Answers 4 Actors

5 Ways for an Actor to Work Out Every Day

2011-01-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

An actor needs to be ready to audition at a moment’s notice. You want to be on top of your game all the time. How do you do that?

Actors ask me all the time how to keep their acting muscles in good shape. Of course serious actors take class and go to their acting coaches as much as they can. But an actor cannot be in class or working with their coach 24/7; so here are five ways for an actor to work out every day and, listen; it doesn’t have to be boring or feel like homework. It can be creative and even fun.

These exercises will support everything else you are doing. Okay, you may not do them seven days a week, but even if you do these exercises four or five times a week you will notice a major difference in the consistency and quality of your technique. It’s like using those weights at the gym. You will get stronger and find it easier to perform the exercise. Pretty soon you will have to use heavier weights, but let’s not worry about that right now!

Here are the five ways to work out every day as a Professional Actor.

1. Read out loud every day for five minutes.
Sounds simple and basically it is, just like those weights you lift. If you do it consistently in a very short time you will see a difference in your cold reading technique.
Use a script, a newspaper, a book you are reading. It doesn’t matter what the material is. It matters that you do it regularly.

Glance at the script, grab a line and look up at a spot on the wall and say the line. This is different than just normal reading. You are connecting to the person in front of you. This is the technique you need to be able to use in an audition. It is also what you would do if you were reading to someone else and wanted to keep his attention. For a change of pace, pretend you are reading to a six year old. Keep that child’s attention.
Do this every day and in a very short time you will notice a major improvement.
It is an easy exercise. It will improve your cold reading audition technique very quickly.

2. Watch a scene from a film or television show scene and analyze it.
If possible use a DVD or record the television show so you can play the scene more than once. Analyze the acting performances. Did you believe the characters? If so, why? If not, why not? Write down your analysis of the scene. Now try to decide why it was believable or not and what you could tell the actor to do to make it better. Keep watching the scene over and over until you could tell me exactly why it worked or didn’t worked and what you could do if you were the actor to fix it.

3. Practice memorizing a quote and see if you can say it from memory the next day. Keep a book of quotes or a list of quotes on your computer. Here is a quote to begin this exercise.
“The most powerful tool we have for changing our environment is our ability to change ourselves.” Stephanie Matthews-Simonton.

Don’t tell me that you will memorize a monologue every day. Don’t tell me because you won’t do it. Oh you will plan to do it but you won’t. Make it easy on yourself. Do something that will only take a few minutes. You can practice the quote in your shower or in your car or while you are walking to catch the subway or the bus. When you wake up the next day see if you can say it. You will get better and better at this and you also will find that you memorize faster and your recall will improve quickly.

4. Describe a person you have seen. Someone in line at the grocery store, on the post office line or sitting next to you on the subway or in the car idling next to you at a stop sign (don’t do it when you are driving I want you to concentrate on driving). Do this exercise two ways. One way is to tell another person and the other way is to write it down. You should definitely write it down and you can also tell another person. But writing it down is the best. Try to be as specific as you can. Use colors and sizes. Make it so specific that the person you tell or the person reading it could identify the character you described if he or she appeared in front of them.

5. Sit quietly for five minutes and remember a highly emotional memory in your life.
Make it a strong emotion such as something that is very sad or extremely happy. Take note of what your body feels like as you re-live that moment. Identify where you hold that emotion in your body. For example, when you are crying or feel like crying does your throat feel like it is locking up or your stomach gets tight? Notice all the physical effects that emotional memory has on your body. If you need to recreate this type of emotion, the more you have used your sense memory in your practice the easier and more efficient it will be for you to bring that emotional life to your scene and to your character when you are under pressure like at an audition or on the set.

These are five ways you can work out every day as an actor. You don’t need to be in a class or have another actor there to work with to do these exercises, which means you don’t have an excuse for not doing them.

If you are serious about working as a professional actor, start to create a daily practice of working on your craft. It doesn’t have to be hard and it can actually be fun to do. You are creating characters, details and emotions that you will use as a professional actor. And when that phone call comes for an important audition you will feel like you are at the top of your game and able to give it your best.

If you have a question or concern as an actor and you would like me to write about it please leave a comment here or send it to me at: JeanneHartman@www.JeanneHartmanActorsDetective.com.

Workshops in Hong Kong in December 2010

2010-11-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been asking when I will be teaching in Hong Kong again, I am happy to say that I will be back in the first two weeks of December.

If you would like to learn about each of the workshops take a look at the information at

JeanneHartmanWorkshopInformation

I will be writing more about what is new this time and what is available for everyone who wants to learn from the secrets and techniques that Professional Actors use.

Being Wrong Can Be A Good Thing!

2010-08-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

I am sure you are ready to totally disagree with the title of this blog. I feel your pain. I hate to be wrong, doesn’t everyone? But if you are not willing to be wrong, you will stay clear of some of your best, most exciting choices in acting and in life.

I have been reading about Leonardo di Vinci lately. One of Leonardo di Vinci’s principles is Dimostrazione - Commitment to test knowledge through experience and the willingness to learn from mistakes. So I think if a genius such as di Vinci embraced the willingness to learn from mistakes we can do so as well. As actors, and performers, we really need to learn this.

Of course it isn’t easy. Hey we don’t want to be wrong but knowing that we can learn from making a mistake makes us less afraid to try. To take chances. To embrace that we can learn so much from making a mistake, from being wrong.

