Vlog: The Want Factor
Raw carrots can be good for you!
Vlog: Script Study
Study your script, don’t take things at face value; find the humor.
Vlog: Audition Prep
Be ready to take direction in an audition.
Vlog: Actors & Directors, Don’t Panic
Oftentimes during the rehearsal process there is that moment when nothing is going right… it will pass.
Vlog: Audition Tip
When auditioning, never get discouraged.
Vlog: Volume
An awesome performance must be heard to count.
Vlog: Writing Example
An example of excellent writing is one of my favorite moments in “On Golden Pond”.
Vlog: Setting Deadlines
Whether producing, directing or writing, deadlines are important.
Vlog: Directors – Small Bites
If rehearsals get bogged down, consider this tip that will help your actors and your show.
Vlog: Actors and Place
An important aspect of an actor’s work is to know where you are and how you feel about it.
Vlog: Directing – My Part of the Process
I work the script of a play from front to back, with actors working off-book, in seven page chunks.
Vlog: Acting “Littles” and Pets
When auditioning or acting with small children or animals, stay close because all eyes will be on them.
Vlog: Casting
Our little granddaughter, future leading lady, helps Pawpaw with the Tip of the Day: Always put talent and ability over a desired look or physical qualities when carin casting.
Vlog: Cast-Crew Relationships
When working on a show, be it stage or film, always build good relationships.
Vlog: Innocent or Guilty
If you have set an audition time or made a commitment to be there, honor those who are expecting you by showing up.
Vlog: Building a Character
Study people and find traits to incorporate into your own characters.
Vlog: Scene Transitions – Sounds & Lights
I have a note to directors on simplicity for sound and lights in scene changes.
Vlog: Actor Director Relationship
The Director is your friend.
Vlog: Audition Range
Actors should know their range and find ways to show it at an audition.
Vlog: Write What You Know
Although the exact circumstances may be different, write from moments and experiences that have moved you.
Vlog: Mistakes Can Be Gold
Don’t be too quick to throw away a “mistake”.
Vlog: Audition Risks
Preparation and risk-taking are important in auditions.
Vlog: Moments
Plays and films are made up of moments. Savor them.
Vlog: Bringing Life To A Script
The main thing is not what the words say or don’t say, but how you feel. People want to “see” how you and other actors feel.
Directors & Actors: Blocking Tips
A demonstration with actors illustrates how to get into a strong position in a scene.
Vlog: Actors in Costume
It’s a great help to actors to get into costume as soon as possible. Even if the whole costume is not ready or acquired yet, get them into what they have and work through putting costumes together as rehearsals progress.
Vlog: Actors in Small Theaters
You may not be acting in New York City, but wherever you are it is valuable work. Many actors on and off Broadway started in community and regional theater.
Vlog: Where Do I Study?
Getting “in place” to study and make contacts will advance your career.
Vlog: Movement
Nervous or excessive movement is not good in an audition or a performance.
Vlog: Depth In Set Design
Not only do you need a script with depth, and depth in direction and all performances, you need a set that speaks it from the moment your audience enters the performance space. Highs and lows, close up, mid range and farther back, heavy or dark, and light.
Vlog: Focus
In film and video, the director just sets up the shot he wants his audience to see. On stage, focus or the audience’s eye, must be manipulated with blocking (positioning) and movement. The audience must not be confused about where to look. You tell them where to look by the action and placement of everything and everyone on stage.
Vlog: Projection
Always be mindful that your audience, that farthest row back, needs to hear you, even though your scene partner may be right next to you.
Vlog: Do Your Homework
In preparing for a role it is important to “do your homework”, which includes making a history. Start with what is “given” in the script and then get creative from there. Make your choices specific, important, and extreme.
Agnes of God
October 12- November 4
Vlog: Lighting
Whether in an audition or performance, it is important to develop an instinct for finding the light and getting in it.
Vlog: Importance
In any acting situation, but especially an audition, make your choices which influence your emotional levels VERY IMPORTANT.
Vlog: Learn Your Lines
In any production, everyone has a very specific job to do. Focus on doing yours. More than anything else, that alone will bring appreciation and respect from all those with whom you work.
Vlog: Mystery
Actors should take advantage of moments where they can create mystery or tension. Here is a tip on how to do that.
Vlog: Looking For Love
The love is there, look for it.
Vlog: Acting, Conflict Levels
Is your intensity high enough?
Vlog: Sloppy Comedy
Comedy can’t be sloppy. It must be precise.
Vlog: Comedy
Knowing when to ‘hold’ (or wait to speak your next line) during comedy.
Vlog: Listening
It’s not all about your next line!
Vlog: Creative Flow
Bill talks about writing and how he keeps a flow going from one session to the next.
Vlog: Relationship
What is the most important aspect of acting?