An Actor's Question

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A question was sent to me by an actor:   “Why do you think artists take class and continue to study their craft?”

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I’ll try to give you my opinion on that here.  

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So why do actors, musicians, athletes practice so much?   I sometimes wonder if my doctors, dentist, accountant, etc practice as much as we artists do.  Well I certainly hope so.  In fact I pray and desperately hope my surgeon practices and studies as much as I do.  

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Yet sometimes we don’t hear about those “other” people practicing.  Well I believe that they do study.  At least the good ones do.  They read the latest medical journals, they go to conferences and study new techniques.  Yes I believe the good ones do.  

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So it seems logical that really great actors, singers, dancers, directors, writers, and musicians practice.   Each in their own way.  In every way that helps them stay “tuned” so they can create on call.  Whenever and where ever they are required to perform.  

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So yes I believe that to keep getting better at what we do we practice.  As a teacher and a coach I too must keep learning and finding new ways to help artists improve their technique.  Learn how to create a believable, exciting performance.  And just like we were in kindergarten we learn better when the teacher gives us a new exercise, a different way of looking at our goal.  Our goal which is to be able to create a believable exciting performance EVERY TIME we go on stage, or in front of the camera and of course when we walk into the audition room.  

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Vincent Lombardi, a legendary football coach said,  “It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever - the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it.”

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So I am happy to stand up and cheer for those actors, writers, directors, singers, dancers and musicians who decide that they can always improve and take the time to study their craft.  I commend all of you who do so.  

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And that is why I always work so hard to make sure that each and every person who studies in my workshops finds something new to help them do what they love to do.  Perform in the best way they know how.  

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My greatest joy is when I hear from previous students about how they heard my voice in their head when they were facing a dilemma in their work and it helped them solve the problem.   For me, that is the greatest gift I have ever received.  And that is why I always make sure to bring new challenges to every workshop I teach. 

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I can’t wait to return to Hong Kong and have more wonderful experiences helping you, artists, go to another level in your work and in your life.  

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 See you all very soon.Jeanne

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