The Craft

'Improvising' in Scripted Comedy

I'm often asked by people who have seen "The 39 Steps"—in which I'm performing on Broadway, along with Jill Paice, Jeffery Kuhn, and Sean Mahon—how much of the show is improvised.

10 Best Audition Monologues for Actors

Let's be clear: There is no such thing as a perfect list of the best monologues for actors.

The Top 10 Tips for Becoming a Successful Comedy Actor

In what way are you funny? What's funny about you? Being aware of what makes up your personal "funny"—finding the comedy in yourself and your everyday life—is the first step to becoming a successful comedy actor.

A Star is Born -- or Made

In  the years I've been writing this column, I've always assumed that acting training is an absolute necessity if you want to be an actor.

Gotta Be Me

Remember that old Army recruitment ad, "Be all you can be"? One of the ways to be all you can be when acting is to blend your own behavior with that of your character.

What Is This Thing Called Craft?

Lee Strasberg once said, "Every actor needs a craft which is commensurate with his talent." Stella Adler said, "Without craft there can be no art."

Thought Control

Recently I found myself thinking about…well, about thinking. What should or shouldn't be in your mind when you're acting? How do you control your thoughts? How do you not think about a pink elephant?

What Is Personalization?

Every role, every creative situation, every professional job—whether on stage, in front of a camera, or at a microphone—is unique and requires you to use different tools from your actor's toolbox.

Your Character's Soundtrack

As many actors know from experience, listening to music can help you prepare to act. Depending upon your selection, it can calm you down or pump you up.

The Method and the Myth

"I don't want to see or hear any of that Method crap!" How many times has an actor heard that from a director, producer, or teacher? Too many, I'll wager.