BODYANDSOUL
BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
BY ADHYAMBO ODERA
am reliably told and as a performing artiste, I know that how we walk into a room speaks volumes of our belief of worth. This is why I also know that auditions are the most stressful situations for any budding actor and you would be surprised even seasoned ones. Every actor worth their salt has butterflies right before a big audition and yes they always question their worth. Budding actors are however worse as they have not fully mastered the art of questioning one’s self and conquering the fear. In many cases, this lack of confidence prevents an actor from being fully present in the room - the vital element of acting. They walk in nervously smiling, holding themselves back and a l l o w doubt and self-judgment to cut off their creativity. And then they leave the audition and beat themselves up. Trusting one’s self is honed through extensive preparation and experience. Without the discipline of preparation, the experience rarely comes. When an actor knows all they are bringing to the character, they cannot wait to get into the audition room. They are no longer thinking about the words in the script. They are way past that. They are already in the experience. When prepared actors get in front of casting directors, they walk in excited to engage as an active participant with something to offer. They are not showing up to the party. They ARE the party. But how does one cross the line between butterflies and get straight to boogie world? 1. Have positive thoughts before you get in front of the casting director. No matter what your day has
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Rita Dominic
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Chronicle | July 2013