2 answers
Alisyn
Student
Brandon, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What is is like being an actor? How do you memorize lines and do your job on a daily basis
I am very passionate about becoming an actor and I just need some tips about it and information about it because I know that there's still a lot I don't know about acting
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2 answers
Hermione Carsten
Program Manager
9
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Hermione’s Answer
That's a big question to answer. I've done a bit of everything on the small scale - community theater, small films, paid improv, and acting at school and other training programs. Here's some things I experienced:
1. Daily life can be intense. We're talking long hours, no free time - always juggling rehearsals most evenings and weekends, physically challenging tasks, sometimes performing in distracting conditions, and film can have extra long hours in a makeup chair, and yes memorizing lines. (There are memory tricks that can help). Eventually you practice the lines so many times they're a part of you.
2. Social aspect: Acting is a team effort, but let's just say not everyone's a great co-worker. You'll come across big egos and passionate, often frustrated people. People are their worst selves when they're stressed. Auditions can be ego-crushing and sometimes humiliating. Directors are always critical, and often vague in what they want.
3. Safety: Unfortunately, the "casting room couch" and sexual assault are still things to be careful of. Accidents are also pretty common, given the physical and high adrenaline nature of the work.
4. The creative side: To me, this is where the magic happens. Diving deep into a character and showing their experiences to the world can be a fulfilling and emotional journey. It can also be brutal. There's no definitive criteria for success in acting. It's almost impossible to know if one's making progress, and everyone around is going to have a different bias. It's all about constant growth, stamina, resilience, empathy, the passion, finding the fun, and kindness for oneself and others. 🎭
A lot of people I've worked with have talked about similar experiences, but every actor's journey is unique. The way we perceive and react to these situations can vary, so just remember to stay true to yourself and always keep learning along the way!
1. Daily life can be intense. We're talking long hours, no free time - always juggling rehearsals most evenings and weekends, physically challenging tasks, sometimes performing in distracting conditions, and film can have extra long hours in a makeup chair, and yes memorizing lines. (There are memory tricks that can help). Eventually you practice the lines so many times they're a part of you.
2. Social aspect: Acting is a team effort, but let's just say not everyone's a great co-worker. You'll come across big egos and passionate, often frustrated people. People are their worst selves when they're stressed. Auditions can be ego-crushing and sometimes humiliating. Directors are always critical, and often vague in what they want.
3. Safety: Unfortunately, the "casting room couch" and sexual assault are still things to be careful of. Accidents are also pretty common, given the physical and high adrenaline nature of the work.
4. The creative side: To me, this is where the magic happens. Diving deep into a character and showing their experiences to the world can be a fulfilling and emotional journey. It can also be brutal. There's no definitive criteria for success in acting. It's almost impossible to know if one's making progress, and everyone around is going to have a different bias. It's all about constant growth, stamina, resilience, empathy, the passion, finding the fun, and kindness for oneself and others. 🎭
A lot of people I've worked with have talked about similar experiences, but every actor's journey is unique. The way we perceive and react to these situations can vary, so just remember to stay true to yourself and always keep learning along the way!
JOHN German
90
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
Though I am not involved, in a job, in the acting entertainment sector, here are some areas to think about to help guide you into more of what you are desiring.
Masterclass.com: Various courses for actors/actress: Helen Mirren, Natalie Portman, Nancy Cartwright, Jodie Foster, etc.
Dustin Hoffman, though I think not available, said that he would learn - cause as an actor, outside of that timeframe of character building for your role, what else do you do? The more you know, the more you tinker into various, can help your acting career in whatever you want out of such.
Stage32.com: Various people in the film industry: writers, actors, etc. Networking in that sector could gift you more insightful thoughts from various who are within that position. Free site to utilize if only for networking and engaging.
Gratitude inside your path.
God Bless,
John German
Though I am not involved, in a job, in the acting entertainment sector, here are some areas to think about to help guide you into more of what you are desiring.
Masterclass.com: Various courses for actors/actress: Helen Mirren, Natalie Portman, Nancy Cartwright, Jodie Foster, etc.
Dustin Hoffman, though I think not available, said that he would learn - cause as an actor, outside of that timeframe of character building for your role, what else do you do? The more you know, the more you tinker into various, can help your acting career in whatever you want out of such.
Stage32.com: Various people in the film industry: writers, actors, etc. Networking in that sector could gift you more insightful thoughts from various who are within that position. Free site to utilize if only for networking and engaging.
Gratitude inside your path.
God Bless,
John German