Loren E. Chadima's Intentional Acting

There are many stories of actors who landed roles by making famously bold audition choices.

Here’s one such story:

When actor Michael Dorn went to audition for the role of Worf on Star Trek:  The Next Generation, he walked straight to the back of the room and stood there, ramrod straight and unblinking.  He did not smile, speak, or sit.   When called, he marched into the room, scowled, and shook the interviewer’s hand sharply.  Afterwards, he gruffly thanked the director and walked out.  He so inhabited the character that they simply had to cast him:  he was the only actor *being* a Klingon warrior.  He was Worf.

That’s a bold audition choice.  Making bold choices like Michael Dorn can set you apart from the competition.

Or it can get you the title of “crazy actor” and thrown out of the office…permanently.

So how can you go bold without going bad?

Here are three Bold Audition Rules to help you decide if your bold choice is a good one:

1)   RESPECT.

I can not stress this enough! Don’t go so far out of the norm that you insult the production team.  Remember, these are hard-working people who are giving you their time and energy.  Respect it.

2)  Justification in the script.

You have to be able to justify your choices. They need to be grounded in the facts of the show or the script.  The Star Trek script called for true characters from a different world, so Dorn’s choice reflected that.  Remember that your choices should also be grounded in the text and not just randomly wacky for the sake of being bold.

3)  Don’t be gimmicky.  Be authentic.

Casting Directors can spot a gimmick a mile away.  They can tell when you’re trying too hard and it won’t get you the role.  Michael Dorn was being Worf, and therefore was authentic.

Go boldly…but go smart.

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Many actors tell me that when they go into an audition, they just want to “Get it Right.” But “Getting it Right” doesn’t get them the part.  Because when you focus on “Getting It Right…”

1. You become the most important person in the scene.
2. It creates no reason for you to connect to the other person in the scene.
3. It puts you in judgment of your performance and doesn’t allow you to be in the moment of the scene.

“Getting it Right” doesn’t allow the actor to experience what the scene is about, which leaves an actor feeling unsatisfied…and that leaves the Casting Director unsatisfied and on to the next actor.

Make sure you breakdown that scene and you know what your character’s intention is: What do you want the other character to feel or do. Connect to that intention, how you relate to that, make it personal, and fight for that intention. Then allow the experience of the scene to unfold.

This is more likely to get you a call back…and the part!

Share your audition experiences and how you prepare for an audition below!

The great artist Michelangelo once said about his artistry that, “If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.”

The life of an artist.  The world sees our work and because of the blood, sweat and tears we pour into our craft it all looks so easy.  But, the moments that seem easy are due to all the hard work it took to get there.

Make It Easy

A couple of years ago I found myself watching the contortionists at the Cirque du Soleil and realized that they make acrobatics look so easy that I forget how impossibly hard it is.  I took for granted the strength, the flexibility, the practice, and courage it takes to achieve those feats.

Acting is the same.  Great actors make acting seem easy.  But I see a lot of actors who take the craft of acting for granted.  They think “I can do that” and they audition, go to casting workshops, do showcases; all without having a good teacher, being in a regular class or even practicing in front of a camera.  By the way, these are the same actors complaining that they’re not booking.

Respect Your Craft

Great acting requires consistent practice, a good coach and personal courage to build the emotional strength and emotional flexibility required to perform great roles.  Respect your craft.

The way you show casting you’re an actor who respects their craft is by ensuring that your audition tape is as good as it can be.  Let us not overlook the obvious here:  if you want to book jobs this pilot season (especially when you are one of a 100 submissions), you have to deliver an audition that makes casting say “WOW.”  At the very least, don’t leave them with a bad impression by submitting a lame audition tape.

If you don’t have the time or can’t afford a professional to put you on tape, then make sure you master the keys for an awesome audition tape.

Here are 8 tips to help you:

1. Pick a quiet space that has little to no back ground noise.  TVs, fans, running water and air conditioning distract the viewer when heard in the background.

2. The wall behind you should be white or blue.

3. Position yourself a few feet away from the wall to avoid casting shadows.

4. Be sure you are lit well so that the viewer can clearly see your face and eyes.

5. Record a test sample.  Check it on your computer.  Make sure that you can clearly see and hear yourself.  Remember:  if you can’t see or hear yourself, neither can the Casting Director.

6. The camera should be on a tripod to keep the frame steady. If you don’t have a tripod, use a stable surface.

7. Before shooting the scene, do your script analysis and research and ask the 9 Questions of Intentional Acting.

8. Record all your rehearsals. Your rehearsals may be your best takes!

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Know someone who could benefit from this acting tip?  Please share!

There isn’t an actor alive who hasn’t experienced rejection.  And there’s no way around it…

It.

Stinks.

But what if you’ve been rejected so many times you just want to throw it all away and quit?

Here are a few things to get you back on track.

1) Go Back to Why You Started.

