Acting Excellence Resources
for Every Level of Your Development

Actor Tools for the Audition, Rehearsal & Performance

Proven Acting and Audition Resources Guaranteed to...  Increase Your Success at Auditions, Ensure Rapid Character Development  Create Focus with Your Acting Career

Dear Actor,

The audition begins before you start the 1st word of your 1st piece, as you well know if you've been acting and auditioning for any length of time.  As soon as you are in the presence of the casting directors, you are making that critical first impression.  It is the empowered actor who gets the role.  The actors who view themselves at the mercy of the audition -- those seeking approval -- are automatically passed over.  

The fact is... this is unconscious natural behavior on the part of the casting director.

	So, when do the casting directors make their decision about you?
	Exactly how long does it take for them to put you in the "Yes" or "No" category?
	What are the key contributing factors that get you into the Yes column?

Once you begin your monologue or song, you have a maximum of 15 seconds... and they're done.  They've made their decision.  (Not that they can't change their minds about you, but just think about how hard it is for you to change your mind about someone once they've made their first impression on you.)

Yet actors spend all of their time practicing their monologues and song selections and next to no time preparing other crucial parts -- the moments of time that actually matter most:

• The moments before you start your pieces
• Your introduction, and 
• The first moment of your first piece

Ever do a really great job with your pieces but get zilch from the audition?  Say you go to some theatre conference where dozens of companies get to see you do your stuff.  You know you have done really solid work, but only get a marginal response at best.  Now you know what's wrong.  Somehow, you have shot yourself in the foot before you've even started.

The term "actor" often carries with it connotations of "pretender"; of being something other than one's self.  When asked, many actors -- especially inexperienced ones -- cite the opportunity to "be someone else" as the factor driving them to the stage.

...As if the term "actor" somehow implies falsehood or manipulation.  But what do we say about the best actors?

Think about it... Think about that one performance, on stage or screen, that really blew you away.  What do you say when you think about the actors who can do that? 

"Wow, I forgot they were acting!"

"It's like they were REALLY that person..."

"...it was so honest, like they weren't even acting!"

Why?  Because the best actors have learned, or know intuitively, a few very special things. They understand themselves enough to

• Make the material their own 
• Allow themselves access to their emotions 
• Combine those two elements with imagination to live in the moment of the performance as themselves with the character's attributes...by owning those attributes.

They allow themselves to be in the moment, for the moment.

Some actors take their training and use it to hide behind -- never the better ones.

The best actors take their training and use it to REVEAL themselves.  At whatever cost.  (Which is why actors are praised for taking "risks" -- it's sort of like having the guts to stand there naked.)

... Because they must.

Actors tend to be creative people, of course; and as such, most of you are your own worst critic.

So, what predictions do you make about the outcome of those auditions you attend?  Do you look around you and pretend to know the outcome? ("Oh, that guy looks much better for the part than me..." "They'll never cast me with her around...")  

There are a lot of auditions for college acting programs at this time of year.  One young man I spoke with last night was seemingly effortlessly accepted into one school, and has two other auditions coming up.

How did he do it?  How did he keep his wits about him to win the audition, even while other actors around him were being eaten alive by nerves?

Well, there were a few factors. (Pay attention now, this applies to you -- because they are always the same.)

1. He knew his material -- and his abilities -- and was therefore confident
2. He had a high level of positive energy
3. He had FUN.  He actually enjoyed the process.

By the way... This actor, by his own admission, could use a LOT more vocal training.

BUT...

he is confident and skilled with his acting, so he ACTED through the singing portion of the audition (which actors always must, no matter how well they can sing, but which many seldom do), the auditors were laughing their butts off (in all the right places, which would seem to indicate they were laughing with, not at, him)... and he had a blast.

He's comfortable with himself, and put himself INTO HIS MATERIAL, and went for it.

This is how successful performers do it. They are themselves.

So the best acting isn't acting at all.  It's being... It's a mode of being that is engaging to an audience because of 

• A High Level of Confidence and conviction
• A High Level of Energy and Commitment 
• A High Level of Joy
  

...and all three of those are enabled because of the ability to acknowledge, value and express Self.

All too often, I see actors who under-value their skills, their talent.  Actors who sell out...not for success, but for failure.  

Are you guilty?  Are you one of those who spends 40 hours a week at some job using skills other than those connected with your DREAM?

Of course you have to make money.  You have to eat, buy necessities, support others...

It's funny how so many of us are willing to spend time away from our families, working a job we hate for the sake of money, but UNWILLING to heed the call of the gifts we were born with.  So many actors feel guilty about expecting money in return for doing that for which they were born.

