Review: Acting as a Business

Brian O'Neil's "Acting as a Business" is packed full of helpful bits of advice for the working actor. At the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure how helpful/useful/how much I'd enjoy it. O'Neil filled one of the beginning chapters with various names of well-known actors and gave examples of the work they've done. I wasn't particularly interested in hearing a laundry list of actors and their work since I wanted to get to the real meat/content of the book. But much to my satisfaction, the majority of the book is well written, thoughtful, and incredibly helpful for beginner/mid-career actors.

This reference includes lots of helpful advice on headshots, resumes, cover letters, contacting agents, and ways to break into the industry for actors who are not yet represented. There are also useful tips that I never would have thought of - for example, I thought it was interesting that O'Neil mentions that breaking into the film/tv industry via the soaps is a great way for actors to acquire eligibility for the unions.

When it comes to the arts, often times the business side is neglected during the artist's training. That's why giving this book a read was helpful in giving a perspective on the other side of the art of acting - the art of promoting your work. I liked how O'Neil presented the profession realistically and by mentioning that through persistence, an actor can open up more doors to opportunities. You never know what may happen if you don't put yourself out there.

O'Neil shares info on how to approach agent interviews and office auditions. I especially liked his comment about how you should "make the most of yourself" - that an actor should present his or herself in a positive light, to find a way to pull the positive from your work experience and training. He also touches upon how an actor should be ready to perform at any moment because you never know when you'll be put on the spot to audition.

Overall, his realistic yet encouraging tone was very refreshing and made the book an enjoyable read. And if I don't say so myself, I'm now feeling pretty motivated about looking for auditions and contacting agents. I also must say that thus far, this has been the most useful book I've read on the business side of acting.

Review: Ten Minutes to the Audition

The other day I sat down and read Janice Lynde's "Ten Minutes to the Audition" all in one sitting. What's nice about this book is that it's very concise. The book doesn't come close to all the repetitive problems that occurred in "The Art of Voice Acting" by James R. Alburger. So the reader doesn't run into the problem of feeling like parts of the book are wasting his/her time.

I also like how quick of a read this book was because it made me think that it would work nicely as a quick read before an actual audition. It has a quick checklist that reviews twenty different items that the actor should do. It covers everything from getting to the audition on time to how to introduce yourself at the audition and ways to tackle the script. Then towards the end of the book, Janice Lynde includes a number of actor resources as well as a handy list of recommended books. I hope to take a look at a couple of the books she recommended sometime soon.

Overall, this was a handy reference guide. If you're constantly on the go and don't have enough time to work your way through a lengthy book, you will definitely appreciate Lynde's concise and helpful words.

100 Monologues - Monologue #5: The Artist's Life is a Hard Life

100 Monologues is a project where I'm writing monologue scripts, performing, and filming the pieces. Since I'm beginning to dabble in acting, the project is meant as a means for me to acquire more acting experience where I can work on refining my craft. You can find out more about the project here.

Below is the script from the "The Artist's Life is a Hard Life" monologue. The script isn't exact to my performance above, but my performance is based on it. If you're a student who would like to perform this monologue for class, just make sure you credit me, Maggie Coyle, as the author. For any other use of the script, please contact me.

100 Monologues: #5: The Artist's Life is a Hard Life
Written by Maggie Coyle

The moment I decided to become an artist was the exact same moment the entire world decided to tell me this was a horrible, terrible idea.

“I’m an artist,” I’d say to my friends and family with such enthusiasm. Their response? They roll their eyes, sigh, and tell me that I’m out of my mind. They tell me I won’t amount to much of anything because no one really cares for artists. Who needs artists when there’s cheap, easy to buy prints readily available at cheap retail stores? Who needs artists when everyone wants to spend money on electronic gadgets and expensive cruises for vacation?

Right after I labeled myself an artist, society seemed to reject me. They suddenly had a platform and I was their target audience.

How do they expect me to react? They tell me I’ll never be successful, that I’m crazy, unrealistic, and need to get my head out of the clouds. Do they think I’ll suddenly shake their hand and thank them profusely for finally opening my eyes up to what a no good loser I’ve been for trying to pursue something so meaningless and pointless? Honestly – if I told them I was going to be a doctor, scientist, or lawyer, I feel like they’d beam and nod in agreement that without a doubt I’ll do great things. How rude. Really.

Don’t they know this world would be a hopeless bore without art? We wouldn’t have movies and music to entertain us. We wouldn’t have lovely artwork decorating our houses, and famous art to visit in museums. We wouldn’t have dance. The arts give meaning to life.

