(no subject)
So, I've been thinking a lot about acting. Boiled down to its essence, you only need 3 things, really, to be a fine actor. Not fine like we tend to use it, "Oh, he was fine." But a really FINE actor. I'm taking flak for this, and I understand that, but here it is:
1) Mounds of courage.
2) Heaps of empathy.
3) The ability to speak truth in someone else's words.
It seems to me that most classes are teaching only those things. Sure, you get some specialized classes, teaching specific skills (commedia, on-camera technique, that kind of thing). But the essence is right there.
Repetition, more than anything else teaches #1. Continuing on, especially as they have altered the method at Act One, teaches #2.
I saw a Russian production of Twelfth Night last night, and while I can't speak to #3 much (it looked like they were, but I don't speak Russian), I can say they ALL of them had 1 and 2.
Courage to stand on a stage in front of people and know you have the right to be there. That in itself gets people farther than most think. I bet I could get an actor lots of roles around Chicago if they ONLY had #1. The right to be there. That gives you the right to take your time, the right to make your own choices, the right to move as quickly or slowly as you wish (yes, given all your imaginary circumstances, of course).
More on this later.
1) Mounds of courage.
2) Heaps of empathy.
3) The ability to speak truth in someone else's words.
It seems to me that most classes are teaching only those things. Sure, you get some specialized classes, teaching specific skills (commedia, on-camera technique, that kind of thing). But the essence is right there.
Repetition, more than anything else teaches #1. Continuing on, especially as they have altered the method at Act One, teaches #2.
I saw a Russian production of Twelfth Night last night, and while I can't speak to #3 much (it looked like they were, but I don't speak Russian), I can say they ALL of them had 1 and 2.
Courage to stand on a stage in front of people and know you have the right to be there. That in itself gets people farther than most think. I bet I could get an actor lots of roles around Chicago if they ONLY had #1. The right to be there. That gives you the right to take your time, the right to make your own choices, the right to move as quickly or slowly as you wish (yes, given all your imaginary circumstances, of course).