Why Should You Accept Jesus?
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

If you have not accepted Jesus into your life I invite you to take a minute and read the verses here.

Take a moment and allow the Lord to speak to your heart.

The Apostle Paul wrote in the Book of Romans of the Love and Grace of our Lord Jesus. Christians long before me have used a set of Scriptures from the Book of Romans to lead people to Christ. Through time this has come to be known as the "Roman Road to Salvation"

I would like to share it with you.

Romans 3:10

"As the Scriptures say, No one is good -- not even one." That may sound harsh but it is true, not one of us is a good person in God's eyes. We all have sin in our lives and God will not tolorate Sin.

Romans 3:23

"For all have sinned; all fall short of the God's glorious standard" Paul the author of more books of the Bible than any man knew that he was a sinner in God's eyes. Paul had lived a life by the Jewish Law and had upheld that law. Yet he to found out that he had no hope in the Law.

Romans 5:12

"When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned" God did not intend for us to die, yet Adams sin brought death to the world. We are all human and we all sin.

Romans 6:23

"For the wages of sin are death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. " One of the most beautiful things about our Lord is he always has a way for us. Sin results in death, but God sent his Son Jesus to die as a sacrifice for all men.

Romans 5:8

"But God shows his great Love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." God did not wait for us to get our act together before he sent Christ to the world. I have heard many people say, when I get my life straightened out I will start coming to church and give God a try. Why wait? God sent his Son while we were still sinners, he is waiting for us just as we are.

Romans 10:9-13 "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As scriptures tell us, Anyone who believes in him will not be disappointed. Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They all have the same Lord, who generously gives his riches to all who ask for them. For Anyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved."

If you believe that Jesus died for you and rose from the dead and you confess it with your mouth and BELIEVE in your HEART then you are saved. It is that simple.

If you want to accept Jesus as your personal savior just pray this little Prayer out loud:

*You Must pray this with all your HEART. The Words Mean Nothing, its believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that saves a person!*

Dear Lord, I Believe you died and rose from the dead. I know and confess that I am a sinner and lost without you. I ask you to forgive my sins and come into my heart. I give my life to you and want to live for you the rest of my life. I thank you Lord and praise you. Please guide me and direct me for the rest of my life!

In Jesus name I pray.
AMEN.

If you have prayed this prayer with all your HEART, please send me a message and tell me about it. I would like to pray for you also.

Johnny

Currently reading : Facing Your Giants: The God Who Made a Miracle Out of David Stands Ready to Make One Out of You By Max Lucado Release date: 21 November, 2006

6:31 AM - 4 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Act adult-like
Current mood: contemplative

You can't control anyone's actions, but you have a choice of how you respond. Avoid being abusive, argumentative, closed-minded, critical, defiant, in denial, dishonest, domineering, evasive, impatient, indecisive, insecure, intolerant, irritable, irresponsible, jealous, overly sensitive, pessimistic, repressed, resentful, secretive, self-deceptive, selfish, self-centered, shallow, stubborn, tactless, vain, quick tempered, and/ or withdrawn.

5:55 AM - 1 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Marriage
Current mood: lonely
Category: Romance and Relationships

God created man and woman. Marriage was God's idea, and He knows how to make marriage work.

Follow any plan other than God's at your own risk!

MARK 10:6-9 NKJ
6 "But from the beginning of the creation, God `made them male and female.'
7 `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
8 and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.
9 "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

Provide
A husband is responsible to provide for his wife and family -- spiritually, physically, and financially.

1 TIMOTHY 5:8 NKJ
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

If we try to provide on our own, we will fail. So we must rely on God, trusting Him to enable us. Actually, God is the Provider. We are just His representatives.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:3 NKJ
3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Do Not Divorce
Divorce is not God's plan for you. God wants to use the marriage you are in to get you to face your inadequacy and turn to Him for help. Through facing your difficulties, you will be changed and become more like Jesus.

