Member-only story

Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor

H.G. Wells

·7.9k Followers· Follow

Published in True And False: Heresy And Common Sense For The Actor

5 min read

661 View Claps

38 Respond

Save

Listen

In the world of acting, there are many different schools of thought on how to approach the craft. Some actors believe in following the rules and traditions of the theater, while others believe in breaking away from convention and finding their own unique voice. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best approach for each actor will vary depending on their individual personality and goals. However, there are some general principles that all actors can benefit from understanding, regardless of their particular style.

The Importance of Heresy

One of the most important things for an actor to remember is that there is no one right way to do things. The theater is a constantly evolving art form, and there are always new ways to approach it. Actors who are willing to experiment and take risks are the ones who are most likely to succeed. Of course, it is important to have a strong foundation in the basics of acting, but once you have that, you should feel free to explore your own creativity and find your own unique voice. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't be afraid to try new things. The worst that can happen is that you will learn something new.

True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor

by David Mamet

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2817 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	146 pages

Common Sense in Acting

While it is important to be open to new ideas, it is also important to have a strong sense of common sense. This means being able to assess a situation and make decisions based on what is most likely to be successful. For example, if you are auditioning for a role, you should choose a monologue that is appropriate for the character and the play. You should also make sure that you are well-prepared and that you give a strong performance. Don't try to be too clever or original; just focus on ng the best job that you can. The casting director will be able to tell if you are being genuine, and they will be more likely to cast you if they believe that you can handle the role.

Finding the Balance

The key to successful acting is finding the balance between heresy and common sense. You need to be open to new ideas and willing to take risks, but you also need to have a strong foundation in the basics of acting. By finding the right balance, you can create performances that are both original and effective.

Examples of Heresy in Acting

There are many examples of heresy in acting throughout history. Some of the most famous actors have been known for breaking away from the conventions of their time and creating their own unique styles. For example, Marlon Brando was known for his naturalistic acting style, which was a departure from the more stylized acting that was popular at the time. Brando's performances were often controversial, but they also helped to revolutionize the way that actors approached their craft.

Another example of heresy in acting is the work of Bertolt Brecht. Brecht was a German playwright who developed a new style of theater that was known as Epic Theater. Epic Theater was designed to be more political and educational than traditional theater, and it often used unconventional techniques such as breaking the fourth wall and using actors to comment on the action of the play.

Examples of Common Sense in Acting

While heresy can be a powerful force in acting, it is also important to have a strong sense of common sense. This means being able to assess a situation and make decisions based on what is most likely to be successful. For example, if you are auditioning for a role, you should choose a monologue that is appropriate for the character and the play. You should also make sure that you are well-prepared and that you give a strong performance. Don't try to be too clever or original; just focus on ng the best job that you can. The casting director will be able to tell if you are being genuine, and they will be more likely to cast you if they believe that you can handle the role.

Heresy and common sense are both essential qualities for successful actors. By finding the right balance between these two extremes, actors can create performances that are both original and effective. So don't be afraid to experiment and take risks, but always make sure that you are ng so with a strong sense of common sense.