Tricks of the Trade

Having just recently completed my first year at University for acting I feel it a privilege to share with you tips and tricks of the acting trade.

1. Read. Lots.
I know it sounds very redundant but reading up on your industry or books on auditioning and perfecting your craft is basically key to acing an audition and getting the part. A book i recommend is Audition by Michael Shurtleff. He talks about 12 guide posts to help in a scene... additionally, there are updated versions that will tell you this, but there are an additional 2 guideposts Vulnerability and another one that has slipped my mind but I will research for you.

Also read things and study in classes that aren't related to acting when you get the chance. A good philosophy/neurology course can help with figuring out the mind, one of an actor's number one place where ideas come from.

Also read plays and screenplays. When you learn about character arcs and story arcs and the like, you can start to look for those. Also you may need to find monologues for whatever classes or auditions you've done or or are going to do.

2. Audition. Lots.
You won't know what to work on unless you try and audition for shows. Any show, whether its variety, repertoire, musicals, etc. experience in auditioning is no harm... getting the part is the best thing in the entire world.

The thing you have to work on is being professional yet friendly, but not too friendly. And don't be afraid to talk about yourself. What makes you unique? What are your hobbies? What are you passionate about? An auditioner/producer/casting agent/director wants to see you at your best, so talk about things that turn you on, respectively.

3. Go see shows.
Be critical. Sure enjoy the show, but think of things that will make the play/musical/movie better. What could you have contributed if you were in it? Have fun while you see. Look at the positives as well. What made a particular scene funny? Were there things that someone said/did that made that moment funny? What were some good moments? Also, most likely, there's a meet and greet after the show, talk to those actors, tell them they were fantastic and talk. Not only is that beneficial, it's also very fun.

4. Take classes.
Not so much theatre classes, but other things. Actors today as well as way back to the 1920's and 1930's had to be "triple threats". Acting. Dancing. Singing. Taking classes in dance (tap, ballet, contemporary, etc.) and singing lessons or vocal classes or even private musical theatre instructions at your school or town or city is a good idea. If a family or friend is a music teacher use them to your advantage. Just remember, always say please and expect a bargain of some
kind. You can't get something for nothing nowadays. While your at it, learn to play piano or an instrument.

5. Try things.
Try writing a screenplay or play. If it helps, collaborate with your friends to make a show. Don't worry about rules. What I've learned is that there are no wrong or right ways or limits unless you set some. Don't! You'll stifle your creativity! Start with an idea or a theme and build off of it. Don't forget to have fun, that's number one! and don't worry about budgets, cross that bridge when you get there.

6. Blog or create websites
Self-promotion never hurt anyone. In life you're not going to be waiting by the phone for a call, especially if you're unknown. And don't start with an agent right off, let them discover you or contact them to come to a show that you're in or something like that.

And that's it for now! Until next time!