The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

THOUGHT RECOGNITION BEFORE SPEAKING

As a performer, it's easy to practice certain looks, responses, reactions, and characters in which one excels.  However, it's also easy to get into a rut if those practiced actions become canned.  How do you keep them fresh and new?

Actor Michael Caine shares some sage advice in his book Acting in Film -- an oldie, but a goodie! 

It may sound like a contradiction, but you achieve spontaneity on the set through preparation of the dialogue at home.  As you prepare, find ways of making your responses appear newly minted.  In life, we often pick up the thought that provokes our next remark halfway through someone else's speech.  Thoughts don't leap to the mouth automatically.We don't interrupt at every occasion when a thought formulates itself; or, if we do, we don't have many friends.  Similarly, in a film script, your internal thought processes might well start articulating themselves long before you get the chance to speak.  The script sometimes directs you to interrupt, but if it doesn't, your thought may start well before you get the chance to respond.  There may be a key word that triggers you during the sentence the other actor is saying.  So pick up on that; form your thought and be ready to speak.  For example: 

    Other Actor:  "I've got to get a bus to Clapham -- I'm already late                             for my date.

    You:  You won't get far.  There's a bus strike.

The other actor doesn't stop talking after he says "bus," so you can't get in and say your line at the actual moment of thought recognition.  But when you hear the key word "ubs," from that point on you knowo what you're going to say directly after he stops.  You can show this by your reaction.  And that bit of acting can only come from serious listening.

Knowing your next thought trigger will help you stay in character and in the moment.  And as the audience, we can feel you anticipating what you want to say, which adds intensity to our expectation.  What script have you had recently that this tactic could be helpful in?

SIX MUST-READS FOR THE ACTOR

Acting coach, Denise Simon, tells us what her must haves are as an actor.  The holidays are a great time to study your craft as productions slow.  Use the opportunity wisely and grab these books to read while traveling!

“Acting for Dummies” is the silliest name for a book on acting (There is one, I checked!) because acting is certainly NOT for dummies. It takes a real education to look natural in front of an audience or camera. As an acting coach, my teaching style consists of a myriad of techniques learned over the years from some very gifted teachers in the industry. This mix is also reflected in my reading list. Between my Kindle and my bedside table, I have perused and read far too many books to list in one article. However, I’d like to recommend six “must haves” for aspiring and working actors alike.

 

 

1. "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff

I consider this book to be the “bible” for aspiring actors. If you are just beginning your acting career, this is a great place to start! It covers everything you need to know to get the part. Mr. Shurteff’s twelve infamous guideposts have influenced my own work in developing my simple technique to help actors learn how to direct themselves. From relationships to finding the love and humor in the scene, Shurtelff’s steps will help you nail your audition every time.

 

 

 

2. "Meisner on Acting" by Sanford Meisner

Meisner or Method? That is the question. Well, it may not really be an either/or. It’s often insightful to know both. Although I did not train with Sanford Meisner, I was fortunate enough to study with many teachers, including Wynn Handman, who were Meisner disciples. In this gem, Meisner gives it to you straight on how to live truthfully in the moment under imaginary circumstances. Your library is not complete without this one.

 

 

 

3. "Respect for Acting" by Uta Hagen

Simple and straightforward, Uta Hagen’s profound book has helped generations of actors hone their craft. She introduces series of exercises to help the actor connect to the moment, fellow actors, and the audience. “Who am I?” “What do I want?” and “What is my relationship?” are three of the nine questions explored to define your character’s role specifically. Hagen also includes invaluable advice about stage nerves and how to stay fresh in a long run.

 

4. "An Actor Prepares" by Constantin Stanislavsky

Funny at times, this book takes the actor through Stanislavsky’s self-developed "system" which helps the actor to master his craft as well as stimulate creativity and imagination. Now referred to as "method acting," "An Actor Prepares" includes a variety of exercises and some autobiographical experiences that focus on relaxation, concentration, and techniques that will help get the actor into character. Emotional memory and the “magic if” explored in his book laid the groundwork for much of the great acting today.

