**untsing**

appletango85

I was wondering if you could help me with the acting part of Guido's mom. The scene director told us to figure out the objective of our characters so we have a basis as to why our characters are in his mind(or in his life). And I am having a hard time getting the objective of his mother. The thoughts that I have had are she is trying to understand him/figure him out/what he is thinking(taken from her first dialogue and her dialogue with Luisa) but then the scene where she tells him he is going to die, I can't make the connection...What do you think? I have also thought that she wants him to be what SHE wants him to  be...like a smother mothering...but I am having trouble making that connection as well.Oh and also, we are supposed to come up with an animal that correlates to our character. I am totally at a loss. All I thought of was a kangaroo bc they carry their young in their pouches for a really long time. haha!

untsing

It sounds as though the director is giving you some liberty to make that decision YOURSELF, so as long as you really think it through and show it in your performance and with your actions, I think it's a good decision.  I mean, assuming you don't take it to some Oedipus-complex level or anything. Haha! One thing I like to do is read through my lines and find the important words.  Underline them, and play around with how you say them and you'll often find different meanings.  Also, I'm a major fan of EYE CONTACT in scenes with a partner.  Even if you are facing his/her back, if you are looking directly at them, it forces a reaction whether you know it or not.  Just a couple of little tricks that will make a big difference in your performance.  Again -- only if the director hasn't told you to do something else.  For example, we're doing CHICAGO in a very presentational, vaudeville style.  We speak mainly to the audience and rarely look directly at our scene partners, so that wouldn't work.  Make sense?The animal thing is interesting.  Is she like a bear mama, where she will attack anyone that goes near her cubs?  Is she a mother that will allow her children to go off on their own once they seem able to fend for themselves?  Think more about behavior rather than action.   

appletango85

Thank you! That really helps a LOT!The eye contact advice is wonderful! I think subconsciously I realized that because I seemed to "feel it" more when he would look at me when doing my lines so I will definitely make it a point to make eye contact and let them make eye contact with me. I think I am also making it "worse" on myself than it should be because he is great at walking those of us who aren't seasoned actors through the process and making suggestions and making us think. My personality is that of do it right the first time and look good. Obviously, that's not going to happen bc what I think and what he thinks(and he can see the overall picture of what he wants in his head) doesn't always jive. Just have to be brave and JUST DO IT! *insert nike symbol here*It was hard enough not to put my nervous ticks in what I was doing. Like putting my hand on my hips when I am supposed to be an old (dead) mom! heheThank you thank you!

untsing

Performing is all about vulnerability.  You're most comfortable dancing, so singing and acting might be a little scary.  I'm more of a singer, so acting and dancing are my scary zones. My best advice is just to not try to be perfect, be willing to feel/look stupid, and you might release something pretty amazing.  Being that vulnerable is scary, but if you go balls-to-the-wall and try something, most directors will say "GOOD!  Let's just add/remove THIS," and the growing process will start there.  It's a lot easier to rein somebody in than to get them to give you more!

appletango85

Oh yes we are hearing that a lot considering over half the cast are dancers over actors!I have done a little acting in the past but it's been a LONG time. I think the more comfortable I get with the cast the easier it will be for me. Just like dancing was at first. I am comfortable with the people in the company so when I screw up I don't feel stupid just frustrated that at myself I didn't do it right haha!Thank you for the advice and encouragement! Unfortunately I don't get to dance AT ALL in the musical because I'll be in old makeup But I also don't have to sing onstage or dance AND sing onstsage ha! so guess it evens out LOL