling fool. Even now, when I think back at that period, though I’m stunned by everything that took place, it seems like madness to have attempted so much. Read more…
I’m not as talented as I used to be.
Before anybody think that I say this in search of compliments and pats on the back, let me add this: I’m happy to know this.
I came home after a challenging class at The Actors Center one day and was forced to concede that I couldn’t do exercises I once was able to. But rather that get down about it, I was elated that I was back at work on the craft, ready to challenge myself anew. For years I spent my time doing exactly that which I was already capable of doing. In the process I made a few bucks and padded my credits, but in truth I was growing smaller and smaller as an artist, as a creative, and as a man. And it all became clear to me during a five minute exercise in front of my peers. Read more…
I’ve been trying to get into the audiobook world for years, and finally broke through, getting two books in one month. What I hadn’t fully understood, though, was how taxing the work can be. The latest volume I’ll be reading is thicker than the yellow pages, and we’ve got to get it done in four days.
After several hours of reading aloud, the mind goes numb. Try it some time and you’ll understand. The voice, too, strains and cracks, but that seems minor compared to losing all faculty for language. Read more…