If you divorce someone for a selfish reason -- you are not obeying God's command to love.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:27-28,33 NKJ
27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.
33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world -- how he may please his wife.

MATTHEW 5:31-32 NKJ
31 "Furthermore it has been said, `Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'
32 "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

MATTHEW 19:3-9 NKJ
3 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?"
4 And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning `made them male and female,'
5 "and said, `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
6 "So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
7 They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?"
8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."

LUKE 16:18 NKJ
18 "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:10-13 NKJ
10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband.
11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.
12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.
13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.

Put Jesus First
LUKE 14:26 NKJ
26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

God allows nothing else to come before Him. You need to put God first, anyway. Without relying on God you will fail. You need God's help to be a good husband.

Love Your Wife
EPHESIANS 5:21,25-33 NKJ
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it,
26 that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

To love his wife as Christ loves the church, a husband must be willing to die for his wife. Not only should we be prepared to die physically, but to die to our selfish desires and plans.

Do Not Be Bitter
COLOSSIANS 3:19 NKJ
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

Men see women as both exquisite and exasperating. They are tempted, at different times, to love them and to hate them.

God's plan is for women to think and act differently than men -- and thus exasperate men at times. The differences give opportunity to reject selfishness and walk in divine love. Thank God for the differences.

1 PETER 3:7 NKJ
7 Likewise you husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Don't expect a woman to think like you or act like you. Knowledge and understanding about being a good husband must be sought -- don't assume you already know all you should. Be sensitive, be considerate, and ask God to give you understanding. And always honor and praise your wife.

1 PETER 3:8-11 NKJ
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

One of the most helpful things in marriage is to practice "not returning evil for evil" (1 Peter 3:9). It is inevitable that offenses will come, that you will be hurt. When that happens, you have a choice: do I lash back and hurt them, or, do I walk in love. If you allow what your spouse does to make you respond in kind, then your spouse is controlling you. Is that what you want?

Ways Of Expressing Love
Because the Bible commands husbands to love their wife, husbands should think about how their love can be expressed. Here are some ways:

words
gifts
acts of service
quality time
touch
Listen to your wife. Think about her needs. Protect her from harm -- including work overload. Express your appreciation for all she does. Never criticize or put her down. She needs to know she is important to you and doing a good job. She needs tangible reminders of your continuing love and affection.

Communication is important to your wife. You must work at, and learn to be, a good listener. Let your wife talk without criticizing or correcting her. Women often get satisfaction just from being listened to.

Don't feel you have to give a solution to everything your wife tells you. Don't take personally everything she says.

Women are different than men. Read some good books on marriage by Christian authors and follow their advice on how to treat your wife.

Affection And Attention
1 CORINTHIANS 7:3-5 NKJ
3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

In general, the physical side of marriage is more important to men, and the emotional is more important to women. In other words, your wife's feelings are very important.

One Wife
Multiple wives were sometimes allowed in Old Testament times, but the New Testament makes clear a husband should have only one (living) wife.

1 TIMOTHY 3:2 NKJ
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;

1 TIMOTHY 3:12 NKJ
12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

TITUS 1:6 NKJ
6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.

Submit To Each Other
Ephesians 5:21 and 1 Peter 5:5 tell us to submit to one another -- not just wives to their husbands. She knows things you do not. You will be cheated in life if you squelch her and do not receive her help and input.

Both men and women have inherent strengths and weaknesses, which, when combined in a godly marriage where both walk in divine love, produce something stronger than any individual.

EPHESIANS 5:21 NKJ
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

1 PETER 5:5 NKJ
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Submitting is the opposite of rebelling. Submitting will often be hard on the flesh. You can argue about your rights -- or you can die to your self, take up your cross, and follow Jesus.

Life is preparation for eternity. And God's plan is for you to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. That means all selfishness and rebelliousness has to go.

