avoid predictability during your acting audition

There is a famous saying "familiarity breeds contempt" and this is certainly true when it comes to the acting audition. In New York, you don't have to go far to see an actor trying desperately to memorize all of their lines before an audition. In reality, however, focusing too much on the words themselves can be a big mistake.

Why? Because creating a role that people will remember has nothing to do with the memorization of lines. It's the meaning, the context and the humanity that they are trying to convey that matters. The fastest way to begin improving acting auditions is to read dialogue you have been given and then treat them as mere clues. The lines are a mere piece of the puzzle while the character's emotions, feelings, conflicts, and needs lay beneath the words and are waiting to be discovered and portrayed.



Once you have uncovered the back story and personality of a character, you can truly begin to create a meaningful performance. In the end, it doesn't matter if you are right or wrong about how the story ends. The only thing matters that your delivery of the character. Is it powerful? Sincere? Is it unexpected? Is it moving toward the end you created with an undercurrent of energy and passion? It's far better to be wrong about how the story turns out, than to be boring.

Your job as an actor during an acting audition is to deliver the lines yes, but as a character that goes deeper than the words the writer has used. The resulting performance and delivery could very well exceed even the expectations of the director. Employing these techniques, your acting auditions will truly stand out.

How can this be accomplished? The mind is a terrible thing to waste. Don't waste your mind and time concentrating too much on lines. The auditors are NOT searching for the actor with the best memorization skills. They will instead be looking for an actor who can take the words and situations in the script and use them to infuse the character with spirit and life. Even if your audition only consists of a few lines or pages, there is still plenty of room for you to create a very real story.
Make some assumptions or make something up. With the help of the words in the script, you can draw assumptions about the character and the life they lead. Don't get hung up on interpreting the character correctly and, instead, put your energy into creating a real person to which the audience can relate.

Use your mind and energy to develop a life and spirit for the character you are called upon to portray. This will help you to take your acting audition to the next level.

The Maggie Flaningan studio trains serious actors dedicated to their craft. Find out more about preparing for auditions at the studio website about two year acting programs.

Enter Acting School As An Actor And Leave A Real Artist

The whole world was taken aback by the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman; the loss was particularly devastating to friends, family, as well as other actors who respected this great artist. His death was certainly an emotional one for many. The pain was tangible. When an actor dreams of being a real artist, it is necessary to find mentors who will encourage growth and creativity and the ultimate improvement in both skill as well as character development. Philip Seymour Hoffman has been understandably given two titles, that of both actor and artist. Sadly, our culture focuses more on fame and money than on actual talent and artistic beauty. With the number of individuals trying to act, the term "actor" has lost a good deal of its meaning. Acting takes real effort; as Philip Seymour Hoffman himself would say, nothing is harder than acting when one truly knows what it entails.



The concept of an actor as artist is one for which I am very passionate. Students who come to our studio striving to transform themselves from simple actors to true artists are often pleased to find that this is a quest that we find most noble, a quest that we enthusiastically help our students to follow and achieve. When I look at a new class for the first time, I gaze out at the students who have all come here with a desire to become the best actor they can be. For many, being an actor has been a dream that has been with them since childhood. The dream of becoming a great actor is common but it is rare for a new student to come here striving for the illusive title of "artist". Only through realizing the hard work that goes into acting and real creativity will most student actors understand that their goal should not merely be to become the best actor they can be, but the best artist as well.

A real artist is always driven by his or her craft; they are powered by their art while still being humble enough to admit that they don't know everything, they possess skill and important techniques but they are always eager to learn more, they are constantly striving to improve themselves, they understand human emotion and empathize with others, and they never allow anyone or anything to interfere with their goals and personal improvement; they start each project afresh and are always focused on the character and not on their own personal needs and wants, they are willing to attempt things that scare and intimidate them, they transform themselves for a role, they are detail-oriented, and they are always exploring new and better ways of bringing a character to life in a very real way. These are the characteristics present in a real artist.

