Acting Without the Drama

Since this podcast was an interview with Carolyn McCray about her perspective on actors and acting, the quick tips will be in a slightly different format. Some of the most important ideas that Carolyn spoke of are as follows:

• As actors, we want to commit fully to our choices. This was one of the most important ideas that Carolyn expressed.

• Bring yourself to the role. When you bring in your “voice,” you are providing something new for the project that can really help the production come alive.

• We want to make sure that we are making specific choices. If we are at all general, there is no way that we will stand out from the thousand other actors that are trying to make a name for themselves.

• Directors typically look for “guts” in an actor. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make bold choices. With that in mind, you want to show sensitivity to the tone of the piece you are auditioning for. If you are reading for an adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, doing your best impersonation of Jim Carrey is not bold, it’s just foolish.

• Our confidence level makes a huge impression. Knowing our abilities as an actor can give us the confidence we need to “own” the room.

• The first few moments of an audition are vital. Auditioners know whether or not they like you almost immediately.

• Don’t worry about making the “right” choice by trying to second-guess what they might want. Stay connected and committed while you make bold choices.

• We as actors need the director to help us see the vision of the piece.

• Once you’re into performance, don’t change it up every time—especially for film.

• When auditioning, don’t tell the auditioner how good you are, show it in the audition. Also, don’t kiss the auditioner’s butt.

• Make sure that you are actively listening and staying open to direction on set.

• Keep the drama on the set, not between people.

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