Some time ago I was given the opportunity to work on The Newsroom, and in rare form, I showed up without doing my homework. I was so glad to get the opportunity, I focused on the wrong thing. I spent more time looking at how to get there, what time I needed to leave and didn't look at what the show was about or how I would fit in or who my character was, his backstory, nothing.
I also didn't read anything about the show other than Jeff Daniels was the lead character Will McAvoy. Imagine that, the Dumb and Dumber guy as the lead in a drama. I figured it would be a great deal, and I would get to work with some cool people. I was right about that and nothing else. I just showed up, with no idea what I was doing or going to do.
Everything went very smooth after I arrived. Wardrobe, hair, makeup were all quick and easy. I had a few minutes to meet the other person who would be on set with me, Andray Johnson. Andray is a working actor, and has since helped me to become involved with the Veterans in Film and Television group.
As we got on set, they placed me next to Sloan played by Olivia Munn, the co-anchor on the show, and we start. After three quick camera checks, we are rolling and about three beats in, Jeff Daniels looks right at me and says "What do you think?". My brain just went to freeze-fright-flight mode and froze. All I could think was "That isn't on the script!" but what came out was "Uh Well You know uh". I didn't do my homework, and as John Boyd would say, I got hosed for it.
The director yelled cut, I was out, and the next guy was in. Ouch. Everyone was very nice and professional but I knew what had just happened.
Have you ever seen this happen in a sales presentation, company briefing or speech?
I bring this up because I have seen this happen in more business and sales presentations than I care to mention. Just like being on set, it is normally preparation and homework. I didn't do my homework and let the crew down and the casting director who trusted me to do a great job. Lesson learned, I won't let it happen again.
Being the true professional she is, Olivia tried to save me and slid some notes over in case I got another take. It didn't happen, and I was politely escorted off the set. Showing the level he was at, Jeff Daniels later took a moment and offered some advice. He let me know not to sweat it, and that I should get some improv training, he mentioned "The Groundlings" in Hollywood might help.
The timing hasn't worked out for The Groundlings yet, although I do intend to go if they will let me in sometime soon.
For now I am taking an acting class with Harli Ames. At last nights class we spent most of the time on improv. It is scary how much you can learn in three hours when you push yourself. It is no wonder people that do to schools like The Groundlings are so good at it.
The class has about 15 people, and only five have any acting aspirations. The rest are there to get better at public speaking, business presentations or sales presentations. Having a business degree and being an experienced public speaker, I would have never considered an acting class. If I knew then what I know now....
It was amazing to see the transition as we did an exercise called "Space Jump". If felt like being on stage with Wayne Brady. Things came out of people you would never expect. One of the most shy people in class jumped up and jumped right in, becoming a completely different person. If the class were just this one night, I would already call it money well spent.
So, DO YOU need an acting class?
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Thank you for your insights.