Athletes learn this very early on in their training. They can’t learn and improve unless they become not afraid of making a mistake or trying something that doesn’t work. And yet we all still find it so hard to do that in our lives.

I sometimes think we should just go ahead and do something wrong early in the morning and be reminded that it isn’t so bad and then we can get on with our lives.

When I teach all day workshops in Hong Kong, it is a long intense day and we do two days in a row but the good thing is that everyone feels it is a safe place to make mistakes, to explore new techniques, and to strive for the stronger emotions in their work which means taking chances and being willing to fall off the edge of the cliff.

Putting yourself in your work can feel vulnerable but that is what we actors do. That is what artists do. Is it scary? Of course but we do it anyway. And the only way you can explore new areas of yourself is to be willing to be wrong.

I know in this day it seems that no one wants to be wrong. I find that even when it is totally clear that someone made a mistake they still can not say, “Hey I was wrong, sorry!” Why? I don’t know. If you are willing to open yourself up and try something new you may fall on your face but you can get up and learn how to make it work.

Actors, now let’s look at this concept in your acting. You are studying a role for an audition. You have learned how to analyze the scenes and hopefully the whole script. You feel that you have found the clues that writer has given you. Now you want to bring yourself to the work and to the role. Most of us will start with a safe choice. That is natural but you want to stand out, to show that you are right for the role. I have found that I must help an actor I am coaching to try the more dangerous choices to see which of them are WRONG. That’s right I said wrong. Each time you try something that doesn’t work you are actually learning more about your character and what is best for your character in this particular script.

Actors are upset sometimes if they don’t get the right answer right away. Would you tell your child to stop trying to walk when he falls down. Of course not. You would encourage him to try again. So you need to encourage yourself in your work.

It may seem odd to you but I find that you can actually learn what you must learn more quickly if you try immediately some extreme choices but only if you are willing to see what does NOT work.

It is like the often-told story about Edison. This legendary allegory tells about how it took 2000 steps to figure out how to create the light bulb. Edison said, “…I found 2000 ways not to make a light bulb.” Now I don’t know if this tale is true but the moral of the story I do believe in. The story is used to remind all of us that we must not be afraid to be wrong because we learn what does NOT work and then we can move on to something that WILL work.

As actors we need to remember that learning what does not work is just as important as finding out what will work. If we are afraid to be wrong we will never find the best answer to the question, the best choice for our character. The most exciting “watchable” action. But we must not be afraid to be wrong.

As actors we must remember that sometimes the character is more believable if he or she makes mistakes. So we should embrace those imperfections of our characters and actually look for them. Seek out where your character is weak, or not very good at something. It makes that role seem real.

Real People are not perfect.
Real People stumble.
Real People have areas in their life where they are blind to what everyone else can see clearly.

Sometimes the pressure is so tough for actors because you start to believe you will have only one chance. I am not going to tell you that doesn’t happen, yes it does. But the one word in that phrase I question is ONLY. You don’t get only one chance. There will be another chance on another role or another opportunity. So why not make the most of this opportunity in front of you today.

You, Actors, who allow the pressure of the audition or the fear that you have only one chance are allowing your mind to concentrate on the wrong thought. I remind actors that the one thing you have control over in an audition is: “I have control over showing you who this character is if I played him/her.” If you keep your focus on that, you will do your work even if they only allow you one shot.

The other way to improve your ability to make strong choices under pressure is to PRACTICE. Just like professional athletes, you practice so much that it just feels normal to do your work even when it is really important and you are nervous. That way when it is a “big game” your body and mind are so used to doing your job that they will lead you. But that takes practice, lots of practice.

So don’t be afraid of being wrong or making a mistake.

Practice your craft so your mind and body will do what you need to do even in your
sleep.

Celebrate being wrong because you are one step closer to the answer you are looking for and the pleasure you will feel in doing a wonderful performance and audition makes it all worth it.

By Jeanne Hartman, author of The Right Questions for Actors and professional acting coach in Hollywood and Hong Kong. You can find her new book at www.JeanneHartmanActorsDetective.com

Don't Forget to bring your gift to your work, Actors.

2010-05-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

ACTORS, DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR GIFT!

I don’t mean a gift, I mean your gift. Not your ego, your gift. I’ll explain.

I know that sometimes actors work so hard to learn great acting skills and techniques and to remember to ask the right questions when preparing for an audition that they forget to bring what makes them unique.

So this is just a reminder that you need to do all that preparation but you cannot forget to bring what makes you unique, special, and distinctive. Let’s talk about how to make sure that gift helps you but doesn’t hurt your chances to create that audition you are proud of. That piece of work that will always make you satisfied with what you did.

But wait a minute I suppose I should explain what I mean by your “gift”. Why don’t I start with what Albert Einstein said,

“ The intuitive mind is a sacred gift; the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.”

Your intuitive mind is a sacred gift. Your rational mind is a faithful servant. When I read this quote I realized that I always want the actor to bring both to their preparation. I don’t believe that you should forget about either your intuition or your rationality. Each works in a unique way that helps you create a believable , exciting performance whether in an audition or in the work itself.

An actor came to me in an introduction class at an actors’ group and told me, “I just do my thing, you know what I mean.” I asked him to explain what he meant. He related some legendary story about how an actor walked in and threw away the script and did “his thing” and got the job. First of all, I am not even sure that was true but I asked him how many actors he knew had done such a thing and got the job. He did not know anybody.