What inspired you? What grabbed your heart and made you think you had to move heaven and earth to do this?  Go back to that moment and spend time there; you’ll remember what you love about this nutty business and why it means so much to you.  Keep those moments in your acting notebook.

2) Remember That It’s Not Always All About You

There are so many factors that go into a casting director’s choice.  Often it has nothing to do with your talent and more to do with something you have no control over (hair color, height, etc.)  And it’s always good to be in front of a casting director no matter what, so your effort’s never wasted.

3)    Get Support

Talk to your agent, your manager, your coach and anyone else you have in your corner.  And then, TAKE THEIR ADVICE.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had agents and managers tell me that their clients are whining about not going out or booking, but they won’t update headshots or resumes, won’t return calls, etc.  Take your craft seriously so that others will, too!

4)    Get Back On the Horse

I know you don’t want to.  Really.  But you MUST.  If you feel your enthusiasm flagging, keep going.   Get ACTIVE.  Get into a class, talk to your teacher, get some private coaching.  It’ll motivate you!  And it’s the only way to push yourself out of your rut…and back into your dream career!

5)      Remember:  Don’t give up ’til the miracle happens.

Walt Disney was turned down by 120 banks.  Yes, 120 banks said “An amusement park in the orange groves?  It will never work.”  1000 restaurants rejected Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken recipe.  So he started his own restaurant.  My academy award qualifying film, Cries From Ramah, was rejected by 30 film festivals.  But then the 31st film festival accepted it…and it won Best Short Film.   Don’t give up.  It could be the next audition that books the job.

You’re the only one who can make this happen, but you don’t have to get there on your own.  Get support, get inspired, get busy…and GET ACTING!

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Know someone who could benefit from this Acting Tip? Please share!
www.intentionalacting.com

This is an excerpt from actor Jane Lynch’s commencement “YES AND” speech at Smith College.

“YES AND” is the vital and only rule of improvisation. Never deny your fellow actor. You should be willing and able to accept whatever your fellow improviser throws at you. Use that as your jumping off point and expand it.

Heighten and Explore. For instance, if I say to you “Stick ’em up!” and you say “That’s not a gun, that’s your finger!” We’ve got nowhere to go. If I say “What a beautiful day” and you say, “No it’s not, it’s the middle of winter and it’s snowing!” Where do we go?

In order for our scene to go forward, we affirm what the other is saying, which is the “YES” and take it and build on it with “AND.” And in order for our lives to go forward to engage fully in life, we need to be willing and able to accept what is right in front of us. Whatever it is, the good, the bad, the thrilling, the heartbreaking, every emotion, occurrence, event, person, place or thing, you will experience them all. That’s the “YES” I’m talking about. And the acceptance and embrace of it with all your heart and doing something with it, that’s the “AND.”

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YES, Jane! AND I would add that living in “YES AND” allows you to BE IN THE MOMENT which is an essential tool for a great actor and a happy human being.

If you’re an actor or know someone who is feel free to share this article on being present with those you believe could benefit from it. Thank you.

Remember, as an actor, you’re part of an inspiring community. Share your experiences in the comments below. This is your inspirational story and can serve as a valuable learning tool for others.

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LIVE THE DREAM YOU WERE BORN TO!

Acting should be simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you’re an actor or you know someone who is, there is no better moment than now to make the intention to take full control of your acting career and live the dream you were born to.

Call 818-325-5752 or email me at Loren@IntentionalActing.com to interview and sign up for the next Intentional Acting class today.

In the meantime, to learn more about Intentional Acting and the 9 Questions that frame the work do with actors of all ages visit www.intentionalacting.com/what-is-intentional-acting/.

Yes, of course you should always be working to improve your acting skills.  But there’s a time and a place for everything, and there are a few situations that you should NOT use to sharpen your skills:

-An Audition.  While it can be good to make a bold choice in an audition, DON’T do it in an area of weakness.  For instance, if you’re not good at accents, don’t choose this moment to read your sides with a British accent.

-On Set. Same holds here.  If your director is asking you to go free-form for an alternate take, do it in an area of strength.  Don’t try to tap dance or sing an aria if you stink at these.  And Loren’s Number 1 Rule of Being Prepared holds here, too:  think about alternate ways of doing things when you’re studying your script so that you know where to draw from*before* you’re asked to do so.

Remember:

For weaknesses: being willing to work on it.  Ask for help and get in class so you can turn that weakness into a strength!

For strengths: Don’t get cocky, just keep practicing so it remains a strength.

Use your acting notebook to keep track of your strengths and weaknesses.   This is a great way to keep you strong, inspired, and…say it with me…PREPARED!!!!!

We always love to hear what you have to say about this Acting Tip, so please comment below!

Know someone who could benefit from this Acting Tip?  Please share!
www.intentionalacting.com

Sometimes I hear:  “I don’t do comedy” or “I don’t do drama.”  When I ask why, I hear: “I’m just not good at it.  It’s my weakness.”

