I Quit!

I quit!   I am over acting, and I never want to do this again.

Every actor that is anything in the world of actors has had this thought.  This can be a tough world, and I cannot tell you how often getting out of the industry all together crosses ones mind.  Those who make it aren't always the best of the actors at the time.  They may not be booking because they are the best for the part.  Some actors make it because they never quit. They were no longer a new face. They were the option that is deserving or that casting knows they can count on.  If this industry truly doesn't make you happy anymore, then quit; and do what makes you happy.  If you feel frustrated, sometimes a break is in order; but if you have a passion for what you do and it makes you happy, then don't give up.  Tough, hard, and disappointment can be things you learn from.  Sometimes you need to clear the mind and the focus.  Sometimes you need to just be.  Just sit there.  Often when frustration sits in, I choose to take a day to myself. Do something "brainless", shut up that brain, and stop letting your thoughts run your life.  You are the observer of those thoughts; and that gives you the right to ignore them.  Understand that attachment to things or your career can hurt you. Work hard, focus, and plan on achieving; but don't form so much attachment to an outcome that it breaks you if you do not achieve it.  Happiness should not rely on anything but you.  Breathe.

What is Character?

What is a character?

Character to me means: a human being that IS who they are now by the events in their life up until this very moment, which is the present.  The present is where people can "live in the moment", which I am sure is a term you have heard.  A human being is affected every day by the life they live, or have lived.  It affects our egos and, in turn, changes our lives. Our ego is what creates our thoughts in turn creating our future.

Now, there are many roles you may not have to do a lot of character work for at all.  Your "character", YOUR past, may be perfectly fine. You do not need to make any adjustments.  Your ego will work perfectly fine as this character.  That doesn't take out the fact that the scene needs to still be made personal to you.  You will still have to make the truth out of the lines.  I will still need to see a relationship between you and any other being around you.  Old friend or brand new enemy, a character exists..  The same as when you meet or see someone for the first time.  Your mind or, as I said, Ego makes a judgment of who you think that person is... You already know if you are going to like or dislike this person.  You may learn to be wrong, but you make judgments.  Anyone that says they don't at all are either very enlightened or is an idiot...  Lots of people are idiots..  

Article for parents and working with your kids

I have been working with different groups of kids a few times a week.  And, I know what you're thinking if you're in any of my adult classes...   "How does he tame his dirty mouth?!"  My answer is easy - I am not having to deal with adults that make me cuss!
Really quickly, let me explain why I say "dirty mouth".  In an adult acting class, we have to deal with the real issues that people in almost any lifestyle may have to go through.  If an actor comes in to work on building a character that is a cop, I may tell him/her to start looking into law enforcement.  Go find a friend that is a cop to do a ride-a-long.  Take a course on how to carry a gun.  We also may talk about how it affects you killing someone?  Things that change your life.  I do not judge any walk of life, I just observe it.

Simply stated, what do you think I have to talk about with a woman who decides to build the character of...  Let's say a "HOOKIE", for G rated sake.  My niece used to want to be 2 things in life.  Either work at Walmart or be a "Hookie", because she could wear the click click shoes and dress up.  Anyway, her dreams have changed, I think.  The point is, I focus not on who you are, but the root of how you became that human being.  As adults, we "human beings" don't just grow up and decide, "I want to be a bum!"  Even a bum, at one time, had hopes and aspirations of being astronauts, fire truck drivers, hell when your a kid you even dream to be a "Hookie"!  But, what led them on their path to be who they are now?

As for children, one of my most favorite things is the imagination.  I love a kid who is still allowed to day dream a little.  I don't mean hyperactive A.D.D. action, but the ones that can hear me say what if "insert circumstances".  EX: What if you were a bird flying in the sky?   Kids do not care if they look silly or get judged, they just become and believe what we tell them.  If I tell a child to be something or someone, then they do not judge the character like an adult would.  They do not care what they will look like, or what people will think of them.
Learn to stop judging other human beings; and you can help yourself figure out why or how they became who they are.  Who knows, you may think completely different after you get to know them.  The bible says, "He who has not sinned can cast the first stone."  All of you have sinned; so shut your mouth and stop judging!
EX: If I were playing a serial killer, I would NOT think that I was doing something negative or wrong.  I would understand why I do what I do, and how I became who I am.  Assuming or making negative statements about your character, is what I call "judging a character".  EX: "He is a dumb jock."  Well, maybe he has a learning disability; so I don't think, "I am a dumb jock."  I would think, "I am really good at sports and try really hard in school."  Or "I don't do homework and answer questions because people will think I am not smart, and it's less embarrassing to let them think I am lazy."

We have to let kids keep their freedom and their independence..  If a child looses his/her confidence, they will not feel comfortable doing things out of the box.  That goes for any age of actors.  Confidence is important in this business, but delusion is not.   Just to be clear.  An ego can get in your way every day; so make sure you know the difference when it comes to confidence.

