WorkSHOP OPPORTUNITIES
By Frank Sprague, Phoenix Workshop Chair

Arizona Actors Need Work!

Know what happens to actors that don’t keep their skills sharp between paying jobs? Nothing. Working actors are honing their skills every single day through practice on the job. Non-working actors with any smarts are still practicing through workshops.

There is no substitute for practice. No amount of book learning can replace the “hands-on” acting experience of assembling a scene with another actor. The skills are like muscles. They rust and fade more quickly than you might believe. Use ‘em or lose ‘em.

LA actors are auditioning as many as 30 times a week. They get very good at it. But many people calling themselves actors have done zero acting since their last TV job or theatrical experience. How can they expect to compete with people who are staying current?

Every musician is keenly aware of the necessity of working the instrument every single day. Concert violinists and pianists routinely practice sic to eight hours a day just to keep their edge. If they miss a day, they say they can sense the loss, and they have to work like hell to get it back.

Do you suppose the acting “chops” are similar to a musician’s chops? Of course they are. They need regular work. If you’re not working in a play, a movie or a commercial, WorkSHOP!

AFTRA/SAG Workshops present the Arizona actor with an ideal way to stay current and learn about new styles and techniques in acting. The teachers that present our classes work very hard to keep themselves current. Their industry connections are widespread and very much in touch. What’s more, nearly every workshop your acting unions present give you an abundance of time “on your feet” practicing what you just learned. Attend as many of these as you can. These workshops would be a bargain at $120, but they’re still $15 for union members and $20 for non-members. If you’re not working, WorkSHOP!