The work of an actor can be draining. The performances themselves often require extreme levels
of emotional and physical effort, but the work each individual puts into preparing is just as difficult. So, given that we must lend over pieces of ourselves for each role, this industry and path can beat you down endlessly... If you let it.
In the ever-motivating words of wisdom portion of the class, Ellen explains that we need to find our power supplies. There has to be something in your life that can help get you where you need to be. This could be a routine you perform daily, a person you can speak with, or even a certain musical playlist. Whatever it is, it has to allow you to dial into the work you are about to perform. If you don't have this source, over time, you will feel your performances falling flat even while it feels like you are giving your best effort. Just like all our devices, we need to be plugged in every so often to maintain a high level.
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Class was enlightening this week as everyone struggled with the same thing. Properly cutting off your scene partner. Now, I have mentioned this struggle briefly in a previous entry, but it is fascinating how this is an element that new actors almost certainly struggle with. I still need to work at it myself, but I am marginally better. The issue is that new actors are almost too patient and nice with their scene partners. They don't want to step on their partner's toes and ensure they have a chance to read their lines. This leads to awkward silence as they attempt to find their line and continue the scene.
After a few rounds including the painfully awkward silence, Ellen jumped in to give a great practical example. If you get an audition with a random scene partner, you need to ensure your performance is as professional as possible. Here is the example she gave. In the scene, your character is supposed to storm off after an argument, but before you reach the door, the other actor is supposed to call out for you to stay. What do you do if your scene partner is late and does not prompt you to turn around? Stand there and wait for them to remember? Absolutely not. This will lead to both of you not getting a callback. In this situation, you have a few options, but at the end of the day, you have to keep the scene going. Here is an example of what you could do.
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1.) As you are turning away, turn around and say something like, "Oh, so you're just gonna let me walk away?" This fills in the empty space and prompts your scene partner to continue with their next line.
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2.) If you give them a prompt and nothing comes of it, actually walk out of the door. This might seem drastic, but you need to be the professional in the room.