Acting is often seen as an innate talent, as something
inherent or intangible, which has more to do with an actor’s genes rather than training.
If that is the case, what then, is the need for trained actors, acting
teachers, methodologies and acting classes?
Acting is a craft just like any other performance-based
skill such as singing, dancing and to some extent sports and athletic
activities. A singer or dancer has to learn the craft and keep working on the
skills to improve. Why should acting be any different?
Let’s take a look at some of the skills that an actor has to
build to move forward in the world of acting.
“Inner workings” such as thoughts, emotions, feelings and imagination
that an actor is required to draw upon to perform whether on stage, the street
or on screen is a critical skill. Can a person be taught how to think, imagine,
feel or emote? Perhaps not. However, thinking can be nurtured, feelings can be
brought out and imagination can be enhanced.
A good acting teacher or mentor will not tell students to
see through his eyes or tell them what to see. But a teacher can and should enable
students to open their eyes and see, to live in the moment, to enhance their
imagination, to observe life and characters from their surroundings.
The field of acting requires many such “skillsets” that a
student must build and hone:
1.
Optimal use of voice, its projection and
modulation
2.
Body posture
3.
Action and reaction among actors
4.
Precise movements to be made for stage and
screen (in front of camera)
5.
Memorization
of dialogues and scripts
6.
Improvement of listening skills
7.
Taking direction from directors and technicians
Skills, training and talent will only take you so far. Actors
must also have enough confidence to go through the challenges of an actor’s
life. The rollercoaster of hectic work schedules, too much work and sometimes
no work at all. Being judged and evaluated constantly. Frequently facing rejection,
yet not letting it dampen their spirits. Actors also have to manage the stress
of living in the limelight, where every minute action is scrutinized and judged.
To succeed, it is essential for an actor to be motivated
internally as well as externally and make his/her presence felt while enacting
different roles and characters. In all of this, there is definitely a need for
a mentor, coach, guide, facilitator and a friend.
An acting teacher has the onus of fulfilling this role fully
or partially and must motivate and keep the flame of passion and dream for
acting alive!
