#Actors Tidbit: Can you take direction? (8/16)

You may think the opposite when it comes to getting multiple directions from a director or casting director in an auditioning room or on set but it is okay when you're given more than one. During my last session at the Brian Reise Acting Studios, here in Los Angeles, CA, at http://www.brianreiseacting.com/ on August 16th, I learned that if you're given adjustments than that means they like you.

Photo by srbichara

I have learned that not many actors can take adjustments or directions well. Can you take direction? I found out fast during our exercise that this requires so much concentration, focus, and the ability to listen to the entire direction before executing the action. Brian even gave us all a taste of how real the experience could be in an auditioning room with people who are looking for the gems among the masses for their projects. Being the savvy guy that he is, he even broke down 4 tips to be the best you can be at taking direction and making the adjustments that the casting director needs from you in the audition. 

Here they are listed for you to take and learn from. After reviewing them, ask yourself, "Can I take direction?"

1. Make sure you understand what the adjustment is? Get clarity for yourself. 

The person giving the adjustment to a film scene or role may have stated their desired changes fast and unclear, at first, so it's okay to ask. Don't feel intimidated by this. You are there because you meet the initial stats for the role and a great actor so now show how well you can listen and be attentive to their full directions. Remember, no question is a stupid question when your career opportunity is at stake.

2. Repeat the adjustment back to the adjuster. 

By repeating the adjustment for your character in a scene or an action you must take, you then confirm within yourself that you have heard all the direction, clearly. This will also let the adjuster know that you are listening and know what you must do. 

For example, the following dialogue:
Casting Director: This time, I would like for you to be even more threatening with the character. 
Actor: This time you want me to be even more threatening.

3. Don't judge the adjuster.

Trust me! The adjuster knows much better than you do what they are looking to achieve in their next film or television project. They know what they are looking for in each character so don't go in the room thinking that you are going to reinvent the wheel. Listen to what direction they are giving you and execute it! It's just that simple! Some projects need to be cast fast and don't have much time to find the right person for a role so you must be flexible and open in that regard. 

Be the clay and let them mold you, in the moment, to what they desire for you to bring forth. -Selena

4. Commit 100% to the direction or adjustment.

Sometimes it may seem as if the direction or adjustment for a particular character is way off. However, committing to and trusting what is given to you 100%, will reign supreme in the end. We all think, in general, that we know what's best for us, but those looking from the outside at us, may see an entirely different person or perspective of us. You are blessed with the gift to share stories and bring written work to life on screen, so why not commit 100% to the material that was written with blood, sweat and tears, right?

I found that this exercise tested my abilities to listen even more and challenged me to take direction even more tactfully and with a greater confidence. We all are instruments and learning never stops, whether the learning is good or bad for us. Take these pointers and thrive in your next audition.

 Have fun my fellow actors and actresses!

Share your insights or leave a comment below if you would like.

#Actors Tidbit: How To Connect with the Room in an Audition (8/9)

On Thursday, August 9th, was my weekly acting muscle workout with Brian Reise Acting Studios, here in Los Angeles, CA, at http://www.brianreiseacting.com/. On this day we talked about and then practiced how to present ourselves when we enter the room to meet producers and other very important people (VIPs) for a costar or guest star role. As an actor, you just can't get out of it. We have to show the decision maker(s) what we have outside of our talents as an actor or actress.

Here are a couple of bullet points I took notes on to share for you:

photo by  christgr

• You have to be the one who connects with them. They see so many talented actors and actresses a day but what about you will make you stand out from the rest?

• They ask themselves the questions: "Can they do the job?", "If so, do I want him or her to do the job", and "Do I feel comfortable enough working with them on set for the period of time necessary to get the job done?" (I'm hoping that you and I will get all YESs!)

• Do you have a personality? I know, you walk into the room and you're thinking about your lines and you forget that you have to be personable to the people who are deciding on whether you are the person for the job. I know, I have been a creature of habit to do this sometimes and now I've learned to always bring out my peoples-person personality. I LOVE meeting people and learning from people, so they want to know what's exciting in your life, if they ask! So, share just one exciting thing you've been up to besides ACTING! 

• Be on Time! This is a big one for any profession, but if you can't be on time to your audition, how can you expect them to think that you will be on time to the set. 

• Your headshot MUST look like you! They are casting from photos and then once you enter the room, it's your time to WOW them with your acting skills and personality! Do you own makeup! When you get to the audition, are you going to have a make up artist there for you too? Think about this. ;)

• Stay away for the Sir and Ma'am. I know some of my readers, actors and actresses are southern raised and respectable, but it doesn't seem to go off well over here, so it seems. Personally, I was raised to say Yes Sir and No Ma'am, but I know, it's complicated.

• All of my jewelry lovers. Make sure to tone down the jewelry because it takes away from you. When you get on set, they will be putting on you what they want you to wear and you should come in as a clean canvas. You're beautiful just the way you are ;)

• Make sure in everything you do, keep things positive! We all have bad days and occurrences in our lives that make us really sad and angry, but leave those moments at the door. Lighten the energy of the room with a positive occurrence in your life and who knows, you may mention something that can help someone in the room have a better day.

Alrighty, my fellow Actors and Aspiring Actors! Have fun!

If you have any comments, leave them in the comment section below. ~Selena