Acting in Plays, Singing/Good & Bad Acting

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Expert: John T. Aney - 10/4/2009


Question
Hello:

How can someone notice good acting from bad acting?
What do you or an experienced actor look for when an actor is performing to know whether he/she is a good actor?

I thank you for your reply.

Answer
This is a tough question to answer.  Everyone looks for different things, and is affected by different things when watching a performance.

In general, however, good acting is truthful.  That is, it doesn't look fake or stagy.  When you are watching a good actor at work, the personality of the actor fades away and the actor becomes the character.  In most movie acting, you are always aware that you are watching some particular movie star in a role.  The best performances come from actors who make you forget who they are and identify with the character they are playing.

jta

Acting in Plays, Singing

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John T. Aney

Expertise

I hold a Masters` Degree in Theatre History and Dramatic Literature - I can help with any question on non-Musical theatre, including acting technique, dramatic literature, theatre history, etc. Please note - I do not answer questions regarding song choices for musical theatre auditions.

Experience

Experience: 25 years as actor and student of the theatre Masters` Degree in Theatre History and Dramatic Literature Certificate in Acting and Directing from Moscow Art Theatre Stanislavsky Summer School

Education: MA - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature, Indiana University BA - Lewis and Clark College

Clients: Wooden O Shakespeare Company (Actor and Dramaturg), Menlo Players Guild (Actor and Dramaturg), Bus Barn Stage Co, Dragon Productions, City Lights Theatre

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