By focusing on developing a deep skill set, in acting classes in nyc or other qualified institutions are of the utmost importance. A solid auditioning technique is also paramount however and acting classes in nyc do not always include this in their curriculum. Audition tapes are becoming the norm, since the producers and agents can easily see if you are camera ready. There is no need for a professionally produced, expensive audition tape. There are some simple rules to follow that can help you produce a great tape, with a borrowed or rented camera and a few friends.
How you appear is key, and lighting is a big part of this. Shadows look like a ravaged complexion or dark circles under the eyes. However, if the lighting is too strong, you will appear completely washed out and "hot" which is just a distracting. If the lighting serves as a distraction to your performance you've wasted your time. Lighting needs to be clean, and completely unnoticeable. If you are enrolled in acting classes in nyc or elsewhere, there is likely a teacher or professional who can assist you. A diagram of a simple lighting plan is something they can help you with.
Two or three small lights will do the trick. The lights should be placed to the right and left and forward of the talent to eliminate shadows and highlight the face. A light can also be brought in to illuminate the background. Audition tapes online sometimes leave the background in the dark. This is okay as long as the overall feel is not too dark. Correcting the color with a white balance feature is the important next step.
Different lights sources are different "temperatures" which means they have a different color. Daylight has a lot of blue in it and is very "cool." If you set up lights near a window the camera must correct for that. The white balance feature is used to make this correction quickly and automatically. Just place something white in the approximate place where you will be standing and hit White Balance. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. Forget to do this and skin tones and all other colors will be "off," which is very distracting.
Another very important thing to consider is sound. If you cannot be heard, you cannot perform. No one wants to sit through a tape that they can't hear. The mic should be as close to the source of the sound as possible to eliminate stray noise. Renting a good quality microphone is a good idea, as the camera mounted variety are usually prone to pick up lots of static and stray noise. Let's face it, acting is a form of communication and you cannot communicate clearly if you can't be heard. Acting classes in nyc sometimes have ways to help with this.
With these basics in place now is the time to think about content. Preparing for a live audition is slightly different than preparing for a taped one, of course. Coaches trained in Meisner acting techniques can help you prepare for those differences. Using the Meisner acting tools can help create a riveting audition tape that does not seem rehearsed or staged. Anyone who has studied Meisner acting nyc will understand that acting is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Of course, you can't cram every possible emotion that a character "has" into a few moments. The key to great acting is what you don't present, but leave simmering underneath. Audiences like to work, think, and look for clues which is a way to engage them in your performance.
Of course, if you are asked to prepare an audition tape of something specific, some sides or a scene, the tape will consist of this. In a more general circumstance, it's good to have a recent audition tape with a monologue, ready to send out on a moment's notice. Whether you have the gift of comedy, or a talent for dramatic roles, a great audition includes both. The greatest actors are well rounded and can include many layers of abilities during a short piece. Tragedy and comedy always work together, for instance and its good to include a sense of both. Enlist the teachers of acting classes in nyc, or wherever you study, to review your practice tapes and incorporate their suggestions. We are not always the best judge of of our own work and being open to direction is a part of being a professional actor.
How you appear is key, and lighting is a big part of this. Shadows look like a ravaged complexion or dark circles under the eyes. However, if the lighting is too strong, you will appear completely washed out and "hot" which is just a distracting. If the lighting serves as a distraction to your performance you've wasted your time. Lighting needs to be clean, and completely unnoticeable. If you are enrolled in acting classes in nyc or elsewhere, there is likely a teacher or professional who can assist you. A diagram of a simple lighting plan is something they can help you with.
Two or three small lights will do the trick. The lights should be placed to the right and left and forward of the talent to eliminate shadows and highlight the face. A light can also be brought in to illuminate the background. Audition tapes online sometimes leave the background in the dark. This is okay as long as the overall feel is not too dark. Correcting the color with a white balance feature is the important next step.
Different lights sources are different "temperatures" which means they have a different color. Daylight has a lot of blue in it and is very "cool." If you set up lights near a window the camera must correct for that. The white balance feature is used to make this correction quickly and automatically. Just place something white in the approximate place where you will be standing and hit White Balance. If you do not use this feature the color will be completely off, especially your skin tones. Forget to do this and skin tones and all other colors will be "off," which is very distracting.
Another very important thing to consider is sound. If you cannot be heard, you cannot perform. No one wants to sit through a tape that they can't hear. The mic should be as close to the source of the sound as possible to eliminate stray noise. Renting a good quality microphone is a good idea, as the camera mounted variety are usually prone to pick up lots of static and stray noise. Let's face it, acting is a form of communication and you cannot communicate clearly if you can't be heard. Acting classes in nyc sometimes have ways to help with this.
With these basics in place now is the time to think about content. Preparing for a live audition is slightly different than preparing for a taped one, of course. Coaches trained in Meisner acting techniques can help you prepare for those differences. Using the Meisner acting tools can help create a riveting audition tape that does not seem rehearsed or staged. Anyone who has studied Meisner acting nyc will understand that acting is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Of course, you can't cram every possible emotion that a character "has" into a few moments. The key to great acting is what you don't present, but leave simmering underneath. Audiences like to work, think, and look for clues which is a way to engage them in your performance.
Of course, if you are asked to prepare an audition tape of something specific, some sides or a scene, the tape will consist of this. In a more general circumstance, it's good to have a recent audition tape with a monologue, ready to send out on a moment's notice. Whether you have the gift of comedy, or a talent for dramatic roles, a great audition includes both. The greatest actors are well rounded and can include many layers of abilities during a short piece. Tragedy and comedy always work together, for instance and its good to include a sense of both. Enlist the teachers of acting classes in nyc, or wherever you study, to review your practice tapes and incorporate their suggestions. We are not always the best judge of of our own work and being open to direction is a part of being a professional actor.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes in nyc for serious actors. To learn more about commercial acting visit the studio website.
