GARY MASON

443.624.3014

gary@gary-mason.com

Training

The Truth About Acting Coaches

Getting Started, Training

When They Help — and When to Run

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of acting. Whether you’re a late bloomer chasing a new dream or reigniting an old flame, chances are you’ve asked yourself: “Should I get an acting coach?”

Great question. Grab a seat—because we’re breaking down when coaches are worth their weight in gold, and when you should sprint in the other direction (preferably off-stage).

What Does an Acting Coach Actually Do?

Think of a great acting coach like a Swiss Army knife for your career. They help you:

  • Refine your technique

  • Tap into emotional authenticity

  • Prepare for auditions

  • Navigate career choices

  • Avoid that weird thing your eyebrow does when you’re nervous

Coaching isn’t new. It dates all the way back to ancient Greek theater and evolved dramatically with the rise of Stanislavski, Strasberg’s Method, and the Meisner Technique. Today, in the era of streaming overload and self-taped auditions, coaching is more relevant than ever—and more available than ever (for better or worse).

The Pros of Hiring an Acting Coach

🧠 Personalized Feedback

YouTube is great. But it won’t pause your scene to help you drop into a stronger emotional beat. A coach sees what you don’t and offers feedback tailored to you—not a generic audience.

🔧 Skill Development

Maybe you’ve never heard of the Chekhov Technique or how to layer objectives into a monologue. A good coach will expand your toolkit beyond your comfort zone.

🤝 Networking Perks

It’s not just who you know—it’s who knows you. Many coaches are well-connected and can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

🥊 Accountability

Left to our own devices, we actors are world-class procrastinators. Coaching gives you structure, deadlines, and someone who notices when you’re slacking.

The Cons of Hiring an Acting Coach

💸 Cost

Good coaching isn’t cheap. It’s an investment—but not one to make lightly. Be honest about your budget and goals before diving in.

🎭 Variable Quality

Some coaches are amazing. Some are… not. There’s no regulation in this space, which means anyone can claim the title.

🛑 Dependency

It’s easy to rely too much on a coach. At some point, you’ve got to take the training wheels off and trust yourself in the moment.

To Coach or Not to Coach: The Debate

🎓 The Supportive View

Plenty of actors swear by their coaches. The consistent feedback, skill-building, and guidance are invaluable—especially early on. Coaching is viewed as essential by many casting pros and working actors alike.

🧐 The Skeptical View

Others argue that the industry is oversaturated with underqualified coaches. Some charge premium prices with little to back it up. One seasoned actor put it best: “A good coach teaches you how to fish—not just hands you a fish.”

Red Flags: When to Run Like You’re in a Slasher Flick

🚩 Grand Promises

Anyone claiming they can make you famous is either lying or starting a cult. Real coaches develop your craft—not your IMDb page.

🚩 Flimsy Credentials

They don’t need a PhD, but they should have a resume with real-world experience, student testimonials, or actual training. Google them. Trust me.

🚩 Pressure Tactics

If they’re pushing you into pricey packages, “elite memberships,” or endless upsells, walk away. Respectful pros let their work—and your results—speak for themselves.

How to Choose the Right Acting Coach (Without Losing Your Shirt)

Finding the right coach is like dating: chemistry matters, and there are a few frogs along the way. Here’s your no-BS checklist:

  1. Research Their Background
    Look at their training, career, and past students. Instagram clout is not a qualification.

  2. Attend a Trial Class
    Many offer one-offs. Test the waters before diving into a full program.

  3. Check Reviews and Testimonials
    Yelp, Google, and actor forums are your friends. So are referrals from trusted actors.

  4. Ask About Their Teaching Philosophy
    Are they rigid or flexible? Do they teach “one way” or meet you where you are?

  5. Trust Your Gut
    If something feels off—even if you can’t explain why—listen to that feeling.

Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify

Acting coaches can be a game-changer. The right one will sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and help you avoid rookie mistakes. But the wrong one? They’ll waste your time, your money, and maybe even your enthusiasm.