The "acting bug."  It's not a disease.  The reason the dream is implanted is to propel you forward.  Some actors have listened to the counsel of those who speak of "real jobs" and "stability" for so long, the call of the Dream is barely heard above the roar of family, bills, and Real World concerns.

No, you can't forsake your family, your bills, or the other obligations you have built.

But there is a way to get back.  There is a way to nurture and honor the Dream with integrity.

Whether your aim is to contribute on the Community Theatre stage, or to perform on Broadway or the Big Screen -- whatever YOUR definition of Success is -- reflect now on the gifts you've been given.  I hope you REALIZE what you have, and what separates you from "non-actors."

Take time now -- before your head hits the pillow tonight -- to really look at your abilities.

Are you using your talent and skills regularly, but not making the progress you envisioned?  Are you waiting for the "right time" to get going?  Are you letting your better skills lie dormant?  What is your next great Acting Challenge?  What part of your talent do you want to take to the next level?

This is the Real World so there is no reason to wait for circumstances to change.  Outer circumstances are the direct result of your thoughts and actions.  Change the Real World by changing the inner landscape.

You are invited to sign up now for my free Actor's Break eZine, and nurture your dream in a personally meaningful way.  Step into the world of EmpoweredActor.com to rediscover and fuel the fire within.  Actor's Break is not a generalized newsletter, but a weekly eZine tailored to your level in the acting profession.

In fact, 

	Proven methodologies that will get your acting career focused
	Empowering tips that will demonstrate that you are NOT at the mercy of the casting director
	Specific actions to help you identify and strengthen your weak spots

In ths Actor's Break eZine, You Will...

	Find Out the #1 Obstacle that Prevents Stage Actors from Achieving Success
	Get Results with Acting Tips and Techniques Geared to Your Level
	Learn Proven Success Methods the Pros Use
	Find Out How Acting Skills Can Even Give You that Edge Doing Whatever it is You Do for Your Day Job
	Discover the 5 Keys to Improved Acting

Plus, in the 1st 10 issues, you’ll get...

	5 Secrets to Creating Dynamic Characters
	11 Behaviors that Doom Actors to Failure
	How to Maximize Rehearsal Time to Get to the Heart and Guts of the Role Quicker
	7 Professional Techniques Guaranteed to Keep Your Performance Fresh
	The #1 Shocking Revelation that Will Change How You Tackle Rehearsals
	Simple and Specific Tips on How to Work Difficult Moments That Apply To Virtually Any Situation
	A Simple Exercise that Can Have Dramatic Results for Your Acting Career...and Your Life
	1 Surprisingly Easy Step You Can Take on Closing Night To Increase Your Rate Of Growth As An Actor

What's all this worth to you?  

Wait -- it get's better...

You’ll Also Get Two Free Bonus Reports,
Just for Signing Up

Just for checking out the Actor's Break eZine,
you will get instant downloads of
Two Free Bonus Reports!

Free Report #1: How to Get the Call-Back Before You Even Begin to Speak the 1st Word of Your 1st Piece

	Step 1 Enter with Confidence
	Step 2 Make the Space Your Own
	Step 3 Invite Them In
	Step 4 Give A Commanding Introduction
	Step 5 Purposefully Shift
	This Report Tells You How!

Free Report #2: 7 Ways to Win with Cold Readings

	If cold readings make you shiver, then you'll love these tips and techniques PROVEN to win more of the roles you deserve!
	Discover the simple change of mind set that will have you looking forward to the audition
	Learn the 2 most important questions you can ask at the cold reading
	Find out the single most important action you can take during the few seconds before you start reading that will help you get the most mileage out of the audition
	Boost your level of focus -- and the casting director's focus on YOU -- with one simple strategy
	Rediscover a method you have been discouraged from using ever since you were a child – and use it to your advantage during the audition!
	Learn the Catch-22 of cold reading -- and how to make it work for you!

I hope you find value in all the freebies available here. My dream is to share with you what I have.  To inspire you to awaken the strength within; to inspire you to think and behave as if there is no way to fail; as if your success is guaranteed.

Here's to Your Empowerment!

                        
Tom Brooks, MFA                       

	Sign Up Now FREE To Get Your Actor's Break eZine, PLUS Your Two Free Bonus Reports Type your first name and primary Email address below. First Name: Your Primary Email Address: Your Professional Level: Please select one... Union Professional Actor Non-Union Professional Actor Film Acting Training Background In Graduate Actor Training Program In Undergrad Actor Training Program In College, But Not Actor Trng Prog Community/Volunteer Actor Just Getting Started