ROMANS 8:29 NKJ
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

6:18 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

"Method"Acting Procedures--Relaxation
Current mood: artistic

Relaxation is the foundation upon which rests the "house of
method". Without this foundation, the house sinks into the
quicksand of chaotic convention.

Stanislavski referred to tension as the "occupational disease" of
the actor. Strasberg believed that tension is the actor's greatest
enemy. "Tension" for the actor, is the use of those muscles,
thoughts and energies not necessary to accomplish the actor's
specific task on the stage, this task being the actor's object of
attention, or "object" , upon which the actor has chosen to
concentrate.

Strasberg's Relaxation Exercise was developed to help the actor
learn to identify unwanted tension in the muscles of the body,
including the neck (the final resting place of hidden tension) and
the face (where mental tension manifests itself).

By systematic and deliberate exploration of these muscles, the actor
will identify the tension in each of them, and release that tension
through an act of will.

Sitting in a straight-backed, armless chair, the actor attempts to
assume a position in which sleep could occur if absolutely
necessary. After finding such a position, the actor begins to
explore for tension.

It was common practice when I learned this exercise to first raise
an arm above the head and begin exploring for tension in the
fingers, thumb and wrist by moving the muscles in these areas one at
a time, back and forth and in circles, slowly, while the mind asks
the individual muscle, "Where is the tension there?". When the mind
has identified the tension, it is simply a matter of willing the
muscle to "let go".

This process continues throughout every muscle in the hand, arm,
shoulder, neck, chest, stomach, hips, upper and lower legs, ankles
and down to the toes. Special attention is given to the facial
muscles, especially the brow, temples and jaw, where years of
holding back unspoken thoughts, words and emotions have created
habitual patterns of tension.

Move the lips around, stretching them to their full limits. Stick
the tongue out and move it around in circles, and in and out, extend
the jaw and move it in every direction. Move the muscles of the
brow up and down to release that habitual "worried" expression.
While exploring in this way, be certain that you concentrate fully
on identifying specifically where the tension is, so that you can
willfully release it.

It should be stressed that while exploring, the actor must not allow
tension to creep back into the areas where tension has been
released. If the actor is executing the relaxation exercise, and is
seen sitting motionless in his chair, it is obvious to the observer
that tension has found its way back into previously explored areas.

When practicing the Relaxation Exercise, the actor may find
unusually strong feelings welling up within. At this time, tension
may re-manifest itself throughout the body, and especially in the
neck and throat, resulting in a "choked" sensation in the vocal
chords. The actor is encouraged at this point to help release the
tension by vocalizing a long, sustained "ahhhhh" sound, or a short,
staccato " HAH!" to help release both the tension and the emotion.

After practicing this exercise faithfully every day for fifteen
minutes to a half hour, the actor develops a "sixth sense" for
identifying tension in his body, and this new awareness is
especially useful on the stage, where, when the actor feels tension
for one reason or another, he simply "identifies where it is, and
releases it".

Students have asked me why they can't use meditation, or yoga
instead of the relaxation exercise, pointing out that these
procedures help them attain a high degree of relaxation. I agree
with them that the procedures do indeed accomplish deep relaxation.
But using these procedures onstage proves entirely impractical. In
the first place, these procedures do nothing to help the actor learn
to identify when unwanted tension, which often manifests itself in
very subtle and hidden ways, has become a problem on the stage. But
even if the actor did learn to identify this kind of tension, the
actor obviously cannot stop in the middle of a scene to meditate, or
start doing yoga. Strasberg's relaxation exercise, when mastered,
helps the actor identify the tension as it becomes apparent, then
release the tension in a manner invisible to the audience.

This unwanted tension must be released, or it will block the pure
expression of the actor's instrument onstage.

Think of unwanted tension this way: If you place your forefinger on
the top of a violin and your thumb on the bottom of the violin and
squeeze with considerable pressure while the violinist plays, the
violin will not sound its purest tone. Remove the unwanted tension,
and the violin will sound tones as purely as possible, depending
upon the condition of the instrument.

