Best things to do to prepare other than just training

[brandontwin2]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 4:47pm

I'm looking for what you think is important to do before trying to go to school for theater. I know that you need to be in training and try to be in as many shows as you can for experience but I'm looking for what else. Are there any specific camps you think are really good? Any trips with groups that should be done? Please share!

[ahmelie]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 12:28am

See as much theatre as possible, get into close relationships with as many theatre-people as possible. Right now, I think its best to learn by doing (getting involved in productions), watching (seeing theatre) and listening (talking with people who are in theatre)

Hope that helps, it has certainly been awesome for my theatre education.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 8/18/08 at 10:21am

The above post says what I would say.

Also read. For instance if you are still at an age where you have to do (damn) book reports, use theatre books. Two birds, one stone, chapter one.

Read every play you can get your hands on, every memoir and biography, every book about theatre and subscribe to American Theatre Magazine because its about the only theatre mag out there. Ask for it as a gift. Some of the articles are a bit esoteric, but you can skip those.

For instance, Hume Cronyn's book (Is it called "A Terrible Liar"?) has some quick acting pointers scattered among the story of his life.

Read the Sunday NY Times Arts and Leisure section. Library time. Read every arts section in every paper you see. Web sites are fine for news, but not that good for in depth pieces.

If you have to write (damn) term papers, use theatre subjects. I wrote on Brecht, Carson McCullers and Harold Pinter. I ended up knowing more about these writers than the teachers, and they LOVED that I did papers on odd topics. Two birds, one stone, chaper two.

Shakespeare and Chekhov are not that easy to read at least for me. Make sure you see them in performance.

Become familiar with what is now referred to as The Great American Songbook.

TCM has lots of old movies with actors whose renown may have faded. Watch old movies.

Some of your teachers may know more than they let on. Engage your English, Drama and Music teachers with questions like what is their favorite play and why. What is their favorite score and why. Or the reverse, what is their least favorite major play/score and why. You have no idea how dull teachers' lives can be and discussions like this, however long or short, can make their day and help your critical thinking. They can also be fun. Note that it is the "why" that is important.

Get/stay in shape physically. And for God sakes, don't smoke.

[AKDPerformer]

Posted: 8/26/08 at 8:41pm

I agree with what everyone has posted.

Also READ READ READ!!! Go to the bookstores and find as many books on acting/theatre/music/singing/dance as possible.

Especially Audition by Michael Shurtleff.

[Juliash]

Posted: 8/26/08 at 9:17pm

I had a teacher who always told his students that it was important to always be a person before anything else, including and actor or singer. And no matter how devoted or passionate you are I think he's right. It's important to maintain a good attitude towards everyone in life, but it spills over into your art too. Whenever you meet people who are still friendly and aren't overly competitive or overly focused, they're the ones who are well liked and getting roles.

[somuchtodo]

Posted: 8/27/08 at 5:29pm

Get better looking -- and I don't mean this facetiously.
Get into the best physical shape possible for your body type. Take obsessive care of your skin. Brighten the teeth. Looks count in this business! You don't have to be beautiful, but you should look YOUR best.