So take your time. Ask questions. And remember—it’s your journey. You’re allowed to be choosy.

🎬 Want more help navigating the first steps of your acting journey?
The Working Actor Starter Kit includes a step-by-step roadmap, red flag checklist, and coaching tips that’ll save you time, money, and emotional whiplash.

Break a leg—but don’t break the bank.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and not a substitute for professional career or legal advice.

Should You Take That Acting Class? A No-Nonsense Checklist (And a Reality Check)

Acting, Training

Let’s be honest—at some point, every new actor asks themselves:
“Should I be taking a class right now?”

And the answer, for most people, is…
Yes. Almost always.

But here’s the catch:
Only after you’ve figured out whether acting is actually something you want to pursue.

And for that? You need to get on a set.

Step One: Make Sure Acting Is Actually for You

Before you sign up for a class, spend a day as a background actor. Seriously. You’ll learn more than you expect:

  • How a working set actually feels

  • Whether you can handle the hurry-up-and-wait

  • What it means to hit your mark, take direction, and stay in character when nobody’s watching

More importantly, you’ll find out if you like being part of that world—or if it just sounds cool in theory.

Once you’ve done that and you’re still excited to move forward?
Then it’s time for class.

What Acting Class Really Gives You

Acting classes aren’t just about learning technique. They’re about:

  • Building confidence

  • Getting honest feedback

  • Practicing in front of people (just like you will on set)

  • Learning how to adjust in the moment

  • Finding community, encouragement, and yes—even friendship

If you’ve never performed in front of a live audience (even if it’s just your classmates), you’re missing a key muscle actors rely on.

In-Person vs Virtual: What’s Better?

If you can take a good in-person class, do it. There’s no substitute for:

  • Feeling the room

  • Reading energy from scene partners

  • Adjusting in real time

  • Being watched (and directed) by someone in the same physical space

BUT—virtual classes can be a great resource too, especially if you:

  • Live in a small town or rural area

  • Work odd hours or care for others

  • Just need to get started before a local option opens up

Virtual classes can still provide structure, feedback, and skill-building—just be honest about your focus. It’s a lot easier to check Instagram during a Zoom scene than when 10 people are staring at you from folding chairs.

How to Find a Good Acting Class

Look for these green flags:

  • Clear structure and curriculum

  • Qualified instructors who still work or stay connected

  • Real scene work (not just theory)

  • A chance to audit before committing

  • Feedback that’s kind, specific, and actionable

  • Transparent pricing and respectful boundaries

Beware of classes that overpromise (“Netflix in 30 days!”) or pressure you into long-term commitments before you know if it’s a good fit.
Upsells aren’t the enemy—bad timing and inflated promises are.

Still Figuring Out Your Next Step?

If you’re just starting out—or starting again after a long pause—you don’t have to rush into a class.

You might need a better map first. One that helps you:

  • Understand the business

  • Avoid beginner traps

  • Build confidence before you spend money on the wrong thing

Here are two resources to help you do just that:

Want to learn more before grabbing a copy?

Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).

From Saddle Wreck to Scritch Whisperer: What Horseback Riding Taught Me About Acting

Acting, Encouragement, Training

When I showed up for my first horseback riding lesson, I was—how do I put this delicately—terrified. I’d watched enough Westerns to know the horse was probably smarter than me.
(And stronger. And faster. And heavier. And judging me silently.)

Fast forward 11 lessons, and here I am:

  • Walking out to the field solo to catch a horse

  • Haltering them without help

  • Grooming (yes, even picking their hooves—gulp)

  • Saddling up

  • Riding with confidence – (In the video below, I’m sitting the trot — which basically means I didn’t bounce off like a sack of laundry. It’s a new skill, and honestly? I’m just impressed I stayed on. Progress.)