So I suggested that he put himself in the shoes of the writer, director or producer who had been working on a script for a film for over 5 years. He chose to be the writer. I asked him what he would feel like if he had worked diligently on a script for years and then an actor walked into an audition and said he was going to throw it away and do his own thing. As I watched the actor’s eyes widen I knew he had begun to understand that his job is to interpret this script not “throw it away”.
As the writer, this actor realized that this script is the writer’s “baby”. He has brought it to life, nurtured it and has seen it grow. This actor began to realize that throwing away the script is like telling the writer his baby is “ugly” and we would never say that to a parent would we?

So I am not telling you to take your gift and go off on some “ego” trip. You have a job to do. What is that job? As an actor you have been given a road map which is the script and any other information from the casting director or director. You must first use your rational mind to analyze that script, the information you had been given, and your character. You need to be a good detective to find all the clues the writer has put into the script and make sure you have gotten all the information you can glean.

Then it is time for you to listen to your instinctive skills. Now is the time to make it your own, to find every personal connection for this character. Your instincts will work even better if you have gathered as much information and facts first. BUT don’t forget to bring your intuitive mind.

So how does one explain the intuitive mind? I’ll try to show how it works for me as a coach.
Many times I don’t know “why” I feel it is important for an actor to explore another aspect
of his character but I don’t worry about the logic of what I am thinking. I just trust that something has been triggered to lead me to ask the actor to try another way. This is the only way I can explain when something comes to me that has no logic. You can call it instinct, acute observation or just a gut feeling but I have learned over many years that we all should listen to it.

SO BRING YOUR GIFT – YOUR INTUITIVE MIND, AND BE SURE TO MAKE ROOM TO BRING YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT – YOUR RATIONAL MIND. BOTH ARE IMPORTANT BUT AS A TEAM THEY WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO CREATE AN EXCITING, BELIEVABLE PERFORMANCE.

Albert Einstein really knew what he was talking about! Whether you are a scientist, a business person or an artist you need to trust both your rational mind and your intuitive mind. Thank you Mr. Einstein!

ACTING and COMMUNICATION are universal.

2010-01-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

ACTING FROM NO HO TO HONG KONG By Jeanne Hartman

News where to get my book.
You can now get my book, The Right Questions for Actors, at Amazon.com. You also can purchase the book at http://www.jeannehartmanactorsdetective.com/.

The wonderful thing about traveling to Hong Kong to teach professional acting workshops, which I just did again in early December, is that it reminds me of how ACTING and COMMUNICATION are universal.

Feelings are universal.
Emotions are universal.
Want/need is universal.

Whether you grew up in Hong Kong, North Hollywood, Australia, or Singapore, everyone understands loss and pain. We, Actors, strive to portray real, believable people and the nonverbal part of acting translates into every language.

The words, you may not understand, but the emotions in the face, in the body and in the tone of voice can be understood even when the language is unfamiliar.

So, actors, remember that 90% of your performance is not the script. It is the relationship, the background, the history, everything you know about your character’s life that you never say but is important to you.

Teaching and coaching students in Hong Kong just reminded me how important what you don’t say is and how universal those nonverbal emotions and communications are. In Hong Kong I had a student who although he spoke English already, he did feel more comfortable with his first language. So I suggested that he translate the scene into Chinese and I first had him and his scene partner do the scene in Chinese and then when they did the scene again laying the English on top of what they learned by doing the scene in Chinese. It was amazing how much better the performance was. I’ve used this technique many times with actors where English is their second or third language. It works very well.

So what does this tell you about your work? You must, must make sure you know everything your character knows even though it may not be said in the scene. You need to analyze the scene and recognize what you need to know playing this character. Most of that information will not be in the script. Let me repeat that, most of that information will not be in the script. Why did I repeat this? Because I find actors forget to gather that information when it is not on the pages of the script. It is so important. It is absolutely necessary.

So how do you get better at gathering such information?

Let me give you one idea which you may have noticed during this holiday season. When you are out in public places, take a little time to be “a fly on the wall”. Just sit back and listen to other people’s conversation. A conversation where you are not involved. Notice what is not said by each person, but you know is important to the conversation. Try to write it down. (Maybe not there in front of them but as soon as you can) You will find there is so much communication going on that is never spoken. That is what you must investigate for each of your characters.

As actors and also writers you can research everywhere you go. Your families are a great source of character development. Waiting in public places are fantastic research labs for you. Don’t always immune yourself from your surroundings. Stop texting and talking on your phones once an a while and notice the people and conversations around you. The research will come in handy. Always have a small notebook with you or some index cards so you can write down your discoveries. You must do this because you will forget the details or the exact way that person said those words. Add descriptions of the people as well. There is a gold mine of ideas and inspirations around you. Be open to them. Whether you are in NoHo or Hong Kong, people are your research lab, make use of them.

I love working with actors whether in Hong Kong or here in No Ho. Actors are curious and generous of spirit. It is my honor to work with such amazing people. I wish you all the very best in your work and your life for this New Year of 2010.

Bless you all. Jeanne Hartman

What really is the Best? Best Actor? Best Movie? Best Performance?

2010-01-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Well we are coming into the “Awards” season here in Los Angeles. And there is a lot of talk about who is the BEST! What does that mean? I know sometimes it is the most well known actor or actress in the biggest movie. But really what does that mean?

