Crystal's first class at the beginning of the week was more like a lecture. We didn't do a scene, which was good, because many of us were still recovering from serious hangovers caused by the Oscar parties the night before... Peter didn't have a hangover, because he had to have his headshot taken by Los Angeles-based photographer Paul Smith (to see the result, see picture right at the bottom of this page on the first post). Crystal taught us which phrases are useful to have memorised - by heart, that is, not using pegging or other memory tricks.
Another important tip she gave is to ignore any feedback after an audition. Feedback is not always helpful; most of the time, the casting director has forgotten how your performance went and will just say something to get the agent off their back. Feedback should always come from a consistent source, e.g. your acting coach.
In Crystal's class on Tuesday we had to do a conversation where we had to play a cyborg-kind of creature. It was very funny to see how some people turned this into a cartoon-like drama. We'll have to do that one again next week...
Saxon's class on Wednesday was great fun. She gave us a conversation (taken from a pilot) where we completely had to let go of our inhibitions - the conversation ended with us impersonating a Silverback monkey! It was very funny.
On Thursday, we had Margie again. Apart from practising her Phrase Technique, an important message was to stop being an actor, personalise and have fun! To know that you are special. "Try to expose instead of to hide. The worst that can happen is better than the hiding!"