  • And then doing the whole post-ride care routine: brushing, de-tacking, leading them back to pasture, and giving out scritches like a cowboy turned Disney princess

I actually look forward to riding now. But I didn’t start out that way.

Watch me go from saddle-shy to scritch-savvy in 11 lessons flat. (Note: No horses were bribed in the making of this video. Unless you count treats.)

And, just in case you were interested, these are the riding boots I bought since my work boots didn’t really fit into the stirrups:

What I’m Wearing:  Ariat Men’s Heritage Roper Western Boot–

These boots have a short upper and a round toe, which makes them easier to move in — especially when you’re not used to cowboy gear. They come in a wide width (a must for me), and they were surprisingly easy to break in. Comfortable, solid, and just stylish enough without going full rhinestone rodeo.

They work great as riding boots and general-purpose work boots. I can even get my big feet into them without a wrestling match — though full disclosure, I did throw my back out trying them on. (Yes, really. Welcome to aging like a stunt double.)

Gear You Didn’t Know You Needed
So, if you’re old like me, you’ll need one of these too (ask my spine):
ZOMAKE Metal Long-Handled Shoe Horn — I use this exact one, and it’s a game-changer. Makes it way easier to get those boots onto my ogre-sized feet without throwing out my back in the process. Comes in a 2-pack, in case you want to keep one in your trailer and one in your regrets drawer.

What Does Any of This Have to Do with Acting?

Everything.

Because learning to ride as an adult feels a lot like starting an acting career later in life:

  • You feel awkward.
    Like a kid in a grown-up’s body trying not to fall off. (Emotionally or literally.)

  • You have to rewire your instincts.
    With horses, you can’t muscle through fear—you have to learn to listen, breathe, and move with intention. Same with acting. The moment you try to control everything, you disconnect from the moment.

  • It’s about trust, not domination.
    The horse doesn’t care that you booked a co-star. They want to know if you’re clear, kind, and grounded. Turns out, so do casting directors.

  • You grow by showing up—over and over again.
    Progress isn’t about one perfect ride or one booked job. It’s about the 100 quiet, messy, beautiful repetitions that come before it.

And just like acting, some days you feel like you’ve got it. Other days the horse looks at you like, “Absolutely not, friend.” That’s the gig.

You Don’t Have to Be Fearless. You Just Have to Be Willing.

Starting anything new as an adult—whether it’s acting, riding, or chasing down an old dream—takes guts. Not because you’ll be perfect. But because you’ll keep going even when you aren’t.

So here’s your reminder:
It’s not too late. You’re not too far behind. And you absolutely don’t need permission to start.

You just need the right tools, a clear path, and someone to tell you it’s okay to be new at this.

Want Help Starting Your Acting Journey?

If you’re curious about acting but don’t know where to begin, I’ve got two things for you:

  1. Start Where You Are – A mindset-first guide to building a career later in life

  2. The Working Actor Starter Kit – A no-fluff resource to help you take your first on-set steps

Both are made for late bloomers like me (and maybe you).
Check ’em out and see what speaks to you.

Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).

Stage Fright, Saddle Fear, and Showing Up Anyway

Acting, Encouragement, Training

Bear with me—this one relates to acting, I promise.

Ever take on something new for your acting career… and immediately wonder what the hell you’ve gotten yourself into?

Full disclosure: this post has less to do with cameras and more to do with saddles.

So here’s the setup:

I’m 64 years old. My agent tells me I should learn to ride a horse so she can submit me for Westerns. And like any seasoned actor who wants to work, I said, “Sure, absolutely.”

Inside? I was screaming.

Because “learn to ride” sounds charming in theory—until you’re standing next to a 1,200-pound animal with opinions.

And somewhere between scheduling the first lesson and brushing that first horse, I had a moment of clarity:

This wasn’t just about riding.

It was about dragging an old fear out of the pasture and seeing if I could finally look it in the eye.

