Expert: Phil Nemy - 1/26/2005

Question
Hello,

I have recently thought about getting into acting, as I have lately I have found I enjoy slipping into other roles and acting out different personalities, and I feel it is something I would like to get good at. However I have alot of things to work on, and I wanted to ask you two things.

Firstly, I would like to work on my confidence when acting. I find if I am alone in my room, i find it easier to perform a role, but even when the house is empty and i'm practicing, I still feel unable to project fully, I find im too quiet/timid and the confidence just isnt there, which means acting in public is even more unlikely! are there any techniques or trips to get around this?

Secondly I heard that voice tone and body language are very important. Is there a place you can learn body language and ways to improve your voice tone?

Also I heard about something called 'method acting' - could you tell me what this is?

Thanks very much for your time
Regards

Bruce,UK

Answer
Bruce,

Thanks for writing. Your first two questions can be answered this way - get into an acting class. By studying the craft of acting with a good acting teacher, you will develop confidence while developing your talent and while learning a variety of acting techniques.

As far as "The Method" is concerned, this is a technique or style made popular by Lee Strasberg and The Actor's Studio back in the 1960's. It is a sound method and its foundation comes from Russian director and teacher and leader of the Moscow Art Theatre, Constantine Stanislavski. He is also the author of a number of books, the most helpful ones for an actor being "An Actor Prepares," "Building a Character," and "Creating a Role." I highly recommend you read these books, in the order I have listed them, as they will give you great knowledge and education in the foundations of developing the skills and techniques of a solid actor.

I hope this information helps. Good luck with your career.

Best,

Phil