Tips for Actors

Greetings lesson face acting students:

Introducing myself:  This is Jim Spencer  (Lessonface acting, voiceover and audio books narrator coach):  If you are new to acting, or if you ever dreamed of being a serious actor for movies, commercials, tv,  playhouse or voiceover  here are a few tips to get you started:   If you are also new to lessonface and looking for an online acting coach or (in person for students residing in OC or LA County, CA) I am delighted to answer questions or to work with you.

ACTING:  101

1.  Begin by setting up a quiet work environment to practice your acting daily.  Organizing an office space with sharpened pencils,  pens, colored pencils and highlighers.  Create a large 3 ring binder folder to save monologues,  scripts. and shelf space for materials you might need.  In addition it is important to have large mirror so you can watch your facial expressions and body language as you practice.

2.  Acting is self exploration:  Notice your own natural body changes when you experience emotions.  Acting is about conveying the emotions the character is feeling.  For ex:  What happens to you when you are feeling angry?  Do your eyebrows squint,  do your muscles tighten?   What emotions are easy for your covey?  What emotions are harder for you in acting?  Do you have trouble feeling vulnerable?  Is it hard for you to connect to anger?  

3.  Watch many genres:  What do you prefer to watch?  drama, comedy, horror, sci fi? reality shows?  Why.  This gives you clues to your personality.

4.  Study your features.  Acting is a physical.  You will be judged on your appearance.  Are you making healthy choices in your diet and exercise.  Do you have negative habits you need to break?  Are you disciplined?  Do you drink? or smoke? What health issues do you have?  Does your voice get tired?  Do you have a foreign accent to overcome?   How is your diction and clarity?

5.  Study head shots:  You will want to learn your skin tone and what grooming,  colors and clothing styles look best on you and reflect your personality as an actor.  Actors who don't understand this before doing headshots rarely get bookings.

6.  Work with your teacher on basic aspects of METHOD.   Highlighting stage directors,  character analysis.  Relating the character to events you have experienced in your life. 

7. What actors/actresses inspire you?   What do you like about them?

8.  What other natural skills do you have that might enhance your work as an actor or actress?  Do you sing? play an instrument?  speak in other languages?  athletic?  can you dance?  

9.  Vocal Health:  Stay hydrated,  avoid alcohol, soft drinks and too much coffee which can be damaging and drying to the vocal chords.   Avoiding dairy and heavy meat consumption is advised.   Exercise like yoga,  swimming , brisk walks  are advised. 

10.  Download free materials.  There are many sources for dramatic and comedic monologues,  commercial scripts for products,  and full plays,  tv scripts and movie scripts online.  Make use of these sources to create your own database of free materials.  

These simple steps will help you be 10 steps a head of the game before your first lesson with me or another acting coach.  

Jim Spencer

Acting Coach