The Craft

Find the Facts To Flesh Out a Role

Like objectives and actions, facts can be a simple way to flesh out a role or save a floundering scene. A good script offers a number of pre-set facts—or given circumstances—from which to draw. While some actors stop there, facts have more to yield than what most plays ...

Do Actors Have An Obligation To Lose Weight?

As actors constantly on the hunt for work, we’d be wise to remember that we are selling not only our talent and abilities but an entire package—teeth, skin, cellulite, et al.

3 Crucial Parts of Any Audition

Auditions have three crucial parts. Most actors understand the first two—preparation and execution—but many forget the third. Often overlooked but extremely helpful, willful amnesia is something it may benefit you to cultivate.

How To Find Freedom As An Actor

Freedom is the ultimate goal of technique. Many actors have no repeatable system of work. Afraid that technique will trap them, they use random instincts, which produce random results.

How To Determine Your Objective as an Actor

Objectives (what your character wants) can’t come alive in a fog of thoughts and feelings. Only by actively pursuing your objective—playing actions—does your character, and the script, come alive.

Are You Director-Proof?

Most directors struggle to speak the actor’s language. While some take an interest in the craft—even signing up for the occasional acting class—others have no idea what we do.

Don't Say Anything Negative About a Show Within Earshot of the Theater

This learned young scholar of the arts might benefit from a little etiquette lesson in the “six-block rule.” In short, the rule dictates that you refrain from saying anything negative about a production until you are at least six blocks away from the theater.

Why Your Emotional History Is Important as an Actor

An area in an actor’s work that is often neglected is emotional history. With history comes emotion, and it shows up in what the character says and does.

Own Your Accomplishments and Career Milestones

The real work of your early career is trying to land one tiny job after another, and it can be impossible to explain your résumé on the spot. Instead, you might find yourself doling out excuses and undermining your own success.

As an Actor, You Are Your Own Boss

Whether prepared or no, you steer the ship. Do you push yourself as hard as you’d push those you love? Would you let them go to the audition late, under-prepared, and underdressed? Would you stand in their way?