Monday, February 16, 2009

Guide to Acting; from a Techie

I just decided to put together a list of things that I have noticed and think must be the key to amazing performances. Please use this to help guide your own performances in the future:

  1. Hold for all laughs---real, expected, or imagined! If you don't get one, face front and repeat the line louder. Failing this, laugh at it yourself.
  2. A good performance, like concrete, should be molded quickly and then forever set.
  3. Your first responsibility as an actor is to find your light.
  4. Do not listen to your fellow actors on stage. It will only throw you.
  5. Do not look at them either---you may not like what you see.
  6. Always be specific---point to what you're talking about.
  7. If a line isn't working for you, change it.
  8. Stage Managers are NOT actors---ignore them. Keep them alert by never arriving on time or signing in.
  9. Never be afraid to ad-lib to get attention, especially if you feel the leads aren't very entertaining.
  10. Mistakes are never your fault.
  11. Always find something to bitch about, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Your fellow actors will respect your professional attention to detail.
  12. Do help your fellow actors by giving them notes whenever you feel necessary.
    And give the notes immediately before they go on---it will be fresher that way.
  13. Play the reality---always be aware of the audience and whether you think they like the show, then gauge your performance accordingly. Why knock yourself out for ungrateful snobs?
  14. Need a character? Get a costume.
  15. Never change anything that is working, no matter how wrong or phony it may seem.
I hope this guide helps everyone out there to be the best actors they can be! But hey I am a techie, I could be wrong on some of these...

-Andrew

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I ususally like to repeat my line 6 or 7 times before i give up and laugh at it myself. I also like to laugh for way too long in these situations, to punish the audience for not doing it right the first time.

Anonymous said...

And that is how we know you are a pro, Mike! I knew I had seen it done, thanks for admitting to it.
-Andrew

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that a forum has finally recognized the professional importance of bitching. it's the cornerstone of my acting career.