Having respect for your classmates is a good thing, but don't revere them too much.

Ward Acting Studio Podcast

The problem of holding your classmates in too high of an esteem.

One of the habits you can create that helps get rid of nerves and allows you to do your best work under pressure is to value every acting experience equally.

Value all your work equally.

As an actor, you're your own business.  When you're going to meet an industry professional, find out all you can before the meeting.

Do you research BEFORE you meet people.

When you start to see tangible proof of the value of something that is the time to invest more in it.

If it's working, invest more in it.

Honest conversations to determine if your relationship is supporting or hindering your acting career.

Actors and the relationships that help or hinder them

If you're a specific type, be fully prepared to own that niche.

Owning your niche

Learn to put your attention somewhere else than on yourself.

Watching yourself in the monitor

Know the boundary between overfamiliarity and professional courtesy.

Your friendliness may be OVERfamiliar

Sexism in the acting industry is a huge topic and takes a lot of time to discuss.  It can also be really complicated.  It's not as simple as "standing your ground."  If you want to have a career and not be a victim of sexism, you'll have to chart your way through complicated waters. 

For the Women - thoughts on sexism in the industry

If you've ever felt intimidated by the actor who walks in exhibiting that "I already know these people" air, let it go.  Regardless of how they might come across, the actors who you find intimidating are possibly terribly insecure.  You can beat those feelings inside of yourself by calmly knowing you're the best in the room.  But you have to become the best in the room. 

Stop letting other actors intimidate you!

Best practices for your auditions when it comes to using accents or other physical adjustments. 

Accents or other physical adjustments in your auditions

An actor's voice can be one of his or her most attractive traits.  It can also become a great disadvantage when it is too manipulated, overly character-y or obviously projecting the sound of feeling when no real feelings are present. 

Using your voice well or manipulating to your disadvantage

Yes, there comes a time when actors need to identify themselves as working actors.  There are also plenty of times when making more money is a reality that actors need to face.  It takes a certain type of confidence to take yourself out of the marketplace -- to train, to plan for a move, etc.  But sometimes that time out of the marketplace sets you up for a much bigger leap in your career. 

When getting a day job is the best thing you can do

During his many interviews with Charlie Rose, Robin Williams shared some basic tips he learned from others in the industry.  They are the same skills we strive to create in Meisner courses -- be reminded of how important they are.

Basic tips from Robin Williams

It's not your job to change the atmosphere of where you are.  It is your responsibility to manage your own feelings and get through the difficult times.  There are people who are dream killers.  Don't try to convince them of anything.  My advice -- stay away from them as much as you can and keep your eye on your long-term goals.

When you've got some dream killers in your life

Wendy Ward, Director & Founder of the Ward Studio, reflects on the art of acting, the Meisner approach, acting etiquette & what to remember when taking your skills into the marketplace.

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Ward Acting Studio Podcast

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