Though it may be a bit daunting at first as a beginning actor or actress when you see that there is a huge variety of techniques and methods that are available to learn. You may even find that the techniques taught by Michael Chekhov originally may be more your speed. Chekhov’s technique is a “psycho-physical” technique that draws the physical actions of the body to the mind and develops a sensual approach to acting. With the Chekhov acting technique, the actor focuses on the internal problem the character is experiencing, rather than the outward-facing expression of the emotion in terms of movement. The actor physicalises the internal need, allowing the physical expression to be performed on an unconscious level. This method brings out a lot of truth and realism to the character. Fun fact, Chekov was actually a student of Stanislavski’s and Chekov’s method of acting has been added to the Stanislavski system.
Many in Las Vegas will actually recommend looking into learning Lee Strasberg’s technique known to most actors and actresses out there as “The Method”, it is a good method for actors just getting started in Las Vegas. This method is actually a preferred method of many that are already working and being successful in the entertainment industry today. Those that have made this method their favorite technique actually includes big names like James Dean, Al Pacino and Robert Duvall. This method gained rapid popularity when the Actor’s Studio was founded by Strasberg in the 50s. Some of the greats trained there like Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Mongomery Clift learned their technique and skills there.
Relaxation is one of the key focuses of this method and is also doubling as a starting point for this method in a place like Las Vegas. The students of this method are taught a series of exercises that aim to teach them how to let them rid themselves completely of all tension in their body. Once the student has learned to completely relax their body they are then considered more receptive to having the opportunity to feel true emotion. The actor or actress can use this true emotion to add layers to a character that they are working on portraying and helping them to really understand that character on a deeper level and making them more realistic to the audience.
Ultimate relaxation can be a challenge to master, but once mastered your instructor will then have you learn techniques that will help you with memory. Most of those techniques came from Strasberg’s teachings. One of these exercises is called the “coffee cup”. They are asked to relax and then recall the simple action of drinking from a cup of coffee. When practiced over and over, recollection should become easier with time for the actor. When the actor has learned recollection using their senses, they are then taught about emotional memory. Emotional memory can be pretty unique in of itself but it can allow for the actor to really tune themselves into the character they are portraying. Learning about emotional memory can really benefit a beginning actor in Las Vegas.
This method uses the actors skills at recall to have them recall how they felt, the emotions that lay behind a certain moment or event in their past. The method has the actor use an indirect object that they can recall and happened to be present during that exact moment that they have been asked to take the time to recall. The best example of this would be the light switch in a room during a heated argument they had. This is done to help the actor recall the emotions of that event. Once properly trained the actor or actress will be able to use this method of recall to summon up certain emotions to use with a character they are portraying. While this method may take a lifetime to perfect, it is also one of the more believable techniques that helps actors use recall right now in Las Vegas.
You may find that your instructors in Las Vegas actually ask you to take your time and take a look at the different acting techniques out there. They are looking to make you aware and hope that you find something that will help you get the best out of your education with them. It certainly isn’t because you are being ridiculed or anything like that. They simply want you to find a style that is going to work for you and make you a better actor or actress in the long term. You can even use a combination of techniques, the main point is to find a method that will help you as you continue down your path to what will hopefully lead to a successful acting career.
Any new actor should also seek to take classes and training courses in improv, voice and any other skills that will help them make themselves more marketable as an actor. It doesn’t hurt for anyone going into the entertainment industry to also take the time to explore writing and directing classes too. This will give you more tools to add to your toolbox and also you may find that you like writing and directing production more than you do standing in front of the camera, that is okay too. As long as the path you choose to make is one that you can show dedication to and put in the hard work you need to succeed in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas classes in improv should be the first class you consider taking as a beginning actor or actress. Improv helps any actor or actress build their own confidence and can help them ready themselves for auditions they go to and can help them better develop characters. Improv is fun and the benefits of taking an improv class are endless. Improv showcases can even be a great opportunity for a beginning actor or actress to network as well and give agents and casting directors a chance to see you in Las Vegas. No matter what classes you choose to take; it should be done with hard work and dedication, the more effort you put in the more successful you will be in Las Vegas and will be a very fulfilling experience.