Frosty the Four-Legged Menace

When I was about ten years old, I lived with my dad for a while. And during that chapter of my life, there was… Frosty.

Frosty was a pony in the same way a hurricane is “just a little wind.”

He was Satan on four legs—mean, unpredictable, and always looking for someone to ruin.

Whenever it was my turn to care for him, he’d puff up, glare at me, and yank on his chain like he was testing the weak points in my fear. And yes, I said chain—not a lead rope. A chain.
(Red flag #1).

One day, I was leading him out to pasture—Frosty decided he was done being led. The chain wrapped around my wrist, and before I could react, he took off.

I hit the ground hard and just kept going—dragged across the field like a rag doll in a rodeo. But somewhere in that chaos, pure survival kicked in.

He didn’t stop. I did.

I managed to get the chain off my wrist mid-drag. Ten years old, terrified, but something in me said: Get out, now.

Frosty disappeared into the apple orchard like a smug little demon on a victory lap.

Me? I sat in the dirt, bleeding, shaking, and very much alive.

And if there’s a metaphor in there… we’ll get to it.

The Agent’s Suggestion—and My First Lesson

A few months ago, my agent casually mentioned that I should probably learn to ride a horse.

“You’ve got the voice and the look. I could submit you for Westerns—if you can ride.”

She said it so breezily, like I could just hop on a stallion and trot into a Clint Eastwood close-up before lunch.

And of course, I said, “Sure! Absolutely.”

Inside? I was having flashbacks. Chain, wrist, dirt, demon pony.

But I signed up for lessons. Because I want to work. Because growth is part of this job—even when it comes dressed in a saddle and stares at you with unblinking eyes.

Day one, I met the horse.

Her name was Fiona.

She was a regular-sized horse—about 1,200 pounds.

Which, if you ask me, is still enormous.

She wasn’t mean. She wasn’t wild. She was calm, gentle… and very aware that I was not.

I froze.

But I also brushed her. (There’s video proof—me trying not to flinch while grooming a creature that could kill me by accident.)

I was stiff, nervous, and fully aware that horses can sense your energy. Mine? Somewhere between “mild terror” and “fresh meat.”

Fiona, for her part, liked treats.

So I bribed her not to kill me.

Still, I showed up.

And sometimes, that’s the most important part.

Lessons from the Saddle

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Riding a horse isn’t about control.

It’s about calm.

It’s about trust.

It’s about mutual effort—me doing my part, the horse doing hers, and neither of us freaking out when the other one makes a mistake.

Fiona doesn’t respond to tension. She responds to presence.

If I’m nervous, she feels it. If I’m distracted, she knows. If I get rigid, she gets stubborn. The only way forward is to soften, breathe, and ask—not demand.

And honestly? That’s acting.

You don’t walk into a scene trying to dominate it. You walk in ready to listen, to respond, to stay grounded no matter what the other person—or the script—is doing.

You bring your calm. You offer your trust.

And if you’re lucky, the scene meets you halfway.

The best actors I know don’t muscle their way through a performance. They show up soft but strong. Present. Open. Still.

The same way I have to be with Fiona.

And I’m learning that when I trust her, she trusts me. When I stop trying to ride and just stay connected, we move better together.

It’s not about power. It’s about partnership.

Growth at 64

At 64, I’m not trying to prove anything.

I’m not chasing youth. I’m not auditioning for the rodeo. I’m not trying to become the next great Western star (though hey, if Yellowstone calls, I do answer my phone).

What I am doing is saying yes to growth.

To staying uncomfortable.

To pushing just a little past the edge of what feels safe—because that’s where all the interesting stuff lives (and also where the ibuprofen lives).

Acting, at its core, asks us to evolve.

To stay open. To stay human. To keep showing up as someone who doesn’t have it all figured out—and is willing to step into the unknown anyway.

That’s why I’m learning to ride a horse.

Not because I want to conquer fear, but because I want to walk alongside it without flinching.

Preferably without falling off—or running out of treats.