 

 

5. "Improvisation for the Theatre" by Viola Spolin
Considered the mother of improvisation, Viola Spolin developed a series of acting exercises and theater games to free the actor’s creativity, allowing play beyond the scene. Many modern improv groups such as Second City utilize Spolin’s techniques. If you want to learn truthful acting and how to be “in the moment,’’ add this to your library to make it complete.

 

 

 

 

6. "Actions: The Actor's' Thesaurus" by Marina Calderone
Acting means TO DO. Thousands of action words are alphabetized and categorized to help you find what you are doing in every beat. This book will help you play specific actions and get away from making general choices.

 

 

 

So there you have it! Denise’s favorite six top picks no actor should be caught without.

Master your craft, Empower yourself and Enjoy the journey.

DO YOU HAVE A HIDDEN AGENDA?

From the BackStage Experts blog, coach Bill Howey asks us to take a step back and look at ourselves from a different perspective.

A Hidden Acting Agenda is a new term to describe an old phenomenon. These agendas - formed when you, the actor - hide some behavior, attitude or trait because they were the source of criticism or embarrassment in the past.

Let’s say that you were told that “you cry too much and it’s annoying.” So you decide to avoid crying because crying is bad. This decision becomes a Hidden Acting Agenda that subsequently changes every character choice you make.

There may be a list of behaviors or physical traits that others might have disapproved of, such as: talking too loudly, talking too softly, making too many faces, a too even temper, weird-looking eyes, and so on.

Or, you might have come to the conclusion, all by yourself, that you have a specific flaw. Such as telling yourself you can’t do comedy because no one laughs at your jokes.

Hiding traits you feel (or have been convinced) are "wrong" guarantees that your character will not be as complete or as interesting as possible. You may feel safer by avoiding a sensitive area, but the character you portray will be weaker without your hidden vulnerabilities.

Hidden Acting Agendas prevent you from fully discovering your full potential. This is because every character will be missing these “undesirable traits” that make you unique. But you will never know the effect your Hidden Acting Agendas could have if you avoid confronting the discomfort of revealing your “flaws” by thought or deed.

You must think like an adventurer and risk exploring each and every “flaw,” whether it came from someone else or from inside yourself. Adventuring into and uncovering your Hidden Acting Agenda is essential to developing your acting to the highest level possible.

The rewards for exposing your Hidden Acting Agenda can be enormous. Once you stop hiding those traits, your acting can blossom in unexpected ways. Connecting with, and then developing what you may consider your flaws are life giving to characters. Your unique qualities are what differentiate you from other actors.

You arouse feelings in an audience, a casting director, or anyone because you are tapping in to the parts of yourself that you have kept hidden. These flaws resonate with an audience when you allow them to exist as part of your character presentation. When we see an actor reveal herself and allow us to observe what we sense to be an imperfection, we are moved.

Interestingly, your faults and shortcoming can often become the most affecting elements of your acting. The best acting ingredients are always personal and real, and they should be used as the tools they are, not hidden away.

So take some time, be honest with yourself, and write down your Hidden Acting Agenda(s). This will give you a map for this adventure. As you explore those traits, bringing them out of the shadows, you will find yourself growing as an actor.

Bill Howey teaches “Scene Study with Emphasis on Auditioning.” He began a professional acting career at the Cleveland Playhouse. He moved on to
television, film production, produced and directed independent films and worked as a dialog coach for TV shows.

WHAT SUSTAINS THE CREATIVE MIND?

New York actors were asked what sustains them day after day working in their creative endeavor.  Their answers were uninhibited.

CD Scott Powers says:  Wow! Nobody should look at actors the same way again! The clichéd actor stereotype has bit the dust. Thanks for all the well-thought-out replies - everyone one of them inspiring in their own way. And THAT'S what we mean by us being special - you just proved it.   Below are all the replies; please read all of them, you are sure to pick up some that resonate with you and will sustain you.

