Lesson 4: FINAL PREPARATIONS.
You Need to Know These Things.
Section 2. You Need to Know These Things
Not all of Michael Shurtleff’s chapters are as brief as those three delightful ones. Yet they are all integral in the successful audition. In this section of our course, we now will highlight those things which Mr. Shurtleff felt you needed to know.
But BEFORE we do that, pull out your notebook. Open to a new page and prepare to make a list by numbering from 1 to 10.
In your opinion, what are the things a brand new actor needs to know? Look at your numbered list from 1 to 10. Now get started listing any and every tip you could possibly share with a budding actor. When you are finished, return to our lesson (and no cheating on this part – his chapter isn’t as fun to read if you’ve not yet completed this activity).
Now that you’ve made your list of at least 10 tips, turn to Chapter 4 on page 145 of Shurtleff's Audition book. Did you know that he made a list of over 50 tips in this one chapter alone (my most favorite is “Gum is Not a Characterization”)!
Let's explore his fifty-plus delightful tips. Don’t just read these over once or twice. This section should be read at least twice a year in any busy actor’s life. Remember, some of the most famous actors got their first breaks following his advice. Now it’s your turn!
Go ahead and read Chapter 4.
Do you remember your list of three new skills you created at the beginning of this course? Now that you’ve read Chapter 4, did any of these tips fall under your three new auditioning skills? If so, record them in your notebook with the present tense (just like you did before). Each serious step you take like this brings you further on your successful run towards success!
Now it's on to the next section where we will address various styles of theatre.