You don’t age out of learning.

You age into deeper stories.

And I want to be the kind of actor—and the kind of person—who keeps learning until the credits roll.

Or until the horse steps on my foot. Whichever comes first.

Bringing It Home

Looking back now, Frosty taught me a lot—mostly about terror, distrust, and how fast a ten-year-old can actually run when properly motivated.

Fiona is teaching me something else entirely.

She’s teaching me that fear can be met with patience.

That trust takes time—and sometimes a strategically deployed bag of treats.

That you don’t have to overpower something wild to move with it.

You just have to stay steady—and maybe bribe it a little.

The same is true with acting. And honestly? The same is true with life.

Fear doesn’t pack its bags and politely move out when you start something new.

It stays. It mutates. It roots for you to trip over your own shoelaces.

And to be honest, the fear’s still there—just with a new twist.

When I was ten, the fear was getting dragged across the field.

At 64, the fear is falling off and needing a brand-new hip.

But you don’t have to let fear drive the trailer.

You just acknowledge it, tip your hat to it… and keep riding anyway.

If acting—or anything else—is calling your name, maybe it’s time to stop letting fear hold the reins.

You don’t have to be fearless to start.

You just have to be willing (and maybe keep a few peppermints handy, just in case).

If you’re ready to take that first shaky step—whether it’s toward a stage, a camera, or a horse that could squish you flat—I put together a free guide that’ll help you begin.

📥 Grab it here if you haven’t already.

You’ve got time.
You’ve got stories.
And the truth is, you’re probably braver than you think.
(And if you’re not, well… that’s what the treats are for.)

The Power of Improv: Life Skills for Screen Actors

Acting, Training

Improv isn’t just for the stage. It’s a vital tool that can enhance your on-screen performances and enrich your everyday life. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, an experienced performer, or someone interested in personal growth, improvisation can unlock creativity, boost confidence, and refine interpersonal skills. Let’s explore the transformative power of improv!

Why Improv Matters for Screen Actors

Enhances Acting Skills

Improv develops spontaneity and adaptability. In the world of film and television, thinking on your feet is essential. Here are some benefits for screen actors:

  • Character Exploration: Improv allows you to delve deeper into a character’s nuances. By improvising scenes, you can uncover new motivations and reactions, enriching your portrayal.
  • Listening and Reacting: Improv teaches active listening. This skill enables authentic reactions to scene partners, making your performance more dynamic and engaging on camera.

Builds Life Skills

The skills gained from improv extend beyond acting. Here are some areas where improv can enhance your life:

  • Public Speaking: Improv fosters confidence in speaking situations. As you practice thinking on your feet, articulating ideas clearly becomes second nature.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Filmmaking involves working with diverse personalities. Improv, often a group activity, teaches effective communication and collaboration.
  • Creativity and Problem-Solving: The “yes, and…” principle of improv encourages open-mindedness and creativity. This mindset fosters innovative solutions in various aspects of life.

Core Improv Principles

Before diving into exercises, here are some foundational improv principles:

  1. “Yes, And…”: This cornerstone means accepting what your scene partner offers and building upon it. It fosters collaboration and sparks creativity.
  2. Embrace Mistakes: In improv, mistakes are opportunities for laughter and growth. Learning to accept imperfections reduces fear and anxiety, both on set and in daily life.

Fun Improv Exercises for Screen Actors

What follows are some engaging exercises that can be done solo or with friends. These activities are designed to enhance your skills while having fun:

One-Word Story

  • How to Play: Gather in a circle. One person starts a story but can only say one word at a time. Each person adds a word to build the narrative.
  • Benefits: This exercise hones listening skills and encourages creativity by requiring you to build on your partner’s contributions while maintaining coherence.
  • Adding complexity: Try playing the game by having each successive actor repeat the entire story, adding their one word at the conclusion

Yes, And… Scene

  • How to Play: Pair up. One person starts a scene with a fact or action. The other responds with “Yes, and…” followed by a new idea that expands the scene. Continue back and forth.
  • Benefits: This reinforces the “yes, and…” principle, helping you accept offers and contribute to collaborative storytelling.

