Key Takeaways
1. Master the fundamentals of script analysis and character development
Given circumstances are the facts; they are the information that is not subject to debate.
Understand the script. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the given circumstances, which include the character's background, relationships, and the setting of the story. These facts form the foundation of your performance and cannot be ignored or altered.
Identify objectives and obstacles. Determine your character's superobjective (overall goal) and the objectives for each scene. Recognize the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving these goals. This creates the dramatic tension necessary for compelling performances.
Choose active intentions. Select specific actions or behaviors your character employs to overcome obstacles and achieve objectives. These intentions should be expressed as verbs (e.g., to seduce, to intimidate, to plead) and drive your character's moment-to-moment choices in the scene.
2. Develop a rich inner life for your character through imagination and personal experiences
Inner imagery is the thing that makes the audience plug in to their own unconscious.
Create vivid mental images. Develop detailed mental pictures for every experience your character describes or remembers. This inner imagery will make your performance feel more authentic and help the audience connect emotionally with your character.
Use personal experiences. Draw from your own life experiences or create "as if" scenarios to bring emotional depth to your character. This technique, known as emotional memory or substitution, can help you access genuine emotions when needed.
Build a character biography. Construct a detailed backstory for your character, including experiences not explicitly mentioned in the script. This will inform your choices and help you respond authentically in any situation.
3. Embrace physical and vocal techniques to bring your character to life
A volcano in a completely relaxed body.
Develop physical characterization. Explore your character's physicality through techniques like the animal exercise, where you embody an animal that represents your character's essence. This can inform your character's movements, posture, and gestures.
Master vocal techniques. Work on breath control, resonance, and articulation to develop a strong, flexible voice. Experiment with different accents, rhythms, and vocal qualities to create a unique sound for your character.
Understand the demands of different mediums. Adjust your physical and vocal choices for stage, film, and television performances. Stage acting often requires larger, more expressive choices, while film and TV demand subtler, more nuanced performances.
4. Cultivate emotional authenticity and learn to access it on demand
An actor should be a volcano in a completely relaxed body.
Develop emotional triggers. Create a "golden box" of personal memories, images, or scenarios that reliably evoke specific emotions. Practice accessing these triggers quickly and effectively.
Work moment-to-moment. Stay present and responsive to your scene partners, allowing genuine reactions to emerge naturally. Avoid planning your emotional responses in advance.
Balance control and release. Learn to hold back emotions until the right moment, creating tension and anticipation. When emotions do break through, allow them to flow authentically without forcing or indicating.
5. Navigate the nuances of comedy and drama across different mediums
It's not enough to have talent. You have to have a talent for your talent.
Understand comic timing. Develop a sense of rhythm and pacing for comedic performances. Learn to pick up cues quickly and deliver lines with precision to maximize laughs.
Find the truth in comedy. Even in broad comedic roles, root your performance in human truth and genuine stakes. This will make your comedy more relatable and impactful.
Adapt to different styles. Recognize the varying demands of stage, film, and television comedy. Stage often allows for broader choices, while film and TV require more subtle and nuanced performances.
Balance comedy and drama. In dramatic roles, look for opportunities to inject moments of levity or humor. Conversely, in comedic roles, don't shy away from exploring deeper emotional truths.
6. Overcome fear and build confidence through relaxation and preparation
Fear is like a little pug-nosed dog that keeps barking at you, but it's only a little dog with a big bark. All you have to do is kick it and it goes away.
Practice relaxation techniques. Develop a routine of physical and mental relaxation exercises to combat performance anxiety and tension. This will help you access your full range of emotions and physical expressiveness.
Prepare thoroughly. Combat fear through meticulous preparation. Analyze your script, develop your character, and rehearse extensively to build confidence in your choices.
Reframe nervous energy. Learn to channel nervous energy into your performance, using it to fuel your character's objectives and intensify your focus.
Develop a pre-performance ritual. Create a personal routine to center yourself and get into character before performances or auditions. This can help you feel more grounded and confident.
7. Continuously hone your craft through theater, film, and television experiences
Career survival, over the long run, depends on your commitment to developing a command of your craft.
Embrace diverse experiences. Seek out opportunities in theater, film, and television to develop a well-rounded skill set. Each medium offers unique challenges and learning opportunities.
Commit to ongoing training. Regularly attend classes, workshops, and scene study groups to refine your technique and explore new approaches to your craft.
Learn from every role. Approach each character, no matter how small, as an opportunity to grow and expand your range as an actor. Find ways to bring depth and nuance to every performance.
Develop a strong work ethic. Cultivate discipline, professionalism, and a positive attitude. These qualities will serve you well throughout your career and help you navigate the challenges of the industry.
Stay curious and adaptable. Remain open to new techniques, technologies, and trends in the industry. Continuously evolve your approach to acting to stay relevant and engaged in your craft.
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FAQ
What's The Intent to Live about?