So what do I have to say to all the doubters? Good day! There's nothing else to really say to them - I can't really change what they believe. They're going to believe what they're going to believe. The only way I can sway them is by accomplishing great things as an artist. Through my successes, I'll prove them wrong.

Review: The Art of Voice Acting

I recently finished reading "The Art of Voice Acting" by James R. Alburger. Overall, the book was pretty helpful for someone not knowing where to begin with voice acting. It included info on what areas you can get voice acting work in, different techniques, exercises for your voice, and tips and tricks of the trade. The book did seem a bit repetitive at times - it had a tendency of mentioning that you must know your character's back story and who your audience is throughout.

Towards the end, Alburger points out all the various ways a voice actor can present his/herself professionally. I liked the marketing tips and the worksheets he included to help actors with their business plans, written agreements, letters to agents, and figuring out a character's back story.

This book is definitely a good read for any beginner actors, although there are a few areas where the information is repeated a couple times. I found myself skimming through the repetitive information to get to the newer material.

100 Monologues - Monologue #4: Not Really that Bad of a Day

100 Monologues is a project where I'm writing monologue scripts, performing, and filming the pieces. Since I'm beginning to dabble in acting, the project is meant as a means for me to acquire more acting experience where I can work on refining my craft. You can find out more about the project here.

Below is the script from the "Not Really that Bad of a Day" monologue. The script isn't exact to my performance above, but my performance is based on it. If you're a student who would like to perform this monologue for class, just make sure you credit me, Maggie Coyle, as the author. For any other use of the script, please contact me.

100 Monologues: #4: Not Really that Bad of a Day
Written by Maggie Coyle

I just had the worst day. You’re never going to believe this. So I was running late for work and get caught behind some ridiculously slow walking guy. And I can't even walk around him because cars are just rushing by on the road next to us and some genius turned half the sidewalk into his own potted garden or an extension of his garden or whatever. So I’m practically walking on his heels until we get to an area where I have enough room to get out in front of him. Then I get to the metro and some idiot walks right into me. Like really? You really didn’t see me? At all? I mean if he was blind or carried a cane, then okay, but this guy, this guy could see.

Then the metro doors closed on me – I did have the luck of a couple passengers who helped me pry open the doors so I could get completely on board and I didn't have to be stuck half-way on a moving train.

When I got to my stop someone practically shoved me to the ground so they could get where they wanted to go. People can be such jerks. I mean come on!

Then as I got to my office I realized I'm missing my purse – with keys and wallet and everything – like things couldn't get any worse. So I’m in a panic trying to retrace my steps when this woman approaches me with my purse. She says she was looking all over for me so she could return it since she saw me drop it a few blocks back. I thanked her and checked to make sure everything was in order and sure enough –everything was there. So I was a bit cranky when I got to the office because of everything that happened – but…actually it wasn’t that bad of a day. I mean – wow…a couple people helped save me from being stuck in the doors of a moving train. Someone returned my belongings without keeping any of the money in my wallet for themselves. You know…wow…I'm actually pretty lucky. Yeah, I'm going to stop complaining now...

100 Monologues - Monologue #3: Miss Priss

100 Monologues is a project where I'm writing monologue scripts, performing, and filming the pieces. Since I'm beginning to dabble in acting, the project is meant as a means for me to acquire more acting experience where I can work on refining my craft. You can find out more about the project here.

Below is the script from the "Miss Priss" monologue. The script isn't exact to my performance above, but my performance is based on it. If you're a student who would like to perform this monologue for class, just make sure you credit me, Maggie Coyle, as the author. For any other use of the script, please contact me.

100 Monologues: #3: Miss Priss
Written by Maggie Coyle

Like the world is my oyster and I’m like the pearl inside. Actually…wait, do oysters make pearls? Well, anyway, that’s beside the point. Everyone tells me that I’m like this bright ray of sunshine, you know? Like I light up a room and make it glow when I smile. But that kinda makes me wonder why I can’t read in the dark at night – I mean when I smile shouldn’t it light up the page? Or maybe that’s because I’m not really meant to every read, you know? Like I should focus on other stuff, you know? Like important stuff like fashion and bright colors — Anyway, oh wait, that’s right, you wanted to know the time? Oh, you want to know where Main Street is, you say? I’m actually not from around here, I’m from up North, you know like…[trails off]

Review: How to be a Working Actor

I've decided to read a few books and articles on acting as I venture on my quest to learn more on the craft.