The Alphabet Game

  • How to Play: Two players engage in a conversation where each sentence starts with the next letter of the alphabet. For example, “Aren’t you excited?” “Bouncing off the walls!”
  • Benefits: This challenges quick thinking and vocabulary, stretching your improvisational skills in a fun way.

Freeze and Justify

  • How to Play: Two actors start a scene. At any time, someone yells “Freeze!” The actors stop, and the person who yelled replaces one actor, starting a new scene based on the frozen position.
  • Benefits: This promotes creativity and adaptability, as you must quickly justify the new context and continue the scene.

Real-Life Applications of Improv Skills

The skills developed through improv exercises can significantly enhance your everyday interactions. Here are key areas where these skills can make a difference:

Improving Communication

Improv teaches you to express your thoughts clearly. In daily conversations, articulating your ideas confidently is essential.

Example: In a work meeting, your improv practice enables you to share ideas openly. Instead of hesitating, you respond with a “yes, and…” attitude, fostering collaboration and encouraging dynamic discussions.

Enhancing Networking Skills

Networking can feel intimidating, but improv encourages relaxed engagement with new people.

Example: At a networking event, instead of scripted small talk, you might ask, “What’s the most interesting project you’re currently working on?” This open-ended question invites dialogue and deeper connections.

Strengthening Relationships

Improv promotes active listening, an essential component of healthy relationships. By fully engaging with what others say, you can build stronger connections.

Example: During a conversation with a friend, instead of thinking about your response while they talk, you practice active listening. This makes your friend feel valued and leads to a more meaningful exchange, enhancing trust and understanding.

Cultivating Resilience

Embracing mistakes in improv translates into resilience in everyday life. Viewing setbacks as growth opportunities helps you face challenges more effectively.

Example: If you make a mistake during a presentation, instead of dwelling on it, you might laugh it off and continue. This attitude eases your anxiety and creates a positive atmosphere where others feel comfortable.

Boosting Creativity

Improv encourages thinking outside the box. This mindset is invaluable for problem-solving, allowing you to approach challenges from multiple angles.

Example: When faced with a project that seems stuck, instead of following the usual protocols, you brainstorm unconventional solutions with your team. This leads to innovative ideas that could propel the project forward.

Building Confidence

Performing improv can significantly boost your self-esteem. Regularly stepping out of your comfort zone makes you more comfortable with uncertainty.

Example: After participating in regular improv sessions, you may feel more willing to take risks, such as applying for a job you thought was out of reach or speaking up in a group setting without fear of judgment.

Conflict Resolution

Improv teaches you to approach disagreements with an open mind. Practicing active listening and maintaining a positive attitude helps you navigate conflicts effectively.

Example: If a disagreement arises with a colleague, use improv techniques to listen to their perspective without immediately defending your own. Acknowledging their point of view with “yes, I see what you mean” creates space for constructive dialogue, leading to resolution rather than escalation.

Adaptability in Social Situations

Improv trains you to be flexible and responsive to unexpected changes. This adaptability can help you feel more comfortable and engaged in social settings.

Example: If a conversation shifts unexpectedly at a party, instead of feeling lost, you can draw on your improv experience to contribute to the new topic with enthusiasm. This keeps you involved and helps you connect with others.

Empathy and Understanding

Improv encourages you to step into different characters’ shoes, fostering empathy. This skill translates well into everyday relationships.

Example: When a friend shares their struggles, you might respond with empathy, reflecting back what they’ve shared and validating their emotions. This creates a supportive environment where they feel heard and understood.

Spontaneity in Conversations

Improv encourages spontaneity, helping you respond in the moment rather than relying on rehearsed lines.

