Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Who...What..Where...and Why...We are All Characters in Our Own Story!

The Who, The What, The Where, and The Why are all basic questions we must answer as actors.  We constantly search the text and create a back story for the characters that we create....

What happens when we have to ask ourselves these questions and find the answers?

Cue scary music

So often I am drawn to acting because it is often an escape. The more and more I meet with students and learn more about myself as a person and an actor, I have learned that I must not escape myself in the work but bring more of my unique self to the work. It is this sense of self that will spark a unique perspective in my work whether on stage, in the audition room, or on set.

So here it goes.......

Who are you?

For so many of us, we are defined by our careers which are really important to all of us.  However, we are so much more than just the work that we create.  For example, I am an actor but not defined by this.  I am also a writer, a teacher, a motivator, a son, a cousin, a comedian, a loyal friend.  I am all these things and these things shape my voice in my work.
Go ahead...write 5 things that define you as a person. Do it!!!!

What am I doing?

I probably ask myself this question at least five times out of the day.. But what are you doing with your life? I often try to be more engaged in my day to day actions that will help me focus on a bigger picture.  Small steps allow us get to a great final result.  For example, you say I want to be in a film.  Therefore step one...you must be in on camera class. Second, what casting directors know your work?  It would also help if these casting directors work on casting films... So get in front of them.....casting workshops are a great resource for this.  Finally follow up with a personal thank you note that includes a photo of you!  Three steps that help make an end result more obtainable.  The end result may come four months from now or even 2 years but keep on putting your foot in front of the other one.

Where am I going?
Do you feel like you are stuck and not making progress.  You are hamster running on that wheel not getting anywhere.  Trust me...I feel you and have been there.  However, it is important for your artistic soul to do something new for you.  Maybe it is getting new headshots...I was talking to a friend in LA and his manager suggested that getting new shots might be a useful tool in getting that foot into the casting room.  A new fresh look with your creative energy is never bad thing.  Maybe it is taking a new class or joining a new gym.  I must confess I am taking a new on camera commercial class starting this week and also start classes for my Master's at the same time.  The idea of these classes that lie ahead have given me a sense of pride as both an actor and a teacher.  So get out and do something new... maybe it's even getting a new swimsuit for that summer season that is creeping upon us :)


Why am I doing this?

I think this is intrinsically an important question.  At the end of the day as professional actors, we all make to make money.  We have bills to pay.  However, when the going gets tough...why do you keep on keeping on?  Go ahead and really think and answer this question for yourself.  Look into yourself and say why do I call myself an actor?  And for those readers who are not in the industry I believe that this also a very valid question as well.

For myself, I am an actor, because I am a story teller.  Like this blog, I like to tell stories that inspire people and help them to connect to the world around us.  I think that both theater, film, and television not only entertain our society but also have the opportunity to make change. As an actor, I want to be apart of that.

At the end of the day, it is easier some days to look at ourselves in the mirror.  I must confess... I did in fact look at the physical mirror the other day and went..."O my God... I look like my Dad!"  I was horrified and laughing all at the same time.  :)

However you look at yourself..... you must get to that deeper part of you and realize you have a unique quality and voice to offer this industry in a  future project that will come along your way.  Stay true to yourself and to your passion, dig deep when the going gets tough, and the work will come when you least expect it.

Cheers,

Patrick

Monday, May 5, 2014

The Perfect Power of Now

There is something simple in the present moment of now. This moment right in front of you.  These past few days I have been struck by the idea of this given moment and how beautifully powerful this can be if we allow ourselves to be in this one moment and no where else.  Like many things I have written about ......easier said than done right.

If you arrive at a restaurant before any one else what is the first thing you do once talking to the host? It probably would be pull out your phone and distract yourself while you wait.  In an age where we are connected socially through technology why must we distract ourselves from the reality and real moments in front of us? I am 100% guilty of this.

As actors, it is important to be present in the moment, but I think as a society we need to connect with the moment in front us rather than being concerned with our facebook followers, twitter comments, and Instagram pics.  I am not saying that these things are not useful, but what would happen if you cut back for one hour a week and made the effort to look up from the phone?

Maybe you might meet the love of your life.  Maybe you will have a conversation with a complete stranger that will spark that new film script or maybe you will see that sunset that inspires you to connect more with the world.  This is my challenge this time around. Put it down for one hour, look up and connect. I not only want to complete this challenge for myself but I need it.

In terms of your career, you will be more present in your work on stage and on screen, because you will truly understand how to capture the simplicity and power of that one moment.  That one moment with your co-star or that scene partner or that reader in the audition room. You will own it, because you have looked up and understand what it means to connect in the moment of now.

In terms of the long term goals, the  power of now is also extremely important.  How many times do you worry about the past mistakes in the audition room or how your future roles are going to come into fruition?  I know that I reflect and worry about all these things and more as an actor. However, I am going to try to get from one real moment to the next and see how my work becomes enriched.

I, you and me, we, only have the now .....So why not look up and enjoy it! We owe it to ourselves as people and artists to seize the moment but how can you seize it if you are not aware that it is even there!?

NOW

No ...might be not be what we want to hear but that one no may lead to the yes you need.

Own your moment.  It is your opportunity to shine.  Relish in each opportunity you get to show your voice and talents as an artist in the audition room, on stage, and on set. We actors don't always get this moment!

Winning is not always in the outcome. As actors, we always want to book that role.  So many factors go into the casting process. Winning is showing up fully prepared and present in the moment knowing that you are a professional artist with a unique voice for this role.

As we celebrate cinco de mayo, enjoy the guacamole and margarita while looking up at the moments. It's character research after all or at least that's how I am justifying it. ;) I am sure you will appreciate it much more than that newsfeed you have updated five times in a row.

Live for today, laugh always, and love this moment.

Patrick G. McGee
Actor - Writer - Teaching Artist - All Around Good Guy
Www.patrickgmcgee.com