 
Writing down all of the things I've accomplished in the past year, and looking at that list frequently.

Doing something everyday, no matter how small, to move forward in creating contacts and making myself more visible.

Saying affirmations while looking at myself in the mirror. It's really hard to do at first, but I think it helps.

Getting involved with projects I care about and being with other artists I care about.

God and His grace are what keep me breathing

Every time a casting goes well

Watching myself improve and gain confidence

Knowing that I am not "just" an actor. To know that if this all goes to hell, I have intrinsic value and so much to offer besidesgives me strength to "go for it" without inhibition.

Loving what I do.

Less is more...If I can't fully commit to something. I simply don't do it. I go in 100 % and sometimes i fall on my face but at least I know I gave my all with no regrets. My time is my most valuable asset and if I'm not going to give it my ALL than it's not worth it.

I watch inspiring documentaries, inspiring bio pic films, visit the museum, reading moving books that feed my spirit. I do work on myself and always work from integrity because it's foundation of life. Without Integrity nothing works. Honoring my promises I make to myself first.

Being connected to the source of my gifts and my life.

Understanding that before I am an entertainer I am a light.

Knowing how to come back home to myself.

Looking for love and acceptance within my own heart.

Faith to stay in the present moment.

The sound of applause after a good improv show. Doing a good improv show is such a success.

Seeing my friends succeed in this business encourages me not to stop trying.

Creating my own work; making things happen on my own.

Meeting industry that already "knows" me.

My parents, who believe in me, and still call me their little star!

Hearing the laughter from the audience when you've just nailed a funny line!

The rehearsal process, joy, laughter, and comraderie

Several community theaters in New England are refurbished churches; and it is so fitting because Theater, like all art forms, feeds the soul.

It took a great deal of maturity, but knowing NOT to take it personally if I don't get a part.  I've done the work. I can act. I just may not be what they are physically looking for. 

I never gave up on anything. I refuse to lose. I dont give up. Ever

When your daughter says, Dad, I was watching a movie last night on TV and all of a sudden You popped up on the screen, WOW. you didn't tell me you were in that one.  Hey, we went to the movies last night and there you were right in the middle of things as big as life. What a thrill to see someone we know personally in a movie.

Hello Peter, This is casting calling to see if you are available tomorrow for a featured spot in 'What's Your Number' as "Uncle Charlie' ?. Ah, let me check my calendar.

Morgan Freeman called me over shared his heater with me on the first cold day of the season. At the end of the shoot when he was leaving the set, he walked by me and shook my hand and said, "It was great working with you."  I said to myself, Wow, What a Class Act."

An understanding of what I bring to the world - bridge building.  I look to connect people, connect "situations" with solutions or resolutions and provide clarity to otherwise confusing and daunting tasks.

Loving the things I do in life which sustain me (even when they're annoying, like my survival jobs and the fact that I, HAVE THEM).

Always seeking a new thing to learn every day.

Mind games with myself.  For example, when someone asks how I'm doing, my normal response usually is "Another day in Paradise".  Most folks usually scoff at that, to which I retort "that's my story and I'm sticking to it."  The responses usually shift to amazement.

Throw folks a curve ball in life that's unexpected.  For example, one of my joys is driving a bus.  I drive a line run to Atlantic City on weekends whenever I'm not doing a show or other artistic endeavors.  When a (female) passenger boards my bus and informs me it's their birthday today, I usually say "oh, that's nice, happy birthday" then they take their seat.  What they don't know is when I reach my last pick-up and make my announcements about Atlantic City protocol, I will walk the length of the bus towards where that person is sitting and just before I finish my announcements, I'll ask the question "Oh, by the way, what's you name again?" to which they'll tell me, then I belt out HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  The responses I get amongst the passengers: PRICE-LESS.

PRAYER/FAITH. These go hand in hand

Optimism- for each No, i'm closer to my Yes.

