Acting Right

Upstairs from a casting office SAG-AFTRA Philly locals know far too well is a cozy acting studio called Playhouse West Philadelphia. Here is where a popular artistic director named Tony Savant set the stage with ideas for new, young and mature actors seeking a path to eventually achieve a goal of acting success in the entertainment industry. Forget most of the things you already know about acting. All the cardinal rules do not apply in our world.

Enter a breath of fresh air from Savant’s evening of storytelling, where he gave a candid, personal, firsthand point of view on his experiences working and teaching on both the East and West coasts. On June 1, the room was filled with many intentional and curious questions patiently waiting to be asked. Looking at the actors’ faces sitting in the audience in front of Savant made me realize something that no one wants to admit, which is the cold, harsh truth about our craft. Otherwise everyone would do it. Yet, it is a select few that are called to this profession. This business is not for the faint of heart. It is going to be a long, sacrificial road for the actor who can attain the holy grail of making it “big time” in Hollywood, let alone Phillywood.

Show business is very attractive and glamorous, with much at stake. Nevertheless, there are many hurdles to climb, learning curves to pass and obstacles to overcome. To get through these gates takes savvy, fortitude and, above all, intelligence. The business of acting is actually a lifestyle. Show biz chooses the actor, not the other way around. But, if you have the wherewithal and stamina to listen, learn and portray roles convincingly, then this is the avenue you want to take to fulfill your heart’s desire.

There are plenty of great prizes for a star at the end of this journey, should you reach it, that include respect, fame, fortune, success and accolades from being a union member. However, it all starts with proper training and due diligence in understanding who one is as an artist. Give the best impression possible, show your greatest work and just be confidently ready and prepared when submitting to agents and casting directors to let them know you exist. Rules were meant to be broken. There is not one conventional set way to stardom. Every actor’s circumstances and fate are different. Doing what works for you and having a thankful attitude goes a long way on all levels.

The takeaway is that a person who has been bitten by the acting bug should then begin to shape themselves by learning what is necessary to become a working actor. Audit a class, sign up for training, learn techniques, live your life and build relationships with positive winners in our talented industry, including getting a SAG-AFTRA-franchised agent to represent you. Most importantly, one must develop good people skills and a pleasant personality. After all, everything we do involves others. You want to be a pleasure to work with on set. Putting in the time and effort will pay off for those who really want it by making them prepared artists. So, hold on tight for the ride of your life and use common sense when it comes to your approach of getting your foot (and the rest of you, too) in the auditioning door when the opportunity arises. It could be the breakthrough moment in your career that can change the rest of your life.

Photo: Members at the June 1 workshop with Tony Savant.