Acting

Acting

Whether you’re an actor, voice actor, casting director or anyone else related to the profession of acting, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer advice and tips on technique, audition strategies, headshots and all other topics related to the sweet science of acting

Diction is the way you talk: your enunciation and the types of words and phrases you use.

These exercises are great for actors to practice:

- Yoga hum: Take a deep breath in, then hum while slowly releasing your breath. Do this 5–10 times.

- Dragon’s breath: Stand with your hands on your stomach and ta...

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Diction is the way you talk: your enunciation and the types of words and phrases you use.

These exercises are great for actors to practice:

- Yoga hum: Take a deep breath in, then hum while slowly releasing your breath. Do this 5–10 times.

- Dragon’s breath: Stand with your hands on your stomach and take a deep breath in. Release the breath with a “hah!” on fast, sharp exhales.

- Tongue twisters: Go through any catchy tongue twisters you know, such as:

She sells seashells by the seashore.

We surely shall see the sunshine soon.

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers

A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked

If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers

Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

He would chuck, he would, as much as he could, and chuck as much wood

As a woodchuck would if a woodchuck could chuck wood

Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?

To practice, say the above tongue twisters slowly and deliberately five times in a row. If you’re able to say them without making a mistake, increase the speed. If you make a mistake, slow back down again. The key with tongue twisters as diction exercises is to only speed up once you’re in control of the words and to go faster and faster until you master them at all speeds.

- Practice vowels and consonants: Practice saying and singing vowels using different consonant sounds at the front, in the middle, and at the end. For example, slowly and clearly say the words “poke,” “toll,” “boat,” “cope,” and “stone” back to back, focusing on keeping that long “o” exactly the same.

- Backstage

#actors #voice #vocal #backstage

Keeping a small portion of your closet devoted to clothes for auditioning that are kept clean and pressed can save time and panic later.

Here are just a few to consider:

- Basic Commercial:

Before getting into character types, it’s important to have a few basics.

For commercial auditions, this will typi...

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Keeping a small portion of your closet devoted to clothes for auditioning that are kept clean and pressed can save time and panic later.

Here are just a few to consider:

- Basic Commercial:

Before getting into character types, it’s important to have a few basics.

For commercial auditions, this will typically be something in a solid color, and on the more cheerful side.

Think of the “family friendly” version of you.

- Basic Theatrical:

Same idea as commercial, but a more serious look.

This might mean darker or more muted colors, possibly longer sleeves, something that makes you feel grounded.

- Mom/Dad:

Having a parental look will go a long way for commercial auditions and day players.

A solid cardigan or polo shirt you can throw on to look approachable and relatable can easily suggest the role. Maybe have a pair of glasses handy. You want a slightly more conservative look for this one.

- Flirty/Seductive:

If it’s in your wheelhouse, having a flirty ingenue or vampy look might be something to consider. It’s a fine line to walk, as you still want to look professional. Hair and makeup can also go a long way here.

- Dystopian/Gritty:

Get yourself that grungy gray tank top or noticeably worn tee. Having an appropriately lived-in looking jacket (army green, brown, or other darker earth tones) might also be a good idea.

- Professional White Collar, putting together a look with a blazer or suit with a tie can suggest a lawyer, CEO, detective, accountant or any type of white-collar professional.

- Professional Blue Collar, on the other side of the spectrum, a nice denim shirt that you can roll up the sleeves can easily transform you into a farmer, hometown clerk, etc.

- Scrubs, bring on the medical dramas! If you don’t have actual scrubs (though they can often be found in uniform stores) a solid color v-neck shirt can suggest a nurse or technician. A lab coat might be good to have on hand if you can find one.

#actor #audition #selftape #wardrobe

Maurice Vaughan

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3 people like this
4 months ago

I like seeing actors make comebacks, Sam Sokolow! Demi Moore was in some of my favorite movies growing up. I'm looking forward to seeing THE SUBSTANCE!

Ashley Renee Smith

I love Demi! This is awesome to see!

Suzanne Bronson

2
2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

Looking forward to it.

Jacob Hayward

This is very inspiring! And Demi is dope! Nothing is fatal or final other than death! As long as you're willing to take shots the world is your oyster

Sydney S

SO excited for this!

This is great Tammy Hunt You know what's funny? Since I took diction at AADA and we had to learn standard stage speech, I notice others' diction as well. I can tell who has trained and who hasn't . Li...

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2
2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Suzanne Bronson
4 months ago

Thank you for sharing!

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1 person likes this
- Suzanne Bronson
4 months ago

Hope it's a great turnout, everyone enjoys themselves, and you all make contacts, Suzanne Bronson!

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

Thank you! I hope so too

4 months ago

You're welcome, Suzanne Bronson.

Great video, Aaron Marcus! I've been disappointed (pitches not going my way, not getting writing jobs, etc.). I like to work on a new script when it happens. Working on a new script takes my mind off...

Aaron Marcus

2
2 people like this
- Suzanne Bronson
- Maurice Vaughan
4 months ago

What a great way to stay strong and healthy. Thank you for sharing.

You're welcome, Aaron Marcus. Thanks for sharing the video!

William Joseph Hill

Great post, Tammy Hunt ! It's so much easier to learn a dialect nowadays since you can look up native speakers on YouTube. Though a good coach will help you nail down a specific accent and words/expre...

I think they are also dialect recordings you can get. I remember listening to a cassette when I had to learn a German accent. Cassette, that's how long ago it was.

Interesting article, Tom Lapke . Not sure how I feel about this as a longtime SAG-AFTRA member. I do know that the elected positions on the various boards are all volunteer union members. I've got mix...

Brigitte Millar

Very informative, thank you.

1
1 person likes this
- Brigitte Millar
4 months ago

It does seem incongruent with what the members of SAG AFTRA make.

The Rush Hour curtain call scene, Sam Sokolow. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bgXlHdBRpjs...

I LOVE this show! This scene was epic. I also have to recommend the stunts in Fall Guy. They were amazing and SO funny! It's one of my favorite films of the year so far. Scene example: https://www.you...

So many great stunts in Hollywood history, Sam Sokolow -- I can't narrow it down to just one stunt. From Buster Keaton's early exploits (which inspired Jackie Chan and Hong Kong cinema) to Hal Needham...

Amazing show, so exciting.

Thank you Tammy Hunt Also, if you are doing background work these are good items to have. A thrift store is always a great place to find actor clothtes.

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2 people like this
- Ashley Renee Smith
- Suzanne Bronson
4 months ago

You're welcome, Kym Jackson.

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4 people like this
4 months ago

Hi Kym Jackson Thank you for being here. I have a question about demo reels. If one doesn't have clips from TV/film that they were in or are just starting out, can one make their own demo reel by film...

Kym Jackson

Hi Suzanne Bronson! Sorry for the delay.

It's totally fine to make a reel from self tapes. - that is, framed as a medium close-up (head & shoulders or chest up) well lit, with great sound. If those se...

Geoff Hall

Kym Jackson thanks for your answers Kym and also for the link. I’ll read it later. I guess what you have shown us, is resilience. Here’s wishing you all the very best. Geoff...

Geoff Hall haha yes, resilience and a bit of 'last man standing' lol. you're very welcome :)...

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