So..You Want To Be An Actor?
I cannot emphasize enough the “business of show business.” Really… Before many of us settle into our creative pursuits, we are hooked by the lights, camera, action of Hollywood. I know I was. It’s a signal of hope!
Then reality hits and you realize there’s work to be done to get yourself in front of decision-makers. And then, it’s all about the “work.” For example, first starting out, it’s very important to find an acting teacher. This will be someone that is going to work with your head, heart and soul. So make sure that you realize that before you sign up with someone, you will do plenty of research to evaluate instructors.
Just because somebody is considered a good teacher doesn’t mean that they’re going to be a good teacher for you. That’s a really, really important distinction. You must be auditing classes to truly experience what this person is about.
What Am I Looking For?
I have had two principal acting coaches in my life. If you CANNOT consistently and knowledgeably deliver a performance with whatever sides you’re given based on that person’s instruction, then quite frankly, having studied with them has no value.
Painfully, I know a lot of people who have taken a lot of classes and gone to a lot of teachers and the first thing they do when they get a piece of material is just look at the lines they have and try to learn them — which, of course, is an important part of acting. But it’s not the foundation of the craft. You need to go further.
Does This Apply To Other Areas?
Yes. Photographers. Touch-up experts. Website Developers. Fitness consultants. Dialect coaches. It’s never-ending for actors. Do research! Do a lot of it. Really know what it is you’re paying for.
How Does An Actor Face This Overwhelm?
I have had a wonderful acting career, along with being the president and founder of “The Actors’ Network,” I’ve been speaking to actors on this since 1991. There’s a lot I’m going to share through experience, insights and opinions. Some of it, you might not want to hear… I completely get it.
My only goal here and this blog is to lessen the mystery. To give you an action plan that works, saves you time and money and reduces anguish. A dream is a goal without a deadline. The deadline needs tangible goals and tangible tasks. Every year, Hollywood finds that one story where an actor out of the blue showed up here and a week later they rocketed to fame on TV or in a movie. It happens. And it thrills us because that could be us. ENJOY YOURS!