Most Actors Don't Realize this Tip Could Totally Boost Their Career!

What does your posture say about you at an audition? Our postures say a lot about us in general. When you think about it, when considering whether or not to date someone, we can look at their posture and generally get an idea about the person - maybe they're insecure, confident or even over confident? 

The same messages get communicated when in front of a casting director at audition. At the New York Acting School for Film and Television, we know how important this topic is and want to give you some tools. 

Most Actors Don't Realize this Tip Could Totally Boost Their Career!

The exercises below are used by schools and deportment teachers to help models, actors and singers achieve correct posture. This age old practice has been used for years and are designed to help you become more aware of how your body works, therefore enabling you to move fluidly and correct mistakes as you feel them happening. Take them at your own pace. Master one exercise before moving on to the next. Don't rush or try to do too much in one day. 

All movements should be fluid and breathing natural. 

Before beginning, be sure to be able to see yourself in a mirror or place a mirror in a position at the end of the hallway or room where you can see the whole of (or at the least the top half) of your body. 

Stand facing the mirror. Study how you stand. Notice where you look drooped and where you look strong. 

Stand at the end of the walk space and walk naturally towards the mirror observing your movements and posture as you walk. 

When walking your weight should be mainly on the balls of your feet, so your heels just lightly touch the floor, with the majority of movement from the hips and legs. The upper body should remain straight, relaxed and not 'swing' from side to side. 

Even if it feels unnatural, know that you'll get used to it. It's important to have this part down before you add other aspects of the exercises. 

The following exercises will only work if your posture is incorrect!! 5 to 10 minutes practice a day will help you to achieve better posture, the ideal is to reach a point whereby your posture and movements become healthier in a naturally developed way.
Exercise 1 

Place a book centrally on the top of your head. 

Turn your head slowly to the left, return to center then repeat the exercises turning your head to the right. The head movements should be smooth with eyes ahead, chin level, head, neck and shoulders relaxed. If the exercise is done correctly the book will remain in place. Tense up, drop the jaw or move jerkily & the book will fall! Repeat this exercise until you can do it several times without the book falling off. 
Exercise 2 

Stand at the end of the walk space and place the book centrally on the top of your head. 

Walk normally towards the end of the walkspace, turn and walk back towards the starting point. If your posture is correct and your movements are smooth then the book will remain in place - if not it will fall! Repeat this exercise until you can do the exercise without the book falling. 

Hopefully these tips were helpful to you. Beware of increased confidence and better success! For more tips and classes - get in touch with us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television!