02/10/2023
Many times private students of mine initially reach out because they have long been curious about acting and think maybe they would be good at it. They were not involved in theatre in school because they were in sports or didn’t like musicals, or their friends thought it wasn’t cool, or whatever their reason, but they always thought they would like to try that some day. Maybe they could do it professionally.
Invariably, after a month or so, they drop out of it because they realize it is so much harder than they thought it would be. The natural instincts of those drawn to it at a young age aren’t there, so you try to find ways to get them to stretch themselves, but they continue to play “one note.”
You suggest they spend time on their own memorizing their pieces because an actor really can’t connect to a character and share their truth with an audience when their face is buried in a script. They don’t do it, and progress is slow.
You find material that fits their single available note and hope a connection is made. After all, some actors make a great career out of playing themselves, as they are such a specific type that they really don’t have a choice (Danny Devito, Jennifer Coolidge, Bea Arthur, Betty White, Tony Danza, Wallace Shawn). Despite their narrow playable range, they are larger than life people who continue to fascinate us. Writers want to write for them. Audiences want more of them, and we are bereft when they leave us because we know their like shall never walk this earth again. They are rare jewels.
It takes patience, passion and work ethic to find your way as an actor. Thinking you will waltz into a private lesson or class and your coach or teacher will lose their minds and declare you the next big thing isn’t realistic. Being a good reader isn’t enough. Being attractive isn’t enough. Great actors have a special kind of alchemy on a stage or screen and watching them work is mesmerizing.
Regardless of natural aptitude, I will always employ my full arsenal of tools and instincts to attempt to open up for you a greater understanding of the world you live in and how artists hold the mirror up to nature, that we may see ourselves and our behaviors reflected back, that we may strive to improve that reflection in the future.
A month of acting coaching can make your life better, even if you never pick up a script again.
