Memorization Does Not Equal Readiness

Everyone considers themselves a natural at one time or another on the stage, this is just a fact. When we look at the actors on the silver screen making big money, we say to ourselves “Hey I can do that!” The truth of the matter is, there is a lot of hard work that goes into preparing for these roles.

What we don’t realize is that there are countless hours of rehearsal, rigorous preparation, and exhausting circumstances resulting in the final product we see. Just like a professional athlete that makes the winning shot to score a game, hours have been spent in practice to realize one single moment. Such is the same in the acting processs.

This is where alot of actors fail in the creative process. It is not about walking on stage and being “natural” it is being believable in the moment after preparing a variety of interesting choices. If one were to just jump on a set without preparing, it would be like jumping out of a plane without knowing where the rip chord was on your parachute! Disastrous!

Fortunately for us there are casting directors to weed out the people that just walk in thinking they are the next big thing. As much as it pains me to say, there are countless numbers of talented actors that do not train their craft. When going to an audition you can always tell these people by their level of commitment to the script. If they are joking around and talking to other actor’s, you may safely assume they are not professionals.

A real professional actor will handle a situation as follows:

1) Show up early and request sides and sign in (if available)

2) Find a nice quiet place to get familiar with the script

3) Do NOT talk to other actors your time is absolutely precious

4) Go in and give the best reading you possibly can!

Feel more confident and powerful when delivering your monologues