Lesson 4: FINAL PREPARATIONS.
RESOURCES NEEDED:
- TEXTBOOK Audition: Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part, by Michael Shurtleff.
- TEXTBOOK The Ultimate Scene and Monologue Sourcebook: An Actor’s guide to over 1000 Monologues and Scenes from More Than 300 Contemporary Plays, by Ed Hooks.
- NOTEBOOK
Please note: Books are recommended but not mandatory.
Through the previous three lessons, you began the successful audition "walk." Just as you were a baby initially in life (slowly learning to explore your environment), when you first began acting long ago you also began moving towards your goals.
Hopefully this class is giving you new perspectives and abilities to enable you to begin to pace a quicker "run" towards success as an actor. It’s been a privilege to jog alongside you through these lessons.
As you have applied practical knowledge and discipline, your pace has increased. Thus, this lesson will give you quick "bites" of energy food for the final remaining stretch.
This lesson addresses these issues:
1. The Essential Actors Tools: Consistency, Pace and Simplicity
2. Some Things You Need to Know
3. Approaching Romance, Comedy, Musical Theater, etc.
4. Preparing the Monologue
5. Creating the Perfect Headshot and Resume.
Let's get started running!
Consistency, Pace, and Simplicity
Section 1. Consistency, Pace and Simplicity
Mr. Shurtleff addresses these very important issues in his book Audition. In fact, these issues are the very things which set apart one actor from another. The chapters are short in his book. Take the time now to read them. Come back when you are done.
First, read Chapter 3 on page 143. Were you surprised to see that this chapter was only one page long? Mr. Shurtleff obviously feels strongly enough that he put his thought regarding consistency so succinctly.
What does he mean by his statement?
Do you believe it is true?
Why? Please write your responses after pondering this.
How does this new knowledge impact you in your auditioning approach? Or does it? Write down your responses.
(I must thank you for being so thoughtful through this reading/writing/application process. In fact, the more time you take with these exercises now, the more benefit you will reap later.)
Now read Chapter 6 on page 195. Again, were you surprised to see that this chapter contained only two sentences?
What is Mr. Shurtleff trying to get across with his brevity?
How will it impact you in your future work at auditions? Write down your responses.
Last, read Chapter 10 on page 215. Probably not a surprise by now that this chapter also was brief. Three sentences, yet an incredibly potent tool in the heart and soul of an actor. Why? Write your response in your notebook.
Consistency, Pace, and Simplicity. The hallmarks of an excellent actor and of an excellent audition. Will you make them yours today? Write down your response.