Determination- there is nothing else for me. Been workin since 14yrs old and I believe Ive been in almost every field from food service to nursing to finance to law enforcement. Since I was 7 I knew I was an Actor/character.

Passion- I eat, sleep, breath my craft and know that its my gift from God.

Perserverence- my drive to excel and never quit. Don't focus on how many ppl doin the same thing but concentrate on the unique talents I have to offer.

No Sense- not enough to even think For one minute that I won't make it. As long as I stay dedicated, there is no failing.

Physical well-being: having a gym, yoga, dance class, etc. routine. Maintain a good diet.

Mental well-being: keeping an audition journal, having an understanding friend/roommate/partner that you can vent to without getting negative feedback, writing your memoirs or an anonymous online blog. Join a book club, check out novels from the library for your daily subway commute.

Creative well-being: watching local TV shows. Taking acting class, voice lessons, etc.

Emotional well-being: making sure you keep up a social life/dating life! Keep it in check (going out is expensive!), but do make time to see your friends and go on dates (or take your partner out if you're in a relationship) - doesn't have to cost money, and you can combine them with other goals such as going out to see a show or taking a walk in the park.

Financial well-being: having a flexible day job or side catering/waitering job. Unemployment. Barter with friends for mutual coachings if you're short on money for lessons.

Weekly one-on-one coaching keeps me audition-ready at all times.

Always maintain curious attitude without being intrusive.

Bringing everything I work on to a higher level.

Seeing I've played my position on the team (shoot) to the best of my ability and have had fun doing it.

Learning for forgive -- especially myself .

I got in this by the back door -- through looking to better express emotions like vulnerability. Finding out I had talent was a major surprise. I learn something new every day which is a hoot!

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to Prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Heb.11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

1 Cor. 2:9 - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

Isaiah 30:18 - The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Ecc 5:19 - Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy with his work---this is a gift of God.

Faith

Belief in myself

Belief in the Universe and Natural Law

Family

Friends

Recognizing the strengths of others and knowing I have the ability to surpass what has already been proven possible.

Recognizing the weaknesses in others and knowing i am nothing like them and will never be like them.

The joy and happiness that comes from setting and obtaining goals.

Being lucky and grateful of having the people who inspire me most in my life.

Realizing my potential and refusing to do it injustice.
 

 

What sustains YOU day in - day out?

INDIAN VS. THE CHIEF

No, we're not talking baseball here.  We are talking the leaders vs. the followers.  The most important note to make is that as a talent, you must learn how to be both.  The next step after that is learning how to know when to lead and when to follow.

Casting Director Scott Powers shares his advice on the subject of how to follow and when to lead. 

The hallmark of a good actor is "takes direction well." Makes adjustments. As performers, we are many times on the receiving end: being told what to do by a director, photographer, agent, casting director, your teacher. Mom might even figure in there somewhere.
 
What can happen is that the actor insidiously falls into a trap: the permanent mode of always expecting to be told what to do. And can't move until. This is where obviously an actor runs into trouble. And can't quite understand why things aren't clicking, especially after being so obedient. Remember: only you can advance your career. So much has been written about the necessity of being pro-active [get-off-your-butt] that we won't re-hash that one more time. But what is most important is: knowing how and when to shift out of the Follow mode and into the Lead mode.
 
A good rule of thumb: in the in-between times of their not telling you to do something, you should automatically be telling yourself to do something.
 
Taking this concept one step further: know when to think and when not to think.   Many actors have been in acting classes where the instructor says, "Don't think," "Get out of Your Head," "Don't Intellectualize," "Be in the Now." They are correct when trying to get a truthful performance out of an actor. Here's what's forgotten: when you're finished acting, turn your thinking switch back on and then continue to be able to take care of yourself. Some actors, in learning the craft of acting, have little by little unlearned how to think, dumbed themselves down and have insidiously become helpless, hopeless individuals requiring the care and supervision of friends, family and the kindness of strangers. Do not do this to yourself.
 