As actors, I have to re-train people everyday that they can be who they are..
We grow up hearing:
-  Ladies don't shout
-  Men don't cry
-  Kids should be seen seen but not heard
-  That's a sin don't do it
The list could go on forever....

Also, per working with kids in acting... Know that just like adult acting, there are different tones of films and tv shows.  If the tone of the show is a 30 minute comedy such as, iCarly, then the style of acting will obviously be different then the tone of a 1 hour episodic such as, TrueBlood.  However, regardless the tone, I must believe you.  If I see you acting happy, then it's bad acting.  If I see you acting angry, then it's bad acting.  If I don't see you acting like anything and all I see is the truth, then you're doing a wonderful job.  As long as you're acting always stems from the truth and not you lying to yourself about feeling a certain way, then you're on the right path.

Any questions or if you would like a blog to focus on anything specific feel free to leave a comment...

Tip for auditions..

When you walk in the room full of honesty and truth then you have nothing to hide or be shy about.  The lines are only important to the right human being.  Focus on that human being you have created, and notice I didn't say character.   Create a real human being and just go into live.  If you go in and put everything on the table then their is nothing else to hide.   Live raw, live truthfully, and truly talk and listen.   If you trust yourself that you have done the homework, then let go of everything else, let go of all the work and time you have put into this one scene and just live....     Just like your doing now.  You don't have any idea what your going to say next until it comes out..  That's life.  As for acting, every time should be the first time...   Live it.

If you do not understand what I mean in some of my posts, then make sure you are going through a basic technique class.  What I say may mean nothing until you have trained enough to understand it.  But feel free to ask questions also.  If not to me, then to your own acting coach.

"Acting" is the worst name for it. That word makes people do the weirdest things... To live on screen it must be real life to you. Stop the acting, or leave that for the stage.

Home work for this industry. Making good choices aren't by luck.

When I say "homework", I mean it in so many ways.  Homework starts immediately after you decide to be an actor. This industry is, as I always say - "TOUGH".  As green or "new" people in the industry, you are a target for a way to make a lot of money.  If you don't know what a quality acting coach is, then you won't know if he or she is any good or not.  If you don't know what a quality head shot is, then you don't know who can take a GOOD head shot.  The same goes with agencies.  If you are the consumer, then you should always compare their prices to the industry standards (the average prices of class/headshot/etc).  Also, agents will not charge you to represent them.  They will get a percentage (usually 10% - 15%) of what money you make once you book your jobs while you are working with them.  

Do your homework and look up information on your acting coaches - google them or go to imdb.com and check to see what movies they were in that were speaking roles.  Also, you can maybe find their resume and/or reel online.  Most acting coaches should have a reel, or video clips of them acting online.  If they don't, then maybe they haven't been acting long enough to be coaching you.  Try to find bio's on the acting coach to see if he or she mentions how long they have been in the entertainment industry.  Ask other friends/actors what they have heard, seen, or experienced with them as well.  Most acting coaches will have a time that you can come sit in during class, which should be free, to see if you feel like it is a good learning environment for you.  Do you feel comfortable with the coach?  Is he/she someone you could listen to and learn from?  You should always walk away from class feeling like you got a little bit better and/or learned something.  If you have been with that coach for a more than a few weeks and do not feel like you have learned anything, then maybe you should try another coach.  Go to a few coaches and check out their classes before you settle on one specific coach.  Even some good acting coaches may not be a great fit for you.  Also, ask the acting teacher what type of acting he teaches.  If he says theatre then ask yourself - "Do I want to learn how to act for the theatre, or for film and TV?"  Make sure your dream is the same as what he or she teaches.  An acting coach is not going to get or promise you work.  He is not going to tell you that you will be a star, nor will he get you an agent; but maybe he can help you or give you advice.  However, you have to take the initiative to do that homework also.  

Headshot photography is one piece of the pie that looks a lot easier than it is.  A great photographer, may not be a great headshot photographer.  Go to someone that shoots almost only headshots - it is what they love to do, like you love acting.  Look up some of the best headshot photographers in Los Angeles or New York; and get to know a good headshot.  Check out some of the ones that you really like; and then look in your local market for someone that shoots similar headshots.  The headshots should all be about the person in the photo.  When I say that, (for example) I mean don't wear big earrings unless you are shooting head shots for a certain type of character.  Most of the time you are going to need a headshot that looks just like you do in person.  When a casting director brings you in to their office based on a headshot they saw; then that is who they expect to see.  A head shot shouldn't make you look a lot younger, older, skinner, or sexier.  It should look just like you; so put that in your notes for when you shoot - no big jewelry, loud shirts, or anything that could distract someone from looking at that photo and being drawn directly to your eyes.  

