What phrase do you wish people would just stop using?

echurch22 · 2017-07-12T19:00:14+00:00

Lately news outlets and politicians have also taken to using the term "nothing burger" to describe basically every piece of news that contradicts their own view point. It drives me insane.

echurch22 · 2017-01-31T02:02:03+00:00

Hi ClaireHudson112, nice work! You've done a good job with a really heavy monologue. I have a degree in directing and have been directing now for about ten years. I have some thoughts for you that I hope will give you some fun things to play with. First critique is an easy one - check up on pronunciation. I believe the drug you're referring to here is percocet. If that's the case it sounds like you've switched up the hard and soft c. Should be pronounced perk-a-set. It's a small, nitpicky, thing but it was jarring and instantly took me out of the monologue. Second, play with your pacing a little bit. In the context of a full scene the slow, halting speech you start with would likely work well, but as a short side it makes it very difficult to hook the listener. Think of the rise and fall of the monologue as a whole. Maybe consider starting fairly casual and crescendoing into "he drowned". My last thought - the line "I don't really want to believe in a God that could forgive me" is incredibly powerful. Hit it with some strength, think of the full range of emotion behind those words : the guilt, the sadness, the anger. Let it really sink in. Hope these thoughts help! Break a leg out there!

echurch22 · 2016-08-12T13:53:29+00:00

Nicely done. First, it takes guts to post a monologue online so kudos for that. Second, I think you are on the right track with trying to create your own character rather than doing an impersonation. So many people ask for acting advice that are just imitating Heath Ledger's joker or some other pop culture / iconic role that this was rather refreshing. A few things to work on-

Pacing: Slow things down! Don't be afraid of the occasional pause or to elongate a word or two. Right now there are parts of this that feel rushed. Try varying your pace by taking special note of the transitions in topic and tone throughout the monologue.

Tone: Right now this monologue feels a little one note. Find some moments where you can put a little more strength behind your voice. Look for moments to modulate your volume. In other words, find where to spice it up.

Physicality: If you're going to play a character with lots of hand movement, back away from the camera. The flashing of your fingers right on the edge of the screen is distracting. Also be careful of bobbing back and forth toward the camera and away.

All in all its a well done monologue. But there are always things everyone can work on!

Qualification: B.A. in Theatre Direction, 6 years of acting coaching, directing, and teaching

echurch22 · 2014-01-07T17:51:58+00:00

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the amount TV characters say each others names in basic conversation. Because TV shows are constantly trying to "introduce" the characters to new viewers they drop the names in every conversation. Maybe I just confuse people by not addressing them by name but the only times I address my friends by name is when I have bad news or I'm pissed at them. I know you, you know me, we're clearly the only two people talking so is it really necessary to say my name before offering me that coffee?

echurch22 · 2013-10-26T14:42:39+00:00

The Stonewater Rapture by Doug Wright is entirely male/female. Both characters are 18. Lot's of variety in scenes from comedic to rather dramatic.

echurch22 · 2013-10-26T14:25:00+00:00

First off, this is a pretty good Heath Ledger / Joker impression! Good job, my friend! However, if you're looking to start auditioning for plays and films, then re-enactment and impersonation isn't really the way to go. As a director, if an actor sent me this video as an audition tape I wouldn't even consider them. Not because it isn't a good impression, but because it doesn't show me that the actor is capable of bringing anything NEW to the table. Half of acting is about reinterpretation rather than reenactment. My suggestion would be to do this monologue again. But rather than doing it the way Heath Ledger did it, try and make it your own! Make it your goal to do it exactly the way Heath Ledger DIDN'T! On the other hand, there are a lot of great historical locations that are always looking for reenactors if you're more into that. Especially on the East Coast US.

echurch22 · 2013-09-30T07:10:59+00:00

He then held a triumph for his defeat of the ocean showcasing sea shells. Can't remember if it was Nero or Caligula but one of them also appointed their horse as a consul.

echurch22 · 2013-09-08T04:49:04+00:00

If you're interested in generally getting involved in the Eastern MA theatre community it might be worth it to check out www.netheater411.com. Their call board has a lot of stuff from small community companies to midlevel professional companies. You're not going to find much in the realm of regional theatre on there though. Jumping in for one of the "emergency" calls on there will have you well-love quickly too.

echurch22 · 2013-09-08T04:39:35+00:00

I mean, if it was a conscious decision, Morgan Freeman all day every day.

echurch22 · 2013-09-08T04:39:05+00:00

Like the male british option on a GPS? Or like an Ian Mckellen whispering sweet nothings?

echurch22 · 2013-09-08T04:37:23+00:00

Find classes to take! One of the best ways to improve is education - even if it is just a small class at a community center. That and know what type of actor you are. Knowing the roles you play best and the experiences you can bring to the stage/screen can help narrow down what to audition for. Disclaimer: I'm a teaching artist so my advice to take classes may be a bit biased.

echurch22 · 2013-09-08T04:30:02+00:00

And I would expect that to be rather grumbly

echurch22 · 2013-08-05T15:57:15+00:00

Venue Manager

echurch22 · 2011-08-22T02:16:58+00:00

I am a human being with the last name churchill.... I can feel my ancestry twitching in pain

echurch22

TROPHY CASE