Example: When meeting new people, instead of defaulting to the typical “What do you do?” question, you might ask something more engaging, like, “If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?” This creates lively conversation and encourages others to open up.

Suggested Next Steps

  1. Join an Improv Class: Look for local workshops or online classes to practice your skills regularly. Classes often provide structured environments where you can learn from experienced instructors and connect with fellow improvisers.
  2. Practice with Friends: Organize improv game nights. Invite friends to join you for a fun evening filled with improvisational exercises. This not only helps you practice but also strengthens your relationships through shared laughter and creativity.
  3. Incorporate Improv into Daily Life: Try to apply improv principles in everyday situations. Use the “yes, and…” approach in conversations or embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This can enhance your interactions and make life more enjoyable.
  4. Watch Improv Performances: Attend live improv shows or watch recordings online. Observing experienced improvisers can inspire you and offer new insights into techniques and styles. Pay attention to how they connect with each other and engage the audience.

By integrating improv into your routine, you’ll not only enhance your on-screen presence but also enrich your interactions off-screen. Embrace the fun and spontaneity of improv and watch how it transforms your life both personally and professionally!

At the end of the day

Improv is a powerful tool that transcends the screen. It offers valuable life skills that enrich both personal and professional life. By embracing the core principles of improvisation and incorporating fun exercises into your routine, you can enhance your acting skills while also growing as an individual.

Whether you’re honing your performance techniques, improving your communication skills, or simply having fun with friends, the world of improv is full of opportunities for growth and connection.

So, gather some friends, try out these exercises, and remember in improv, just like in life, it’s all about saying “yes, and…” and embracing the journey.

I’d love to hear from you

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this post. Have you had any memorable experiences with practicing or performing improv? Have you seen how it improves your everyday life?  Share your stories or thoughts in the comments below!

Feel free to connect with me on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s build a supportive community who can share insights, laughter, and encouragement as we navigate this exciting world together!

 

If I had a Time Machine

Acting, Training, Voice Over

Welcome back!

And thanks for reading!  Let’s have a bit of fun and think about what we might be able to do if we had a time machine.

REMEMBER:

Just a reminder here that when I use the term “actor” I mean it to encompass all forms of acting including voice, stage, and screen.  Yeah, I know I say this every week, but it falls under the heading of “The things that go without saying are the things that most need to be said”.  What follows applies relatively equally to all of these forms of acting.

We see it all the time

That age old social media question about what age would you go back to if you could.  This is not that.  THIS is about staying the same age you are now and traveling through time.  What would you do?  Who would you talk to?  You can post yours in the comments section below, but here are mine.

Changing history

Nope.  Not interested.  I wouldn’t use my time machine to assassinate Hitler or prevent JFK from being killed or any of a million bad things that have happened throughout history.  Why?  Well, who knows what other potentially worse things may happen as a result. I’m not smart enough to know how my actions might influence future events, so I’d just leave the past as it is…well, mostly.

If I could talk to my younger self

If I had a chance to talk to me, and could convince me that I was future me, I’d only say three things:

  • I’d let me know that I turned out OK and stop worrying about it.
  • Suggest I pay a little closer attention in school (of course…who wouldn’t?)
  • Suggest I not give up on acting so I didn’t have to start over again so late in life.

That’s it…I wouldn’t warn myself about all the stupid mistakes I made or try to change the trajectory of my life, because then I might not be the guy I am…and I am pretty fond of me right now.

The first VO artist

A lot of people believe Walt Disney became the first VO artist when he recorded the voice of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willy. A lot of people would be wrong.  The very first voice artist was a man named Reginald Fessenden, and I’d try to meet and talk with him.  I’d have to travel all the way back to 1900 Canada to do that.  My goal would be to learn WHY he started recording his voice (he recorded weather reports).  It’s interesting what VO has become today, and it would be even more interesting to talk to the guy who invented it!

