Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 8/7/2011

Question
Hello,

I’m 24yrs old and I’m signed up for my first acting class that will begin in one month. I’ve done some research and reading on my own (purchased books required for lower level acting courses at the university nearby) and have a very general understanding what I’m getting myself into.

They way I understand it, acting is not planned and can’t be “rehearsed” and rehearsing behavior will only mess you up because it prevents you from naturally reacting to unplanned stimuli (other actors, sounds, etc.) occurring around you in the scene. So this means I can’t really practice before I get there. Got it.

A Practical Handbook for the Actor basically says all I can really do at this point is to be is prepared. It mentioned tools I’ll need like ‘a strong clear voice’, ‘good clear speech’, ‘a strong supple body’, the ability to memorize and concentrate, as well as bravery, will, and common sense. The other tools listed I’ll learn in the class (i.e. analyzing a scene), so I don’t have to worry about that yet (right?).

Let’s see, I’ve been eating more balanced and exercising so I feel good, my skin looks better… I know need more sleep… But that’s all I can think of. I’ve never done this sort of thing and no one I know has ever taken theater or drama so I can’t barrage anyone with questions. Are there memory games or puzzles I should be doing? Thoughts? Tips? Serious advice? I'm nervous. I want to be ready for anything and get the most I can out of this class. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Becky,

God, it is refreshing to get a question from someone who isn't banking on "mom said I was special" and is invested (literally and figuratively) in her journey as an actor. My only reservation is that in your passion for being your best that you will travel too far "into your head". In other words, be so busy questioning yourself that you are distracted when acting. Acting is knowing lots of things, but making them second nature so that you really aren't and don't have to think about them when doing your thing. NOT EASY! It takes practice and ....ta da! prep!

When you know the lines, and why, you can forget about it and go. The director REALLY, REALLY wants you to be able to show him or her that you can bring many choices to the table and maybe WOW him or her. They HATE lazy actors who ask what they want or expect. If you aren't doing what they feel is right, well, they will tell you!  You need to know the role, not really the words. Yes, words are the baby of the screen writer, but WHY is the character saying this? MOST IMPORTANTLY: WHAT..DOES..YOUR..CHARACTER..WANT..IN..THE..SCENE? In real life, you say things because you have just been presented with a request, a question, and idea,...something that you are forming a feeling about due to how you grew up, your status in life, your inner needs. For example: He is down on one knee, asking your hand in marriage. Is your character from a poor background and desperate for a prince to rescue? (No man rescues you, but she may not know that.) Is she an heiress, wondering how he will bring you up or down? Does she love her career, and while she loves him, is afraid his expectations will derail your dream? Gotta know the backstory. Sometimes you don't get a bone on that and have to make up what you think she is from clues in the script. She didn't just come to life as an adult. She grew into who she is from wherever she came from. As I have said before, nothing worse than watching an actor play a BAD guy. Bad guys don't know or think they are bad; they have reasons for what they do! If you play them bad, it will be boring and predictable and dishonest. It's like a person playing a drunk. If you have ever been drunk, you know that you are trying to keep it together and look cool, not drunk. Like in high school, you may have had one drink and want to appear like you are partying hard, but you aren't and people know (but go along with it).

I think you will do fine, but don't worry about doing your prep, it's fine, just be ready to let go and be. That's the hardest part! Don't worry about the stuff you practiced, its in there somewhere and will automatically step in without your thinking about it when its time.

I highly recommend you take an auditioning class after you have gotten the basic classes completed. You will find auditioning a COMPLETELY different skill from class or working.

However, most importantly? HAVE FUN WHEN YOU DO IT! Don't take it deadly seriously! If you are enjoying what you are doing, they will too! Just say "Fuck it!" and have fun!!!!

Best,

Taylor

PS... VERY IMPORTANT! There are 2 kinds of acting: Film and stage. Stage requires projecting your voice and playing your gestures and body movement BIG! Film requires you to be subtle and NATURAL in voice and movement. If you do film on stage, only the front rows see it. If you do stage acting on film, you will be scarey on the screen! Way too much!