12 for 12

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I thought I would round off the end of the year, and the beginning of the New Year, by presenting you with 12 tips for 2012. After all, the turning of the year, is the time when all of us reflect and seek advice, so that we can grow in the coming year. So here is some miracle grow from me:

Especially when working on a long scene or speech, don't make flowery, quirky, or show off detours. Follow the through line of what you are saying.


At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if your emotions are real or not. What matters is whether or not the audience believes that what they are seeing is real.


Have passion. When performing starts to be a chore, or is difficult to the point where you don't enjoy it anymore, do something else.


Before entering a scene, take an extra step away from the entrance before you come on. This will give you an extra jolt of energy for your entrance.


Steal from the best. Watch other performances, especially the great actors. Take what will work for you.


Always try to be grateful and excited about being able to rehearse or perform.


Always do your homework.


Always check your fly.


When working on the scene, if you find yourself lost, confused, or feeling uncomfortable, that's the best time to focus on the other actors in the scene. What are they doing, what are they saying and how would that impact your character?


 Not all scenes are about you, not all plays are about you. Share the stage.


Pauses are important, but must be earned.


Become a child and find your sense of wonder. Be child like, not childish.


OK, one more bonus thought, lets call it Lucky 13 , or an extra brain wave to grow on. What you do is sacred. Ancient, life altering, mystical and sacred. Treat it as such.

2012 will see blogs about using a warriors spirit onstage, about dressing room protocol, and of course tons of tips on acting, singing,  speaking and performance of all types.My very humble thanks to each and every one of you that has read and used this blog this year.I hope your 2012 is magnificent!

See you in the light.

J. T. Turner
The Actors Sensei