Play to an image

One of the realities that I have struggled understanding is how do I "bring my game" to a scene, monologue, audition, or actual shoot.  Like a sprinter, waiting for the gun shot to go off, as actors how can we insure that we bolt forth like lighting.  This heightened sense of awareness which to the bad actor becomes a forced or planned emotion, are simply triggers; all the way up to the top of the first drop of the roller coaster, or like pulling back the rubber of a sling shot, and you (or the audience) are the rock.  Now "don't go all method on me", this is not what I am advocating here. But "what if" (the most powerful combination of words in the universe) you were to put an image in your mind and it can BE anything...from the most banal to the most sublime: a famous actor, a dog taking care of business, something sexy, ANYTHING and BANG! play the scene, monologue, etc. If you have someone tape your performance you will see something wonderful happen and you will see it in your eyes.
In moments of struggle, see it and watch what happens.


In workshop we call this exercise, "Act me a picture" 

Much Ado about Nothing

Typecast yourself into whatever role you are reading for.  That's it. That simple. 


Think like a casting director - visualize roles for those around you. Practice this all day.  Can I see this guy play a crook? Do I see her as a nun?  Leading man? Etc.  This will open your eyes to the role of the casting agent and casting director as well as looking at yourself with the same scrutiny.


Be ridiculous. Be yourself. Be humble. Be irreverent.