acting – Jeffrey Marcus Acting Class

Obstacles

While we may talk a lot about our actions (what we’re actively doing) in scenes, the choice that adds the most ‘flavor and spice’ to any event is the obstacles. Obstacles, for our purposes, are the challenges that are keeping us from attaining what we want. In our day to day life, we spend anContinue reading “Obstacles”

Polé, Polé (pronounced po’-lay)

What I bring back from my African trip is a Swahili phrase that I heard over and over – “Polé, Polé (slowly, slowly)”. The biggest overall adjustment that I find myself giving actors is urging them to slow down (while they are talking, not before talking –i.e, going into their heads before responding). When weContinue reading “Polé, Polé (pronounced po’-lay)”

Reading is fundamental

There is no such thing as a great ‘dumb’ actor. The most famous “dumb blonde”, Ms. Marilyn Monroe, was always seen with a book in hand. And not just any book, but one of the Russians (Tolstoy, Dostoyevskey)! A good actor knows a little bit about a lot of things. In this day of realityContinue reading “Reading is fundamental”

Distractions

And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain: When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’sContinue reading “Distractions”

Self Protection

Make sure that you make a ritual of putting on and taking off the characters clothing (especially their shoes). NEVER wear the same
clothing that your character wears. Also washing your hands and drinking some water afterwords proves to be very helpful…