Mansplaining: to explain something to someone, typically a man to woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronising. I am not about to, so don't worry, but I am seeing this term, and the actions of the definition therein far too often. It is the Counter Wife/Women-is-always-right movement I suppose, which is a little... Continue Reading →
Acting has Taught Me – Another’s Shoes
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBnW7lFx1pp/?taken-by=_labrug_aus_ You've heard the saying, don't judge a person until you've walked a mile in their shoes. Truth be told, we don't get a lot of opportunity to do that, do we? And even if we did, I don't think we can every truly appreciate what another person is going through, because we can never... Continue Reading →
The call of Nature
Following on from my most recent blog of a few days ago, I am reminded of a project I did back in my university days. My final year thesis was an investigation into the feasibility of teaching a subject on Creative Reasoning within scientific studies, and one of the points I discussed which was the... Continue Reading →
A new approach
In developing character, I am constantly trying new things, even small things, to help me establish myself as my character. As a director, I get to see how other actors benefit (or not) by these same techniques. Unsurprisingly, I learn a lot about my process when working with other actors in this way. I also... Continue Reading →
Method or Madness
I have always believed in the philosophy that there is more than one way to skin a cat. Not that I would ever skin a cat mind you, not really. There is always more than one way to do a thing, which is a concept that can be applied to all things in life. As... Continue Reading →
Emotional Engagement
In days long gone now, I was a member of a Youth Theatre group, operating in association with a community theatre company. It was this group that really helped me get over my bad-tasting, childhood experiences of theatre. Working with like minded people and learning basic theatrical techniques was the first step. There was one... Continue Reading →
Learning Lines
In a private conversation, I was recently asked an interesting question; what is the best way to learn your lines? It is not something I really think much about these days. After many years of plays and filming, I have sort of had a technique evolve organically. I took bits and pieces from all over... Continue Reading →
Realism – Portraying with conviction
Debs_Dwelling @labrug How to make a character so convincing your audience believes you are going through what you are portraying? 😉 25/02/2014 7:26 pm This is a hard one to answer. Ultimately, it is a very personal choice as to how far an actor is prepared to go in portraying your character. You see, when... Continue Reading →
The capacity of a grudge
I recall a TV show (Forgiving Dr. Mengele) about an elderly Jewish lady (Eva Mozes Kor) who went on a journey through her own childhood and her time in Nazi concentration camps. As a child, she witnessed the horrors of the genocide of her people, and the death of her parents. She returned to the... Continue Reading →
Multiple Personality Disorder
In response to osullivankate Quite often, an actor will be confronted with an interesting choice; to take on several roles or look for something else. They have found someone else for the lead and supporting roles, and have had a hard time filling their smaller roles. In films, this is often what happens to an... Continue Reading →