But learning to properly relax onstage is only a part of the benefit
of the Relaxation Exercise. While the actor is learning to relax by
identifying tension in individual muscles, he is also learning to
develop and strengthen the powers of concentration needed to create
the life of the person, animal or "thing" he is representing in the
story the author has invented. Remember, to be concentrated, you
must be properly relaxed, and to be properly relaxed you must be
concentrated.

The extreme degree of concentration the actor applies to identifying
tension in the body and mind during the Relaxation Exercise will
make the exercise itself very tedious. Human beings don't seem to
enjoy concentrating for extended periods of time unless the object
of their attention has some immediate mental or sensual
gratification for them.

But the actor, not unlike the painter, the musician or the
physician, must find a way to practice the more mundane elements of
the art in ways that are stimulating, exciting and fun.

11:42 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Working For "FREE" on Indie Productions
Current mood: artistic
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Weeding through the on-line ads for Crew Members as well as Talent
Needed for Independent Film Productions I see more opportunities
than ever before. The problem is most of these low or no-budget
Productions want you to work for "Free".
The question is, when do you draw the line when making the decision
whether you need credits so bad you will actually work without pay
and find this acceptable?

If you are presently a student in a Film Program or studying the
Dramatic Arts etc. you should apply to Intern positions that will
trade off work you do to obtaining School Credits. Only responsible
Production Companies, Studios and Television Stations can do this
for you and they will work with you on your scheduling as to not get
in the way of your studies. A Internship at this Professional level
can later get you through the door of many times the same Company
paving the way for a paid position once you Graduate. Be prepared to
work as a Production Assistant. This can mean many jobs including
Driving, Office work, Assisting on the set as well as general gofer
type of jobs that nobody else wants. But whatever the responsibility
is, stay positive and remember you are part of a team and you will
be judged on your overall preformance.

Once you Graduate, look for PA jobs that pay but don't shy away from
potential opportunities that even though you are not being paid you
will assume more responsibility. Many times a Indie Production does
not have the budget to hire expensive crew members, so therefore a
Production Assistant job can turn into a Assistant Director job
which is a great opportunity. Gauge the Production you will work on
for free, research the Producers and Director and see if they have a
successful track record and you have heard of or seen their films.
If you like what you have researched, joining their team is not a
bad idea.. You are therefore banking on their success to become your
success in the long run. This is the only way I will justify working
for free on a Film or TV Show.

Producers that make promises such as you receive free food, free
accomodations, plus the credit and a free admission to the premiere
of the film should be avoided. This cannot take the place of not
being paid. Some Producers also are in the habit now of hiring Free
Crew & Talent in trade for a Video once the Project is completed.
Again, stay away from any project that attempts to trade off goods
for your hard work and services rendered.

Once you have Free-Lanced as a PA and have been paid then you need
to set your "Day Rate". If a Producer offers to pay but below your
Day Rate, move on to the next offer. The day rate and job position
is how other Producers better inderstand the Market they are
shooting in and can apply that to their budgets when they are
crewing up. Sticking to your Day Rate and consistantly getting that
rate locks you into not only the crew position you have the most
experience in but also it applies to your preformance level. Major
Producers will recognize that and hire you repeatingly.

If a Producer offers you a Deferment or Payment Deferral then I
suggest you immediately consult with an Entertainment Attorney
before you sign on the Film. Many Producers use tricky language such
as; "You will be Paid your standard Day Rate for such and such Days
of work after the Completeion of the Project based on "First Monies"
earned from Project. This means that the Producer is promising that
once the Project is sold and they have the money you will get paid!
But many times the Projects are in limbo and never get sold or go
past the "Time Limit" written in the Deferment that states for
example; After One Year if Project is not yet Sold and Distributed,
Deferement is Void. This means that the Producer is longer
responsible to pay you. This has almost become normal operating
procedure in the Independent Filmmaker's camp to -defer the crew- if
you don't have the budget to pay them. I almost never hear of a
deferal payout so I have to rule against this kind of agreement as
well.

