MAP for Actors
Strategies for self taping to put your creativity front and centre.
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Introduction
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MINDSET
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Which way is the 'right' way?
You’re not going to like this answer.
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Mistakes are your Gold
Reframe how you treat mistakes.
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Take up space
Ever been given the direction to ‘take up more space’!? Here’s what that means.
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How to 'care less'
Ever wondered why you book the jobs you don’t want?
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Seek to inspire, not impress
Stop trying to book the job
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It's so wrong it's right.
Why aiming for ‘wrong’ gets you on the right path.
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ACTION
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Quick fix for disconnection.
Utilise your language to snap you into the scene.
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Released versus Relaxed
Sounds the same right? But in practice they mean very different things.
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Reverse the roles
Only ever reading your lines?
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Start hot, end strong.
Nail a strong start to your scene
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Start hot, end strong. IN ACTION
How to warm up into your take so you start strong.
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Pick up the pace
The antidote to indulgent acting.
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Ground your performance with props.
If you forget how to move like a human when a camera is pointing at you, this is for you.
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Ground your performance with Props IN ACTION
Watch Fran experiment wth different props
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Mean what you say
Got a favourite swear word? Get ready to use it.
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Fun is not a dirty word.
What’s my Creative Genius and where do I find it?
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Fun is not a dirty word IN ACTION
Watch the release that flows from being playful.
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PROCESS
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Keep it simple
Role preparation should be specific, not complex.
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Objectives
What are you fighting for?
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Objectives 2.0
It's about you, but it's not about you.
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Objectives in action
Find a need you can fight for.
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Know your Who's
Breathe life into the other characters by casting boldly.
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The science of communication
How humans understand each other and what this means for actors.
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Tears do not equal an Oscar
Don’t get sucked in to the emotion of a scene.
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Fill the pauses
Something is always being communicated, even through silence.
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Know it, don't show it
A mantra from my mentors at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
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BONUS TIPS
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Why does my face do that?
You’re beautiful. Trust me. Now get used to watching your tapes back so you can flex your diagnostic muscle rather than your self conscious one.
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Create the world
Know who you’re speaking to and when.
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Scale your performance
I know, I know, maths and acting? Don’t worry, you only need to be able to count to 10.
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Play the Villain, don't judge them.
Judgement is for the audience, not the actor.
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Quick Compass Guide
Love an inspirational poster stuck to your wall? Then this is for you!
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What's next?
Want to keep the ball rolling?
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