Knowing when to shift gears is a big key to success and longevity. If you're looking for an industry that runs on yin/yang, right brain/left brain, lead/follow, think/don't think, passive/aggressive, and an undercurrent of S/M thrown in for good measure; congratulations, YOU'VE FOUND THE RIGHT BUSINESS!

When should you take the lead?  And when should you take direction?

DOES YOUR FACEBOOK HELP YOUR CAREER?

Social media becomes a bigger factor in booking on almost a daily basis.  Repeatedly in the past few months, I have heard producers, directors, and photographers say things like, "I wanted to know more about [insert your name here], so I checked out his/her facebook page and saw . . . "   That lead in has ended with some really positive statements and translated into a booking for the named talent.  It has also sometimes began a displeasurable rant about politics, sexuality, religion, and other topics. 

Social medias are a new front for marketing, entertainment, and communication.  Like most new things, we are going to have to learn some lessons the hard way before the younger generations are coached on how to use them effectively.  Since most of us are already adults and making an effort to join the technological era, these words from BackStage blogger Mercedes Rose are well-timed.

Social media does make a difference. A producer in the room for final callbacks recalled a recent very negative Facebook posting one of the actor had recently done. The producer immediately said he wasn't "overly excited" about the prospect of that negative energy coming to set. Now, I totally understand that one negative FB status does not a negative actor make. The point is: this producer didn't want to take that chance. And that is his right as the one doing the hiring.

In his new book, Talking Back to Facebook: A Common Sense Guide To Raising Kids in the Digital Age, Steyer explores some of the effects of digital media and outlines strategies for avoiding what he calls RAP — relationship issues, attention/addiction problems and privacy pitfalls — while navigating the digital world.  "Young people in particular often self-reveal before they self-reflect," Steyer tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies. "There is no eraser button today for indiscretion."

There is a place for personal discussions in life - it is between those involved and in private.  There is also a time for venting and bouncing ideas off of trusted sources - it is again, between those involved and in private.  Social medias are too easily accessible, too quickly completed, and too likely to not be filtered based on statistical analysis noted in the book, Talking Back to Facebook. 

There are ways to make certain posts visible to a specific group of friends; say, your family of origin, for example.  Keep in mind, though, that the information you posted may only be immediately visible to those you choose, but it is still accessible out there on the worldwide web.  No need to have haunting things pop up later when you make it big, right?

 

How are you using your social media positively?  What results have you seen?

SPEAK UP, BE HEARD!

 

Surprising as it is, there are a lot of models and actors in entertainment are rather quiet when off screen.  These introverts can be successful in the industry, even if they aren't peppered throughout the tabloids for spouting off in public.  Being heard is important, but more important still is being understood.

As an actor, the audience can't follow your character if they don't understand your speech (as well as movement and expression).  For those who aren't naturally going to project their voices, learning how to be heard effectively can be as simple as a little practice.

Susan Berkley is not only a voice over artist (you know her as the voice of AT&T), but also the author Speak to Influence: How to Unlock the Hidden Power of your Voice and the president of The Great Voice Company.  Her advice?  Start by believing that you deserve to be heard.  Insecure people often speak softly.  Remind yourself that your ideas are as important as anyone else's. 

Then start weight lifting with your lips!  One very simple exercise Susan recommends is using tongue twisters to polish your clear vowel and consanant sounds.  Try these several times a day for the next week and give your lips and tongue a good workout, too!

Green tea ice cream is a treat to eat

Mean men may cause harm

Go with the flow to stay in the know

Ed said get into bed

She lost her poise after hearing the noise

I knew the crew in a blue canoe

The next time you're in front of the camera, your lips will be primed and confident -- and everyone will know exactly what you are being hired to share (which will get you hired again soon)!

PLAYING WITH BLOCKS

We all face mental blocks both in our personal and professional lives.  We develop coping mechanisms to work through or avoid them, but inevitably, we end up facing a few that leave us frustrated and without an answer.   What can you do when your initial efforts to overcome it aren't working?