The road to getting steady paid work is a hard and long one and you
almost have to accept non-paid positions at the beginning of your
careers. But choose wisely the kind of projects you work on for free
and make sure you are learning and getting more experience from the
job. If not, walk away!

Producers need to have budgets not only to pay the crew but for all
the expenses to make a film. If a Producer cannot pay a crew then
they probably should not attempt a Production in the first place.
And there is the Producers that have budgets but don't pay the crew
in a way of making more money for themselves. In both cases I
suggest you avoid these type of projects for the exception of the
known Producer that has a decent track record and is willing to go
the extra mile to teach you on the set and that the project will be
a great training ground for yourself even though you are working
for "Free".

7:43 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Ever wonder what your agent expects from you?
Current mood: artistic
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Ever wonder how you can have a good working relationship with your
agent? Agents are hired by actors to arrange interviews & auditions,
negotiate salary & billing, believe in you when you are down and
celebrate your success! Following are some tips to help you move to
the top of your agents list!

Make sure your headshots and resumes are professional. This is your
marketing tool! Your headshot must be current and your resume
updated. Make sure your resume is attached to your headshot and the
agency information is on your resume. Do not wait for your agent to
get low on your headshots...send them in every few months.

They must be able to reach you ASAP. If you do not have a pager or
cell phone...get one! Please return phone calls & pages promptly.
Don't forget: The early bird gets the worm! When you return a call
or page make sure you have a pen and paper handy.

Be sure to book out when you are not available for auditions and
bookings. If you are out of town give them a number where you can be
reached.

You must have all contracts sent to your agent. Keep your agent's
contact information with you. If you receive checks directly you
should pay your commission promptly and send a copy of the stub
along with your check.

If you need to talk to your agent-make an appointment. That way you
will have their undivided attention.

Do not call us your agent after you have worked inquiring on how to
get a copy of the job...find out on the set how you can obtain a
copy.

Your agent must have all your current information including sizes,
hair styles, addresses, phone numbers, etc.

If you want your agent to look at contact sheets/pictures, send a
self-addressed-stamped-envelope so they can be returned.

If you are multi-listed you must keep your agents posted on any
commercial conflicts you have. Do not forget to let them know when
you are released.

Be realistic about what roles you are right for. Remember, it is the
quality of the auditions... not the quantity.

Remain professional and respectful to your agent. They are working
for, not against, you.

Keep Rockin'

Johnny

7:40 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Auditioning Advice
Current mood: artistic
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

There are a couple of things every actor should know about
auditioning:

Before you leave your home, make sure you have your headshot/resume
neatly stapled together, the address and a map of where the audition
is, and the phone number of the auditors in case you get lost.

Dress appropriately for the audition (and if you're unsure of what to
wear, make sure prior to the audition to ASK the auditors what is
appropriate to wear).

Arrive about 15 minutes early. This will ensure that you will have
enough time to catch your breath, sit down, look over the sides and
freshen up before your audition.

Be aware that there are actors who will try to distract you. Politely
acknowledge them and excuse yourself graciously. Focus on your sides
or on your monologue. Being distracted like this before an audition
can leave you nervous, unsure of yourself, or incapable of delivering
your best performance.

Don't count on nailing the audition—this puts too much pressure on
yourself. Nailing the audition is good, but in the world of acting,
rejection reigns supreme. It happens 95% of the time. The trick here
is to not see the audition as the end all-be all. Just do the best
job you can and leave it at that.

If you think you did a bad job, don't apologize—ever. Casting people
and directors hate that. Just thank them and leave. Remember, there
will be other auditions!

Consequently, if you think you did a great job auditioning, send a
note of thanks to the auditors for inviting you to audition for them
and how much you enjoyed meeting them. It never hurts to be nice.

