How Well Do You Know Your Character?
You are given a script. Your character is close to your height and weight and is your sex. That is why you were chosen. Now it is up to you to make choices to define and understand your character. You find out that the role you are playing is that of a professor of mathematics. He or she is living in New Jersey and is currently working at Princeton University, middle aged, have a wife and three children. Your hair is brown, eyes are blue. The character drives a Saab.
The facts are known but these are just statistics. Does the professor cheat on his wife? Any phobias? Does he love one child more than the other two?
These questions can go on and on as you pick apart the script looking for clues. These questions carry with them deeper questions. For example, why does he cheat on his wife? Why is the professor afraid of using erasers on the chalkboard and prefers to have a damp washcloth handy instead?
Our job as an actor is to find and ACCEPT our characters flaws and idiosyncrasies, then play them out truthfully. Not to judge them. Judging them only defuses and debilitates the role. The only rule that we as actors should follow is if that role causes us to go against our morality or principles. If we allow that to happen for any reason, we lose touch of who we are.
David Wayne
“What I did for Love”
Talent and the desire to develop and sacrifice for it is frequently misunderstood by others who do not share the same abilities. Actors and artists have within them something special. It LIVES in them. Whenever that something special is allowed to shine, it creates happiness and satisfaction that fills our souls.
When it is ignored it is like a pillow is placed over our face, and the ” something special” turns into an overwelming burden which suffocates the life out of us. When others see this, they may assume that we need a change in career, or possibly an antidepressant. This could not be further from the truth. Actors and artists see, feel and react differently than the average person. We were born with that something special for a reason. It is a gift that needs to be nurtured, developed then given away, every day of our lives.
David Wayne
Focus on Acting?
Danny Kaye once said, “If a person gives 100% they should expect 100% in return.” He believed this with his heart. It is that sort of decision and drive that directs us toward a specific goal. Acting is like finding that special someone. This business is hard enough to just accept anything!
The Key is to embrace the industry as a whole while maintaining our dream or goal in a very detailed and specific manner. If our goal is to work in musical theatre, our focus should be on singing and dance classes. If film is the main stay of your creative existence then perhaps a Meisner or Stanislavsky workshop, or acting for the camera class would be best. Acting is a constant arena of learning and experiencing. George C. Scott said, “This acting thing, I think I am starting to get it.” George was in his 80’s.
David Wayne
Networking or Connecting..its all the same!
Actors and others in the industry must communicate in order to generate work! People have been doing since Biblical times! The basic purpose is to tell others about what you do.
In this 21st century we use the computer or internet to connect with other actors and directors. Check out Stanfords Who’s Who by clicking below. It is filled with good advice!
David Wayne
A very good performance indeed!
Alot of work goes into scenes. By working and re-working a scene we as actors can shed our mannerisms and inhibitions that so often ruin an otherwise great performance! A good teacher is a valuable find. Click the video below and you will see an actor who is really working.
A Very Good Performance! David Wayne
Acting..so simple it is difficult!
Sir Ian Mckellen defines acting in it’s simplest of forms!
The Shawshank Redemption!
The Shawshank Redemption is a classic movie. The direction was once in a life time acheivement according to Frank Darabont. “It’s hard to make a Shawshank everytime you make a movie. If it were easy everyone would be making one!”
The movie made it’s debut in 1994. It stars Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Gil Bellows and many other talented actors. The movies archetypal exposition or point of view, is expressed through the entire movie as “the struggle and triumph of the human spirit!
The movie was based on the short novel, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption” written by Stephen King. It is a short story from a larger book called, “Different Seasons.” The settings or film language that Director Frank Darabont chose communicates simply and effectively from the drab dark tones fo the prison walls, the quiet serenity of Maine and the breath taking splendor of the beach scene in the Virgin Islands!
Bob Gunton Played the role of the self righteous warden, Samuel Norton. Bob has the same raw talent of veteran actor Anthony Hopkins. After serving in the Vietnam war from 1969 to 1971, Bob spent the majority of his career in theatre. In 1989 he landed the starring role of Benjamin Barker in Sweeney Todd! Bob has done many other fine films since Shawshank, although everyone remembers him for the cruel warden Norton.
When Andy finally ecsapes from Shawshank he finds himself going through the sewer drain pipe. It is 500 yards of human waste, similar to the 19 years he had to live through in the form of rape and brutality. His travels through the pipe can be compared to the journey from the womb. He is struggling and fighting his way to freedom and new birth.
The roles that an actor, director, producer, cinematographer, writer or location manager are very exacting. Decisions for lighting, camera angles, background and other choices are what create a classic or a flop.
For more indepth analysis of The Shawshank Redemption please visit: Analysis / Shawshank
David Wayne
A Quote from Dr. Seuss!
“Be Who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind!”
A Word about Eating on a Healthy Budget..
Here are a few articles that will benefit the actor! Pick up a fork and Read!
Tai Chi for Actors!
Tai Chi is a form of Chinese exercise that delivers powerful health results in a gentle but effective way. Tai Chi is over five hundred years old and is taught in five different forms. It is an excellent way to get the actor’s instrument in tune! It costs little to start (about 10.00 for a DVD/Book combo) and can be practiced daily at home. This is great for those of you who are on a tight budget!
It is an art form with movements similar to Ballet and Ballroom dancing. Tai Chi appears easy, but be prepared for sore muscles and quite a bit of sweating! I am excited to bring this to the actorsmotivation blog. I have been practicing Tai Chi for 3 years and this art/exercise is not something to be missed!
If living in Manhatten, Tai Chi is practiced in Union Square! It is easy to find (see map) and provides an oasis in the midst of the busy NYC life style!
Tai Chi DVD/Book David Wayne
Warning: as with all exercise check with you physican first before attempting any athletic endeavor.
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