Final Blog Reflection

Jake Moss
Ms. Guarino
Acting 101
5/21/15


Acting class this year has taught me a lot about what it takes to be an actor. I was not too familiar with acting before I started the course, but I have learned about the skill it takes to become an actor.

Personally, I think my skills as an actor have improved over the semester. The in class projects were helpful in discovering new techniques. A goal that I set for myself was to try a little bit of everything, meaning different types of acting. From the silent movie, to the monologue, or to any piece of scene-work, we covered that ground.

I definitely met my goals in acting class this semester. I did not have a lot of expectations (to be honest) because I had never considered acting before. So, I set reasonable goals that I thought were attainable. I never thought about acting legitimately, but the class was actually a lot of fun.

I am most proud of the fact that I acted in front of anybody. I don't think I ever thought that was possible for me to do, but I didn't really have a choice. It was awkward at first, but then I started to feel more comfortable, to the point where it felt almost natural.

I could definitely work on my acting skills as a whole. I am still a newbie compared to people that practice this for sport. I should try to master the skills that it takes to be successful. What I learned this semester helped start the making of an actor, but to be good, I would have to practice my skills.

Overall, the biggest takeaway from this class is that acting is fun. I enjoyed performing alongside Amanda and John, and I learned who they were better as people. I am not sure that I would have gotten the opportunity to have them as friends if it weren't for this class. Just from watching them act, I learned about them as people. And I think that helps improve acting skills too. It was a good semester in Acting 101 this year.

3 person scene reflection

So far, the three person scene seems like a success. Mindy, John, and I are well suited to play our characters and do so smoothly. We are comfortable with our lines and have good chemistry when playing off of each other. The lines were memorized fast so I think once we put the stage blocking in, our physical acting will be mastered quickly as well.

Our strengths include line memorization and good emphasis/ emotion. The emotions of the way the characters feel during the scene is apparent in that the lines are well rehearsed and we know how to say the lines well. I think we all understand our characters so it is easy for us to portray them. We each have an idea of what our character should sound like.

Our weaknesses are mainly blocking and choreography. We have not practiced performing in the full mindset of our characters as well as the physical gestures that go along with. It was definitely hard timing the scene and staging who and where. I think this can be cleaned up with more practice in the black box.

We can make it better by practicing and being fully engaged when performing. It is important to stay focused on the task at hand for the best result. I need to working on better emphasis for more comedic value, as well as timing the responses appropriately. I think my partners need to work on the same thing, and know when to use certain emotion and when. Overall, I think it is going really well.

Original ending for cassie

- Her husband could ask her to go on a lunch date with who is his own affair

- she could talk on the phone with her husband explaining the situation

- the husband could walk in on them together, or realize the nature of the situation

- Cassie could break it off with both of them, and find someone else

Audition Self-Assessment

Jake Moss
Ms. Guarino
Acting 101


I would give my audition a b+. It was good considering I challenged myself by going out of my comfort zone, and it wasn't bad doing so. But I was not patient enough to truly practice my piece and master it. Signing is not my strong suit, and I learned that I grow irritable from it easily. If I really wanted my piece to be as good as possible, I would avoid any temptation to be frustrated, and I would practice thoroughly. Although I did not practice the piece as diligently as I could have, the result, in my opinion, was better than par.

I think I met the challenges and goals I set for myself. I do not have a lot of experience signing, so on those terms I exceeded my expectations. But because of my lack of experience, I do not have the proper tools to master it. I chose a particularly hard piece to perform in terms of acting while singing. The piece requires a dedication to staying in character, and making the audience "feel" the song as well as the disposition he has. I think I acted the part well a long with singing it. I did not block the choreography as well as I could have, hence the b+. But I did find it particularly difficult to sing well while trying to play a character. It is hard to have those two aspects of the performance in sync, but considering I do not have much experience with either, it was not bad.