I was thinking about this and realized that my favorite artists sometimes have a great performance and then of course there are times that I feel like they just didn’t nail it. Yes, of course, it is just my opinion but that is what BEST is based on.

I believe BEST can only be determined by each individual performance by that individual choice by that individual artist. I know that probably makes no sense so I’ll try to explain.

I don’t believe that there is only one way of performing a role. How you choose to perform it will always be different than another actor or actress.

When I see what I would possibly call BEST PERFORMANCE. It is always, yes always, a unique performance. Why do I use the word unique because if you think about it no one but that person could perform that role in that way and create such an amazing phenomenal experience.
If anyone tried to do it, it just wouldn’t work. Like a snowflake. They always say there is no snowflake like another snowflake. Now I don’t know if that is true since they melt so fast and are so small but I like the example.

This is why we are willing to see a story that really is not much different than another story when we look at the plot points. How many movies and TV shows and plays are about two people who meet fall in love, have a fight, fall out of love and then find their way back to each other.
Now of course the place is different and the reasons are different but the basic story is pretty much the same. And yet we want to watch that same story again, WHY?
Because each time we see it being performed by different people it is unique to them. They bring their individuality to the story and we want to watch.

I watch writers being asked which of their books or movies do they love the best. And almost always the answer is something like this. “Each creation is like my child. And how would you say which one of your children can you say you love the most?” I often wonder if some parents really do love one child more than another but that is a whole different discussion but the concept or example tries to show you that each one is unique and you can’t compare one to another.

That’s why I tell actors when they go on auditions sometimes no matter how good you are you may not be what the director and producers want. You may be the most fantastic apple but they want a pear. So no matter how fantastic an apple you are
they want a pear today and you are not a pear. Still when they want a fantastic apple they will remember you!

So when you think about who is the best actor or best actress just remember that you have to be the best you. No one can compete with that. That category is very unique. Only You fit that category. No one can do that except one person, YOU.

Actors are Great Researchers or They Should Be!

2010-01-24T11:54:00.001-08:00

ACTORS ARE GREAT RESEARCHERS OR THEY SHOULD BE!

by Jeanne Hartman,

I love going to plays and films where I learn something I didn’t know. I went to see a play and it reminded me that actors and actresses must be great researchers.

This play dealt with women living in the 19th century. Those actresses had to learn what it was like for women at that time. They had to do their research and I was so glad they did. It is so wonderful to take a seat in a darkened theater and step into another time in history. I love learning while I am enjoying a creative, enjoyable performance.

Yes, I do love film but I marvel when a theater company on a small budget can create a world for you, the audience, with one set. Also the weight of the responsibility lies with the actors ultimately. Of course the play, the director, the set designer and the crew all contribute so much to the work but for the actors once the lights go down and the audience is quiet it is the actors who are in charge at least for that evening. In a film, the actor is never really in charge about what is in the final product. That is the director and editor’s choice. And of course the producers.

Maybe that is why my heart and the heart of many actors lie in the theater. But back to what I saw and why I bring this to you today.

Watching the three actresses in this production, each creating their role, I marveled at their ability to share with us how these women lived in this time period. And of course as it should be, it was entertaining too. They took us on a journey.

I think watching this wonderful performance, it reminded me that actors and actresses are constantly learning about the world. Every time they prepare for a role it’s like the actors are taking a college course in a new subject.

I suppose this is why that I feel actors are some of the smartest people I know. They love to learn and they must keep learning every time they create a new role.

Yes I know I have a special place for actors in my heart but I do see how much they must learn and I enjoy their curiosity and their ability to do their research. Also I don’t think most people are aware of how much an actor has to be a detective.

Now that I have praised you actors, I will admonish you as well. I was thrilled to see the women in the play this weekend really know their characters and the time period of the play. It is your job, not anyone else’s job to do this research. The script of the play or film never has enough information for you to truly play your role. Yes, I mean the word NEVER here. It is not possible for the writer to put all that information in the format of a play or film script. It is your job to find all the details your character must know that is not in the script.

So don’t be casual about this part of your preparation. And I hope you can enjoy this process, this searching for all the information your character must have at his fingertips. I know I do. If I could I would give Doctorate’s degrees to actors who do this well. They keep learning as they prepare for each role and I thank them for doing that. You smart actors and actresses allow me as the audience to truly be taken into the world of your character and the play or film. Thank you for doing your work! I can’t wait to see your next performance!

You can find Jeanne Hartman, Professional Acting Coach and Author at www.JeanneHartmanActorsDetective.com.

It's all about Relationship

2009-09-24T17:55:00.001-07:00

It’s All About Relationship.

Today I want you to look at the relationship between your character and the other person in the scene. Have you taken the time to determine who is the other person to your character? I am sure you are going to tell me that you did that already. But did you go far enough?

You say to me, “She is my wife.” That is just the place you should start not stop. You need more details, than just she is my wife. Is she your wife who has just done something you hate? Is she your wife who is hurt or injured? Is she your wife who you trusted yesterday but now in this moment you don’t trust? You must add details. Exactly how are you feeling about her at this moment?