 

 

Mental hurdling should be an olympic sport!  Once we learn to make it over something that was tripping us up, we feel empowered and encouraged.  Looking back on the situation, we frequently think the answer was so simple.  But putting mind over matter is one of the most challenging obstacles the creative mind faces.

A recent fall left me with several broken vertebrae and a traumatized perspective of the passtime that invited the injury.  Now that my body has healed enough to get back up on a horse again, I find myself facing a mental block with a seemingly simple activity I was practicing when I got hurt.  Logically, it seems so elementary, but the fact of the matter is that when my mind tells my body to do it, my muscle memory takes over and I am unable to follow my mind's direction.  While replaying my inability repeatedly, I realized the physical circumstance is very similar to the talent facing a professional trauma.

After you've had a negative experience as a model or actor -- be it on set, in the casting room, or while networking in a social setting -- it can be scary to revisit that place or to see that person.  The first thing one has to do when overcoming a physical or emotional trauma, is to acknowledge it's presence and power. 

The second step is to practice facing the trauma in a safe environment.  If your negative experience happened in the casting room with a specific director or casting director, reenact the audition with a friend (and have them play the other person's role as you experienced it).  If you did not like your response to the circumstances, change it.  Practice a new and better response.  Then practice a positive ending, instead.  Continue to heal by practicing the same positive choices with a different director or CD. 

A third option would be to work with someone who you trust to help you grow through the trauma.  A coach might be a good person to get advice or feedback from.   Keep in mind that mental and emotional hurdles aren't something that can be fixed in a single try.  You may have to revisit the coach multiple times to feel you've achieved success!

Training my muscle memory to do the right thing will take time; it will also frustrate me in the interim.  Persistence and patience are the keys to overcoming and retraining our muscles to follow our brain.  What techniques do you find most effective to overcome mental and emotional hurdles?

HOW TO DO AN IRISH ACCENT

The above clip is from the movie "The Luck of the Irish" that premiered on Disney Channel.  Pay attention to the dark haired man that barges in on the bus as well as the grandpa. Both are speaking with an irish accent. Now these two men don't necessarily seem like the typical irish characters that would be cast (they're missing the red hair, light skin and freckles) but hair and makeup has made them look the part. Looking the part is only half the battle, though, when auditioning.

Gareth Jameson, an actor and voice coach, has made several YouTube videos to teach you certain accents. Check out this video where he teaches the basics of an Irish accent:

  

Give yourself the "Luck of the Irish"!  Listen, imitate, and practice your Irish accent to nail your next big audition!  Have you been passed over because you didn't have Irish Accent listed on your resume?

JUST GOAL FOR IT!

It takes the right kind of attitude, persistance, hard work and maybe even a little luck to pursue your goals. Sometimes they can be hard to find; sometimes they're just handed to you. The one thing to remember is that if you're motivated enough, you can and will achieve them! Below are some tips on how to create, commit and stick to your goals. 

Creating Goals

• Goals are a dream – be free to imagine
• Goals create excitement about ourselves and the future we can create
• Goals are specific, realistic and achievable
• Goals should be set slightly beyond your grasp so you personally stretch and grow

 Commit To Your Goals!

• Write down your goals for the next six days, six weeks and six years
• Write down why you want to achieve these goals
• Prioritize your goals – put your daily efforts in order
• Write down the hurdles you will encounter while working toward these goals. How will you handle the hurdles?
• Discuss your goals with your family and friends. This is optional but it always helps to have a support group or person to cheer you toward your goals.

 Stick to your Commitment!

• Visualize daily the completion of your goals
• Allow for flexibility and re-evaluation of your goals
• Prepare how to respond to disappointments and setbacks. It’s not what happens to us but how we handle it!
• Review your progress and alter your plans but not your goals! 

What goals did you set early in the year that have been achieved?  What are some of your current goals for the coming weeks or months?