What Method?
The Different Ways an Actor can Train
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“You were put on this earth to create. Not to compete.” -Robert Anthony What is it that makes an actor exude light on a stage or screen? Why is he or she able to make us feel that made-up experiences are, in fact, taking place before our very eyes? Why do we evoke tears or strong laughter when watching them? Many would chalk it up to “talent.” I hate that word --talent. What does it even mean? The Webster's definition of “talent,” is as follows: “The natural endowments of a person or a special, artistic, and often creative aptitude of a person.” Let's dissect this. A natural endowment is something that is just given to somebody and aptitude describes one's capacity for development. This definition suggests that certain individuals have more of a given ability to portray humanity. I can personally guarantee you that if you walked up to any working actor and told them that his ability is something that was merely given and that he did not “work” to become the actor he is, that actor would spit in your face (or at least be tempted to do so). We use the word “talented” constantly, yet acting is 100% creative and intentional work. Anyone can do it if they do the research, learn the skills, and CONSISTENTLY practice those skills. “What? But my high school drama teacher told me I should never go into acting! And my sister is so much more `talented' than I am.” I don't care about the stories people have chosen to tell you. They all come from their own jealousy and fear. Biologists go to school, learn how to do proactive and productive research, learn how to implement that research, learn how to report their findings in a clear and concise way, and constantly practice and refine these skills. Actors do the same........ True actors love rehearsal, love the research, love taking risks and making mistakes, and even love working on days when they are exhausted --they hang in with this career for the long haul because they love it. Though the amount of work may seem intimidating, consider two important facts: a) if you love this work, the `work' will not seem like work. And b) if you accept that you do need to do this work, then it means you have taken full responsibility for your artistic growth. This latter point means that your career and your success are no longer left to chance, and that is empowerment.
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About the Book
There are many methods an actor may choose to study. What do all of these methods really do for the actor's instrument? Is there a method that works best for you? Which one speaks to you? Where should you look for instructors who teach these methods? This short and practical guidebook gives you the nuts and bolts of four pinnacle training methods, sample exercises for each method, examples of actors who have used these methods, the places where you can find these methods being taught, and further in-depth literature on each method. The next steps are up to you.
About the Author
Jessie Fahay has been an Actor/Producer/Author in New York with over 15 years in the Entertainment Industry. She has had a love for various crafts of acting and has studied in Moscow, Bristol, UK, and of course, her home city of New York. After attaining an MBA and MFA and becoming the proud founder of the award-winning performing arts company, RIPPLE EFFECT ARTISTS, which is now in its 10th season producing shows that raise awareness and funds for human rights initiatives, she has a signature motto--Do It All. For project updates, visit www.jessiefahay.com.. Thank you for reading.