Thursday, November 19, 2009

Why aren't the old skills of acting taught to young actors?

I had the benefit of dealing with a former broadway director, who taught us a great deal about theater and movement. He taught us how to use a cape, how to enter with the upstage foot, facing, how to direct audience attention to the action desired by the director and how to take it away. He taught us how to wear clothing well, and how to disappear on stage without leaving it. I've never seen anyone teaching these things. They filled pages and pages of notes. Why is this? Or is my experience too limited? Who does teach these things?


I don't need it. I became a teacher. I wonder, however.

Why aren't the old skills of acting taught to young actors?
MY guess is that with Hollywood actors, it's not about talent but about their "LOOK". Same thing in the music industry, you could be the most talented singer ever, but if you are overweight, or kinda ugly, you will get no where.
Reply:the Industry has changed so much,Years ago films/Plays was controlled the actors and actress had to follow strict guidelines were as today, Acting is more free and of course still comtrolled but less guidelines.I feel the basic would be alway taught but of course modernized! You have to look, how the world has changed. What is the main reason to shoot film or create play SALES!!!! New Technology (equipment) help change it especially no longer do actor have to speak a certain way when shoot a film in the boom over them and in plays the little mic that sits in the middle of there foreheads, Some techniques is not longer needed, In addition other ways to sell product, Movies, DVD'S, Downloads, better advertising, (pay) To watch on cable,etc. Everyone is riding a new wave of the Arts.
Reply:Just my guess, but probably because those who have the skills to teach, for the most part believe that todays breed of actors have no interest in learning.





There is a lot that modern actors could learn from the old days, and the old ways... and I say that as someone who prefers old films (20s-30s) over new.


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