Tag archive of acting

Intimacy: The High Of All Highs

The need to connect intimately to another human being is essential to being human. And the use of an authentic expression (body language and words) to define this experience is a fun exercise, even if it pales in comparison with the experience in of itself. I’ve always been fascinated by the “intimacy of an authentic moment,” and it is the very thing that drives me as a human being and the work I am exploring as a man, lover, friend, actor,

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Pilot Season – Go Bold or Stay Home!

The months of January – March is one of the most significant time periods known to actors. These three months are commonly known as “Pilot Season.” A Pilot is a stand-alone episode of a television series that will be used to sell that show and typically runs as the first episode of said series if a network picks it up. For the actor, this time period is filled with an abundance of job interviews and potential work. That being said, we can ascertain

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Thanksgiving: A sensory-loaded-experience

I was asked to write this week’s column about something that turns out to be near and dear to me, Thanksgiving. I’m an enthusiast of this holiday; in fact, it’s my favorite holiday of the year. I’m not too sure why that is, other than the fact that I crave pumpkin pie at the very mention of the word Thanksgiving! Upon further reflection, I was able to bridge the work I do as an actor and acting coach and relate it to what happens to each

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Spring Into Summer With Your Creativity

What a time to be in the arts! With technology in the palm of our hands, a limitless imagination, and a radical and vibrant Venice community in a state of flux, there is a treasure trove of stories to be told. If you are an actor, writer, or director, and aren’t creating something, anything, what are you waiting for to get started? What an opportunity to explore the shifting of old paradigms, belief systems, individuals and groups clinging on to

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The work is where it’s at, man!

I recall studying in New York with the late and great teacher and director, Gene Frankel. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher, mentor, and friend for seven years. The biggest lesson learned from Gene was that, first and foremost, it’s about the work and the life experiences manifested as a result of putting in the work. That lesson and many others were profound, and I’m happy to say are still applicable to my life today. I frequently hear

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Importance of Winning a Staredown

Staredown: The art of looking someone in the eye and not flinching. I am of the mind that Improv, public speaking and giving presentations are a form of a staredown. When giving a speech, we are told to connect with the audience. Experts say to literally make eye contact. I have had my fair share of presentations and performances, but I must admit, I have not been very engaging with the audience. In a recent improv warm up exercise, it dawned on

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Being Undeniable

After acting side-by-side and coaching hundreds of actors, I have experienced and been fortunate to have observed my share of excellent work at my acting studio, on the set, on stage, and in rehearsals. But, when an actor is UNDENIABLE (unable to be denied or disputed), I find myself gobsmacked and simultaneously deeply appreciating the power of a single word like undeniable to describe what I’ve just experienced. What makes a person undeniable?

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A blank Page: An Invitation to Tell Your Story

FIRST, there is a blank page. by Guy Camilleri The blank page is where it’s at for me! Each day I start here in Venice, close to the beach and usually somewhere with a view so I can check which direction the palm fronds are swaying. The best-case scenario is no wind at all, though having spent most of my surfing years in Hawaii, I yearn for offshore winds (trade winds). Today, the winds are onshore; the ocean is churning, cleansing itself from

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