I definitely still need to work on singing and acting. Although I am capable for performing both well, I have not mastered both skills, especially when doing both together. The skill of doing them both together can be worked on, and I think it starts with working on both individually.

Acting scenes 2 male 1 female

As Good as it Gets:

A rude writer, Melvin, finds inner peace taking care of his gay neighbors dog. Frank, a friend of the writer, convinces Melvin to take Simon, the gay neighbor, to his parents house in Baltimore. He convinces his crush/waitress friend Carol to tag along.

http://www.bhplayhouse.com/65-Comedy-Two-Men-One-Woman-Acting-Scenes/252-As-Good-as-it-Gets/View-details

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid:

2 western bank robbers and a female help discuss whose following them. They decide to flee to Bolivia (you can download the script from the page)

http://www.bhplayhouse.com/66-Drama-Two-Men-One-Woman-Acting-Scenes/682-Butch-Cassidy-and-the-Sundance-Kid/View-details

Blog 7

As a performer, I would say my strengths are acting in character, a natural feel for singing, and I think I am capable of portraying many different types of characters. I am not the best dancer, although I do not think I would be involved in a type of performance that requires that skill. I can definitely work on my singing, and connecting with the audience. I have a decent grasp on what it takes to sing, but my lack of practice and experience prohibits me from reaching my full potential. That being said, I think with practice I can become a lot better. When I sing, it is hard not to close my eyes at some times. That can break the connection you have with your audience, so I need to work on staying engaged. They want to see that you are speaking to them, because that keeps the flow of the story going.
I think the piece I chose to perform the perfect combination of challenging myself, as well as showcasing my abilities. Because I do not have a lot of experience signing, this piece itself is a challenge. But being able to pick it up naturally showcases my potential as a singer, as well as portraying the character singing the song. If I can stay connected with the audience, and perform the right gestures and acts of emotion while signing the song, I will be able to demonstrate my strengths as a performer. This is a good audition piece because it showcases my abilities in more ways than one. I am signing, acting, and trying to connect with the audience all at the same time. It is definitely a challenge as well as a good depiction of my talents.
The piece I chose, Ill Make A Man Out of You from Mulan, is a classic disney song that requires acting strength as well as vocal strength. Although I do like disney, I probably would not consider that type of performing to be my forte. That is more for theatrical actors that really need to embellish their emotions on stage to a large crowd. I would say that on camera/ movie acting is more of my style, but this piece can show my range as an actor. This piece shows a director that I have a broad versatility, and can perform what is asked of me. I can assume many roles which is something I think a director needs in order to have confidence in my ability as a performer. To convince a director to take a chance on me in casting, my audition definitely needs to be flawless in that every note is hit, as well as a consistency in character. I need to really connect with who is ever listening, and make sure they feel the story the song is representing. It is not just enough to sing, good acting while singing is what will separate me from other contestants because performing two aspects of a piece well at the same time is hard to do. My introduction before I even start also needs to be on point with what he is looking for. A first impression can sometimes be the only piece of assurance a director needs when casting.

Broadway or Bust Blog

Jake Moss

Ms. Guarino

Acting 101

From watching Broadway or Bust, I learned that the broadway industry is no walk in the park. Those in charge of the performance are highly skeptical, and almost brutally harsh at times. It seems like everyone just wants to make a point to make themselves heard. I also learned how difficult preparation for these type of performances can be. They had about 5 days to prepare a couple of numbers to perform. Even though they have been singing all week, they still have to save their best performance for last, even if it kills them.

Im not sure if I identify with any of the people in the film. I enjoyed watching their talents at work, and there were probably some things I could relate with, but not enough to identify with any of them.

What I will probably incorporate into my piece that I observed from the film is making a big effort to stay in character. I think making your audience feel something is the most important part of the performance. Because in the end, that is why you are performing; to entertain an audience. 