Philip Seymour Hoffman fully embodies all of these characteristics, making him a true artist to be admired. There is no denying that the acting world will miss him and his work. Each day, my soul is energized by my students, individuals who have come here to discover more about themselves as well as pursue the great goal of becoming both actor and artist. I have nothing but admiration for those individuals who give their craft everything they have and constantly work to improve themselves in all aspects of their lives and careers. Being able to hold up Phil as a mentor and artist is a honor that will continue past his death. I have no doubt that his work has made our craft all the more valuable.

For more information on Top Acting Coach new york ny , Best Acting Class Teacher new york ny and Meisner Acting Studio new york ny you can contact us at: Maggie Flanigan Studio Inc 153 W 27th St #803 New York, NY 10001 (917) 606-0982

Acting Tips: Film

Acting on stage and acting in front of a camera may seem similar to those who don’t know better. However, every aspiring actor knows that the stage and the camera demands different things from its actors. With that in mind, here are a few tips for acting for a film:

All-Natural

Everyone knows that “practice makes perfect”. However, you should practice on the natural delivery of your lines, especially since the best actors in the history of film had a knack for uttering the cheesiest or most bone-chilling lines in film in such a natural way.

Your benchmark should be this: when practicing lines, people who overhear you speaking should be fooled into thinking you are merely having a conversation with someone. If you haven’t reached that level, keep working at it.

Subtlety

Today’s film cameras are so powerful that they can detect even the smallest movements, unlike the stage where movements should be exaggerated so that even the farthest viewer can see what happens. Do not be afraid to execute subtle movements when the scene calls for such. At times, the most subtle of movements create the largest of impacts.

Watch Films

It is no secret that many actors borrow certain mannerisms from other actors. With that in mind, watch as many films of different actors as you can. Moving performances by great actors can help inspire you to create your own way of performing, eventually making you an inspiration to future actors.

Overcoming Inhibitions: The First Acting Lesson

Acting is hardly as easy as it appears to be—it takes a person plenty of effort in order to convincingly convey any emotion. After all, a person who’s afraid to perform in front of an audience isn’t really cut for the job at all. That’s why many acting professionals and directors would tell that acting typically starts by eliminating your inhibitions first.

Generally, an inhibition is an obstacle or an entity that prevents you from acting of your own accord in a given situation – perhaps you have stage fright, or you’re too paranoid about your lines, or maybe you’re just too self-conscious. The sooner you let go of as much of your physical and emotional inhibitions, the more you will be able to access your character and deliver the role as flawlessly as possible.

The very first step in getting rid of any negativity, be it a physical illness, a psychological disorder, or even a vice, is to acknowledge its existence in the first place. The same goes with the fear of failure. Even professional actors would agree that this is perhaps one of the worst inhibitions that they face.

Lose your fear. Lose your inhibitions. Only then can you gear yourself up for success, and savor every step that takes you higher towards your dream of stardom.

acting classes in nyc: learning through frequent practice

With the numerous acting classes in NYC that are available, selecting the right option can be intimidating.  Attending classes for acting is always a big investment, one that can impact your current and future career.  To ease the stress, each actor should have an idea of what to look for in a professional studio.  Keep the following considerations in mind.



The first step to finding the right acting studio is to determine your needs and the type of acting class that will provide you with the skills and learning environment you need to thrive.  Your first goal is to understand what needs your acting class should meet.  For example, will the school offer private instruction to address your specific concerns as well as group classes that will allow you to work with others in your industry? You will also want to consider the techniques that are utilized by the school as well as the level of personal attention that is given to each of the students.

You should also consider auditing a class for acting to learn how many opportunities each student has to participate.  The best acting classes in NYC are those that expect frequent participation from each of their students. Frequent practice is really the only way to learn how to properly relate to other actors on stage, how to take a character and make it your own, and how to properly emote and, well, perform.

