Loren E. Chadima's Intentional Acting

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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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.

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Gratitude Defined: Expressing thanks for favors received.

John McCarthy Casting estimates that there are up to 2000 people submitting for every single role.  If you get an audition, he says, “You should be grateful.”

Being grateful isn’t relegated to just working as a paid actor. If you’re reading this, whether you are being paid or not, being an actor means living the life you were born to.  It might not be easy, and you might be paid, right now, and contrary to what many of us may have been taught, no one struggles in isolation and no one triumphs in obscurity.  Actors have so much to be grateful for.

GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITIES

To those of us in Los Angeles pursuing our dream, we forget that we are very lucky to live here in the Entertainment Industry capital.  We forget to be grateful that we have agents and managers.  And that we get to go on auditions for commercials, television, and film that other people watch at home.

Many people around the world would love to be able to do these things.  I know because I get emails from people from all over asking how they can get the opportunities that we have.

Other people in this world are not so lucky.  Some don’t even have the luxury to think about acting because all they can think about is how their family will survive the winter.

At your next audition, be grateful for the opportunity to be seen by this Casting Director.   Be grateful to your agent for the work they did to get you there.   And be grateful to anybody or anything that helped you get to that audition – like a kind boss who let you out of work or your car that got you there safely.

When you walk into your audition with gratitude, you are empowering yourself to rise above any and all perceived obstacles.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT

My passion for inspiring actors not only brings me a tremendous amount of joy, but this work allows me to take care of my family doing what I love. For this I am incredibly grateful for you and everyone who has supported Intentional Acting by reading my posts and for the work I’m called to do through Intentional Acting.

Blessings to your and your family and have a happy and joyous Holiday season.

Loren
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Please feel free to share this article with those you believe could benefit from it. And if you have any stories about how gratitude has helped your career please share below in the comments. Thank you.
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To learn more about Intentional Acting for actors of all ages visit www.intentionalacting.com/what-is-intentional-acting/ or call 818-985-8504 or email me at Loren@IntentionalActing.com
–

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.

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Traditionally, pilot season runs from the beginning of January to about the first week of May.  With the proliferation of cable television, however, pilots now are being shot all year long.

A “pilot” is a sample episode that is presented to a network.  If the network likes it, they will air it to see what the ratings and reactions are to the show.  If it gets good ratings, the network will order another 7 to 13 episodes to air at the start of their season.

When you audition for a pilot, you never know if it will actually air on television.  Regardless, being cast is an invaluable opportunity to work, meet directors and producers, and boost your resume…so be ready!!

So how do you prepare for Pilot Season?

1.  Be in acting class! This is most important thing you can do to be at the top of your game.  Have a coach ready for last minute auditions.  It’s what working actors do so if you want to compete, you should, too.   And when you get that callback, make sure to schedule another coaching!  I’ve seen so many great opportunities missed because an actor didn’t come in prepped to book the job.

2.  Make sure your resume and pictures are up-to-date on casting websites, such as LA Casting and Now Casting.  And for heaven’s sake, make sure your agent and/or manager have what they need (current headshots, resumes, work permits, etc.) to get you hired quickly!

3.  Do your research.  Go on the internet and find out as much as you can about the show you’re auditioning for.  If you don’t find anything, Google the network, producers, and directors.

4.  For young actors, be sure your work permit is up to date.

5.  Take it easy: this is also the time for colds and flu, so get plenty of rest.

And as always, don’t forget:   Have Fun!

Let us know your thoughts on this blog and be sure to share how you’ve prepared to leverage the opportunities of pilot season.

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

And risk being vulnerable right here. Share your experience as a fearless or fearful actor. Who knows, your input just might make the difference in preparing and inspiring someone to deliver the performance of a lifetime!

____________________________

LIVE THE DREAM YOU WERE BORN TO

Acting should be simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you are an actor, or know someone who is, and you need a safe place to be yourself and to be challenged to continually grow and share vulnerable performances, Intentional Acting may be the right class for you.

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 I do with actors of all ages, visit www.intentionalacting.com/what-is-intentional-acting/.

What now??

Answer:  make your partner the most important person in the scene.  Yeah, I know it’s hard when you just want to say, “Get into class!”   But don’t forget: natural acting happens when you’re being, not “acting”.  And the #1 way to “not act” is to focus on your scene partner and really listen.  This will keep you focused, honest, engaged, and (ultimately) present in the scene.  Remember the 9 Questions of Intentional Acting? A really good example of Question #8 is in the film Meet Joe Black starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins.  Frankly, I wasn’t impressed with Pitt’s performance – particularly when paired with the great Sir Anthony; the gap of experience between the actors was very apparent in one scene. But I *was* impressed when Hopkins didn’t do anything differently just because his scene partner couldn’t hold his own:  he made Pitt the most important person in the scene and by doing so gave a stunning performance.   (For those of you who are upset with me for dissing Mr. Pitt: I think his work as an actor has grown tremendously and I have great respect for him now!)

What *Not* to do When Acting with a Lousy Scene Partner or a Reader Who Won’t Even Look at You:

1) Don’t judge your partner – if you do, you won’t be in the scene anymore.  Reframe it.  Use what you’re getting - which maybe lousy acting - and make your intention: to get them to listen and connect with you.

2) Don’t let your irritation or impatience show.  It’s unprofessional and it does NOT reflect badly on your scene partner, it reflects poorly on YOU.  Be like Anthony Hopkins in Meet Joe Black: Do your best work and leave the judging to the casting team.  It may seem counter intuitive, but put all your attention over there on the lousy scene partner or reader…then discover what can happen!

Share your comment below on what happens when you make the other person the most important person in the scene.

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

And risk being vulnerable right here. Share your experience as a fearless or fearful actor. Who knows, your input just might make the difference in preparing and inspiring someone to deliver the performance of a lifetime!

____________________________

LIVE THE DREAM YOU WERE BORN TO

Acting should be simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you are an actor, or know someone who is, and you need a safe place to be yourself and to be challenged to continually grow and share vulnerable performances, Intentional Acting may be the right class for you.

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 I do with actors of all ages, visit www.intentionalacting.com/what-is-intentional-acting/.