First Acting Lesson Humiliation

John Bigl

had my first sit down w/ the friend of a friend of a friend of a friend who is also an actress (stage), that does lessons and coaching on the side..
for the life of me i dont know if i caught her in a PMS moment (Putting-up-with Men's Shit) or what..
the whole conversation was more on an inquisition than a first step to develop some needed voice acting skills: "what makes you think you can act?"; "what makes your voice so special?"; "why should i spend my time with you instead of someone else who has more than just 'walk-on' experience?"
after a half hour of being berated for, among other things, being too self absorbed and self conscious to ever be able to give life to something other than myself, she had the nerve to ask me if monday nites at 8 fit my schedule....
sheeeeeeeeeeeeesh...
well, i'm supposing her way was to wickedly point out a mindset i'll need if i want to develop the ability to act, such as stepping out of my own skin... either that or i watch too many episodes of Inside The Actor's Studio.. idunno....

okay, i'm really lost here... was i sucked in to some kinda improv?

anyway, here is one for you pros at voice acting: what was your first acting lesson like? what methods etc have been most helpful to you?..

after a couple quiet moments over this thrashing, and the desire to redeem some of my manly man manishness, i've decided monday nites at 8 are doable .. heh

Robert Jadah · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 00:58 (GMT) Post subject:

I think it's like the Marines, John...they gotta beat the 'you' out of you before they can rebuild.
"You're a maggot!"
"YESSIR!"
"You're lower than worm dung!"
"LOWER THAN WORM DUNG, SIR, YESSIR!"

When you're broken and snivelling and a faint echo of your hard-won self, they can form you in their own image.

Her approach actually sounds like the real thing. I think she'll do you fine.

Voice On!

Kim White · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 01:13 (GMT) Post subject:

John, I hardly feel worthy to post in this thread because I'm new.

However, there is an area of my life where I am the 'coach' to young women seeking a dream/position. In the role of 'coach' I often load the first meeting with very pointed questions. My reason is because I want to see how serious they are. It's so frustrating, to pour your life into someone else who has tons of potential, but will not 'do the work' to live up to that potential. I use that first meeting to see if it's worth their/my time to continue for the long haul.

Sometimes it's also to see how they handle critique -- a coach is only worthwhile if the student can handle straight-forward criticism, realizing, that it ultimately is for their benefit. Now, I don't lob personal attacks/insults, but I may tell them directly that their procedure is ineffective. If they take it personally, I can tell we'll have a tough road.

In my life, I now seek out coaches who will shoot straight -- even if it stings sometimes.

Maggie's Voice · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 01:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Debbie Deutsch · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 02:17 (GMT) Post subject:

John, I believe she was just making sure you have what it takes to act, audition, be rejected, doubt yourself, be criticized and have your self-worth chipped away, bit by bit. THEN she waited for your answers, observed your body language and concluded what WE ALREADY KNOW....You are talented and very well worthwhile in every way, and pursuing this acting path will enhance your career, I'm sure.

She must have seen a spark in you, or she would NOT have asked for future appointments. Let's hope she eases up a little so you can at least like her a little bit, since she is going to be your instructor.
Show her what ya got!
Smile

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 13:27 (GMT) Post subject:

Simply an ego trip for her, no excuse at all.

Amy Snively · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 14:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah, that's kind of what I was thinking Philip. It reeks of self-important puffery and mindgames for mindgames' sake. I would have been more impressed with "Tell me a little about your acting experience. What goals do you have? What are you hoping to gain from working with me? Do you have a little time to set aside each day to practice some of the skills we'll be working on together?"

Ronald T Robinson · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 18:12 (GMT) Post subject:

This approach to "Acting" - that is, beat the crap out of you until you can be rebuilt in their own image - reminds me of the Psychological Industry's approach, as well.

You know... the one where it takes years to revisit and re-live the agonizing events of your life in order to generate a Cleansing Catharsis. This, while expensive and painful, is also supposed to be "good for you". It isn't. What it is is: painful and expensive! Smile

"Acting" is no different from "Modelling" - taking on the attributes of a character to be convincing in a delivery.

Anything else requires much larger paychecks... and a stunt-double! Smile

Besides, how many acting-skills does it take to say "For all your aluminum siding needs"....?

Bob Bergen

Ed Gambill · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 22:13 (GMT) Post subject:

John

Ditch her and get some one else. That is what I would do.

I have some stage experience, and worked with veteran film actors and been directed by at least one notable film director.

There is no need to berate any person the way you described it.

Other have given you good advice already about acting, I just think no one need that kind of Sh**t from any one.

But if Monday nights are good Go for it just remember you have the on/off switch. Very Happy

PS
A little personal sharing, my daughter auditioned for The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Manhattan. Being the dutiful father that I am I paid the tuition. I don’t think any one ever graduates for there but she put in two years of constant study. She never auditioned for any part of any kind. I wish I had the money. She never mentioned any treatment like you have had.

John Bigl · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007, 23:14 (GMT) Post subject:

thank you all for the very helpful comments.... you've all given me food for thought which will allow me to approach this from several directions...

there arent many acting teachers/coaches/classes etc here in the puckerbrush, and i'd prefer avoiding the 2 hour drive to boston. so, i'll have to settle for the convenience of some home grown instruction...

our little 'interview' certainly wasnt what i expected... i did expect the type where i'd express my goals and expectations etc... perhaps her 'style' and my self depreciating responses i give when feeling under pressure or anxious provided her w/ enough info to get a sense of what kind of student i'd be... i'm just not used to or, more importantly, expected that kind of grilling...

anyway, being she is more or less the only game in town (travel wise) i'll give her a go... depending on what it is, i do well w/ either a soft or hard hand, preferring the softer approach will make it a bit difficult but, i'll trudge thru it even if my body shakes.... if her style becomes too much of a distraction i'll put the lessons on hold or use duct tape...

thank you all again for the helpful posts.. btw, you are all my voice acting teachers as i continue to mindfully listen to your demos and advice.. i'm blessed and grateful ...

Be Well

Lance Blair · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007, 05:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Seriously, don't do it.

If she's the only game in town, how can she be trusted to be sharp? If she was any good, New Hampshire would be filled with great home-grown voice talent.

I would suggest getting involved with local theatre, perhaps in Concord or Keene or Portsmouth. You need your radio background broken down, not your spirit. You might get treated very roughly in theatre, but that's okay in a social setting.

I'd drive four hours for a good teacher. I wouldn't drive fifteen minutes to a teacher that provoked any concerns.

I grew up in Boston, and New Hampshire has always been a second home to me. This "walks like a duck" in my book.

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007, 23:07 (GMT) Post subject:

The "tear down, build up" approach is for the military where lives are at stake...not for acting lessons for God's sake! Nobody has to approach a hobby or craft like "taking the hill". But I know you're above all that John and can see through her charade for a couple of sessions.

Throw her some combat boots and a "Full Metal Jacket" DVD when you're through.

"TEN-HUT!"...CHEERS!
-Cameron

....Carry on!

John Bigl · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007, 23:26 (GMT) Post subject:

oh yeah, Cameron.. two lessons is all i'm committing to right now... if i'm too wound up to learn anything i'll walk on....

great idea, Lance !!! Nashua and Manchester are near, and both have thriving theater communities.. thanks!

To Be or.............................

still haven't heard from more folks what their first acting lesson experiences were like, and whats worked ... *nudge nudge wink wink*

Be Well

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007, 23:31 (GMT) Post subject:

I just thought of ActorSingers in Nashua--don't know if I ever mentioned it to you before. I have a friend active in that group--I'll ask for possible references for ya.

Cheers,
Cam