The networking capacity of the classes for acting you choose is another essential factor to consider.  Choosing the proper school can help you to improve your skills, gain new ones, as well as meet other actors and leaders in your craft.  Everyone will agree that knowing people in your industry is certainly important.  As with any other area of employment, knowing others in your field can only help as your career progresses. In reality, the connections that you make in school can make an enormous difference to your career for years to come.

When it comes to acting, you are never done learning.  Whether you are just starting your career or you are seasoned actor with many roles and performances under your belt, an acting class may be just what you need to advance your reputation and your abilities.  With these acting classes in NYC, many actors have been able to reach their goals and achieve the career of their dreams. Through high quality acting classes in NYC, you may very well be able to obtain precisely what you are looking for out of your acting education and career.

For more information on Classes For Acting new york ny , Acting Class In Nyc  and Acting Courses new york ny you can contact us at: Maggie Flanigan Studio Inc 153 West 27th Street #803 New York, New York 10001

NYC Acting Classes Maggie Flanigan Studio Alumni Talks about His Training and Movie Role

New York City, New York (November 26, 2013) – Maggie Flanigan Studio alumnus Michael Oberholtzer is sharing his training and experience on being part of the movie “Delivery Man.” The actor, who took Flanigan’s NYC acting classes nine years ago, had a small role in Vince Vaughn’s latest comedy film as one of his sons. In Delivery Man, Vaughn plays the role of an easygoing underachiever who unknowingly fathered more than 500 children in the fertility clinic where he anonymously donated his sperm 20 years ago. Now, about a hundred of them are filing a lawsuit to find out who their biological father is, and one of them is a grocery store bagger named Kyle Walters, played by Oberholtzer. He had an improvised scene with Vaughn, who later told him that he had liked his work. For Oberholtzer, being on the set was a learning experience as he watched Vaughn’s performance while filming. His interest in acting began at a young age.

http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/press-releases/nyc-acting-classes-maggie-flanigan-studio-alumni-talks-about-his-training-and-movie-role/

Preparation Tips for NYC Acting Classes

Acting classes in New York City are no walk in the park. A students needs to have dedication and patience to master the art of acting. Part of the lessons is acting out scenes in front of the class, something which can be intimidating for a first-timer.

If you are in a similar situation and are feeling anxious about performing in class for the first time, keep calm and remember that practice makes the best preparation. If you will be working with a partner or a group, it is best to initially prepare by your lonesome. Understand the emotional requirements of the scene and consider acting techniques you may have learned in past acting classes (if you have attended any). Memorize your lines well and make a clear picture of the details of the scene in your mind.

Give plenty of time for rehearsals, both alone and with your partner or group. The more you practice, the more you will get comfortable with the scene and the people you will be acting with. Rehearsals will also give you and your fellow students the chance to explore the various ways of tackling the scene. You can experiment with several techniques and methods to find the best approach.

Finally, remember to steady your nerves so you won't stumble or stall come performance time. Keep in mind that you will be performing among fellow students who are there to grow and learn along with you.

The Acting Technique That Helped Launch Careers

What do Grace Kelly, Robert Duvall, Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Naomi Watts, and James Franco have in common? All of them studied a technique that helped them launch their stellar careers.

Almost anyone taking acting classes in NYC will inevitably come across that technique: Meisner. If the Meisner helped these Hollywood superstars, then it must really be exceptional.

So how does the Meisner technique work? Developed by the late Sanford Meisner, the technique trains an actor to access his or her impulses. That causes the actor to draw out real behaviors and responses to circumstances. It is applied to improvisation with another actor, interpreting a script, as well as other basics on acting.

The Meisner technique uses one fundamental exercise called Repetition. In the exercise, two actors sit across and respond to one another using a repeated phrase. If one actor says, “You look unhappy with me,” the other actor responds on impulse.

Basically, the Meisner technique helps achieve two things. First, it gets the actor to stop thinking what to say or do in the given situation. Second, the actor responds to the situation physically and vocally in a spontaneous manner.

The technique, of course, does more than just have two actors respond to a repeated phrase. By taking an acting class teaching the technique, one might find oneself joining the leagues of big names someday.