While it’s ok to recognize a weakness, it’s *not* ok to use it as an excuse to stop participating.  And often, weakness is easily fixed by adjusting the attitude from “I can’t” or “I don’t” to “I’m willing” and “I’ll try.”  Remember, the best place to try this is in a class, where you feel safe being vulnerable and exploring your weaknesses and what scares you.

In Hollywood, agents will submit unestablished actors for everything they can (comedy, drama, tv, film, etc.) because they’re looking to see where they’ll land.  Once that actor is successful in a role, it can easily become that actor’s niche.  Combining that with leaving your weaknesses unaddressed can mean getting stuck in the same type of genre; sometimes for years.  When an actor has worked in their niche for a long time, they want to shake it up and show the world they can do something different. For example: Matthew McConaughy was the RomCom (romantic comedy) King for ages.  When he’d had enough, he started producing projects himself and eventually chose Dallas Buyer’s Club, which brought him an Oscar.  He built up his weaknesses and turned them into strengths so that when the right project came along, he was ready.

A working actor has to be able to adjust to 12 different styles of television and film. You could get an audition for any of them at anytime. You can’t have weaknesses – so if you do, get into class and work on them because you never know what you’ll be auditioning for next.

Be prepared. Come to class.  Study how other actors did it.  Ask your coach for help.  Whatever you think your weakness is, find a way to conquer it so you won’t be caught unprepared!

For Thursday:  When you should play to your strengths…and steer away from your weaknesses.

We always love to hear what you have to say about this Acting Tip, so please comment below!

Know someone who could benefit from this Acting Tip?  Please share!
www.intentionalacting.com

Being prepared for success as an actor is essential to successfully following up when and where it matters most. When in doubt, remember: Preparation + Opportunity = Success.

Be prepared to be in class. If you are an actor and you take your career seriously, never miss an opportunity to improve.

Be prepared for any audition when it comes.  This ranges from maintaining a flexible schedule to being fully prepared mentally.  It also means having current headshots and other key items always ready to go so that you ALWAYS show up fully prepared to land that role.

Be prepared to own your success. If you are unwilling to take responsibility for your career, how can you expect anyone else to do this for you?

Be prepared to take every opportunity to act when you can – you never know where it will lead.

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Feel free to share this article and tell us your experiences in the comments below.

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PREPARE 2015 for SUCCESS:
To learn more about Intentional Acting and the work I do with actors of all ages visitwww.intentionalacting.com/what-is-intentional-acting/ and call 818-325-5752 or email me at Loren@IntentionalActing.com to interview and sign up for the next Intentional Acting class today.
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Loren E. Chadima

Bring Out Your Best When It Matters Most!

818-985-8504

818-325-5752 cell

www.IntentionalActing.com

Loren@IntentionalActing.com

LIKE my PAGE Today!

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Follow Me on Twitter

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The information in this email, and any attachments, may contain confidential information and is intended solely for the attention and use of the named addressee(s). It must not be disclosed to any person(s) without authorization. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are not authorized to, and must not, disclose, copy, distribute, or retain this message or any part of it. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately.

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Winter is a fallow time; a time for nature to rest before expending energy to bloom in the spring.

Actors and creative artists need fallow time as well.  We need down time to regroup, reflect, rest, and drink in the life experiences that we then use to feed our creative expression.

In the next couple of weeks before pilot season begins, give yourself some fallow time.  Enjoy the holidays with your family; without working, without worrying about how your career will bloom next year.

Rest, relax, reflect.  There will be plenty of time to get things started and to make things happen in 2014.

May joy and peace fill your holidays.  And may abundance of love and opportunity fill your New Year.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service to you and your dreams.

Loren
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How are you and your family spending the holidays?  Share your thoughts and experiences for what you do to rest, relax and reflect in the comments below. Thank you.
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LIVE THE DREAM YOU WERE BORN TO

Acting should be simple.  But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.  If you’re an actor or you know someone who is, there is no better moment than 2014 to make the intention to take full control of your acting career and live the dream you were born to.

Call 818-985-8504 or email me at Loren@IntentionalActing.com to schedule an interview in January and sign up for next year’s Intentional Acting classes.

In the meantime, to learn more about Intentional Acting and the 9 questions that frame the work I do with actors of all ages visitwww.intentionalacting.com/what-is-intentional-acting/.

–

Loren E. Chadima

Bring Out Your Best When It Matters Most!

818-985-8504

818-325-5752 cell

www.IntentionalActing.com

Loren@IntentionalActing.com

LIKE my PAGE Today!

Facebook:   Intentional Acting

Follow Me on Twitter

http://twitter.com/lorenchadima

The information in this email, and any attachments, may contain confidential information and is intended solely for the attention and use of the named addressee(s). It must not be disclosed to any person(s) without authorization. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are not authorized to, and must not, disclose, copy, distribute, or retain this message or any part of it. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately.

Please consider the environment before printing this email