My First Acting Class

Took my first acting class last night at the Philadelphia Acting Studio.

Quite a surprise.

Bernard Glincosky is the director and he turned me on to the school, but Tobi Gadison instructed the class last night. I didn’t count, but it seemed like about twenty of us – more females than males. I audited the class. Which means I observed rather than being a participant.

The Revolving Door

The first exercise was something Tobi called “The Revolving Door.”

One actor approaches a receptionist for an appointment with a fictitious Mr. Smith – but there’s no way the receptionist lets the actor see Mr. Smith.

The actor makes several approaches – each time becoming a different character.

This went on for the better part of an hour and I was thinking “Man, this is bullshit” for most of that time. I had three reasons for my mental disdain:

While some of the approaches were realistic, others were bizarre and cartoonish. I kept thinking “There’s no way I’d ever act like that in real life.”
And the receptionist was supposed to mimic the actor – both in mannerisms and speech. Once again, I thought to myself “There’s no way I’d ever react like that in real life.”
I’m from the “Less Is More” school of acting. Much of this was way over the edge and I couldn’t envision myself ever acting or reacting like that.

But – eventually – it hit me.

This exercise wasn’t real life. It was acting. And it was designed to push you across the border that separates real life from acting. It was designed to expand your range – and to do it on-the-fly.

Between you and me, I’d never accept a part I didn’t like or feel comfortable doing – but it would indeed be a confidence-booster to know I could handle it if such a situation ever presented itself.

By the time that exercise ended, the bullshit evaporated from my mind and I realized I was going to learn some things about acting – which is why I was there in the first place.

There were two more exercises before the class ended.

Monologues

Actors did solos. And I’ve gotta tell you, most were really good. I’m sorry, but I don’t know anyone’s names yet.

One girl was poignant and powerful in her monologue – and she shed real tears.
A guy in a Mike Schmidt jersey was good in a portrayal from The Count of Monte Cristo – plus he has a great look. If I were he, I’d book a flight to Hollywood so talent scouts could get a look at me.
And another guy played both gay and straight characters so well, I don’t know what-in-hell he is in real life.

Scenes

Two actors play off each other in vignettes. Again, most were really good.

Dial It Up

In both of those exercises, Tobi pushed everyone to dial up the intensity thru a range of 1 thru 10 – and then to back off – as they repeated their presentation several times.

So I’m going to become a participant – to see if I can make it as an actor.

What the hell. Don’t know about anyone else, but I’m pretty sure I’m only going to live once.

In addition to being the official Eagles Outsider for BlameMyFather.com, Barry Bowe is also the author of: