Article stats: Views: 1800 Votes: 5 Average: 4.20 Added: 2007-04-13 | |
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Acting is one of the oldest professions in the history of mankind. It is only natural for many people to want to pursue it in their lives. But with so many people in the industry wanting to do the same thing, how can you set yourself apart from all the rest? One can think he/she can just go and do it and rely on their personality or looks or natural ability. But, he/she is setting themselves up for failure or a very short career. There are many paths to take to become an actor and none of them will be easy. To be an actor is a life-long journey. So, how do you take the first step?
First of all, you must get the training. Find an educational institution and enroll in acting courses. Be sure to audit classes so you get an idea of the atmosphere and how you feel you will interact with the instructor. Be prepared to establish a solid foundation first, by taking one year of acting technique, voice, and movement classes to begin. Once you have a good foundation, enroll in scene study and improvisation classes. 
Taking scene study and improvisation can compliment each other - with one you have time to prepare your character study and make creative choices and the other you have to just do it on the fly. But, you have to achieve the same results and overcome the same obstacles in both.
Several different types of acting technique exist, so do your research and pick the ones that interest you. Read what other professional actors have written on the subject. A good start is Uta Hagen's "A Challenge for the Actor." Eventually you will create your own technique with time and experience.
Learning about what other people have written on acting technique, will enable you to choose what works for you and reject what doesn't.
No absolute way exists for everyone, so find what works for you exclusively. Since your voice is part of your instrument, it is very important to have good diction and be able to resonate all the way to the back row. An effective way to achieve this is through singing lessons. You learn how to annunciate clearly and understand the energy levels, required to project your voice. If singing intimidates you too much, you can take speaking voice and speech classes. Experiment and choose what works.
The other part of your instrument is your physicality. Therefore, enrolling in movement classes (usually based in modern dance techniques) help you improve your stage presence, become aware of your physical limitations, and learn how to move efficiently through space. Also, Alexander technique classes can be helpful too in simplifying your physical movements and gaining physiological awareness. In addition, yoga and Pilates classes will help you become more flexible, relieve stress, and improve your physique too (even if you are not an actor, I highly recommend yoga and Pilates just to improve your health).
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