The Question: What is too much?

Let me start by saying this.  There is never too much for me.  Let me explain that by saying that if it's believable to us then it is never too much.  Many films don't make it because even if the star is great it only takes a few actors to take you out of the reality of the story.

THE MOVIE- it's 3010 and Aliens with asses for faces kiss people and turn them into the ass face aliens.  We are the only human's left.  They call us the whole people race.  We call them the ass-whole people race.  Can we stop the end of the world?

Think that's crazy? I have auditioned for much worse.  However if you are going to take the role it has to be real to you.  It has to be real to everyone.  Creating real life in imaginary circumstances.  That is what we do!

If I don't believe you and your being really big or screaming at me or crying with no emotional attachment then your doing what I call pushing.  It means you are straining your instrument to get an emotional reaction.  Emotions can't be chosen they must arise from the truth.  So, there is never too much unless it isn't real.

The moment before.....

Auditions.

A few quick notes about auditions. Remember, majority of the time, the casting director is not making the final call on whether you get booked or not. The producers that watch the tape will be making those decisions. With that being said, make sure your reader is close to camera so that your eye line gives whomever watches the video the best seat in the house.

Also, the most important thing about that audition is to talk and listen. Be there, in the moment with the reader. The lines should always be secondary. I would rather see you live in the given circumstances for the 3 minute audition instead of getting all the lines right... That's what the call back is for.

Acting is not about memorizing lines and spitting them out.. Anyone can memorize lines. You have to live.

Also, just a tip for sanity. After the audition, forget about it. Move on in your life. You will only hear about the audition again if they bring you to callbacks. Trust me, going over the audition time and again in your head will only drive you insane.

If you can afford it, go to a private coach to get help with your audition. Trust me, the money is worth it. Even if you don't book the role, you want to go in and do a wonderful job every time so that the casting director becomes a fan of your work. Casting directors will then bring you in to read way more often. Remember, if they are bringing you in time and time again, then they like you! Don't get mad if you are not booking just yet. They are at least looking for the right role for you. Keep your head up and continue to study. An actor should always be in class, as continuing education is very important!

Truthful behavior.

A scene is not impressing because an actor can cry on spot, or he/she can scream at the top of their lungs.  A dying mother does not make me feel for her because she can do a wonderful fake choke with ketchup like blood coming out of her mouth.   I will be moved, and feel emotional when I see an actor or actress truthfully and without a doubt go through the pain and unmistakable fear of loosing a loved one.  If it is not truthful and you are lying to me, then I will feel that I was cheated out of my 12 bucks that it cost to come see your movie, or performance.   I don't want to see you act, I want to real life...  Live, stop all the acting.

Every Day.

As today began you were given a chance to pursue the career of a life time. The career of your dreams. Focus and know that this career is not for everyone but those who choose it know that it is a long road and a lot of work. Respect for acting. Prove it, and get to work.  Seven to eight years is an over night success.  If you succeed you get paid way more than a doctor so why should your schooling be any less.  Find an acting coach and get to work.  Even if you are a great actor, a trained actor is a step ahead of you every day.-DW

Your job as an actor.

Remember.  It is not your job to make others believe that you are sad, hot, angry, or upset.  As an actor it is only your job to make your self believe.-DW