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Tag: Acting

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How to Play Drunk

Illustration by Radio Article by Malia Wollan – originally written for The New York Times Magazine. “Acting drunk convincingly is about the hardest thing you can do,” says D.W. Brown, 60, an acting coach based in Santa Monica, Calif., who has worked with both film and stage actors. There are

Why Horror Films Are a Good Career Decision for Actors

Photo Source: Warner Bros. Article by Joanne Baron – originally written for Backstage. Horror Films have always been a hit at the box office. They seem to attract large commercial audiences and do well when other films don’t. This happens because they appeal to both the young and old, and

Key Lessons Actors Can Take Away From the Pandemic

Photo Source: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels Article by Joanne Baron – originally written for Backstage. One might look at the pandemic and think only of all the limitations and challenges it brought, missing the fact that—although we were not together in person—many lessons were learned and opportunities given. We can

The Importance of Flexibility for Actors

Photo Source: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels Article by Joanne Baron – originally written for Backstage. An actor has to be flexible. Casts change, scripts change, directors change, and you need to be ready to adapt. There are extreme, almost unthinkable changes in the world—like the recent pandemic. This stunning change
Photo Source: Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

5 Great Dramatic Monologues for Men

Photo Source: Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels Article by Joanne Baron – originally written for Backstage. Monologues should showcase an actor’s strengths and talents, and be chosen with an awareness of who the audience is that it’ll be performed for. If a monologue is being done for an agent
Photo Source: Pexels

Can a Short-Term Class Make a Long-Term Change?

Photo Source: Pexels Article by Joanne Baron and D.W. Brown – originally written for Backstage. There is something very exciting and attractive about the idea of taking a short-term class, be it a one-day seminar or workshop, a four-day Master Class, or a six-week intensive. These short classes and workshops
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How Ethics Play a Role in Your Acting Career

Photo Source: Shutterstock Article by Joanne Baron and D.W. Brown – originally written for Backstage. The dictionary says ethics are “moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.” In this social media-driven, instant result-oriented world, ethics may seem old-fashioned or like they have little importance.

Mariska Hargitay and Her Former Coach Joanne Baron On Meisner’s Impact

Photo Source: Antoine Verglas/NBC (Hargitay) Article by Melinda Loewenstein – originally written for Backstage. Before she was known as the tough but empathetic Det. Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," Mariska Hargitay studied Meisner technique with acting coach Joanne Baron of the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio in

4 Acting Issues That Can Keep You From Giving a Great Performance

Photo Source: Photo by Sergi Dolcet Escrig on Unsplash Article by Joanne Baron – originally written for Backstage. There are certain issues that seem to rear their heads on a rather consistent basis with most actors. These are very easily identifiable—even by actors who suffer from them themselves—when watching other
Photo Source: Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

9 Things Actors Should Avoid Doing in the New Year

Photo Source: Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash Article by Joanne Baron – originally written for Backstage. It’s common to make New Year’s resolutions, often focusing on things to cut out. So actors, what won’t you do in 2021 in order to help make the changes you need to