I know most actors think you need an agent as soon as you start - Not true!  Treat this industry with just as much respect as a doctor treated his when he decided to learn how to do what he loved.  An overnight success in this industry is, once again, between seven and nine years; so if you truly want to make it in this industry, then "getting discovered" isn't going to cut it.  Now, agents are going to help get you auditions; but you don't want to go on auditions until you know act or create real life in imaginary circumstances.  Therefore, take a step back; and start by looking for an acting coach.  I say "coach" because most schools don't focus on film and television acting.  If you want to learn how to act in the theatre; then again, focus on an agent that works for theatre actors.  When choosing an agent, check out their IMDB page.  Also, check to see if they have a website that may give you more information on the agency.  Ask anyone you know who is with that agency that can tell you anything more; or you can ask your acting coach which ones are the good ones.  Usually, acting coaches will be up to date and current with what is going on in the industry - at least they better!  This is what they are suppose to be teaching you, as this is what you are paying them for.  That is the business of acting.  If they don't know what is going on in the current industry, maybe they aren't the right coach for you.  Plus, if you are at the point in your career that your ready to go on auditions and show them your BEST, then you should already have a wonderful acting coach that can give you some advice in any and all directions of this industry.

Remind me later, or just come to class.  Then, we can talk about a whole other book.  It's about homework when it comes to all the training and knowledge it takes to become a great actor.  I hope you want to be a great actor - not just a good one.  I don't mean a star.  I just hope that you are in this industry because you love it.  To be completely honest, if it isn't your passion, I don't think you should be an actor.  Follow your passion and your life will be happy. 

The reality of our Industry.

As you guys know I focus on TV and Film. That being said, the reality of our industry is that we move quick. Fast. The term we like to call it is "Hurry up and Wait." We are not shooting a play, so you can not take 20 minutes to prepare for a scene then 15 minutes after to get ready to reset and shoot that scene again. Our preparation as actors should be done at home before we even get to the set. Methods devised specifically for the stage that have you using a Sense or emotional memory that you have not dealt with yourself is not going to be sufficient. We need you to be able to control your emotions so that we can reset and shoot that same exact scene over again. A percent of an actors job is knowing your industry. The circumstances of the actor must eventually be left at the trailer. If you are using a emotional memory that you have no control of then you can not do that. Before you hear action you must be living in your characters circumstances.. The Craft has been devised to do away with itself..

reply: One on One vs Class room setting?

This was a reply to an email that was focused on whether I thought a Class room setting or a one on one setting is the best for actors...

My passion happens to be acting; and I come from many years in the industry on many levels, as well as many years of studying with a wonderful and amazing coach. With that being said, I am in the hopes that I can train some wonderful actors here in Louisiana, so that we have a quality talent pool for producers and directors to choose from.

There are only a few coaches that I would recommend in the Louisiana area. If you need some advice, I am more than willing to help you. As for me, I do think every actor is different; and that is one of the reasons I do not teach a specific method. If I did teach only one method, then I would be saying that there is a perfect way to teach TV and Film in that method alone. I think most of the methods were devised for stage; so to use methods that were devised years before my creative venue(tv/film) was even invented, would be wrong.

As for class settings, there are benefits to both one on one coaching, as well as a class full of students.

I think one on one is wonderful when you focus on an audition or rehearse and prep for a role you booked. It is also interesting, later on, when you have moved past the basics and are delving deep into your work. Even then, many things can still be done in a class setting for others to learn and for you to share.

A class setting is one of the best ways to learn and to absorb the fastest. Our jobs as actors are to be observant and pay attention to the human condition and to create truthful behavior. How better to do so than with a nice group of people to observe? I think many actors find they learn more by sitting and watching a scene or waiting until I speak about the scene rather than sometimes being in the scene themselves. Sometimes it is easier to see your own problems in someone else's work. However, you also have the advantage of working with many different personalities and walks of life that you would not have in a one on one session. Then once you are in the scene study class and you need to work on a scene, there is no hesitation from "living" in front of people in your imaginary circumstance. Acting is- creating real life in an imaginary circumstance.

One of Dean West's Reels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgikE76q4SU

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

PLEASE DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!

I say this in all honesty.  Before you take your child to a large casting call, or anything you have to pay for with tons of agents, etc, please feel free to contact me or ask a question under comments; and I will get back to you.

I have seen so many people waste their money on Pro-scout, AMTC, Model and Talent Expo, or any type of convention that takes you and your child to a big city.  Then, they proceed to charge you a ton of money to help you "get discovered".  I apologize if I sound rude; but if your child has never been trained, then there is a small chance they will be chosen to move forward with an agency.  In the event that you or your child does get chosen by an agency, there is no guarantee if you move, fly, or drive to NY or LA or any city from your current location that you will be booking work.  This is just common facts from industry professionals!

I only say this to help people.  If you have interest in the entertainment industry and you live in Louisiana, feel free to come by the school located in Metairie.  If you do not live in Louisiana and are still interested, feel free to drop me a message; and I would be more than willing to give you advice.  I am not saying that you have to come to my school; but I will help you save money and find a place near you for training or an agency near you.  Get your feet wet and see if this is the industry you choose for the rest of your life before you shell out way too much money.