- Comprehensive Guide: The Intent to Live by Larry Moss is a detailed guide for actors, focusing on enhancing their craft through various techniques and tools.
- Acting Techniques: It covers essential aspects of acting, including script analysis, emotional triggers, and character interpretation.
- Personal Insights: Moss shares his personal journey and experiences, offering insights into the emotional and psychological aspects of acting.
- Practical Exercises: The book includes exercises like the "System of Wants" and "Memories of Home" to help actors connect with their characters.
Why should I read The Intent to Live?
- Expert Guidance: Written by renowned acting coach Larry Moss, the book offers valuable insights from his extensive experience.
- Holistic Approach: It combines technical skills with emotional depth, essential for creating authentic performances.
- Practical Tools: Readers gain practical tools and exercises that can be immediately applied to their acting work.
What are the key takeaways of The Intent to Live?
- Given Circumstances: Understanding the "given circumstances" of a character is crucial for shaping their actions and reactions.
- Superobjective and Objectives: Identifying a character's superobjective and scene objectives is vital for driving the performance.
- Emotional Triggers: Using emotional triggers and inner imagery can evoke genuine emotions, making performances more relatable.
What is the "System of Wants" exercise in The Intent to Live?
- Identifying Wants: This exercise encourages actors to list their daily wants, helping them understand their character's motivations.
- Character Connection: By recognizing their own wants, actors can draw parallels to their characters, embodying roles authentically.
- Active Engagement: It promotes active engagement with the character's objectives, enhancing the portrayal of desires.
How does Larry Moss define "given circumstances" in The Intent to Live?
- Foundation of Performance: Given circumstances are the irrefutable facts about a character and their situation, provided by the writer.
- Importance of Text: Thoroughly reading the text is necessary to understand these circumstances, informing character behavior.
- Example from Hamlet: Moss uses Hamlet to illustrate how given circumstances shape a character's actions.
What are "superobjective" and "objectives" in acting, according to The Intent to Live?
- Superobjective Defined: The superobjective is the character's overarching goal or dream driving their actions throughout the play or film.
- Scene Objectives: Each scene has specific objectives that connect to the superobjective, representing what the character wants to achieve.
- Example of Nixon: Moss explains Nixon's superobjective to become the most revered president, with each scene reflecting this goal.
How can I find emotional triggers for my acting according to The Intent to Live?
- Personal Experiences: Identify personal memories that evoke strong emotions, using them as emotional triggers during performances.
- "As If" Technique: Imagine scenarios that could provoke the desired emotional response, even if they haven't happened in real life.
- Physical Gestures: Incorporate physical gestures that align with the emotional state to trigger necessary feelings authentically.
What is the "moment before" concept in The Intent to Live?
- Definition of Moment Before: Refers to the time immediately preceding a character's entrance into a scene, establishing emotional state and intentions.
- Impact on Performance: Creating a specific moment before enhances character authenticity and emotional depth.
- Practical Application: Visualize character experiences leading up to the scene, including physical sensations and emotional triggers.
How does The Intent to Live address physicality in acting?
- Physical Life Creation: Creating a character's physical life through destination, business, and gesture conveys emotional state and intentions.
- Sensory Connection: Physicality should connect to sensory experiences, allowing emotional expression through the body.
- Examples from Performances: Moss provides examples illustrating how physical choices impact character portrayal.
What are the best quotes from The Intent to Live and what do they mean?
- "Good actors are good detectives.": Emphasizes understanding a character's backstory and motivations for effective acting.
- "Every scene is about love.": Reflects the idea that all interactions stem from a desire for connection, underscoring the emotional core of acting.
- "Where you are is who you are.": Highlights the significance of place in shaping a character's behavior and emotional state.
How does The Intent to Live address the differences between stage, screen, and TV acting?
- Medium-Specific Techniques: Discusses how acting techniques vary across mediums, requiring adaptation in performances.
- Rehearsal Processes: Outlines differences in rehearsal time and processes between theater, film, and television.
- Vocal and Physical Choices: Highlights how vocal and physical choices must be tailored to the medium, with film often requiring subtler expressions.
How does The Intent to Live encourage actors to find their unique voice?
- Personal Exploration: Encourages exploring personal experiences and emotions to inform performances, leading to authentic expression.
- Diverse Techniques: Offers various techniques and exercises for discovering individual styles.
- Rejecting Comparison: Emphasizes rejecting comparisons to other actors, celebrating each actor's unique voice and perspective.
Review Summary
The Intent to Live receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with readers praising its thought-provoking content and practical advice for actors. Many find it inspirational, life-changing, and applicable beyond acting. Reviewers appreciate Moss's conversational style, personal anecdotes, and thorough script analysis techniques. The book is recommended for both experienced and novice actors, as well as writers and directors. Some readers note its value in personal growth and overcoming creative barriers. A few criticisms mention repetitiveness and outdated references, but overall, it's highly regarded as an essential resource for acting and creativity.
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