I’ve only been to a few workshops and the like. And I’ve learned that the term “workshop” can refer to events that don’t quite match how I would have defined “workshop” prior to my acting related explorations here in Lala Land. I’ve also found a theme that shouldn’t surprise anyone and yet it gets over looked far too often. I know I was somehow unprepared for this one. Even though I knew working on my craft would be a part of my journey (it’s the thing I’m most self conscious about for goodness sake), it’s importance somehow just escaped me.
Studying and practicing my craft is now front and center in my focus. I believe that part of my dismissal of the studying of craft comes from how little the acting classes I have taken offered. It certainly wasn’t helped by the long standing myths of people discovered in drug stores. And tales of “over night” success. But every book I’ve read and every workshop I’ve attended has stressed the importance of working on your craft. You could argue that the people behind these books and workshops are just trying to sell more and justify their existence. And I would be inclined to agree with you, on some level, if it weren’t for my gut telling me that this craft thing really is important. Not to mention all the tales of actors going to extremes researching and preparing for their roles.
I feel self conscious about my craft, remember? That tells me I need to work on it. Lucky for me there is wealth of information in books – “Intent to Live” by Larry Moss is a great place to start. And dozens of acting coaches in and around Los Angeles. I’ve already picked one I’m going to start with just as soon as they’re back from their holiday break. I am super excited, I keep wishing I could just be in class already. Luckily I have self study options. There are a great many wonderful exercises and activities in “Intent to Live”. And I’ve even dabbled a bit with a couple of them (gasp – there is hope for me yet (-; ). But the thing I’m feeling most drawn to is script analysis. The process of breaking down a script or a scene to really get inside the character. To know what’s motivating them and why at all times. To know the things they won’t even admit to themselves.
I’m not talking about memorizing lines, but learning where those lines are coming from. So this is my first task for myself, select a scene and break it down. I will be using the method Margie Haber outlines in her book “How to get the Part Without Falling Apart”. And possibly dipping into the questions Larry Moss outlines at the end of “Intent to Live”. I’m looking through scenes just as soon as I’m done here. As tempting as it is to start with a full movie script, or even a full television show script, I’m going to start with a scene. I want to get practice and the possibility for feed back quickly. Start small and work my way up. Also, when I’m auditioning I’ll be getting “sides” which is what they call the scene or scenes they give you to audition with. This means that being good at breaking down a scene quickly is an important skill for an actor.
So I’m picking out a scene and breaking it down. I’ll be posting my results here on the 5th. And then I’m doing it again. Its time I took my craft seriously.
To take a journey you have to commit to it. It’s that simple.
Right?
I started this post wanting to talk about commitment and it’s importance on the journey, as the foundation of the journey. But I found myself going on about my decision to move to Los Angeles and what I’ve learned from that. Eventually I worked myself all the way back to commitment. Via know what you want. First you have to know what you want, and then you have to commit to it. Next you get clear and get into action. And as action moves you, you adjust. In other words, ready, fire, aim. (Which describes exactly how I am writing this post.)
I’ve decided to spend some more time on the post I’ve got going about the lessons I’ve learned from deciding to move to LA and then just doing it. I have a lot to say there and I’d like to flesh certain parts out a bit more. So, I’m sticking with the concept of commitment for this post. I have wrestled with the concept of commitment in my life for some time. To the point of wondering if I had it in me to really commit to anything. I can give you my past pains and excuses I’ve used for keeping myself some what removed from people and life. And I may. When I find those stories to be helpful to some point I am trying to make.
And speaking of making points… I got distracted writing about my move to Los Angeles because it represents such a big commitment for me. And such a large departure from my past actions. This blog represents me repeating that commitment. Reaffirming it. Adding an additional layer of accountability to it.
Moving was huge for me and important. But the mere fact of moving was only a small step on my journey. I have committed myself to the goal of being an A list actress and having my pick of screen plays. (I’ll share a nicely formed, fully qualified, SMARTER, ACTEDR, etc, etc, goal soon, but that covers the gist of if.) This goal requires a lot more than simply living in LA. And as I’ve begun to explore the resources available for developing myself as an actress I find myself and delighted and surprised by the magnitude of the journey before me.
I know myself, how badly I want this and many if not all of the patterns and habits I have held myself back with. I understand the importance of rituals and accountability to support yourself. And I know that this is a journey that many people undertake (and many more want to try). My goals here are to establish a ritual of writing about my journey to help others and a create place where I will be held accountable. I am committing to publish here Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I am committing to share my journey to become a working actress. I am committing to creating community and inspiring others to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. I am committing to letting go of the voice that keeps second guessing every thing I write and accepting that what I write will not speak to everyone and that this blog itself will grow and improve with time (but that won’t happen unless I actually write it).
This is the first step, commitment.
I had no idea there was so much to learn about acting. The craft of it. I’m surprised at myself for this. I am usually so obsessive about learning, reading books, doing everything I can to add to my knowledge. I took classes long ago and now with only a small foray into the texts available I am horrified at how little those classes offered. And a little sad that it has taken me this long to make this discovery.
I knew I had a lot to learn about the business of acting (hello Hollywood) and even the craft, and yet I was not prepared for scope of the task I find before me. I moved to Los Angeles a little over four months ago to pursue my dream of making my living through acting. It was a big step for me and I knew I had many more steps before me. I moved even though I wasn’t ready. And I’ve made the transition harder for myself thanks to some old patterns I haven’t quite released yet. I’m even having trouble finding my voice for this post. I guess that’s all part of the journey I’m on.
I have put myself on this path and discovered it richer and more inviting than I first thought. I hope that I can share the things I learn in such a way that helps others on this path.
