Hollywood Actors Studio Blog

ACTING TECHNIQUE FUNDAMENTALS #2: ONLY A SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCE IS ACTABLE

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:04:33 +0000

It's not enough to say, “I'm in my car with my friends having a good time on the way to a hot party.” Spontaneity in acting does not come from leaving things up to chance but rather from carefully planning and rehearsing a specific circumstance through detailed actions and then by trusting and letting go. The necessary spontaneity will come from having recreated a life-like situation and responding to it. Continue reading →

ACTING TECHNIQUE FUNDAMENTALS #1: ACTION

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:00:13 +0000

Being in action is at the heart of the matter in the craft of acting. "The actor is the doer," my teacher Herbert Berghof used to always say. Good acting is good doing. Doing something physical to oneself, someone or something (objects/ environment) is the only way the actor gains trust, confidence and faith in his/her imaginary portrayal and so, consequently, does the audience. A complete involvement physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually is an absolute condition for practicing the art of acting. Continue reading →

Helpful Acting principles by Eric Stone

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 04:53:08 +0000

Actors, unlike many other artists, never deliver a finished product. The work of the actor has to remain spontaneous, free and organic. Actors never carry their rehearsal onto the stage. All that matters on stage or in front of the camera is what goes on "at the moment" in terms of behavior and actions received or sent. This represents one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts in the craft and a source of recurring tension and dissatisfaction among performers. Acting is letting go. Continue reading →

THE RULES OF ACTING ©2010 by Eric Stone

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 04:25:10 +0000

Acting is a craft and an art. Craft means that it requires ability, aptitude, know-how and skill. It also means that it is governed by specific principles, rules, tools and techniques which, when applied, produce an impact or an effect in the direction of the intended result. Continue reading →

THE APPROACH AND PHILOSOPHY

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 16:44:34 +0000

The aim of the course is to build total and complete confidence in the actor's ability and technique. There are no rules as to how fast a student can develop. It is entirely left up to him or her, depending on his or her willingness to grow and improve. Continue reading →

Eric Stone performs Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s tale (Histoire du Soldat)

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 02:22:04 +0000

Track 02 Philippe Benichou Starring Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale

Eric Stone performs Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s tale (Histoire du Soldat)

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 02:09:02 +0000

Eric Stone aka Philippe Benichou in Igor Stravinsky's Histoire du Soldat. St Barts Music Festival and Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society Continue reading →

One of my all-time favorite actors Gérard Philipe

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:59:30 +0000

Gérard Philipe in La Mort du Loup by Alfred de Vigny Continue reading →

“On my Feet” Scene Study Technique by Eric Stone

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:00:17 +0000

Make the place here and now/activities/objects/ condition/ atmosphere, and read again focusing primarily on those aspects. Never go for emotion at any early stage of the rehearsal process. Continue reading →

“Off My Feet” Scene Study Technique by Eric Stone

Actors_Studio_Hollywood — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 21:57:16 +0000

“Off my feet” refers to the time an actor spends working on the scene before s/he actually “gets up” to rehearse it. More work is done on theme, understanding, plot, and readings of the work. The actor should aim at developing his or her own technique based on life experience, acting training, and personal intuition. All aspects of the above scene study technique will be explored in depth. It is required that you familiarize yourself with all the scene study vocabulary and distinctions in technique class. I highly recommended that you read Uta Hagen's excellent book: RESPECT FOR ACTING. In addition to having been trained by Miss Hagen personally in New York City, I happen to believe that this is the best, most comprehensive reference book on the craft of acting. Continue reading →