I've found that my subway commute goes by much faster if I use the 30-45 min each way to read a magazine, newspaper, or a good book. Recently, I've decided to use that reading time to educate myself more on acting. The book, "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff has been on my shelf for a few years now; I suppose at some point during undergrad I was told it was a book every actor should have. Since coming to the city I have been told my numerous sources that it is a MUST read, hence I have begun reading it.
I think it is great so far and wanted to share this amusing, yet ever so truthful quote from the prologue:
"To go into acting is like asking for admission to an insane asylum. Anyone may apply, but only the certifiably insane are admitted. I've always thought it's better to give up sanity. Settle down and admit you're crazy or you wouldn't want to act. When you find out what acting is like and what the odds are, and you still persist, the proof of your own insanity is inescapable. Accept it. Most actors make themselves unhappy searching for sanity, by insisting on thier normalcy; its a grave mistake. The life of an actor is a bit easier to take if you admit you're bonkers."
So there you have it, I admit that I am "bonkers," especially being in NYC, there are actors EVERYWHERE!
Ha! So, soooo true. Though, honestly, I think that particular bit of wisdom applies to pretty much any artistic field. I once read a book on writing that began with:
ReplyDelete"How to be a writer. Step 1. Try to be something--ANYTHING--else. Unless this is impossible, do not proceed to step 2."