Melbourne Actor's Lab

I always talk about this - many actors don't do this as a skill- learn to personalise everything as an actor - the space , the props , the people , the lines! These things don't "just happen !" You as a skilled actor make them happen !

When you do this work - it costs you something - your heart and Soul lives in every character you play - that's YOU - your signature, your voice, you left a part of you in them , and they live in you. That's the exchange, that's the rush we feel.

Writing Your Own Material isn't really a choice in today's world . There just isn't enough work and it's great for you to have something to work on instead of waiting around . There's heaps of information here so we'll just do bit by bit - but start ! Use the index card system - it works .

Because you know the lines - you move ahead - DON'T ! Take your time , let the reality of the scene- the moment affect you . As an actor we feel pressure so we talk fast - we move ahead - great actors are confident enough to take@their time in those moments.

Keeping your choices active makes them stronger and more usable - this is a refined skill to know how and why to do this - but start small . Try it at home and once you master it - apply it on a set. It won't happen overnight .

I see people treat their day job - which they hate; better than their acting - which they love ! When you're doing your acting - s**t down ALL the distractions!