Acting Classes- the Real Objective Acting Classes in NYC The overall goal of any acting class worth its weight, is to remind its participants that being an actor is a wonderful privilege. The best acting classes teach first and foremost, a deep understanding and respect for what it is to be human. Putting oneself into the shoes of another human being is not something to be taken lightly. From the most evil character to the most noble, exploring a character whether real or imagined, is holy ground. This is what every actor must learn again and again, and the best acting class will make every class, in the end, about this. Crafting has become a common phrase in acting classes today but, it is often misunderstood. Crafting is the mastery of the fundamentals of acting, studied in a rigorous way so that those fundamentals become second nature. The acting class should guide actors into listening fully, responding freely yet concentrating deeply in the proper way. While certainly not a simple craft, simplicity is the key to great acting. Achieving this simplicity costs a great deal but, those that pay the price will find themselves acting closer to the heart. Art cannot be taught or perceived using intellect--it is practiced, created and experienced through the heart and the soul. It requires sensitivity but, also grit. Any actor that attempts to conjure up a character without rigorous conditioning will not be free to work when the moment comes. Most problems actors have is related to a lack of developing and mastering these fundamentals, the danger inherent in not intensely practicing the craft. The job and therefore the craft of an actor is to create truthful behavior for the character and a deep understanding of the issues that are embedded in the story. There are many, many questions that must be answered for each and every scene. Another article on scene study can help guide actors through this process. It is essential that the actor analyze and consider each scene and their character's reasons for being in it. They must uncover the myriad of feelings, behaviors, thoughts and impulses their character has and own those completely. You must work repeatedly with the text, make the words your own, (as the character of course) and marry the text to these truthful actions and behaviors. There is nothing more thrilling or satisfying than waking up after playing a character and realizing that you lived as another, from scene to scene, moment to moment--and it has all fallen into place. When there is a long run, or a lot of takes, moments tend to lose meaning. If your craft is finely tuned and the character's impulses are second nature, you will be able to make vivid, fresh choices no matter how long the scene or how many times it has been played. You will ask the right questions and be able to immediately tap into your heart and instincts, channel into the unconscious and find answers that are spontaneous yet true to character. This is a difficult, challenging business. There will be many, many reasons you may not get a part that have nothing to do with you or your work. However, if you have mastered the fundamentals--the craft--you will arrive at every audition or job knowing you have done all that is in your power to bring your absolute best. Actors should always be working. Not necessarily as actors but on themselves as actors—whether it is with a vocal coach, physical movement, immersion in human emotions and reactions--working when there is no work to be had. They continue to shape and transform themselves, they continue to stay fresh and vibrant. Master the craft of acting, the fundamentals--that's where the true freedom as an actor lies.
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