Acting Class Update – On Camera

Yesterday was my third day of acting class (would have been the fourth but there was this thing my teacher did relating to the Golden Globes…) and it was the first day we did on camera work.  Still loving class and really glad to be on camera…

But oh the faces I made.  It was pretty funny.  I am happy to say that I was able to just focus on my scene partner and I didn’t hate the sound of my recorded voice (didn’t love it, but yay for not hating it!  Apparently, I’m doing alright in my vocal development).  It was a good start, but clearly I have plenty of room for improvement.

I went almost first – my scene partner (who was a lot of fun to work with – likes to find the humor in scene) went first, and then me.  It was nice to go first because I didn’t have any time to let nerves build up.  I have noticed that I tend to feel it in my stomach when I’m watching my classmates do their improvs/scenes and waiting to do mine.  It’s not bad, but it was nice to be more relaxed and fully in the moment of watching my classmates work.  For now, I’ll just go with the flow and keep paying attention to what my body does.  I think that with more work the nerves won’t build do much, but it may be that I am better off getting up first when possible.

We had been given a little time to practice the scene with our partner before getting in front of the camera, so by the time I got up there I basically had the scene memorized.  Still, I found that the first time through I really wanted to rely on that script in my hand.  It’s funny how getting in front of the camera/an audience/our teacher changes things.  So let’s get down to it, here are the major feedback points I am working on:

1. Slow down.  Take your time and let the lines affect you.
2. Use the script (if you need to), but take your time.  Look at your partner while they are speaking.  Look at your script for your line, come back up.  Then say your line.
3. Open your mouth!!  (this is big for me.  I’ve gotten this feedback at least once in each class – I think it has to do with an inclination to repress/hold back certain emotions.  The good news is that I am getting better).
4. Internalize.  Internalize.  Internalize!
5. Relax.  Deep breaths.  Relax your body.  Relax your face.  Relax

Also, stop with the funny faces already!  Actually no one said that to me.  But I sure made some funny faces.  So, I laugh and I learn.  One of the nicest moments in class is when Patrick (our teacher) told me that I take direction well!  Awesome compliment!!  I mean, I try to.  But hearing it was a nice validation.

It was great to watch my classmates, interesting to see their choices and their commitments.  One of them really committed to the mother in the hospital given from the script and it was clear that her stakes were really high.  I am going to work on that kind of commitment myself.

And now I’m going to set up my camera and practice!