Broadway or Bust Notes

Notes on Broadway or Bust

• Actors that want to be on broadway have a different type of charisma
• They are energetic and generally happy, although very competitive
• The choreography is difficult to learn, especially in the time given
• Theatre acting requires a new level of emotion and emphasis
• It is a very competitive market for trying to find broadway actors, limited roles
• Critics are especially tough on the young actors, even excessively at times
• there is no room for error in the competition they are apart of
• kids go from being the best locally, to just another number in this competition because everyone else is as good as they are. You really need to prove yourself in order to stand out amongst the other contestants
• Performances must be as fundamentally sound as possible. It must be thoroughly perfect, even through the introducing of themselves to the judges
• Everything and every action made is being judge by one of the judges

Scenework

The overall performance of the scene-work was successful. Although not too long, we learned how to stretch a scene with dramatic pauses and extended annunciation. Friends, a sitcom classic, is notorious for having characters play off each other to add more comedic value. In order to make this scene work, John and I had to understand each other well enough to play off each others emotions to really make it funny.

I learned that it is easy for me to play off others in comedic scenes like this one. I understood John and the emphasis he was implementing, helping me follow with an appropriate reaction. I like working with john because his emotions are clear and loud making them quite entertaining. He is very funny and quick witted, making comedy scenes and easy piece to perform. I also learned that spacing when filming is key. It looks different on camera opposed to what is feels like in person. You never want to have your back to the audience (camera), so the positioning of conversations is more open, rather than face to face. 

It is important to know the backstory of a scene performing. Because without context, it is hard to react accordingly. John and I both know Friends pretty well, so this scene was easily identifiable because we knew the emotions and personalities of the characters we were trying to portray. Memorization was easy because I could picture Chandler, the character I was playing, saying the lines in my head so I acted what I knew. I think John used the same technique in order to play Joey.

I loved doing this scene because Friends is a comedic sitcom classic. The two characters we acted out are beloved for how funny they are. John and I were funny acting as a duo, and we generally work well together. We delivered the lines matched with the correct tone. This means everything when trying to show the backstory for a little bit of context.

Spelling Bee Post

Jake Moss
Ms. Guarino
D Period Acting
2/3/15

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as an Audience Member

The production of the 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee put on by the Cheshire Academy Players was one to remember. It was funny, dramatic, and intriguing through out the entire performance. The play takes place in the Gymnasium of the Putnam Valley Middle School, where a weird group of six students compete in a spelling bee that is mediated by three equally quirky adults. A fun and important aspect of the show is the calling of a couple audience members to partake in play. This makes it essential for the actors to be quick on their feet, and adjust to anything they could not practice. This also adds even more comedy to the production because the selectees are thrown into a performance with no precursor as to what is going to occur. The players did a great job of keeping it fun, staying in character, and making it flow smoothly.

The premise of the play is explore the emotions and feelings of the people competing in the spelling bee. Apart from the competition, they all live vastly different lives and feel differently towards the event. Rona Lisa Peretti is a realtor who is an active member in the Spelling Bee. She loves children, and the joy of competition they feel towards the event. She clearly recognizes the value of the spelling bee. Vice Principal Douglas Panch is a former member of the mediating council, and it is his first time returning to the council after an incident at the 20th annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee. He is infatuated with Peretti, although she does not return the same desire. Mitch Mahoney is part of the spelling bee committee as part of his community service. He is a role that adds a lot of comedy to the production. Olive Ostrovsky is a bright young participant of the spelling be. She loves to learn, and is very passionate about spelling. William Morris Barafee, the winner of the spelling bee, is an awkward kid who develops feelings for passionate Olive. He is a nerd who has a special foot method to help him spell the words. These characters are the most prominent amongst the cast.

Overall the production was very well put together and the improvisations added a special element to the comedic affect. I enjoyed watching it, and I would definitely see it again. It touches upon what drives some of the kids to participate. It is either parentally influenced or a personal choice. But both type of backgrounds make for a good story.

silent movie blog

The silent movie project was definitely a fun one. It was great to practice portraying a scene using only body language. This exercise is important for the development of actors because it teaches you how to speak with your body, which really helps embellish emotions, as well as clarify a scene.

