My wife has often told me that I should have been an actor. She claims I have the skills, and I need the attention. Well, I dont know about that, but, I have always wondered what it is like to seriously act. Is it an art that has to be in you, or is it a skill that can be learned? I dont know. I’ve never really tried (I had bit parts in two plays; one in high school, and the other in college, that was it), nor have I ever had lessons. But, I am curious. So to find out, I think I am going to start a new project. So, ladies and gentlemen, I ask you… “Can I Act?”
Here is what I have in mind… I want you, the people of the internet, to write me scenes to perform. Write a scene for me to act out, and I’ll do it. Keep in mind that I am just one person, so make it a monologue. And that I’ll just be in front of my MacBook emoting, so, please, no action scenes or stuff with multiple characters. Just write up a paragraph or page or two, nothing too grand, give me direction, tell me my motivation, and I’ll see what I can do. Make it heavy drama or a light comedy, I don’t care, just write it, tell me how you want me to do it, and I’ll give it a shot!
Oh, and please, original material only thank you. I don’t want to “re-interrupt” a character that everyone already knows and loves. Nor do I want to get sued. Thanks for understanding.
Anyway, after I perform your scene, I'll post it on my blog, www.SenselessBabble.com, and then you can let me know what you think. Leave a comment on my site. Then tell your friends, and then tell them to leave a comment. I’m just doing this for the fun of it. I am not a struggling actor trying to make it big. I am not hoping to land a real gig. I’m just a guy trying to have some fun.
So, what do you think? Let me know. Or better yet, write me a scene to perform, and then tell me, “Can I Act?”
Sounds like an interesting idea, but I doubt anyone here will have time to do what you're suggesting: have you tried finding monologue books from bookstores? You could also find material from your favorite plays or screenplays, or if you have a good friend who is an aspiring writer s/he could write something for you to perform in order to showcase his or her writing skills.
Posts: 84 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: April 28, 2008
I think you're a bit optimistic if you think people are going to write material for someone they don't know, much less someone with no serious commitment to acting.
This said, if you want to try, I've got original monologues and scenes on my site. Go ahead and put one on tape if you want (can't promise I'll critique the result, though.)
What do I hate more than time-wasting wanna-be pretend actors just in it for fun? Well- not MUCH. Go AWAY. This is a business- and the most demanding, competitive one in the world. again- GO AWAY!!!!!
Posts: 882 | Location: the universe | Registered: June 04, 2007
Originally posted by Senseless Babble: My wife has often told me that I should have been an actor. She claims I have the skills, and I need the attention. Well, I dont know about that, but, I have always wondered what it is like to seriously act. Is it an art that has to be in you, or is it a skill that can be learned? I dont know. I’ve never really tried (I had bit parts in two plays; one in high school, and the other in college, that was it), nor have I ever had lessons. But, I am curious. So to find out, I think I am going to start a new project. So, ladies and gentlemen, I ask you… “Can I Act?”
Here is what I have in mind… I want you, the people of the internet, to write me scenes to perform. Write a scene for me to act out, and I’ll do it. Keep in mind that I am just one person, so make it a monologue. And that I’ll just be in front of my MacBook emoting, so, please, no action scenes or stuff with multiple characters. Just write up a paragraph or page or two, nothing too grand, give me direction, tell me my motivation your motivation is up to you., and I’ll see what I can do. Make it heavy drama or a light comedy, I don’t care, just write it, tell me how you want me to do it Again, your interpretation of the material is what acting is all about. If you want someone to tell you HOW to act, you're not truly acting. , and I’ll give it a shot!
Oh, and please, original material only thank you. I don’t want to “re-interrupt” a character that everyone already knows and loves. Nor do I want to get sued. Thanks for understanding. You won't get sued for using a monologue that has already been in existence. You really need to learn about the CRAFT of acting and the BUSINESS of acting before asking people to do things like this for ya.
Anyway, after I perform your scene, I'll post it on my blog, www.SenselessBabble.com, and then you can let me know what you think. Leave a comment on my site. Then tell your friends, and then tell them to leave a comment. I’m just doing this for the fun of it. I am not a struggling actor trying to make it big. I am not hoping to land a real gig. I’m just a guy trying to have some fun. This last comment says a lot about your commitment to the craft. You may be useful for community theatre, go check them out and see when they're holding auditions!
So, what do you think? Let me know. Or better yet, write me a scene to perform, and then tell me, “Can I Act?”
Senseless babble, as much as Miss Stone clearly (and harshly...something I'm actually learning to appreciate from her) stated, you should NOT get involved in this business. Its not that I think you don't have talent...I don't know you so thats an answer I cannot come up with, but you lack the NEED to act. You ask, "can I act?" I answer: If you're doing it as a hobby, stick to community theatre. If you are slightly interested in professional acting, my answer would be NO. I think you would try it for a few months and give up. I could be talking out of my ass here, but from what I've read from you, you lack the passion. Curiosity will not make you a decent actor. Study, be determined, and like CSilvera said, TAKE A CLASS!!
Posts: 433 | Location: Homesick | Registered: October 18, 2006
First of all you can't tell if someone can act just because they show you one scene. And second of all why are you even on this message board if you have absoultly no acting expierience? Go do some community theatre and don't post stupid things like this anymore.
Posts: 33 | Location: NY | Registered: December 03, 2007