I recently finished "How to be a Working Actor" by Mari Lyn Henry and Lynne Rogers. For anyone new to acting, I highly recommend this book. It's filled with lots of great tid bits about marketing for actors, auditions, acting tools, and analyzing scripts.

Parts of the book weren't really relevant to my interest in acting - such as the chapters that focus on what you should do before moving to L.A. or New York City. I was more interested in the meat of the material - where they listed the best practices for wearing different types of makeup and the best kind of wardrobe to have on your hands. I really loved all the information they provided with the best colors and style of clothing to wear for photo shoots for headshots and film work.

Henry and Rogers also give good advice on auditions and actor interviews. With info on what to expect for commercial, soap opera, and TV series auditions, it gave me a great background/foundation as a beginner. I feel more confident about how to approach auditions - especially since I feel more comfortable with my ideas of what to wear and how to rehearse.

I'm not sure how more advanced actors would feel about this book - perhaps I'll pick it up and give it another read once I've gained more on-camera experience. Overall, I was pleased with what I read and jotted down quite a few notes.

100 Monologues - Monologue #2: Dreams (of writing)

100 Monologues is a project where I'm writing monologue scripts, performing, and filming the pieces. Since I'm beginning to dabble in acting, the project is meant as a means for me to acquire more acting experience where I can work on refining my craft. You can find out more about the project here.

Below is the script from the "Dreams (of writing)" monologue. The script isn't exact to my performance above, but my performance is based on it. If you're a student who would like to perform this monologue for class, just make sure you credit me, Maggie Coyle, as the author. For any other use of the script, please contact me.

100 Monologues: #2: Dreams (of writing)
Written by Maggie Coyle

When I was a kid, everyone told me that anything was possible, that I could do anything. I grew up thinking about how I'd change the world some day, and that seemed completely believable. I wasn't sure how I'd change the world - I mean I was told I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up, so I thought I'd be a ballerina or a princess, and I suppose I would change the world that way somehow. But then I fell in love with literature and reading, and then I started thinking that I'd become a writer some day. I discovered the power of the written word and thought about how I could change peoples’ lives with my stories. So I spent countless nights scribbling away in journals and spiral notebooks. I wrote down every poem and story that came to my head. My pen devoured pages. I was hungry for writing and couldn't get enough of it.

Then I went to college. The professors and my peers tried to wake me up so I'd quit dreaming about becoming a novelist. And it almost worked, until I realized what was going on. They were telling me that I wouldn't make it. That I wouldn't be able to make a living off my writing, because no one these days really could. My professors were jaded because they weren't full-time writers, and my peers were trying to cut down their competition. But you know...I still couldn't wake up from my dreams.

I realized that I had become an adult, and suddenly the world was telling me that I have limits, that the world is more confined and the sky is no longer the limit. And that got me thinking, why was everyone talking to me when I was a kid with open arms and encouragement? What happened to that? Is this some sort of sick joke for the youth?

Well I say ignore that. Ignore the people trying to discourage you now. I was told I would do great things, and by god, I will do great things. I will become whatever I want to become. And I will do what my heart always knew I'd be destined to do. I say enough of the Debbie Downers, and enough of the cynics who just like to stomp on other people's dreams.

I'm not going to give up on my dreams. I don't think anyone else should.

Acting for Film Class

I recently took an "Acting for Film" class. We mainly focused on performing monologues for film as well as the stage. Each class we'd work on a different scene or monologue. Then during one of our last classes, we picked a monlogue that we performed while the teacher shot footage of us outside as well as inside.

With the footage from outside, since it was night, my teacher set up some pretty bright lights. I'm a bit disappointed that my face looks washed out on one side, making my head look more rounded. Nevertheless, I enjoyed getting to see what I look like on camera. Below is the footage from outside:

I've realized that you learn quite a bit when you film yourself acting and then take a look at the footage. It's a lot like stepping away from a painting so you can get a better idea of the bigger picture - of how things come together as a whole. My 100 Monologues project will really help me hone my skills since I plan to film each monologue. That way I can critique my work and get a better idea of what I need to do in order to improve.

Acting Classes Can Help Beginner Actors

Right now I'm taking an "Intro to Acting for Film" class. I have to admit, taking acting classes is incredibly helpful with motivating myself to do acting projects on the side. And as a beginner, I've found that classes can give you a sense of direction and also help you figure out if you truly are interested in exploring the realm of acting.

