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Mark Rylance (probably the best stage actor ever) had this to say about how Shakespeare is done today in the UK: “It’s too reverent. It is like taking a rap song in 400 years from now that we think is really wonderful and deciding it should be said slowly, so all the lovers of rap…

Now and again, I will get an email from a mush cookie saying that I’m not being fair. It’s usually when I say that acting is not for everyone and definitely not for those that need their tummies tickled on a regular basis. They then say, “But Bri, it’s your job as a teacher to…

What are dreams? Here are some definitions from the dictionary: 1. A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep. 2. A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal. 3. An unrealistic or self-deluding fantasy. I don’t particularly like any of these; at least not in relation to achieving something I want.…

One of my favourite film baddies of all time is General Zod. He appears in Superman II and tries to take over the world much to Superman’s chagrin. During the film, Zod makes everyone he can find kneel before him in submission. He gives them a – do as I say or you’re toast look…

Over the last decade, we have seen a mass influx of things that are free of. For example: Gluten Free Dairy Free Wheat Free Sugar Free So, I would like to add an acting one….Emotion Free. Yes, there is acting that goes on that is completely devoid of emotion. You look in their eyes and…

Not so long ago the Turner Prize-winning artist, Grayson Perry, built a house. It’s no run-of-the-mill house; it’s an artistic expression. You can see it here. Grayson got a lot of stick for building this house. Some have criticized it (especially the locals); others love it. Such is the world of art. Grayson was interviewed…

Many moons ago, I was teaching a young lady who (due to her conditioning) found it very difficult to be intimate in her acting. Every time she had to kiss a male actor she would freeze up. I asked her why? She said it was to do with her culture and family upbringing, which would…

One of my favourite books is The Fountainhead. It’s about a couple of aspiring architects trying to get ahead. Here is what Howard Roark, one of the characters, has to say about his work: “I have, let’s say, sixty years to live. Most of that time will be spent working. I have chosen the work…

Ed was interviewed this morning and came out with some interesting views on luck and success. This is what he said about luck: “Luck doesn’t really exist.” He was explaining how he believes that success comes from a combination of efforts. Not a lucky event. He went on to say that he also believes the…

I bet you have a favourite quote. I do. Here it is: “To be normal is the ideal of the unsuccessful.” Carl Jung What I like about it is that it succinctly expresses a very real truth. To be super successful, you need to be abnormal. Muhammad Ali Jack Nicholson Martha Stewart Steve Jobs Steven…