Acting The Passion and The Dream
The universe and all of history is your classroom
It takes a very strong and dedicated person to pursue a career
in acting. After all, you are doing it because you love it. You
couldn't imagine doing anything else. And of course, not many
people will understand this. Some people cannot understand why
anyone would want to do something with such an unpredictable
future. But you know it is you future, it must be.
No one can quiet explain that feeling that you get when you
perform. One of the most exciting things about acting is that
you can be or do anything that you want. All the worries and
sorrows disappear. The stage is a very relaxing place. It's your
home. You learn, grow, and develop there, as an actor and as a
person.
The members of the audience come to be entertained and/or
educated. They are living out their fantasies through your
character. Therefore, your portrayal of the character must real
and truthful.
In order to act, you must be an observer of life. You must watch
people closely: how they talk, the gestures they make, and so
forth. You must observe and then be able to duplicate what you
see. This is real. This is true life. You also must experience
all that you can. This gives you more knowledge and a broad area
to work with for understanding your character.
Try new things, experience life. Don't be the spectator, that's
not your job. The definition of to act is to do. As Miss Stella
Adler said, "You cannot afford to confine you studies to the
classroom. The universe and all of history is your classroom."
In show business, the first impression can sometimes be the last
impression. Producers, directors and casting directors are busy
people. The deciding factor in giving an unknown (or even an
experienced actor whose opportunities have been limited) a
chance to read for a part is often based on first impressions.
It's up to you to know how to handle yourself during an
interview: how to be at ease, and how to be well poised. How to
sell yourself; how not to oversell yourself.
To become the actor that you want to be takes loosing your ego
and trusting in your teachers experience to help develop you
into the professional that you know you can be.
Acting isn't about you; it is all about the character.