Take some time, grab a notebook and write down how you are feeling about her before the scene begins. Pretend you are talking to your closest friend and confide in him about her. Tell him everything you are thinking and feeling at this very moment. Tell him about her as if he has never met her, describe her and your relationship to her. Yes, your feelings and opinions may change but fill yourself up with how you feel about her at the beginning of the scene. Once you have actually done the work, it is there in the back of your mind, so when you see that person you will see her through this filter. If you do, the scene will start in a very believable moment.

Why is this so important? I cannot tell you how many times I have seen an actor start a scene without knowing this information. It is as if he is starting in “neutral”. Well that is not believable because real people, believable people, always have opinions about the other person even a stranger. That is your goal, to be believable, so believable that your listener, the audience, is driven to watch you. Can’t take their eyes off you!

In real life we have all this information in our mind and memory. We are not aware of it but as an actor you need to make sure you have filled up the “memory disc” of your character with everything you need to make me believe you are this character and a very important part of this information is the relationship you have with the other person.

Book Review of The Right Questions for Actors plus more

2009-09-22T15:15:00.001-07:00

My News

It seems like ages since I was in Hong Kong in May. I have so enjoyed hearing what all my Hong Kong friends have been doing. So many fun exciting projects. It is so much fun to watch your projects grow into these beautiful exciting films, television shows and theater performances! Thanks for keeping me posted.

So what is going on with me. Well I am so pleased and honored to share a review of my book, The Right Questions for Actors. It was online at the NoHoArtsDistrict. I have put a copy here.

The Right Questions for Actors

Written by Paul D. Marks Wednesday, 29 July 2009

BOOK REVIEW - THE RIGHT QUESTIONS FOR ACTORS
The Actor's Detective Series – Volume 1
How to create exciting, believable characters for Stage and Screen
from The Actor's Detective, Jeanne Hartman

When you watch a play, movie or television show you can often tell when the actors are "acting" or when they are truly inside the character they're portraying. When they're going through motions, reading the lines and hitting their marks or one with the character. And that latter ability is often the difference in how we as the audience react to not only that character, or the other characters, but to the show as a whole. If you've ever had the chance to see more than one actor in the same role you'll know what I'm talking about. One actor can make you believe, draw you in, make you part of the drama, while another actor reading the exact same lines makes you aware of the proscenium arch or the parameters of the movie screen.

So what makes the difference?

Some people are born with an innate ability, perfect pitch, athletic skill or the facility to portray a character. Most people, even those with natural talent, still need to practice. They need a coach to guide them and help them be the best at what they do. That's where acting coach Jeanne Hartman's The Right Questions for Actors comes in. And the title truly says what it is – a series of questions for actors to help them get to know their character and draw it out. But the book is not only helpful (and necessary) for actors but also for writers and directors who want to get the best performances from their players.

Some of the questions are directed at the actor's character while others are directed at the actor himself or herself. Question #11 is "What information is it that only you know?" I found this particularly interesting in that knowing this info can truly change how one might interpret a role. Another intriguing question, in a book of intriguing questions, is #13, "What's the Game?" in which Ms. Hartman lists several "games" for identifying the roles of two characters in a scene. A couple of examples are The Victim and the Oppressor and the Taker and the Giver. In looking at this list it truly helps one to crystallize the relationships and power differentials of the characters in the scene. There are, of course, not only the questions but also discussion of how to utilize and delve into them.

The book is in a spiral bound format, making it easy to use as it can be set down to any page and stay open. And there are worksheet pages for every question where the actor can fill in their answers to the questions.

Actors are not the only ones who can benefit from this book. As a writer, I've found it to be a great tool in helping me think about and write richer characters. And actors don't act in a vacuum, they act within a scene, within a script and with other actors. The Right Questions for Actors is an essential tool that will help them dig deep into their character's background so that, even if that specific information doesn't come out in the scene or even in the story as a whole, it will inform the actor's decisions about their performance and help them give a richer, deeper characterization. And that can make all the difference between a good actor and a great actor, whose performance involves the audience and engages them in the play.

Paul D. Marks is a fiction writer and script doctor. He can be reached through his web page at www.PaulDMarks.com.

Also I wrote a piece called My Love Affair with the Noho library.
Here is a link to it.

http://www.nohoartsdistrict.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=333:noholibrary&catid=159:latest-news-archive&Itemid=114

I also just finished an interview with a theater director who has a play opening this fall. It will be posted soon.

So besides coaching actors, I really have been writing a lot. I’ve got a few other projects in the oven but will let you know as they come alive. I’ve been invited to have a monthly blog about Acting as well. I’ll let you know when it is up.

So stay in touch and keep the info coming. Hope to see you all again very soon.

A FILM TO WATCH

2009-08-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

A FILM TO WATCH

When I see some wonderful acting I love to share with my actors how they can combine going to see a movie AND doing some homework at the same time! What could be better.

So with that in mind, I talk a lot to actors in my workshops and sessions about creating believable relationships. I want you to go watch the two wonderful complex textured relationships in Julie and Julia. Both the younger couple and the older couple are great examples of creating relationships we, the audience, enjoy watching. Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci were stunning in the beautiful relationship as Julia Child and her husband, Paul. It is also great that Nora Ephron portrayed in her film an older couple who had passion, fun, playfulness and joy, true joy in their love.

We don’t have the opportunity to watch such performances often enough. Now I know some of you all, not just guys either, may “poo poo” my pleasure in seeing such a relationship but you will get plenty of sex and sex in other movies so go with an open mind and see if it doesn’t warm your heart. It’s okay, you don’t have to tell anyone just try it.

