13 December 2013

So Long Drama School.......... What Next?

Edmund Goulding helping two actors kiss 1927

So for the last semester / year / three years - however long you have been training - you’ve had a prescribed method of practice. A prescribed amount of class/rehearsal time in which to practice, refine and (hopefully) experiment with your technique.

All of a sudden the big world of “what next?” is looming ominously in front of you, and that world of structure seems an awfully difficult thing to adhere to over the holiday season.

It may be that you are in a different space where you do not have privacy - staying with family. It may be that you take on extra work, or fly off on holiday. Following are some of the best tips I know in maintaining your voice work during the times ahead:

1. Give yourself a break - Do it, and don’t feel guilty about taking a holiday. Get out and about to galleries, the beach, the mountains. It’s all going to serve in feeding your artistic self, and you need the time out.

2. Set yourself a deadline - It’s so easy to get caught up in the hurly burly of the festive season and New Year...before you know it, it’s Easter and you’ve not got your routine back in order. Set a date to start back - just like you would have to if you were taking a holiday from a regular job. Maintaining your skills is your job until your next paid gig.

3. Write it down - What is it you’re going to do? Write it down, tick it off as you go. Give yourself a visual of your habits and set yourself goals, as well as noting your discoveries.

4. Undertake a Program - There are plenty of opportunities to evolve as an artist - even for the fiscally challenged. Get your hands on a copy of ‘The Artist’s Way’ and follow the program (or perhaps one of the books listed here) or arrange early morning classes in voice and movement to kick your day off.

5. Work with like-minded actors - Set yourself some dates and skill share - it’s free and you’re more likely to do it because you’re working with a group.

6. Take yourself somewhere different - You’ve been voicing in a studio for three years - try the beach, a cave, the top of a rolling hill - a change of scenery may be just the inspiration you need.

Remember - it is now your job to improve and expand your skills through exploration - you have the basic grounding to do this - don’t be afraid of what is ahead - seize it with both hands - just be ready when opportunity comes knocking.

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