Tips & Insights.
Tips & Insights are apercus. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines apercu as a brief survey or sketch; an outline. One point per entry aims to remind the reader of something they haven’t thought of for a while. In French, apercu means a glimpse, outline or general idea.
Some Comments
Posted “What you have” on social today —
It’s such a good one. We spend so much of our lives thinking the answer lives outside of us, but what we have is the answer, is everything, is what makes me, me. And that’s my strength, not my weakness. Distilling that. Recognizing that. Being truthful to that.
That’s real power and builds conviction. Loved it.
- Camille Stopps
I did a self tape audition yesterday after reading your missive. The character was supposed to be about ten years older than me. I have my mother’s cane and used that to influence my posture. It helped. It was my own little secret. I brushed my teeth before I left the house.
- Tom Butler
Nice and inspired comments for the students and actors that you are working with.
- Arne Zaslove
In homeopathy, one treats the main symptom first.
Do the same when you prep for auditions.
An actress with lots of theatre experience comes to me with a TV audition and says …
If you’re asked to bake a cake just do that.
Don’t add any icing.
Your direction is to walk across the stage. Just do that. Don’t add. DeNiro says …
The Business.
In European history, it was asserted that kings derived their authority from God and could not therefore be held accountable for their actions by any earthly authority such as a parliament.
During the War of …
There’s a lot of work needed to figure this one out.
Generally, in the early part of your career getting a headshot done is a bit of a nightmare. There aren’t any courses on it. On how to do it.
In fact, the very idea of a course on headshots probably sounds absurd. Certainly not de rigueur. And not …
Why do proprietors of casting studios hang posters of Hollywood movie stars on the walls?
You may have your own thoughts on Marilyn and Marlon, but do you need to be looking at …
The Work.
You do have to have it to work in American movies.
Years ago, in acting class, the actor/director Adam McDonald came up
There’s a term.
You have an audition for a part in a series. The trope of the series is that there are living people and dead people who can communicate with the living people.
There is a set of leading roles all …
The actor asks, ‘How do you play drunk?’
Good question.
‘The old rule is not to act drunk, but to try and do what you’re doing,’ I said. ‘How about you first really go overboard and do a drunk guy walking.’
He did and looked like …
The Life.
The moment you realize the power you have is enlightening.
Whether on set or in class there comes a moment when you realize your power. Your pool of power. You feel you’ve reached deep inside. Deeper than you ever have.
A coach might point …
I once went through a dramatic experience and shortly afterwards I was quite anxious and asked my mentor what she thought it was.
‘Well, you’re sensitive.’
I didn’t grasp what she meant …
Is a question you’ve considered often and will continue to do so.
Pick up the pace. Pick up your cues. Speak quicker. Feel the rhythm of the scene. Take a beat.
A pause.
Shooting a commercial you’re under strict time guidelines. You might …