Friday, August 10, 2012

Acting Classes in NYC - The Perfect Place to Practice Audition Techniques

By Maggie Flanigan


Acting involves the development of many skills, one of which is auditioning, a skill you can develop in some acting classes in NYC. Working actors know that gaining experience is critical, and that won't happen if you tend not to audition well. If you are considering acting classes in NYC, look for an institution that helps its students build auditioning skills. Landing the right role, is part luck, part good timing but, above all you must be prepared when the opportunity comes to audition. Acting classes in NYC that specialize in Meisner acting, offer one of the most respected acting disciplines in the business. Meisner acting techniques are strongly connected to powerful auditioning skills.

There is no such thing as "failing" an audition unless you have fallen into one of these traps. Overconfidence in an audition can be killer. The second is if you are overly insecure or nervous. Directors and producers are used to seeing overly confident or insecure actors and this is not what will count against you. It's actually the block that these types of feelings cause, which inhibits the emergence of an authentic arresting character.

An overconfident or overly nervous auditioned is usually closed off to far more important emotions, those of the character they are creating in the moment. In essence, "you" and whatever you are feeling needs to disappear, and make way for a fascinating, exciting character to emerge. It is the character, with all his or her flaws, energy, sorrow, tension, humor, really a balance of all of these human traits, that must be present.

So, what about the slate? Remember this will be the first impression you make. It seems like a throwaway moment, just a way for the people conducting the audition to keep track. Here's a shocking fact. Not all casting directors, producers or directors watch all the tapes past the slate. Actors must think about how many hundreds of other actors are also turning in tapes our auditions. When wading through these tapes, anything that helps them to more quickly find the best of the best is necessary. So, a quick dismissal of someone who doesn't slate well gets them closer to their goal.

While this may seem harsh, it is certainly expedient. Whether it seems fair or not, the fact remains you had better learn how to slate well. Some acting classes teach tips for auditioning some don't. Acting classes in NYC may be able to help you practice your slate. Acting classes in NYC in some institutions, may ask for a slate and audition tape for entry into their program. Slating is a skill like any other, it has to be practiced. Set up a camera, a good mic and then give it a try. Here are some things to consider when practicing slates. Looking into the camera and truly communicating to a presence beyond the camera is an art form in and of itself. Record and play back several versions of the slate and see how it plays. Feedback from people you trust is also important, the slate should communicate who you are.

The information you include need not be lengthy, they really just want your name and possibly your agent. This is their first impression of you as an actor but the real deal should be saved for the audition. When auditioning for commercials a hint of character might be okay. You will have to assume what they are looking for in a character and you may not be right. Mainly, the aim is to give a slate that represents you as a person and as an actor. Then, give them what they want and deserve, a brilliant, fresh take on the part you are aiming to get. if you want to know more, look into Meisner acting NYC, for tips on how to create character, emotional preparation and scene study for auditioning.




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