Those of you who know me know that I love sports films, actions films, thrillers, mysteries, and I will even admit when I am home working around the house or on my computer I watch lots of sports events. In fact, right now while I am writing this I am watching the international semi-final game of the Little League Baseball Series. It is between Curaco and China Taipei. Score is 0 – 0 at the moment. So I am not this mushy audience all the time but when I see a wonderful enduring performance I am truly moved by the relationship I see in this particular film.

So go enjoy and be sure to plan to go out to eat afterwards. You will want to!

Hong Kong Actors are Great !

2009-08-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong in May was a fantastic experience but I do admit I was exhausted when I got back to L. A. However it was definitely worth it. Take a look at these fantastic actors, directors, writers and artists who were in the workshops in Hong Kong.

First of all, Jason Tobin, co-producer and actor-director-writer extraordinaire, was amazing once again. I could not do what I do in Hong Kong without the expertise of Jason. We put together some fantastic workshops and working with Jason made that a joy and a pleasure. I know that his directing and writing skills will bring him to some amazing projects. Look forward to seeing your work, Jason.
The Hotel Panorama was such a wonderful place to stay and a perfect place to teach my workshops. The view from the hotel is amazing. But for me, most important of all is the wonderful staff at Hotel Panorama. I felt like I was staying with a wonderful family of people - from my special ladies who kept my room so well kept (even with all my scenes stacked all over the place) to the smiling faces of the doormen to the Mistress d’ at the Café to Carmen and all her staff. Everyone made me feel so welcome and wanted to help me every day with anything I needed. If any of you are headed to Hong Kong, I highly recommend you stay at the Hotel Panorama, located in the heart of Kowloon, Hong Kong.
And what can I say about everyone at the AlivenotDead office? You rock! Helping with the signups, the publicity, the events surrounding our workshops, finding the fabulous Hotel Panorama and your enthusiastic support. Jason and I truly are honored to have your support and all the help you have given us each time we have scheduled the workshops.
I would like to sit here and write every exciting detail of the two-day workshops that I taught in Hong Kong. Of course this article would be the size of a book! I so enjoyed watching the wonderful people in my workshops grow in their work. I was thrilled as the directors in the workshops made huge leaps in their own acting abilities and their understanding of what actors need to give them a wonderful performance. I wish I could bottle up the laughter and the tears that these groups shared with each other. I know I will never forget each and every person who opened their hearts and souls, and allowed me to guide them for a few days in finding their strengths and also discovering their voices in their work. I only wish I could be there for a longer period of time. I feel like we just got started.
So to all the beautiful actors, actresses, directors, writers, artists and truly precious people who trusted me with their time and their talent, I thank you and I am honored that you would allow me to share with you what I have learned and have taught for so many years.
I look forward to traveling to Hong Kong again and continue this beautiful journey!

2009-08-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

BE PREPARED – IT IS MORE THAN A BOY SCOUT RULE!

When a big opportunity comes are you prepared?
Can you perform at your best at any time?
Are you at your top form when you don’t audition every day?
Here’s how you can be prepared.

So many times actors call me in a panic. They have just been called for a big, important audition in a few hours or even the next day. That actor is someone who has not gone out on an audition for weeks or even months and now they have to be in top form in a few hours. As a coach I tell actors that they need to have some kind of workout that they do to keep in shape just like an athlete would do. A runner cannot run a successful marathon when he hasn’t been running on a regular basis in months. So why do you as an actor think you can perform at your best, your top form if you only do it every few months.

Okay, so I have told you that you must be prepared. Now I should offer some ideas of how to do that. How to do that when maybe you can’t afford to be in a class every week or work out with a coach every week because of time or finances. Well there are many ways you can do that but you have to take action before you get the call for that big important audition.

One way that I have found for many actors to get up to speed when you need to do so is to have 2 monologues that you have prepared to performance level. Monologues that you could pull out of your hip pocket and perform at your best level with very little or no preparation. But this will take some work on your part now. Here is how to prepare and why this works.

I want you to pick two pieces you absolutely love. Two pieces that you think are in your areas of strength. Now once you have chosen those pieces you must take time to really prepare them. This means taking them to a coach so that you can get some outside direction and help. I want you to prepare these two monologues as if you are going to perform them on a Broadway stage or in front of a camera for a feature film or a major television show. Work on these monologues and then go and coach them. I even think it is good for you to perform them in front of an audience even if it is just in front of some friends.

Once you have prepared these monologues to this level, now make a commitment to perform these monologues at least once a week even if it is just in your living room or bathroom. That’s why they should be pieces you love!

Once you have these two pieces prepared to a level where you can confidently say that when you perform you are in your top form you now have a way to remind yourself what it feels like to perform at your top level. You can pull out one of these monologues and you can remind yourself what is your best.

There is something else you need to do before you can be ready at any time. You also need to learn how to prepare for an audition in a short amount of time. If you have never learned how to do that, find a coach or a teacher who can really train you in audition technique.

Once you have learned the craft of auditioning and you have your monologues at performance level you can get yourself up to speed whenever an opportunity presents itself.

“Be prepared” is not just the motto of a Boy Scout, it is also a good motto for a professional actor. Once you are prepared, you can enjoy each opportunity that you find. Instead of panicking you can be excited about the upcoming audition.

So prepare for those moments that can change your life and your career.

