There is a great similarity between a promo actor, and a commercial actor. In both cases truth casting applies. In the so-called old days, “promo guys” were all cut from the same cloth. Either the Ernie Anderson basso, or the Casey Kasem sweet, sweet, “California Crackle.” Both of these men, for many years, led the…
Remain natural. Be yourself. Don’t go for it. The toughest assignment for an actor is to remain natural. As a young director, I was warned by my mentors to try to stay away from asking an actor to be themselves. I was told that many actors haven’t a clue to who or what they really…
I’ve been privileged to work and be taught by some of our industries most recognized dynamos. I consider myself a gleaner. If a guy or gal had even a modicum of success, the Kalmenson sponge (that’s me) was there to look and listen. Many of da harv’s tricks are nothing more than observances of some…
Our thankfulness is daily, almost to the point of continual celebration over the blessings far more than Cathy and I could ever perceive as our entitlement. So on this Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010, we say an additional thanks for all the friends, colleagues, and those of good nature who have provided us with an…
The magic of the truth. When the truth is there for you, certainly no explanation is necessary. The lack of explanation regarding the recognition of the truth has always been the same. Truth has always been the actor’s goal. While the word truth or its study thereof by a theatrical production company may differ dramatically,…
“You should tell them about the time, right in the middle of the third scene, when a cue was misinterpreted and the clock began to strike a full scene ahead of schedule.” Okay then, get off my back. I’m going to tell them now! (The actor who happened to be on stage is far too…
Don’t tell me about my great passion. This is who I am and who I have been for my lifetime to date. Scenario A)The gun goes off and you run as fast as you can for as long as you can. Scenario B)They give you the ball and you crash into whomever or whatever happens…
Hey, happy anniversary, da harv. This blog is number forty-five. In just one short year I’ve had the audacity of taking up the amount of time is required for you to read sixty-six thousand and five of my written words. One could say what makes this fact tolerable is that my writing is similar to…
Books are my friends, my true friends. They give, and give, and continue to give. When I only want to concern myself with my needs, and wants, and joys, and perhaps even fantasies or dreams, books are there just for me; selfish da harv. My books are old and new. They are my stewards. These…
It is healthier to express than repress; reduce the protagonist’s stress by being the protagonist who echoes the embodiment of his or her life’s burden, be it real or merely symbolic. Encourage those around you to enjoy your suffering, and to share in what appears to be impossible angst. And for many close enough to…