This project taught me the importance of facial expressions. Facial expressions are key when trying to demonstrate emotion. Considering there is no talking in a silent film, the entire story has to be told using body language. The more flamboyant your motions are, the viewer gets a better depiction of the story being told. It also conveys the intended emotion of the actor, with out actually speaking to explain in.

I think the most effective performance was John's. He has great body language, and clearly understands how to present yourself at the right time. His scenes in the movie are essential to understanding the nature of the scene. He clearly portrays the way his character feels, which helps the viewer understand the context of the movie. Although Mindy's character was primarily stationary, she did an excellent job of pretending to react to the sequence of events accordingly. The "close-ups" of her facial expressions during the fight scene helped make the scene comedic, as well as keep the flow of the movie fluid.

I think the changing in scenes worked really well. The short clips that changed rapidly added comedic value. Before the watcher is able to process what he watched, it changes so fast to something else funny, it creates a string of surprise comedy that keeps the audience rolling. Writing the script out first contributed to the timing of the film, and it made sure it lined up with the music.

My performance was okay. I definitely did not hinder the fluidity of the movie, but I could have expressed my emotions in greater depth. I was not as dramatic as an actor of a silent movie should be, which might lead to a lack of clarity on the viewers part. But I was funny, and stayed in sync with everyone else. This is important so the entire performance as a whole does not seem lackluster. Since the beginning of filming, I certainly got better at expressing myself without words, and I learned the importance of this while acting. All in all, the movie was a success, and everyone performed well.

monologue video

http://youtu.be/MeKUTEUNXJM

Blog 3

Jake Moss
Ms. Guarino
Acting 101
Blog 3

Monologue reflection

I think everyone mastered their monologue by the end of last week. While performing in the black box, there were not many mistakes made by any one of us. We were very good at using emotion, and emphasizing the right syllabus. Monologues are best when they are engaging and thought provoking. What made a monologue good is the passion put into it. No one in the class was particularly monotone when performing their piece. When the performer was energetic and loud, it made for an entertaining performance.
Mindy did an excellent job of staying in character. She portrayed a witch being very wicked, sly, and devious. She did a very good job of composing herself on stage, and her stage presence embellished her characters personality. Other than speaking up, she does not have too much to work on. Although extra time practicing would improve all of our performances.
John has great projection in his voice. I think it was the most important aspect of his monologue because an advertisement is supposed to be attention grabbing. He definitely was not nervous on stage, and he was able to use good emphasis in order to sound persuasive. Its not his fault that english is not his native tongue. But he should work on pronunciation to help his performance.
In my monologue, I think I was able to memorize the lines, as well as convey them with the right emotions. I think I accurately depicted the scene expressing myself clearly. I could probably work on positioning on stage. I could do a better job of facing the audience, even though I am talking to someone adjacent to me.
The monologues went very well and it was a good experience to be on stage, even if its only in front of 3 people. It is good practice for us to memorize lines and perform them. We will benefit from practicing more in the future.

Monologue

Hey, there, Sidney.  I'm early.  I mean I'm Phil and I'm early.  I am glad you're early too, well, sort of. I was hoping to beat you and get used to the room first.  I get nervous in new places.  And with new people I get nervous a lot.  I brought you flowers.  The flowers are a little wilted.  They were pretty.  I mean there is this wonderful flower shop but I didn't have time to go there today but I did a few days ago and I wanted these flowers.  I don't get a date every day you know and I wanted this to be special, so I got the best flowers I know of because I want this to be great.  You know what I mean.  Well, you probably get a lot of dates.  I mean a normal amount of dates, but more than me, but less than say... Madonna.  But these flowers were the best... a few days ago.