By Sami DeSocio
Being an actor is hard. It’s a lot of work, both emotionally and physically on a day to day basis – whether you’re in a show or not. Having a ‘toolbox’ of tips, tricks, and other things that can make any actor’s life easier.
First and foremost, every actor should know enough theory (style of technique of acting) in order for them to quickly deconstruct a scene for a performance or audition. Whether you’re familiar with the character, or you’re asked to cold read (read from the script which you may have not ever seen before), you should always refer to whatever theorist/theorists you’ve been taught in order to make that character come alive for all that will see your performance.
Second, a good pre-show ritual to calm your mind, your nerves, and get yourself into the correct head space before a performance is something every actor needs to carry around with them.
Every actor also has to have a few good monologues they can perform at the drop of a hat. You never know when you’ll pick up a last second audition you have no time to prepare for. A good rule of thumb: One dramatic, one comedic, one classic, and one contemporary. Similarly, if you’re a musical theatre performer, always have at least 2 songs that can be performed at the drop of a hat as well: one ballad, one uptempo, one character, and one classic. And if you want to stand out, these monologues and songs are some the casting directors haven’t heard 100 times.
There is, of course, also the physical tool box, or back pack, or whatever you use to live in a theater for as long as a show is up. Bobby pins, safety pins, wig cap, stage make up, make up remover, cough drops or throat coat, etc, are just some of the essentials that will make your life so much easier.
Having your updated resume and headshot on you, or even business cards is great as well. Remember, in this game, networking is how you win. How will you network if you can’t tell people right away who you are and what you’ve done? People pay better attention and remember you longer if you’ve given them something physical to reference later on.
Two final things to always make sure are in your toolbox – patience and good manners. A simple “thank you” to the accompanist who had to figure out your written and erased markings on your sheet music goes a long way. A simple e-mail to the casting director, thanking them for seeing you goes even further! And remember, this is the ‘hurry up and wait’ business. You could rush to the audition and be ready to go, and then wait in the casting director’s office for an hour or more before you’re seen!
No matter what’s in your toolbox, I sincerely hope the tools serve you well. And if not, maybe it’s time to replace some.
What’s in your toolbox?