watch and learn
Streaming has totally changed the way we watch television and movies. It allows us to watch an entire series in a day or find that show that everyone is talking about and watch it at your convenience. Streaming also gives you the opportunity to do research on a show you have an audition for. As an actor you should watch everything as if you will one day be up for a role in it. The same is true for theater. There are so many things you can learn while watching theater, films and TV, so don’t just look at what’s on the screen or stage, learn from it. Use it as a tool to improve your craft.
Most actors know the kind of roles that suit them best so when you see a character that you can relate to, study what the actor is doing. If there’s a show you really want to get booked on, study the timing and pace of the show. This is very helpful for theater actors who want to get into film and TV because these 2 genres have different styles. Theater acting is louder and bigger than TV acting so your voice and movements are much smaller for the screen than for the stage.
There’s also differences on how to act in a drama or a comedy and even that isn’t an exact science because each show has its own feel and style. This is why you should take note of these things the next time you watch something. Turn your entertainment into something that does more than entertain you, let it enhance who you are as an actor. This tip is also helpful to singers.
If you have ever auditioned for a part that you didn’t book, go see it or watch it if you can. It’s important to know that when you don’t book for something, it doesn’t mean you are not good at what you do. There are so many reasons that someone else gets a part instead of you but it has nothing to do with you! Watching the other actor will just show you other choices you could have made that can help you improve for your next audition. You may also feel like you did a better job than the person who got the job, and that’s ok too but it doesn’t hurt to see someone else’s interpretation. Always aspire to get better at what you do.
The next time you sit down to watch a show on the stage or the screen, try to take at least one thing away from it that can help you grow and enhance your craft. Netflix and Chill …. and learn.
