Acting *Does anyone know much about Governor's School?*

[noodleroo]

Little sweetheart; did you know that there is really no such thing as 'being' shy? Baby, you are not shy, you ACT shy! What you are inside is definately NOT shy and your friend and teachers see that. I'll bet that they see so many wonderful things in you that are so ready to burst out of you and drama would be the perfect art form to bring it to the surface.

I do have a trick for you to go out and be your best. When you need to muster your strength and confidence, do this: Think of a time that you were on top of the world; a time you won an award or some other honor that made you feel really good about yourself. Remember how you felt at that time and then say to yourself: "I am good, I am good, I am good." Then go use your strength to be all that you have ever wanted to be. You're going to be great!

 

[kargo]

Okay, then, I'm not shy, I'm completely TERRIFIED of the stage. Then again, if Johnny Depp is terrified, then maybe it's not all a bad thing.

 

[noodleroo]

Everybody wants you to do really good; the audience, your friends, your parents and especially you! You're only terrified if you think you are...

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Okay, practical advice; slow down your speech just a tad; not a lot, just a little bit. Look in a mirror as you read your lines to make sure your facial expression and body language match the words. Make sure you ARE using body language. Spend some time before each rehearsal getting into your character; think outside the script. If the character were at McDonalds, what would she order? If she were taking college courses, what would she choose? What is her favourite colour? etc. Don't ACT the role, BE the role.

Make sure you know how to position yourself to speak to the audience and appear as if you are carrying on a conversation with whomever the script calls for. Be sure to use the whole stage (or at least as much as it alloted to you).

Have FUN!

 

[sourland]

Kargo, the quality of your voice is great- very interesting sound to it! Go back to Spookwriter's advice. He was right on the money. Do this for the fun of it, and anyone else be darned. If you are so nervous about going on stage, how about working behind the scenes for a while. Most theatrical groups need all the help they can get. My wife acts and directs. Both of our children have theatrical experience. Me- I'm too shy. You know what, so what if you mess up. They can't shoot you.

 

[kargo]

Thanks for all the help, guys. I'm going to tell you all a huge secret- I plan on applying for the Governor's School for the Arts' Theatre program next year........I know only one person per school gets in, so that's a huge stretch, but it would let me see what it's like to prepare for an audition and audition......and, on the tiny chance I got in, it'd be really fun!

For those of you who don't know, Governor's School is where you go to a college for 2 months as a HS student, earn some college credit hours, and the aim is to have a blast and learn. It's very competitive, according to M. She went two summers ago for visual art.

I'm pretty sure the chances of me getting in are slim, but I'm prepared to give my best shot at an audition and do whatever I need to to make my application look good. (AKA make sure I qualify)


My school may cancel Drama class this year. I'm hoping they'll still do a play even if they cancel the class. If not, well, M's determined not to let me get out of this. She knows I love Drama, so she plans on talking to the Choir teacher and asking her to see about getting a monologue or something for me to do in Chapel if I don't have any other chances to do some Drama this year.

 

[kargo]

Okay guys. Update time.

Yes, they canceled Drama class. No, they didn't cancel the play. I auditioned for the play yesterday. The director said my projection was good, and at the end he said "very good." (although he probably says that to everyone). When I find out I'l let you guys know if I got in or not. The play is Our Town.

 

[Spookwriter]

Sad to see that your school--or any school--would cancel their
drama department. But don't let that slow you down.

I wish you the best of luck in your audition, that you land the part
you want.

My daughter and I are part of the community actors, thru the Art Colony.
Fifth grader, her elementary school has no acting class. And me, I'm a little
too old for school these days. But we fit in with our little art colony. Wether
on stage, or working props or even selling tickets, we fit in.

I bet that your town has some sort of actors group? It need not be in school
to be a stage.

The Halloween corn maze we just finished with the fire department? I cracked
a few people up by doing my Monster Mash dance in the street with complete
strangers who happened to be unlucky enough to catch my attention. Laughed
and had a great time. No stage, no script.

Just an old man playing the fool.

The stage is nice. Sometimes even needed. But standing on that stage won't make
you an actress. It takes something more, something inside that drives you to act.
And that drive is something already in you.

As I've said before...Go for it with everything you've got. Act in school, act on the street,
get on the stage.

Just ACT!!!