2008

As we enter a new year, keep in mind the wonderful theatre that the Sacramento Area has to offer. There are over 100 theatre groups and production companies throughout the area including several Equity theatres. This provides a wide range of theatre genres for theatre going audiences and actors alike.

For you actors, now is the time to fine tune your craft. The use-it-or-lose-it philosophy is very true. Practice cold reading daily. Work on your diction, enunciation, projection. Practice tongue twisters and do theatre exercises. Record yourself and be a critic of how you sound and move. Memorize monologues and scenes--memorization is a wonderful exercise for the brain. Get with a good acting coach and commit to learning new techniques and fine tune those you know. And audition, audition, audition...

AUDITIONING

I have found that the majority of actors do not know how to audition. Here are three tips that will help you get the edge.

1. Make a STRONG COMMITMENT to the character.
2. Have ENERGY & PROJECT--look like you really want the part and convince the director that you are the best person for it. (You are the best person aren't you, or what are you doing at the audition?)
3. REVIEW THE PLAY before the audition so that you are familiar with the characters and situations.

Get the edge in auditions by working with a good acting coach to identify your strengths and weaknesses and find the things you need to do to get the director's attention. Do you know that most directors make at least a preliminary decision within the first 15-20 seconds of seeing you on stage?

Make 2008 your year to devote time and energy to your acting goals.

See you at the theatre!

Allen Schmeltz