Hollywood actress, Rosalind Russell once said; “Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly.” Although meant as a joke, this is the best description of acting I have ever heard. At the core of acting, is truth and vulnerability. You cannot hope to be a successful actor without baring your heart and soul for the craft. But what exactly is the craft?  The History of Acting In order to truly understand acting, one must understand the history of the craft. And, what a history i

As an actor, you will face rejection on a regular basis. It is important to learn how to deal with it in a healthy way so that it does not damage your self-esteem or career. Here are some tips for handling rejection as an actor gracefully. What Are the Struggles of Being an Actor? Being an actor can be a very rewarding career, but it is not without its struggles: Actors must be extremely dedicated to their craft. They need to be constantly studying and honing their skills, so that t

If you’ve ever been in a play or musical you will be familiar with the term ‘stage directions’. For those who don’t know, stage directions are,  “an instruction in the text of a play, especially one indicating the movement, position, or tone of an actor.” Stage directions can also be instructions for the director, such as the way the stage should be lit or what kind of sound effect could be used.  Stage directions can also tell an actor how to deliver a line— pace of speech, emot

If you're an aspiring Broadway performer, the steps you take during high school play a significant role in your success on the stages of New York shows in the future. Sure, you sometimes hear stories of people who book amazing lead roles in shows after a single audition, but that’s not a realistic view of how it all happens - for most actors, at least. Ask any working Broadway performer – New York is not a city that hands you success simply because you’ve just moved there. Hard work, disc

If you've ever watched an actor disappear into their role, shedding genuine tears or adopting mannerisms that aren't their own, then you've seen method acting techniques in action. Most people think of this approach as "becoming a character," and some actors do take that literally, pretending to actually be the person they're playing.  Method acting is taught everywhere from Hollywood to Broadway. But a few notable actors are well-known for taking it to award-winning extremes, making enormous

Ready for your big break? Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but with these 5 acting audition tips, you’ll impress the panel and land the leading role you deserve.  Audition Tips for Actors:  1. Arrive as early as possible. Getting to the audition site on time - whether it's an actual rehearsal studio or a college student's dorm room - is half the battle. Getting there early will ensure that you can share your acting skills with ease and that you're in true fighting shape. 15-20 minutes s

Are you wondering how to remember lines for a play? Wondering what the best techniques are make sure you're off book when the time comes? Memorization can be tricky business.  When it comes to acting, memorizing lines is a necessary evil. Having your lines down quickly and early on in the rehearsal process is helpful not only for you, but also for everyone around you. The sooner your lines are memorized, the sooner the real work can take place.  In order to really connect with the

When aspiring comedians and actors make the pilgrimage West, they are often just as starstruck by the famous comedy clubs in Los Angeles littering major streets as they are the famous actors. Many of those comedic actors got their start right here in those hallowed halls. Let’s take a look at four legendary comedy clubs in Los Angeles where actors started their careers. Where Can I Watch Comedy Shows in Los Angeles? The following are some of the best comedy show in Los Angeles: T

Stars like Meryl Streep and Al Pacino make it look easy, but if you want to become a professional actor, don't expect to rely on talent alone. Even if you're a natural performer who can cry on command and memorize lines, you'll need to learn the following fundamental drama techniques to really master the art of acting. 1. Vocal Dynamics Your lines are just words until you deliver them, but unless your voice is well-trained, they'll still fall flat or sound forced. In order to accurately port

What do you need to succeed in the arts? Is it possible to make a living with an actor/actress salary? Learn the ins and outs of the on-screen or on-stage life in this guest post by Saint Paul, MN acting teacher Emily B...   While you may not have chosen a traditional career path, pursuing the life of an actor does not mean you must be flung out into the abyss without a safety net, prepared only to fly or fall. There are many ways to build a life worth living as an actor. In my experien