Whenever I hear actors talking, their focus centers on the business aspects of the job. How do I get an agent? How do I get auditions? How do I get into the union? Seldom does the conversation turn to the skills and techniques required of the craft. For instance, how does one create the internalizations of a particular emotion, thought or intention? How does one memorize a scene or a long speech? In portraying characters, how does one generate believable gestures, movements, and blocking? All of these questions seldom come up and if they do, they receive only cursory attention. The lack of attention to craft is the main reason most actors fail. They see acting as striving to get work when they should strive to do brilliant work. Only then will a successful life-long career be possible. This lack of focus on craft is only one of the reasons actors don 't make it in this industry. Schools and instructors spend a great deal of time focusing on performing. This is what brings students into classes and workshops and soon it becomes addictive. Being able to perform and receive accolades is the drug of choice, one that is widely exploited by the teaching community. It 's what keeps students …show more content…
They have no idea of the many skills and techniques necessary for this profession. I 've mentioned a few in this article and others can be found by researching my writings on acting. Great actors are innovators and they find creative ways to solve dramatic problems. They 've found what works and you can use their performances as learning exercises. The recorded performances of acclaimed and award-winning actors contain a wealth of knowledge. Much can be learned by analyzing the acting and reproducing various techniques within a short scene. Doing so with numerous actors, you will eventually develop an instinctive set of behaviors. You will also discover that your understanding of this craft will expand