My film class has taught me a lot about transitioning from stage acting to film acting. I've become more aware of my mannerisms, how expressive my eyes are, and what directions I should look towards. I've realized that I have a habit of looking down at the ground when I'm not making eye contact with other actors, which can be a good thing or bad thing depending on the situation of the scene. For instance, it's probably better for me to look to the side instead of the ground since my eyelashes hide my eyes from the camera.

The feedback I'm receiving in class has also helped motivate me to want to keep moving forward with acting. I was pleasantly surprised the other day with the reaction I got from the class on one of my performances. I also thought it was a bit funny that several people told me I remind them of Meg Ryan (which I really don't see, but thank you anyway). And what really made my day was hearing that I'm different. It's good to know I don't blend into the crowd. Thus that class has served as encouragement for me to keep going with acting.

Thus far, I have to say that my film class has helped me with:

1. Getting more confident with performing scenes and monologues in front of others
2. Being more aware of one's expressions, mannerisms, and body language
3. Finding the best directions to look towards depending on the position of the camera
4. Discovering if you truly have the acting bug
5. Motivation to work on future film projects

Needless to say, I'm a strong supporter of beginner actors taking acting classes. They really can help you build confidence and motivation. Plus they are a lot of fun!

100 Monologues - Monologue #1: Insomnia

100 Monologues is a project where I'm writing monologue scripts, performing, and filming the pieces. Since I'm beginning to dabble in acting, the project is meant as a means for me to acquire more acting experience where I can work on refining my craft. You can find out more about the project here.

Below is the script from the "Insomnia" monologue. The script isn't exact to my performance above, but my performance is based on it. If you're a student who would like to perform this monologue for class, just make sure you credit me, Maggie Coyle, as the author. For any other use of the script, please contact me.

100 Monologues: #1 Insomnia
Written by Maggie Coyle

You know one week I was sleeping soundly every night and then one night I just—I couldn’t. My mind just wouldn’t shut-up. I tried closing my eyes for several minutes–still nothing. And I kept propping myself up on an elbow and looking over at the alarm clock to see how much time I’d have to left to actually get some rest. And time just couldn’t care less—it kept going on and on. 1 a.m. 2 a.m. 3 a.m.

By 5 a.m. I was just desperate. I knew I needed some amount of sleep to actually function the next day. My eyes ached, my head hurt. But my mind wouldn’t just give in and take a break for the night. I tried taking a warm shower, drinking some hot green tea, counting sheep or whatever, but still nothing. It was no use.

Before long it was morning, and I spent that entire week with insomnia. I think got a total of a half hour of sleep that entire time. I have no idea how on earth I managed to function with so little shut-eye, but I did. And then one miraculous day, I crept home from school, just dropped my bags, wandered into my warm living room, just sprawled out on the couch and closed my eyes. And the sleep just came.

And this whole ordeal with losing Shawn reminds me of that week. Right now it just feels unbearable – I’m just moving along without much rest, my body tired, fatigued, and my mind just aching with heartbreak. And I know that someday, somehow, this will all seem far behind me, and I’ll finally get some rest, relax, close my eyes, and fall asleep.

100 Monologues Project - About

I've decided to tackle a monster of a project. I'm planning to write 100 original monologues that I'll perform and shoot on camera. The purpose of this project is to help me improve my skills as an actress. By going behind the scenes and being in charge of writing the script, this project will also challenge me to tap into creating different characters, stories, situations, and so on and so forth.

If any of the monologues sound similar to something you've seen before, that is simply a coincidence. I'm approaching each piece without thinking about other monologue work that's out there. I also plan to post the script for each monologue so that any students out there can feel free to use it for a class - just make sure you credit the author Maggie Coyle.

So here we go! I'm off to start writing up a storm and getting my pieces memorized and filmed as quickly as I can.

Purpose

I'm beginning to dabble in acting and I thought that starting a blog would be a great way to track my progress and thoughts on the world of acting.

At the moment, I work as a web designer by day and do some studio art at night. I'm a creative person - always interested in the world of the arts. Studio art hasn't been enough for my creativity - I was searching for yet another outlet. When I decided to take a couple of acting classes recently, I realized I found another area in the arts that I'd like to pursue. So here I am - I'm a beginner who's ready to teach herself by practicing on her own time. I'll continue to take classes from time to time, but primarily I'll use this website as a way to motivate myself to do some work on the side.

The plan is to write some scripts. I'd like to create a few short films where I'll write the script, star in them, and create some animation that could be incorporated into the pieces. I also plan to do some monologue work so I can improve at portraying different characters.

So - we shall see how this goes!