If you have any questions about the way you prepare, you can comment here or contact me at www.JeanneHartmanActorsDetective.com

Once you know how to prepare you can enjoy when that phone call comes and sends you out to an audition in a few hours.

And I would love to hear from all of you about other questions you would like me to write about in upcoming blogs.

What you can Control!

2009-07-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL!

AND WHAT YOU CAN'T!

I read these articles about goal setting. Lots of good stuff of course, but what bugs me is when they tell actors that if they set a goal like, “Star in a feature film, or series regular role” these self-described experts say you can make it happen.

Let’s look at the difference. If I want to write a book, which I have, and I set my goal to write 500 words a day, I have control over that. I do not have control over whether I get on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Now don’t get me wrong. You can take many actions in your control that may very well help to get you on that Best Seller list but still it’s not totally in your control to be on that list (unless your favorite uncle is the head of the committee that decides who is on the list).

So actors, yes, write down your goals. Yes, make a list of steps in your control that will help you get to your goals. Just be aware what you have control over and what you don’t have control over.

As those of you who know me and worked with me know, I am a avid supporter of actors, and all artists. I am not trying to burst your balloon. I want you to have your eyes wide open and to be smart in how and where you put your efforts.

Take action, learn your craft, make connections and do your marketing! Keep your head clear of how the world of entertainment works and don’t let what you do not have control over drive you crazy.

Yes there will be days where what happens to you IS NOT FAIR. The best actor or actress does not get the job. Promises made to you will be broken. It will sometimes appear that the bad guys win. Just stay on the course. Keep moving. Brush off that indignity. Let the naysayers go bug somebody else.

Remember your life and your career is a marathon not a sprint so just keep going.

So many times after a bad experience I can somehow find something to learn from it so I am not in the same situation in the future. Or I can share it with someone else like my students so they can avoid that situation.

This is also true with mistakes we make ourselves. Although none of us likes to admit it sometimes we actually were the one that was wrong. OMG We were wrong, I was wrong! Yes, true, that happens. The one thing you can always do is learn something from what happened. Unfortunately you may not be able to fix what happened, although sometimes you can, but you can always learn from what occurred. That’s why I do share in my workshops with students, mistakes I made in my life and career. If you can learn from my mistakes I have made something good out of something bad. That, I think, is one of the best things you can do in your life.

So write down your goal, create your steps that you can do. And keep going!

Huge Success Doesn't Fix Everything!

2009-07-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

HUGE SUCCESS DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING!

I have been watching for many years articles and stories about hugely successful people in many fields entertainment included who have sad even tragic stories. Why? When they get what they say they want so badly why does their life look so sad or even staggeringly tragic?

This morning I pulled out a yellowed, worn article that I had cut out of a newspaper a few years ago. It was about the suicide of an actor who had been on a series, who looked like to the outside world to be living his dream. I taped it to a card and on top I wrote, AN ACTING JOB DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING. I put it on my desk where my clients could see it and where I could pull it out to remind actors that they need to put their life and their well being must be put on top of the Priority List.

As I hear about successful, famous people facing adversities, either self-induced or just the luck of the draw, I know we must remind each other that no success is more important than your health, your peace of mind, your friends and your family.

Don’t get me wrong! Success and great work achievement are important. We all want that. We all work hard for that. Of course that is true. But if you can’t be at peace with yourself in front of your own mirror when you are alone what good is all that success.

So definitely go out and fight for what you want to accomplish. Do what you need to do. But remember to spend time and effort on the gold that money can’t buy. Your health, both physical and mental. Your friendships. No, you really can’t buy true friendships. Your family. Okay maybe you didn’t’ choose them but do your best to care for them. And find joy and pleasure in all that life opens up to you that no amount of money can buy.

My heart goes out to those people who seem to have everything but we come to realize they were “lost”. We need to take care of each other. But first you must take care of yourself.

A Page from my New Book

2009-04-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

Chorus Line Marks that Time in my Life

2009-04-11T12:26:00.001-07:00

This morning I heard a wonderful interview on NPR. Take a listen.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102977788

It is an interview about a wonderful documentary called Every Little Step about the creating of Chorus Line. It is based on both the video tapes of Michael Bennett and also casting the revival of Chorus Line. I haven't see it yet but just this interview reminded me of what it was like living in NYC and going to see the original Chorus Line. I think most people I know at that time were touched by that performance. Although I never really considered myself a dancer ( I did dance in musicals) because I knew dancers, amazing dancers and that was not me; I related to the desire, the drive of those artists. It truly allowed the audience to understand the pain, agony, joy and love of the artist for the art.

What makes a person willing to go on when the odds are against them, when the reject can be ruthless, when many times family and friends don't understand? Hearing this interview I knew I must see this documentary because I need to be amongst artists who understand, who get it, who don't ask me to explain why I do what I do.

Maybe this is why I am most happy when I am coaching actors both privately and in groups. We all speak a language that most people will never understand. My club of people. People who don't need me to explain the joy of feeling the pain of my character, the exhilaration of find just the right inner thought that makes the character come alive on stage or on the screen. That joy cannot be bought. It must be found and experienced by each artist in their own distinctive way.

Enjoy the journey and I hope and pray you have artist friends to enjoy it with you.