If your agent set up the audition for you, thank them for doing so.
Call or email them and tell them how the audition went. This makes
them feel appreciated by you and they will remember you as "the
polite one who actually cares enough to call." This will get you
noticed and you will be more likely sent out on auditions.

7:35 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Actors Commandments
Current mood: artistic
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

1. Apply To Your Craft What You Know From Real Life - And Conserve
And Reserve Your Energy For Performance Implementation: We've all
experienced good and bad times in our lives. Some bad. Some good.
Yet, what better opportunity for the actor then to take these
horrific and golden experiences, and apply them to our interpretation
and/or performance of the character we have been chosen to play, or
for the scene we choose to employ as an optimum audition piece.

Let's say you've won the role of Blanche Dubois in a Broadway revival
of A Street Car Named Desire. Blanche has several mental issues, and
she is a very sad character. If you've suffered a major romantic
breakup, either from the recent or distant past, this is the time to
recall the strong emotional turmoil you experienced (especially if
you were the one who did NOT initiate the break-up). Conversely, if
you're an incredibly happy person (which we all ultimately should
be), who has been fortunate enough to live a privileged life - free
from the kings and queens of pain and misery - then you'll be forced
to contact one of your sad friends if you could dip into their
treasury trove of trauma and remembrance, and ask them to share their
saddest hours.

Which brings up to the second part of the first thespian Commandment:
Conserve and reserve your energy for performance implementation.
Essentially, we must not let the trauma (that today's stress-ridden
life almost encourages) to poison our systems to the point that w
find ourselves taking drugs to relieve ourselves of the medicine that
we initially were prescribed to coat the inaugural depression (from
failed relationships, death of family members or friends, or
financial challenges).

Save that screaming, kicking, hating, pouting, sobbing, anger, etc.
for the stage, big screen and TV - and make it work for you there.
Don't let it destroy you off- camera. Just don't tax yourself with
reliving the negative emotions in real life, but rather channel them
for your reel life, on the small or big screen. If you're lucky
(though I really don't believe in luck, I believe in love), you'll be
cast as a manically loud character for a stage play, and be able to
shout out those emotions loud and clear on stage for an-honest-to-
goodness live theatrical performance every night for months on end
(if the play's a good run).

As to the happy emotions and life experiences? Shoot. You can never
overuse those. In fact, they're life-inducing. The joys and triumphs
of everyday living may be applied to the present from any previous
past turmoil, on stage - or off.

2. Be It, Don't Act It: One of the surest signs of theatrical
immaturity rears its ugly head when an actor makes it so painfully
obvious that he is acting instead of being. I could point out about
ten very successful actors who have done this (and continue to do
so), but I won't.

Instead, I'll just explain to you what not to do.

For example, if your character is directed to cry (either by the
script or the director), don't show that you're crying or that you're
sad. Just cry and be sad. Don't raise your hand to your forehead as
if you were acting in a silent movie. Don't display emotions, feel
emotions - and whatever you do, don't be conscious of the camera or
the audience.

The worst thing you could do when, say you are cast as the lead
character in a stage comedy, is to react - and interact - with pride
every time the audience laughs at one of yours or the character's
humorous antics.

Or, let's say you are Rance Dedlow, the coolest new actor in town -
and you're cast in Hotties and Studs, the hottest new daytime soap.
After a few days of rehearsal, the director calls you over for a few
notes and says, "Rance - you're too conscious of the camera."

You're like, "Uh?"

"I don't see you playing your character Rance. I see you playing
Rance Dedlow playing your character. We have to get Rance out of the
way, and just show the character that you're playing."

That's right, Rance - you're mugging for the camera. You know the
camera's on you, and you're fixing your hair ever so slightly, and
using those jaw-bone moves in your cheeks (upper), because you know
they look sexy (especially after you've just had your wisdom teeth
removed). "Rance," the director continues. "Your character is too
happy a human being to employ his cheek bone muscles that way. You
should laugh and smile as wide as you can. And if your dimples show,
well, then that's okay. But keep those cheek bone muscles in check."