Developing Your Acting Skills

You may be wondering what you can get from taking acting classes and why aspiring actors bother to enroll or participate in workshops when they can just practice. By taking lessons and joining other students, you can develop your self confidence. You will be more comfortable talking in public and receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals.

The methods and techniques that you learn from the classes will also help you become comfortable showcasing your skills because you won't feel self-conscious, knowing what you're doing is right. The classes can also help you improve your communication skills.

It's not just because you can interact with various other people. Some of the classes are designed to help improve your pronunciation, enunciation, and diction. Aspiring theater actors will also find lessons on how they can project their voice better.

The lessons can also help enrich your imagination. You will be involved in many projects and assignments and, while this also serves as your training, it gets your creative juices flowing, as well. You will learn to analyze texts so you can understand your character better and you will know how to improvise effectively. You will also learn proper movement onstage through various exercises like pantomime.

Other than learning and developing skills, taking acting lessons is a fun and productive way of spending your time. While acting should not be treated as a hobby, it is still enjoyable and can help you improve yourself.

Acting Professionally Requires Training

Acting may seem easy enough, but it's a lot more than pretending you're someone else in a certain situation and delivering a couple of scripted words and hoping to evoke a certain emotion from the audience. It may be fun, but it is a craft and has to be taken seriously. This is why aspiring actors opt to take acting classes where they are trained by those who are knowledgeable in the field.

If you want to be a professional actor and are looking for acting classes in NYC, you have to make sure you are dedicated to your craft and make sure to enroll in credible schools. If they mention some popular actors that have trained under them, it wouldn't hurt to check if these claims are actually true. These classes are an investment that will help you learn the basics and develop and improve your skills.

Choose the schedule that is most convenient to you. It is your time and investment, so if you're doubtful you can attend some of the sessions. When you are in class, you have to be completely focused. These are not pure theories and lectures, there will be acting exercises, which will serve as your training, as well.

Here's Why the Mic on the Camera may be Ruining Your Audition

Different lights sources are different "temperatures" which means they have a different color. Incandescent lights are yellow, daylight is very blue. Let's say you set up the lighting, and you are also near a window.  By hitting the White Balance button you can adjust the camera to "balance" the color between those two light sources. Place a white card where the talent will be standing and hit the white balance feature. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. It will be evident if you forget to do this, because the skin tones and colors will all be incorrect.



Sound is another very important feature. Distracting static, muddy tones in your voice, are all ways to kill what might otherwise be a good audition tape. A good way to get quickly dismissed is to have poor sound quality. Keep the mic as close to the talent as possible. Renting a good quality microphone is a good idea, as the camera mounted variety are usually prone to pick up lots of static and stray noise. Let's face it, acting is a form of communication and you cannot communicate clearly if you can't be heard. Acting classes in nyc sometimes have ways to help with this.



Once the basics are set up, content becomes the focus. An audition prepared for taping has some slight differences. Coaches trained in Meisner acting techniques can help you prepare for those differences. An audition tape that is engaging, riveting, and fascinating is easier for actors that have studied Meisner acting. In Meisner acting nyc, a key thing to keep in mind is what is left "out." Of course, you can't cram every possible emotion that a character "has" into a few moments. Leaving some elements of the character out, is one way to engage your audience immediately. Audiences like to work, think, and look for clues which is a way to engage them in your performance.

Acting Classes in NYC for Serious Artists

Acting Classes in NYC for Serious Artists

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides nyc acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about commercial acting visit the studio website.

Accepting Direction and Criticism - Improving Acting Audition Tapes

Two to three smaller lights are all you really need. A light should be placed in front of the talent (you) one on either side, and far enough away to not cause shadows or hot spots. The background can lit using a third light. There are audition tapes that have dark backgrounds which can set a certain mood and this can work. While this can work you must be careful to that the overall feel of the tape is appropriate and not distracting. A white balance feature on cameras is used to correct the color.



