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  Method acting is not a single process, but rather a combination of different techniques which, when put together, create deep, engaging performances which feel entirely real. Knowing which of these method acting techniques to use at any given moment is one of the skills method actors have to learn and depends on both the…

  At first glance, a script may seem the be all and end all of a production. You expect the script to contain everything you need to know about the production and the character you’re playing. But when you take a closer look, they actually give little more than the bare bones. It is up…

  Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity. – Charles Mingus   Making the complicated simple is acting in a nutshell. Actors take whole backstories and historical contexts and transform a wealth of emotion and event into simple physical gestures, and simply-spoken lines. Another way to look at…

  As an actor, being able to create authentic acting and a believable portrayal of any character you play is one of the most important skills you must master. And shrugging off your own personality and history to embody the life, thoughts and feelings of a character may seem like the most effective way to…

  If you want to make it as professional actor you’re going to have to audition. A lot. Most actors will have to go to dozens of auditions for every one that they win, so the more auditions you can get, the better your chances of finding success. Finding auditions is crucial. If you have…

  There’s no getting away from it: the majority of people who want to be professional actors never will be. Why? Not because of lack of talent, but rather because they don’t have the right attitude. You see, there are plenty of people out there with the raw talent to become successful actors (with the…

  You might not recognise Viola Spolin’s name, but you’ll definitely recognise her techniques: Spolin invented theatrical improvisation. To improvise is to perform spontaneously, or to create with what surrounds you in the moment; essentially, it’s the art of being unprepared. Born in Chicago in 1906, Viola Spolin is internationally recognised for her “games” techniques,…

  When you begin to act on your creativity, what you find inside may be more valuable than what you produce for the external world. – Eileen M. Clegg   When we spark creativity, we’re sparking a moment of self-exploration and inner understanding. This is important to understand from the outset: many people mistakenly think…

  For a professional musician, knowing their instrument is second-nature. They know just how hard to blow into a mouth piece, caress a string or stroke a key in order to get exactly the sound they need. You might think actors have little in common with musicians when it comes to this, but for an…

  Method actors use a number of different method acting techniques to create performances with a depth and believability most other actors simply cannot match. Learning these techniques allows actors to find inspiration on cue, meaning they can always deliver the goods when required. This is why method actors are so often praised, not just…