Vlog: Play
On the set of An Orphan’s Adventure (shout out to Rebecca Perry, Director and set designer), opening Friday June 5th, Bill talks to directors about fantasy and fun.
On the set of An Orphan’s Adventure (shout out to Rebecca Perry, Director and set designer), opening Friday June 5th, Bill talks to directors about fantasy and fun.
Raw carrots can be good for you!
Study your script, don’t take things at face value; find the humor.
Be ready to take direction in an audition.
Oftentimes during the rehearsal process there is that moment when nothing is going right… it will pass.
When auditioning, never get discouraged.
An awesome performance must be heard to count.
An example of excellent writing is one of my favorite moments in “On Golden Pond”.
Whether producing, directing or writing, deadlines are important.
If rehearsals get bogged down, consider this tip that will help your actors and your show.
An important aspect of an actor’s work is to know where you are and how you feel about it.
I work the script of a play from front to back, with actors working off-book, in seven page chunks.
When auditioning or acting with small children or animals, stay close because all eyes will be on them.
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.
When working on a show, be it stage or film, always build good relationships.
If you have set an audition time or made a commitment to be there, honor those who are expecting you by showing up.
Study people and find traits to incorporate into your own characters.
I have a note to directors on simplicity for sound and lights in scene changes.
The Director is your friend.
Actors should know their range and find ways to show it at an audition.
Rebecca Perry, Director of “A Little Princess” opening April 26th, has a tip for young actors.
Although the exact circumstances may be different, write from moments and experiences that have moved you.
Don’t be too quick to throw away a “mistake”.
Director Rebecca Perry speaks to young actors on the importance of staying in character.
Preparation and risk-taking are important in auditions.
Plays and films are made up of moments. Savor them.
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.
A demonstration with actors illustrates how to get into a strong position in a scene.
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.
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.
Getting “in place” to study and make contacts will advance your career.
Nervous or excessive movement is not good in an audition or a performance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
October 12- November 4
Whether in an audition or performance, it is important to develop an instinct for finding the light and getting in it.
Actors should take advantage of moments where they can create mystery or tension. Here is a tip on how to do that.
The love is there, look for it.
Is your intensity high enough?
Comedy can’t be sloppy. It must be precise.
Knowing when to ‘hold’ (or wait to speak your next line) during comedy.
It’s not all about your next line!
Bill talks about writing and how he keeps a flow going from one session to the next.
What is the most important aspect of acting?