Reel PROs
Showcasing Tips for
Reel PROs Workshops
Although we do few showcases at Reel PROs, whenever you're given the opportunity to showcase
yourself in a scene of choice, remember
to make that choice wisely. Selecting the right material can
make all the difference in the world! Listed below are some
important things to consider: 1. Appropriate Material
2. Type of Scene
3. Scene Length
4. Partner vs. 1-on-1 with the Class Monitor
5. The Best Scenes
6. Memorize or Use the Script? 1. Appropriate Material You need to choose a scene that's right for you. While every
actor believes that there's no role they couldn't play, this
is a visual medium based on readily accessible stereotypes.
Instead of fighting against it, try to capitalize on it and
do roles that showcase
both your artistic skills and business thinking. If you're
a 5'2" male and you choose a dramatic scene about being
a star basketball player, chances are you'll get laughs. If
that wasn't your intention, you may want to re-think your
scene. Also avoid excessive profanity and/or X-rated material.
It won’t show how cool or brave you are, it’ll just
make everyone uncomfortable.
This doesn't mean you should stifle your creativity or personal
talents, but use them to your best advantage. Actors should
always have two specific goals: 1) to tell the story truthfully,
and 2) to make whomever you're reading for so interested in
you, they won't be able to stop thinking about you - even
long after the scene is over. 2. Type of Scene Comedy or drama? Nearly everyone will say the same thing when
asked: Comedy! If you can make someone laugh, they'll not
only enjoy watching you, they'll want to know and work with
you. But remember, comedy scenes can't be just "funny."
They must involve characters and events of purpose. If you
prefer drama, try opting for a "dramedy" - it will
really show your range as an actor. Regardless of the genre, always choose scenes that show your
strengths. If that's a dramatic scene, go for it. Just don't
fall into melodrama, and always try to find something light/funny
within the scene. Consider your audience and what kind of
impression you want make. Sitting through 22 angst-ridden
dramatic scenes makes for a long, depressing workshop for
all involved. No one ever looks at their watch while laughing, or while
they're caring about/interested in the character being brought
to life. 3. Scene Length RP sets a maximum time limit on the scenes performed in showcases
(specific times are always noted in the class’s details
on the Calendar), but we highly recommend using the fewest
number of minutes you can.
Choose scenes that whet the appetites of viewers and leave
them wanting more. The best situation you can ever be in as
an actor is to "hook" the viewer in, then make them want to see more of you. NEED to see more of you. The
second they look at their watch wondering how much time has
passed since your scene began you've lost them. Less is more! Drama scenes usually require a lot of back-story (dramatically
UN-interesting exposition) before the audience can fully appreciate
the moments presented. If you choose drama, edit your scene
down to its most dramatically interesting moment and make
sure the scene stands alone well (and again, that it’s
not all woe and tears).
When choosing a comedy scene, be sure the entire scene isn't
a "one-joke wonder," or it too will suffer the same
"This thing should've wrapped up 2 minutes ago"
fate as an overly long drama. Less is more…always. 4. Partner vs. 1-on-1 With the Class
Monitor Doing a prepared scene where you get to interact with another
actor on stage, an actor YOU choose and who will help tell
the truth of the scene, is priceless. Really tight, partnered
scenes create the greatest possible sense of reality - one
crackling with energy and life. And that's the golden ticket.
(If you're worried about being "shown up" by another
actor, you're in the wrong profession: Acting is a team sport.
If you do your job and create a reality that draws the viewer
in, there is no doubt the guest is going to remember you.) 1-on-1 scenes do have their merit, though, since they best
replicate most common real life audition situations: you and
a reader. And, this is a great option if you are new to RP
and haven't yet met other actors you want to work with. (Please
remember: The RP class monitors are professional actors from
Main Arena doing their best to help you shine. Make sure you
do your part and have your scripts in the properly printed
format, and pre-stapled and hi-lighted for them.) 5. The Best Scenes Whether you choose to do a partnered or 1-on-1 scene, THE
BEST SCENES all:
-
Have only two, equally important, characters. (However,
in 1-on-1 scenes, your character should be the
most dramatically interesting!)
-
Have a strong relationship between the two characters
(affectionate or adversarial).
-
Have great conflict with high stakes (each character
must want something different, and then fight for it).
-
Have an arc (the scene ends in a different place then
it started, and is usually brought about by a “discovery”
within the scene).
-
Leave the audience wanting more.
6. Memorize or Use the Script?
That was a trick question, because you should never "memorize"
your lines. You should
LEARN THE SCENE. It may sound like semantics but it's not.
When you learn something, it becomes a part of you, and is
very difficult to forget. Think about all the songs you know
by heart but have never read the lyrics to, compared to all
those facts you memorized in school and then promptly forgot
after the test. The very best thing to do is LEARN and PREPARE your scene
as much as possible (so that you know BOTH roles inside and
out), then go on stage WITH YOUR SCRIPT IN HAND. There are
several reasons for this, but here are the top two:
-
Even the most prepared actors go up on their lines. You
may never use it, but the script is there for you. (You
should know your scene well enough to turn the pages as
you go - without even having to look at them. If you don't,
and you go up, you'll ruin the scene by 1) stopping to
flip through pages to find your lines; 2) stumbling through
by ad libbing and paraphrasing - throwing off your partner/reader;
or 3) killing a joke or dramatic moment - and that's the
kiss of death.)
-
No matter how prepared you are, never let anyone think
it's the best you can be. It's a psychological trick:
They'll think, wow, if they're that good now, imagine
what they'll be like after more training!
Just remember: It's not a memorization contest. So give yourself
a break, and give your best performance - even if you're on
book.
Reel PROs is for and about the actor.
These tips are to help you show yourself to your best advantage
and maximize your time in workshops.
Take this knowledge and knock 'um dead!
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