If you’ve been wanting to take your talent to the stage, you’re going to need to master more than being a great performer to get there. Amateur habits will land you amateur opportunities. If you want to land the bigger roles, you need to have certain things down without needing to be told, or be given extra instruction. Direction is fine and to be expected, but save it for the things you shouldn’t already know. At the New York Acting School for Film and Television we help actors from novice to seasoned talent, improve their skills and reach their goals. If you’re just getting started, please, check out the classes and coaches we have to support your journey to stardom. In the meantime, enjoy these 6 vital tips and habits to master for the acceleration of your acting career.
Never be on time. One thing you never want to make a habit of is being on time; and no, I’m not suggesting you be fashionably late. Late isn’t fashionable and on time isn’t either. “On time” leaves you open to too many risks and fine line red lights. Early is the name of the game. If you can plan to be 15-20 minutes early to your auditions and rehearsals, not only will you avoid the risk of being late, but you leave a clear message that your career matters to you. You’ll stand out in the crowd and people will want to work with you and your professional attitude.
Audience in mind. Beginner actors often think their space ends at the end of the stage and that no one in the audience can see them when they stop talking. They talk directly to other actors and forget that the audience needs to hear and be connected to them too.
Stay visible. This is true for both stage and film. Never turn your back to the audience. It’s called ‘opening up’. Practice staying open and let the crowd connect with the front of you even if it’s at an angle.
Raise your voice. Again, film or stage, you’ve got to speak up loud enough for people to hear you. Enunciate your emotions. Sad doesn’t mean silent and angry doesn’t necessarily mean yelling. AND, sometimes it does. So play with it, but be heard.
Body talks. We’ve noticed that a lot of newer actors spend a great deal of time thinking about their lines and their blocking, but they neglect to include the physical world into their acting preparations. It’s important to remember that the first connection the audience makes with an actor is visual. And if what they see is boring, you’ve likely lost their attention.
Know your style. It’s definitely ok to play a part that is familiar and comfortable, but it can happen a beginner actor can get stuck in a typecasting groove. There’s no difference between how the actor and their character moves, walks, and sounds. The character is stuck in a box, which is hardly fun to play. Some people like to be type-cast. If you do, great! But if you don’t, do a character analysis. Define the similarities and differences between you and your character. Highlight the differences and choose specific moments where you play them up. Playing outside your comfort zone will give you a challenge and make you a better actor.
Don’t let old habits keep you from your dreams. Learn new habits from those who’ve gone before you. For more information on acting classes, acting coaches and more, please contact us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television and we’ll get you going!
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