Who Are You? What do you have to say?
Trying to both maintain your integrity as an artist and please the business side of Show Business is often a delicate and difficult balance. Last week, we looked at Denzel Washington speaking about a difficult decision he made to turn down his first film role. He cited the advice he received from Sydney Poitier: “The first 2,3 or 4 film roles you do will dictate how you are perceived in this business”. This advice helped Denzel make his decision because it spoke to who he was an an artist and what he wanted for his future career.
Decisions become easier when you know who you are as an actor, artist and human being. When we are first starting out in this business, we often don’t even know to ask these questions, let alone know the answers. Most actors just want to act, so they gladly take every and any opportunity that presents itself. When you are starting out, yes, you should do student films, short films, non-union indy films, theater showcases and other great on-the-job training grounds that are available to the new actor. You need that on-set experience. But, at the same time, you should be using these opportunities and your very important class work to find the answers to those questions that help you determine who you are and what you really want.
When you are ready to move up to Feature Films, Prime Time TV and Broadway, that knowledge will define how you look at scripts and what you bring into the room in auditions. The craft of acting is as much about looking inward to find your truth as it is about the acting itself.
Are Ready to be an Acting Lion?
Acting Lion Tips are contributed by Penny Templeton Studio co-owner, Hank Schob. A 50-year acting industry veteran, Hank teaches the Camera Class, Beginning Class, Scene Study and Script Analysis Class. For more Acting Tips & Career Advice, follow and like Penny Templeton Studio on FB and @Pennytempleton and @ActingLions on TWITTER to find out how you can become an Acting Lion!
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