This type of immature performing just doesn't happen on TV. I should
know.

For a college production of Stagedoor, in which I played Keith
Burgess - a very arrogant, self-absorbed character, my acting
professor once chided me after one performance. I was looking too
much into a teensy-weensy mirror that happened to be positioned on
the stage - one at which he never directed me to gaze.

I was already aggravating him because I continued to debut as Keith
under a different guise every night. "Herbie J," he would tell
me. "What are you doing? Last night you were Herbie J playing Marlon
Brando playing Keith Burgess, and tonight you're Herbie J playing
Laurence Olivier playing Keith Burgess. Be consistent. And stop
looking into that damned mirror."

As arrogant as Keith Burgess was in this production, he no way near
would have checked his hair as much as I did during those
performances. I'm surprised my director didn't check me out of the
production, and inset an understudy.

3. Skim Milk That Pause: Pausing between lines is a very risky
business. You have to know just when to do it, and when not to do it.
Let's reference Goldielocks and the three Bears shall we?

You know the scene about the porridge? One is cold, the other is hot,
and the final one is just right. That's how your pausing between
lines should be: Just right. Not too long, and not too short. But
just right.

Here's the deal: In the 9th Season of Friends, Jennifer Aniston - in
a temporary fit of insanity, decides not to continue her $1 million
dollar an episode contract - just as her character, Rachel Greene, is
about to tell her beloved Ross Gellar (David Schwimmer) that she's
pregnant. So you're called in to replace her as the second Rachel
(just like Dick Sargent replaced Dick York as the second Darrin on
Bewitched. Well, kinda. Anyway, you're now playing Rachel, and she
has to tell Ross that she's expecting their child. And the line
is, "Ross, I'm pregnant." Are you going to whip that out, speed-
queenie, without any pause? Maybe, because - due to the pace of this
particular show, that just may be the right thing to do. Or, will you
take it a little slower, with some pause, say, in between "Ross"
and "I'm pregnant?" Or will you place the pause between "Ross, I'm"
and "pregnant"?

In this particular instance, each one of these choices may work. But
the point is to measure very carefully that choice. Especially if
your character is offering a major revelation in the way of storyline
or character.

4. Remain Likable: This is one of the most important of The Thespian
Ten Commandments, and one of the least understood aspects of acting.

I don't care how unlikable the character is that you're playing, as
long as your performance is likable, you will succeed in bringing
your character to life, and ultimate acceptance by the audience.

The best example of an optimum likable performance by an actor
playing an unlikable character is Larry Hagman's iconic performance
as JR Ewing on TV's classic night-time soap, Dallas. JR cheated on
his wife (Sue Ellen played to the hilt by Linda Gray) and swindled
his dear brother Bobby (the affable Patrick Duffy), and went on to
hurt and/or manipulate everyone who he ever loved or hated. Clearly,
he was evil and highly unlikable character. But Hagman's performance
as JR is unstoppable. In rerun heaven forever, the viewers continue
to enjoy disliking JR while equally embracing Hagman's astounding
interpretation. (While watching him play JR on Dallas, you don't even
think of him as Major Tony Nelson on I Dream of Jeannie.)

Quite simply, you love to hate JR Ewing, because you love Larry
Hagman in the role.

Unfortunately, the gang at Seinfeld did not follow the same path. And
listen, no one is a bigger Seinfeld fan than me. I watched it from
the minute it hit the air as only a pilot in the Summer of 1989 (when
it was called The Seinfeld Chronicles).

Originally, the characters of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer were
unlikable - and the performances by Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander,
Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards started out to be likable.
Early on, all was well in the unlikable character/likable performance
world of The Thespian Ten Commandments. That is, until around the 6th
season, when something strange started happening to show.

