The Fastest Way to Learn Lines is Slow
Imagine this: you’ve just been given a script for a self-tape by your agent. Hallelujah! It’s been ages! God I hope I get it! It’s six pages long. It’s full of big words you don’t ever use in normal conversation. And, among your other jobs, you have to learn the script and produce the self-tape […]
One key to make your acting more realistic
Let’s have some fun: I want to pass on to you a simple technical tool for preparing a scene that I learned at grad school – if you add this to your work I bet it will: make your acting sound better make your acting feel better make you more intimidating if you need to […]
Self-taping secret: reveal your character with this simple technique
I was inspired to throw this simple assignment at you after working with a young actor. Work with me on this, and if you put these concepts into your work, I’m pretty sure your self-tapes will be more effective. I’m an actor who also coaches actors, and I recently worked with a very talented young […]
OWN THE PROCESS: Lessons learned from an inspiring English football manager
On this Independence Day, celebrated in my native country, I’m joining everyone all over my adopted island as we celebrate England’s football victory last night over Colombia. And no…I ain’t calling it soccer anymore. Last night was the UK’s Day of Independence from the bondage of fear, self-doubt and pessimism. It all came down to […]
What are you fighting for? Hacking a flat scene.
As an actor, have you ever wondered why a scene that you’re working on seems flat? And what to do about it? Read on, because Neuro Acting might have a remedy. My students (aged 11-16) are in their final weeks of rehearsing scenes before we turn them into short films, and they’re doing terrific work […]
Lesson Takeaway Tip: “Act like you don’t know how to act.”
Next week at Neuro Acting we’re going to produce a stunning revue of video monologues that spotlight the talents of our artists. I’m proud of the courageous work they’ve done so far. But a true artist knows she can take it further. And this weekend is an opportunity for Neuros to do that. Here’s some […]
The Animal Exercise: Method’s Way of Developing a Character
This week, students will be exploring the Animal Exercise, claimed by Robert De Niro* and Ethan Hawke to be “the most useful acting exercise I know.” We’ll use it to get into character for our monologues. To create a character, you must know the attitude you’re seeking. Choose the characteristic, then pick an animal. Watch […]