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About Kenneth D. Plonkey
Expertise
Questions about acting and directing. Questions about getting started in a careeer. Questions about training and schooling for actors.

Experience
I am a retired film actor. I am a retired university theatre program director and professor. I am the author of "The Tao of Acting, Mentoring for the Aspiring Actor" to be published this summer.

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SAG

Education/Credentials
BA, MA, PhD in Theatre Post graduate study with certificate in Media Acting

Awards and Honors
John Golden Traveling Fellowship

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Arts/Humanities > Performing Arts > Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing > acting technique

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing - acting technique


Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 11/8/2009

Question
Hi Doc,
I realised I never got to say thank you for answering my last question (a while ago). Thank you, very much!
I was wondering, do you think an actor must drill him/herself in technique, to be better? I've found that technical exercises break the illusion of the story, and make me conscious that I'm TRYING to be a character instead of actually BEING one. The performance comes out as dramatic and interesting, but it's not as real. I'm going for theatre school auditions soon (NIDA in Sydney) - should I use the polished technical versions of my monologues, or the ones that come straight from my imagination?
Also, from the panel's point of view, what would you say is the ultimate factor that nails an audition?
Many many thanks,
Ingrid :)

Answer
Hello Ingrid, you are most welcome for my replies. I find I must agree with you on your analysis of what happens when someone tries to apply technique while acting. You have it exactly. You will find your point of view confirmed by Harold Guskin in 'How to Stop Acting" and in my book, 'The Tao of Acting," as well as in my article,"Tao and the Art of Acting.' For free copies of my work, write to me at kencosp@aol.com and I will attach what you request to my reply. The performance of a monologue is no different that the performance of any other scene, except you have to imagine your scene partner and the environment. Thus, while you may have practiced and memorized the scene, your performance should be fresh and spontaneous.  I am sure most panels are looking for students who exhibit talent and some skill. IF a performance is too studied, it would be artificial and ineffective. God bless, Doc  Ps  Check out my blog at http://theatredoconacting.blogspot.com

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