Character Traits and Actions
Directors give performance or effect directions. It forces actors to play cliches. Figuring out the nature of a character trait or spine or personality frees an actor to play an action ... or an impul...
21 Apr 16min
Actors Talk Acting
Last week I gave classes in Poland and it was extremely useful to have a fresh perspective on students who were slightly new to this way of working – and also affording an opportunity for actors to ta...
16 Apr 16min
Working On A Monologue
My student, JP, has been working on the Biff and Happy scene from Death of a Salesman. In this episode we work through a place where he was stuck with that feeling of "now I'm performing a monologue."
7 Apr 18min
The Actor's Personal Connection
In coaching an actor this week, I was struck again by what feels obvious—and yet is so often missed: the actor must find a personal connection to the circumstances, or the character’s conflict never b...
31 Mar 14min
Talking Out
Revisiting the concept of talking out as a way to help actors own everything they think about a character and a play.
31 Mar 13min
Living off your Partner
Building the character's attitude towards their partner is not only essential in playing a scene, it saves you. There's a danger, however, in building the attitude all on one level.
24 Mar 14min
What to work on
Sometimes I think we've just had too many classes - and too many teachers telling you what you have to do in order to play a part. An actor needs to develop the ability to figure out what is necessary...
18 Mar 17min