May as well meet the master himself

No actor worth his salt would travel back in time without meeting the great Konstantin Stanislavsky. As long as I was checking out 1900 Canada, I should take a quick trip to Russia to meet and study with Stanislavsky.  Of course, it may take a while since I’d first have to learn to speak and understand Russian, but it would be worth it.  I’d train with the founder of actors “inhabiting” a character instead of pretending to be that person.

Moving forward in time…

Not much chance I’d get to actually speak with Walt Disney, but I’d try or at least speak with some of his minions. While he did not record the first VO, he did record the first VO synchronized with animation.  I’d love to hear about how he conceived and executed that.  Well, I also wouldn’t mind picking mister Disney’s brain about a lot of things, including his vision for the future.  No giving away future secrets though!

Even before Disney though…

Since I’d already spent some time studying with Stanislavsky (and learning to speak Russian) it’s probably a good idea to head to the US and see if I couldn’t hook up with Lee Strasberg for a while and learn Method Acting, which is of course an offshoot of the teachings of Stanislavsky.  Most modern acting disciplines are based on Stanislavsky’s work, and The Method is one of them.  How cool to study with both men one right after the other?

And while I am in the 1930’s

May as well see if I couldn’t get a chance to work with the prolific Mel Blanc.  As a matter of fact, Mr. Blanc is regarded as the most prolific voice actor in entertainment history.  He voiced so many cartoon characters it would take the rest of this blog just to list them, but of course some of the most famous are Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, and Daffy duck.  A couple coaching sessions with him would be an amazing experience and couldn’t help but offer an improvement for me.

Jump forward to the ‘50’s

A stop in NYC is in order where I’d enroll in classes at HB studio in Greenwich Village.  I mean, just hanging out in The Village in the 1950’s would be cool enough but learning directly from one of the greatest contemporary acting teachers, Uta Hagen, would put the icing on the cake.  Hagen’s technique, also based on Stanislavsky’s teachings, draws from an actor’s personal life and uses those experiences to substitute or transfer them to the character.  Her method wants the actor’s essential self to show through the performance of their character.

And no trip through time would be complete…

Selfishly I would also jump FORWARD from today 10-20 years just to see if I ever win that Oscar.  And no, I wouldn’t want to know the date of my death.  That’s just scary and creepy.

We can do a lot of this WITHOUT a time machine!

While it would definitely be fun to travel through time (if only) and learn from some of the foundational people in the worlds of acting and VO…it’s possible to do that travel through books and today’s acting classes.  Sadly, not many of the great voice actors wrote books about their trade (at least not the ones I mention above), although Mel Blanc did write a memoir called “That’s not all Folks” which could be a fun read.  If you are interested, what follows are some books by these famous teachers.  If not, then stop reading now.

Stanislavsky

The most recommended book by Stanislavsky is “An Actor Prepares”.  If you don’t read anything else by him, read this one.  If you enjoy it you can follow that up with “Building a Character”, “Creating a Role”, and “An Actors Work”.  You can’t go wrong with Stanislavsky but remember to use it as a basis for understanding later work by those who learned from him directly or from those who learned from his students.

Strasberg

Not quite as prolific a writer as Stanislavsky, he did pen a couple of useful books.  The first, and probably most important for actor’s studying his “Method” would be “A Dream of Passion: The Development of the Method” followed by “Acting: A Handbook of the Stanislavski Method”

Hagen

The most contemporary word on acting comes from Uta Hagen. Many actors like her teachings because it falls somewhere between the external and internal aspects of portraying a role.  The two books to read by Hagen are “Respect for Acting” and “A Challenge For The Actor”.  If you want to up your acting game, these are great books to do it with.

Thanks for coming along!

It was fun to take a short trip back in time to meet and talk with some of the greats of our industry.  Even though they’re not still with us, you can definitely learn a lot by reading what they wrote about the art of acting.  And the simple truth is all of these techniques are still being taught.  Most acting teachers base their exercises on one or more of these famous teachers!

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