Sunday, December 4, 2011

*This is my first blog.  In 2012, I will offer a monthly blog.  In the meantime, welcome to my world on and behind stage.

"Embracing the Art of Character Development" 

For me, eyeing the stage always leads to new projects, images of scenic innovations and storylines that touch the souls of seat-fillers.  Theatrically, I live for these moments, because I'm always in labor with good stuff yet to unfold in a script.  As a writer, director, and actor, I'm constantly in the mode of "action."  What destroys my creative flair is encountering a lazy actor who craves the marquee name drop, but lacks the showmanship and acting discipline to be at his or her best.  That scenario tears at my creative flow.  I am referring to those who show up repeatedly at rehearsals unprepared (don't know their lines), haven't a clue about how to wow one at an audition, and those that possess inhibitions about releasing their full energy and imagination on stage. 

Over the years, I, and many other directors have grown tired of hearing any actor say the words "But, that's not me!  That's not something I would do!"  Well, quite frankly (and I'm not being cruel here, just realistic) no director wants YOU on stage; he or she wants the character in full throttle on stage.  What you do regarding your own persona can be kept under wraps, but whatever the character calls for should always explode on stage with your greatest interpretation that matches the artistic director's vision.  That's all your director wants.  Your creative flow is certainly invited, but it should be streamlined to maintain the integrity of the character and the script.  Understand that what the director is looking for, is magic, and that can only come when you step inside the skin of a character and begin to feel his or her pain, and relish in his or her joy.  Whether a character feels shame, is relentlessly evil, possesses loose morals, or is absolutely foolish, it's your job as an actor to excel in bringing the feelings and actions of a character into fruition.  Word to the Wise: Let the stage speak to you, and then answer in character!