The actor's starting breaking many of the Commandments. Soon, they
became overly conscious of the camera. The show itself was no longer
a Woody-Allen-esque sophisticated half-hour film every week. It
became loud, obnoxious, literally unbelievable, unwatchable and, at
times - and unfortunately - unfunny. Clearly, the worst thing that
could happen to a comedy.

The main reason? Well, besides the fact that the actors began to
break Commandment Number 2, Be it Don't Act, by becoming way too
conscious of the camera, their performances became way more unlikable
than the unlikable characters they were playing. As the show went on,
everyone was always yelling all the time, screaming at the top of
their lungs - a stint that was initiated by George's parents, played
by Jerry Stiller and Estelle Harris. It worked okay for them, as
recurring characters. But to then have the entire cast always
yelling, every week, all the time? Uh - no.

5. Speak Clearly Without A Big Stick: Because this Commandment has to
do with pacing and being heard, it's kind of a tributary conversation
to Commandment Number 3, Skim Milk That Pause.

Basically, what we're talking about here is: taking your time:
Nothing less, and nothing more. And I do mean nothing is more
annoying than watching a film or TV show - and gosh forbid - a stage
play, and not being able to hear or understand what the heck the
actors are saying.

For example, this happened an awful lot on a show like Sabrina, the
Teenage-Witch. Listen - Melissa Joan Hart was adorable in the role.
But she ran around that series, slurring her words, talking a mile a
minute, and as much as I tried, I couldn't understand one dang thing
the chick was saying.

So, as that great Disco Song of the early '80s commands so
well, "Baby, you can do it, take your time, do it right. You can do
it, Baby. Do it tonight!"

Well, you get the idea.

7:31 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Callbacks
Current mood: artistic
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Usually a callback will occur within a week of your audition, but
sometimes it can be scheduled even as late as a month later! DON'T
worry. Productions get postponed for a variety of reasons, so I
mention this so that you can start thinking about keeping some sort
of audition log for yourself. It is a good idea to keep track of
which monologue you performed, what you wore, who you met and what
they said to you, etc. You can't possibly be expected to try to
remember all this! It is extremely important that you pay attention
to all of these things, because if you are being called back, that
means that there was something about you and your performance that
these people liked and would like to see again. You will want to re-
create certain things to "refresh" their memory of you. Therefore,
it is crucial that you dress EXACTLY the same way for your callback
as you did for your initial audition.


It is a great skill in this business (well, actually in any
business) for you to remember people's faces and the names to go
with them. People are impressed by this, as so few people have
actually mastered this skill. Think of walking into your callback
all the more confidently and comfortably now because you are
somewhat familiar with the people in the room. You know they must
have good taste because they've called you back! This is your second
chance. This is another opportunity for you to perform for them, so
go on, DO enjoy yourself! Yes, it's true, you may come face to face
with your competition. Oft-times, directors will try to "match"
people up, so several people for each role may be waiting to
audition. That's OK. DON'T be intimidated. DO have confidence in
yourself. There is only one you in the entire world and there are a
lot of different reasons as to why a director ultimately chooses who
he (or she) chooses. Just go in there and be the best you you can
be.


If you can get a hold of the sides ahead of time, please DO! You
should bring them to your acting coach in order to properly prepare
for your callback. Preparation is key. If you DON'T get the sides
ahead of time and have to read cold, that's OK, too. DO have fun
with the script! There's something freeing in not having repeatedly
rehearsed something. DO keep on your toes! Hopefully, all along
you've been practicing cold readings with your coach, a fellow
actor, or even a family member, so none of this should be a big
surprise to you. Sometimes, an improvisation will be your callback.
I know this scares some people, but in actuality, it takes the
pressure off dealing with the script, AND, there are no right or
wrong answers, because it's your improv!


Lastly, DON'T underestimate the power of positive energy and
positive thinking. Maintaining a healthy, positive attitude is an
important part of your audition process, so let those positive vibes
flow!

You're almost there! You can DO it!! Land that role!!!

7:26 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment