As actors, we tend to overlook the best in
ourselves. Too critical of our skills, we often
diminish what is of true value within.
The art of Acting, the very act of the process
in its most pure form, is BEING; existing in a
state of ACTION BASED ON INTENTION.
Remember, you are not acting to be someone
else, or to escape from yourself. You are, or
should be, bringing all of yourself into the roles
you create, whether for the audition or the
production.
It's true that you CAN feel and behave like
another person, and in so doing, you are--or
seem to be--getting away from who you think
of as You. BUT THIS IS ONLY A BY-PRODUCT
of the best acting, of true acting.
Remember, the best acting is when the words,
the intentions, and the resulting action and
emotions all come FROM YOU -- not fabricated
or pretended, but come from YOU REVEALED.
It can be intimidating to be that vulnerable, to be
that emotionally naked on stage or in front of the
camera. This true vulnerability is where the risk
factor, the "edge," comes in; the element of danger
(to ego); the ability to reveal a secret.
It is in this state of vulnerability that you are most
magnetic on stage; it is the glint in your eye in the
close-up.
So this Thanksgiving, remember who you are. In
your life right now, you might feel centered, you
might feel lost, or somewhere in between. Either
way keep up the search.
The search is ongoing. It is the search for truth.
Truth in your relationships, truth in your life,
truth in your acting work.
The only way to move forward in a constructive
manner is to be brave enough -- and humble enough
-- to look within and give thanks for the gifts you have
been given. Know that you can move forward driven
by the strength of the goodness and gifts you have;
you can move forward in spite of the weaknesses
or faults.
The weaknesses within can best be dealt with when
you are brave enough to touch them, hold them, to
see them for what they are: not as insurmountable
obstacles, but as fuel for progress toward being
more of the person you want to become.
Along with your loved ones, celebrate yourSelf over
the holiday. You are unique, you are here for a reason.
It is time to move forward.
Here's to a bright, safe and Happy Thanksgiving,
--Tom
Copyright (c) 2008, 2014 Tom Brooks. All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
"Remember, you are not acting to be someone else, or to get away from yourself. You are, or should be, bringing all of yourself into the roles you create, whether for the audition or the production."
ReplyDeleteWell, said, Mr. Brooks. Good words to the actor.
Update your blog, Mr. Brooks. Hungry actors want more!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think the current economy and change of power in Washington means for actors?
Good question, Joe!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm -- ahem -- rather behind in my blogging... in my life, for that matter.
The Economy
True, the events of this ecoquake affect everyone, and I'll tell you this... Actors are in a unique position, compared to most non-actors, that is.
The fact is (and many actors forget this), actors possess the ability to redirect their lives on a daily basis. Even on a moment-to-moment basis.
After all, as actors what are we supposed to be able to do? The best of us have learned how to plug into the essence of the unique Self and bring it into the role. In so doing, we are able to emotionally plug into the character so that we take the audience right along with us. Or, we're able to craft the moment so that at least it appears that we are in the moment. Either way, it doesn't really matter, right?
Think about it: Does it really matter if the actor is "experiencing the moment"? The answer is, No... as long as the audience is convinced, then it doesn't matter.
Uh, what does this have to do with the economy, Tom?
Ah, well, I'm getting to that. You see, the point is that the best actors learn how to plug into emotion instantaneously. Take the cold reading, for instance. Let's say you've been given a script you are unfamiliar with, you have had literally TWO MINUTES to look it over, and you will be auditioning with an actor you don't know.
What does the smart actor do?
1) Look at the last lines first so you know where you will be headed emotionally; you'll want to start somewhere else.
2) Memorize your first line -- or at least the first couple of phrases of the first line. (Why? You can find out here.)
3) Skim the rest of your lines, paying particular attention to your cues, and the first several words of each of your lines. (But what about the other actor's lines? Don't you need to know what's going on with-- Wait! You can find out here!)
4) Start reading with the other actor, with them emphasis of connecting with him/her.
5) Find out everything else you can about what your character wants in the scene so that you can focus on how you're going to get it.
You still haven't said what this has to do with the economy, Tom.
Okay, I'll tie it up right now. You see, the best actors know how to change their emotional state by focusing on the moment-to-moment Intentions -- the HOW, the DOING; the path to the Objective (the WHAT).
So?
So, most actors forget they can do this IN THEIR LIVES, day to day, moment to moment.
You can change you emotional state by changing your thoughts; changing your thoughts will lead to actions.
The economy, please?
This is it! This is it! ...Too many actors forget about all they skills they have, because they "just want to act." They short-change themselves into believing they cannot do anything else, such as lighting, sound design, dialect coaching, stage managing, voice-over work, etc.
In fact, now might be the very time that you (if you are an actor used to working for free) make the commitment to only do work that PAYS. And don't forget that "pay" might not be cash. What you might get for your efforts might be food for the day, free access to somethingorother, free or reduced housing... all sorts of things. Money is good, but keep your radar up for other possibilities.
Don't fall into the trap of romanticizing about suffering for your art. Suffering is not a requirement for good acting, or for art of any kind, for that matter. Can't find a job acting? Get creative. Use your acting skills, as well as other artistic skills, to find work elsewhere in the industry. Actors often make good corporate trainers, by the way -- speaking from personal experience.
Okay, fine. So what about the cold reading tips you mentioned?
Ah -- you can check those out at www.EmpoweredActor.com
The Change of Power in Washington
Another good question, Joe, and I'm not exactly sure I can answer how the new administration might affect actors. There are warning signs, however, that I think many of the Hollywood types have missed.
Yes, I am sad to say that so many of the actors I admire might be brilliant on the screen, but have shown themselves to be politically ignorant.
The great thing about America is freedom of speech and expression. Any time an organization takes action to silence others should raise a red flag to anyone. You'd think that when a government begins to show signs of putting a damper on freedom of expression and speech that it would be a warning sign to everyone.
Let's take the Fairness Doctrine. There are those who say it is meant to provide "equal time" to Liberals and Conservatives in media. Oh, wait -- my mistake... Not media in general, but radio specifically. Hmm. Why not television, I wonder?
What is important for all artists to note is that once one group is silenced, it is not long before other groups are silenced.
If you want to find out more about the Fairness Doctrine and the impact it might have on all of us, you can check it out here.