I know that we are taught that actors should always be in class. As usual, I happen to disagree. Sometimes you just need a break, or there simply isn’t time or finances are an issue. Whatever the situation, there are always things you can do to grow as an actor outside of class.
1. Watch TV. That’s right plop yourself down in front of your TV and get busy. I try and watch every show at least once. That is a lot of TV. It’s my job. When an actor comes to me and is auditioning for a show that they haven’t seen, then they are at a disadvantage. Would you approach Shakespeare the same way you would Ibsen? If you are auditioning for HBO, that is a very different style of acting then, let’s say, ABC family. Shonda Rhimes is a modern day playwright and her shows have their own type of iambic pentameter. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
We get very little time once given an appointment. If you know the tone, feel, and style of the show, you have just saved yourself a valuable hour or two.
It’s also a great and inexpensive way to learn comedy. I tell my actors to take any comedy and keep the remote in their hand. Anytime there is something that makes them laugh or even smile, then
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