Change Your Breathing, Change Your Mind

Wendell Burton opened the meeting discussing the upcoming film, "The Call". The Call is an "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou" meets "Sister Act" story that reveals the power of hope, faith and sheer desperation to transform the human heart. 

"The Call is a project that has been years in the making with the Lakewood Church drama team in Houston, TX. The screenplay was not only written FOR the actors on the team, it was inspired BY them. We have a really deep supply of talent and an even bigger supply of heart." 

-Wendell Burton

WARM-UP EXERCISE

A lot of times actors get so excited/nervous that they forget to breathe, but if you think about life we usually we take several moments to breathe. When someone asks you a question, upsets you, excites you, etc...you never immediately respond. So, our warm-up exercise was  "Change Your Breathing, Change Your Mind"


The team got into a circle and each participant started with resolves solution, such as, "I am not going to eat." Next the person exemplified a natural thought process with a series of statements taking a deep breath after each statement. 

A good place to practice this breathing technique is in an audition!

Auditions: Jesse Adams

When going in for an audition, look at it as an invitation to a party. The casting team already took time out to pick  the "best people" for the job and since you made it to the interview that includes you! In most cases you know what type of interview you will face, however make it your business t be prepared for whatever happens.

If you're new to the auditioning process, here are the five most important tips for a successful audition.

1. Show up on time. Lateness reflects badly on you as a professional. (How will you make rehearsals/shoot dates if you can't even arrive on time for the audition?)
2. Bring your headshot and resume. Have it readily available.
3. Be prepared. Whether you have to read a segment of the script (called "sides") or perform a monologue, be sure you are ready to go from the moment you step into the auditioning room.
4. Be respectful...even when the auditioners aren't. The fact is that some auditioners are downright rude. It may seem to you that you're not holding their interest or even you're being ignored. Do not let this affect your performance.
5. When you're finished, say thank you...and then leave. Do not linger and discuss your life, the piece, how much you enjoy the character, etc.

THE INTERVIEW

Remember that the reason you got called in was because they liked you. You may be good for a role simply because of your background. Consequently, the casting team may interview you so have a story for EVERYTHING on your resume!

THE COLD READ

Auditions for which you are handed a script and asked to perform a scene are called "cold reads. Though you may not know anything about the story or the character, remember you got the call because they liked YOU! Consequently you should do your best to capture the mood and interpret it as yourself.

MONOLOGUE

Nothing is more important than choosing the right monologue for your type and skill level. Remember, monologue auditions are your moment to shine. They are perhaps the only time an actor has complete control of the situation

IMPROV 

The casting team may give you a sentence or a situation and leave it up to you to create a situation and/or character.

If you go in for one of either 4 types of interviews, be prepared to do something else. After you read a script, they may ask you what else you have; therefore, it is good to have a monologue prepared. If you are in the situation and you do not have a monologue prepared, then become comfortable at improvisation. You may miss an opportunity if you are not prepared. Proverbs 29:18 says Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.