Jeanne

The Right Questions for Actors

2009-04-09T22:54:00.001-07:00

I finally wrote the book which is based on 20 years of coaching professional actors. It is called
The Right Questions for Actors. I could have used a hand book, a manual, a tool book to turn to when I needed guidance, when I knew something was missing. This manual is such a book.
I wanted a small manual actors could carry with them and they could turn to when they want to create exciting, believable characters.
If you are interested in purchasing the book, go to my site
www.JeanneHartmanActorsDetective. com

And please write to me on the site. I would love to know what questions particularly helped you solve your acting problems.

Keep searching. You will know better than anyone what you need to find the answers to creating a believable character. A person we will want to watch, a person we will care about.
A person that will affect those who watch him on stage or screen.

Happy New Year to Actors

2009-01-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

I wish you a successful new year Actors.
May you have exciting auditions. If you are not there yet there are techniques you can improve that will help you be consistent in your auditions.

May you WORK. A LOT.

May you enjoy your work and those you will be working with in all your endeavors.

May you keep your passion for your work or find it if you have lost it!

May you keep learning. Artists always keep learning.

May you decide to improve something in your life - work or personal.

May you share your passion with someone who really needs it.

Bless you all

Jeanne
www.JeanneHartmanActorsDetective.com

Movies and Theater in Los Angeles, California

2008-11-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

I saw Clint Eastwood’s film, the Changeling, and was touched by the performances of the actors and story. Angelina Jolie, once again, takes on a difficult role. And once again she handles it with strength and a truth to the character that I truly respect. Seeing this film reminds me again how such a short time ago, women were dismissed, their words and their worth.

A couple weeks ago, I first went to see a dear friend and wonderful actress, Ann Ryerson, in some new plays. I applaud groups who are writing and developing their work. Although I didn’t like all the pieces I appreciate the process that writers must go through to find the “gold” and you do need to get it on its feet at some point with actors and an audience to find out what’s really working or not! So for the Fierce Backbone Preview Night I prefer to share what I liked. Of the 8 pieces I think the strongest pieces were, Hooks, The Course We Set and Cleo’s Girls. The actors in all the pieces were strong and I look forward to seeing more work from this group.

Last Monday night, I had the pleasure of attending the performance of Most Happy Fella by Frank Loesser with the Musical Theatre Guild’s Broadway in Concert Series. I have always loved this musical. The score is so exciting. As usual with this group the singers were strong and soared with the minimal amount of type they get to rehearse. There is one more performance Nov 23 out in Thousand Oaks. Go out and see this group. You will recognize some of the songs I’m sure!

And finally this last week I went to a screening of Slumdog Millionaire. LOVED IT. The description I had been given didn’t tell me about the seriousness of the story. I don’t want to share too much information about the story. I would just like to recommend that you see it. Actors were wonderful and seeing India in this story really touched me.

Actors are People Too.

2008-11-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

I have coached actors professionally for over 20 years. I am shocked still after all these years how people treated actors. Yes of course there are difficult actors but there are also difficult waiters, businessmen, clerks, politicians, CEOS (lots of them) and yet actors are put up to ridicule. I realize they have chosen to attempt this difficult career but there is no reason to treat them with such disrespect.
Actors are people too. They have their own fears, their own opinions and their own limitations JUST LIKE YOU. So their job is to create a real person, JUST LIKE YOU. And sometimes you don't like what you see because if you looked at yourself, you wouldn't look like what you see.

I so respect the actors I work with. That doesn't mean that I am not tough on them. Yes I am. But I never ask them to do something that I wouldn't ask of myself. Can you say the same thing?

Actors are willing to search their souls. Most people can't even tell the truth once a day let alone in front of loads up gum-chewing, cigarette smoking gaffers.

I challenge anyone to get in front of a camera, lights and 40 people who chew, roll their eyes and are bored and you have to show emotions you wouldn't show in front of anyone you loved let alone 40 people you don't even know.

So stop it! You don't understand how they do it, fine. Just don't put someone down because you can't do what they do. We respect what you do, why not do the same for everyone else.

A Tribute to Paul Newman

2008-09-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

I know that my blog is called Answers 4 Actors. But I can tell you that some of the answers we need to look at are the respected actors who came before us. Today we lost one of the best. My thoughts about Paul Newman. You will be missed.

After hearing the news about Paul Newman's death this morning on NPR, my heart was saddened.
I have seen so many movies in my life. Sometimes they fade but I still remember the first time I saw Paul Newman in Hombre. I remember seeing the opening scene with his blue eyes jumping out at me from the screen. I think that particular role stuck with me because he played a man that didn't fit in either of his worlds, the one he grew up in and the one he came from. I think I felt like that myself. His character was not a perfect hero. You know what I mean those perfect heros that most of us can't relate to and never seem to make mistakes. His character has his own demons and yet when he was faced with a decision finally did the right thing. On some level I saw that maybe I too could stand up, do what is right, and defend others who weren't strong or were being unfairly treated. I hope in my own small way I have continued to do that.

I remember someone saying, "When you know more, you must do more." Each time we learn of injustice or a struggle it is our responsibility to stand up. Tell some else, support those oppressed, speak out. I first saw Paul Newman play that part and then I watched Paul Newman do that in his own life.

Yes I will remember so many wonderful performances that I saw of Paul Newman all through my life. I feel honored to be in a profession that has members of his quality and courage. When people have been blessed what matters is what they do with that blessing.

Mr. Newman. Thank you for being a leader for all of us. You will be missed and you will be remembered.

2008-09-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Answers coming soon...