Light sources, such as lamps, professional lights and daylight all have different temperatures. Daylight has a lot of blue in it and is very "cool." Let's say you set up the lighting, and you are also near a window. If you use both of these light sources the color will be off unless you "correct" it in the camera. The white balance feature is used to make this correction quickly and automatically. Just focus the camera on a white card or sheet of paper and it should correct for color. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. It will be evident if you forget to do this, because the skin tones and colors will all be incorrect.



Sound is another very important feature. If you cannot be heard, you cannot perform. A good way to get quickly dismissed is to have poor sound quality.  The cleanest sound comes from a mic planted close the source of sound, in this case, you. Camera mounted microphones are not very close to the subject, so looking into the rental of a good quality Lavalier microphone might be worthwhile. If you aren't being heard clearly you aren't able to communicate who you are as an actor or the character. Lots of good acting classes in nyc, include advice on how to do this.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes for serious actors. To learn more about commercial acting visit the studio website.

Acting Classes in NYC for Serious Artists

The Actors Instrument and Physical Expression

Master The Craft Of Acting - The Actors Instrument and Physical Expression

The actors instrument is something actors may have heard before, especially if they study the Meisner acting technique. While directors and actors are sometimes at odds due to creative differences, the truth is actors are the instruments, the components, that make up a successful production with a director as a conductor. Directors and actors may sometimes see things differently and while the director is the conductor, actors are the most important instruments used to tell the story. The actors instrument is what the actor uses to channel the vision of the writer and director, creating the most artful, interesting character they can to make the vision a reality. It's good for directors to remain open to the actors instrument and be aware of allowing the special nuances an actor brings to the vision to enrich the story.

Making beautiful sounds is the instrument's created purpose, while actors use not only sound but physical characteristics and other very subtle forms of expression that are uniquely human. Actors use the Meisner technique to develop as many of these forms of expression as they can, which working together make up "the instrument" an actor uses. If broken down into definable aspects, the actors instrument involves the development of Imagination, Sensory expressions, Empathy, Intelligence, and Physical expression. By mastering as many of these aspects as possible, and working hard at developing all of them, an actor has the ability to take on any role. Most successful actors working today have done an outstanding job of mastering many, if not all of these skills.

Every actor has their own unique physical way of expressing themselves and an awareness of the physical space around them. Physical expression and habits of physical movement is an aspect of acting that Meisner acting in nyc looks to examine and use to create character. Movements onstage in a theatre piece are very different than movements that are right for the camera. As an actor you must have studied physical expressions in depth to be able to adjust for new situations and roles.

Of course, personality actors can become top actors who are hired again and again, even though they express themselves physically in similar ways for every role. There are easily ten or fifteen actors who fall into this category that you can list without thinking too hard. Certainly, a charismatic personality is an extremely important aspect of the actors instrument, whether it is external, internal or both. There are many legendary actors who use physical expression as an art form to literally create a fictional, yet very real person. The list of actors that have mastered this would include Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Daniel Day Lewis, just to name a few.

There are actors who use their physicality to great effect, from Stallone and Schwarzenegger to Jim Carrey. These are just a few of the actors that have an ability to develop a strong and unique physical aspects to their characters. Going one step deeper as an actor means learning how to alter how they move and express themselves truthfully in a physical way to portray character.

This is not to say that tricks like limping or changing a facial expression to show a mood is all that is required. You must inhabit the created physical world of the production in a physical way that is truthful and be able to do it before there are physical crutches like sets, props, costumes and make up. Physical space, physical expression must be mastered and then used to develop all other aspects of the instrument. The most versatile actors have worked hard to develop this. Being attractive and/or charismatic is certainly going to get you noticed, but it won't give you a career into your sixties or seventies. Master physical expression, and the use of physical space to tell a story and enrich the other aspects of your actors instrument and you will be on your way to becoming great.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes in NYC for serious actors. Find out more about meisner acting at the studio website or read this article about acting instrument.
Maggie Flanigan Studio
153 West 27th Street Suite 803
New York, NY 10001
(917) 606-0982

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