Back to Basics

After a week off from the radio show, I thought that this week it might be good to go back to the beginning.

Now, one thing that I've noticed is that actors with some training under their belts are really worried about anything resembling the words "beginning" or "basic".  The response normally goes something like this, "Ummm.  I'm kind of... beyond... this stuff."

Knock it off, guys.  Seriously.  Nothing marks you as an amateur more than complaining that you're "past" needing the basics.  Or that you can't learn if you're surrounded by less experienced actors.  Some of the biggest lessons I've learned have been from newbies.

Now, I understand the desire to work with those that will push you to excel and exceed your own expectations for yourself.  I get it.  But remember that acting is a little bit like martial arts.  A black belt can be beaten by a white belt if the white belt is concentrating and focused.  Same deal with actors.  Surround yourself with both experienced and inexperienced actors if you want to train yourself for what's truly out there in the industry.  And choose to study with dedicated actors, regardless of their experience level.  After all, we were all beginners at one point, right?

This week, we'll be talking first and foremost about conflict--what it does for us, why we want it, how we get it.  My guess is that we'll use up all our time on that one topic.  It's a good one.  So, if you have questions about conflict, leave them here, @ or DM me on my Twitter stream or email me at actingwithoutthedrama (at) gmail (dot) com.

So, I'll admit that the response to my last blog entry was a titch... underwhelming.  So, if you're reading this, I'm going to ask again for your individual response.  If you, just you, could follow my blog if you aren't already, follow my blogtalkradio page, and/or subscribe to my iTunes podcast, I would be so grateful.  It should take all of about 3 minutes.

If you're feeling ambitious, write a review or a comment on each.  Time commitment factor?  Tops...10 minutes.  Keep in mind how much time and energy I put into the tweets, the blogs, the radio shows, the email responses.  I'm not complaining.  Just asking for some help with some stuff that requires nothing from you but a little time.  A very little time. :)