"Acting is standing up naked and
turning around very slowly." - Rosalind Russell
I have been performing, literally, for
as long as I can remember. My first commercial, portraying a nurse
for a hospital at the age of 5, sparked in me the thrill of acting -
the ability to become someone else and escape from my own personal
barriers, still drives me to this day. I have been blessed to have
had the ability to work in all aspects of the Entertainment Industry
- Theater, Film/TV, Commercials, Industrials, and Production - and
can honestly say that nothing soothes my soul more than being on set
- the energy, the creative flow, the like-mindedness of all involved
in a project are like no other.
As an Actor and Acting Coach, I am
often approached by aspiring actors, wanting to know "what to
do" in order to be successful in the industry. If you, the
reader, are still reading this, and have the same question, I'd like
to give you a couple nuggets (vegan, of course!) of wisdom that I
have gleamed over the years.
I would like to ask you a question -
define successful? If your only goal is to be "rich and
famous," may I suggest Medical or Law School. A true artist
does not act for fame or fortune - those who enter this business with
such pre-conceived aspirations will never make it. If your answer is
along the lines of "doing what I love and doing it well,"
please continue reading. Acting is a passion - a deep seeded need to
be a part of something bigger than yourself..knowing that no role is
too big or too small...the willingness to act without pay or
recognition, just for the thrill and experience...it is born within a
person, and cannot be taught or conditioned. And when one meets a
group of like minded individuals, magic happens. So, if you are
still following along, and not searching the internet for internships
at John Hopkins, congratulations!
For those who are serious about Acting,
I'd like to tackle a couple things in this article, regarding your
craft. First, no matter who you are, or how many plays/shows/films
you've done, you still need training. Tom Cruise ? Hires a scene
partner for each movie he does (and I know this from experience!)
Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Sean Penn? The Actors Studio. Brad
Pitt? Works with private acting coach, Margie Haber. "But
wait," you say, "I thought Actors were born, not made!"
And I would agree - the ability to perform is an innate talent.
But the mechanics of acting - learning to deepen your character - are
ones that must be continually honed. My sister, Michelle, is a damn
good RN and RT - she was always the healer and peacemaker in our
family - but being a caregiver and having a natural tendency to want
to heal didn't get her the position she has now as a Pediatric
Oncology Nurse. Nope, she went to school...and went to school some
more...and continues to take courses to stay on top of her field.
Why would Acting be any different? If you're not willing to train,
please don't waste my time, or the time of agents and casting
directors.
Second, and please hear me on this one
- you are not indispensible. You got a role? Great - just remember
that there are probably hundreds, maybe thousands of people who would
love to be in your shoes, and can act the part just as well as you.
More than any other field I know, Actors are hired and fired based
on word of mouth and professionalism. We have a saying in this
industry - "if you are 15 minutes early, you are on time. If
you are one time, you are late. If you are late, it is unacceptable"
- and you WILL be blacklisted. Want to complain about another actor
or talk about the director behind his back - we are a close knit
family, and I promise you, you WILL be blacklisted. How do I know
this? Because I've blacklisted people before - for unprofessionalism,
for being late, for not following wardrobe requirements, for failing
to learn lines, for acting like a diva on set...you get the idea. We
are, by nature, a networking community and suspicious of new people -
so leave the attitude in your car, or drive away. If, however, you
are on time, come prepared, and are friendly and professional on set,
you can expect to be welcomed with open arms.
Teri can be found on facebook HERE.
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