From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Anson had his own stereotypes about acting classes, but this audition class kept breaking his impressions and refreshing his understanding.

It wasn't that Anson excelled in every game; he also made mistakes, was awkward, and felt lost. This was so different from his previous life, more difficult than any performance he'd done so far, including photoshoots.

But!

Anson was completely enjoying it.

Of course, it wasn't all games. There were also some basic acting exercises. However, this was a beginner's course, so it was relatively simple.

The teacher asked the students to prepare a performance, just like an audition. They could choose freely, whether solo or group, with no restrictions on the number of people, subject matter, or style. Everything was free.

After the performance, other students would share the emotions they felt—

Not judging the quality of the performance, but describing the joy, anger, anxiety, happiness, unease, and fear they felt, just simple emotions; then the performer would explain what they hoped to convey and what they gained from the feedback.

"Acting is like this; there is no right answer."

"The same scene, the same line, may seem sad to you, but it may be a relief to someone else. Different actors' different interpretations can give the character different charms. That is the essence of acting."

"So, a thousand people see a thousand Hamlets, not only the audience but also the actors. Every actor is unique."

"You shouldn't and don't need to pursue a right answer. There is no right answer in acting. You should ask about your own understanding and feelings and interpret them in your own way."

"Of course, before you become a Jack Lemmon or a Jack Nicholson, or any Jack for that matter, you don't have the right to voice your own opinions, but at least you can present the character according to the director's requirements. This requires you to understand yourself and the character."

"That's what we're doing now."

A burst of laughter.

The atmosphere was relaxed.

Although it was just a beginner's course, the teacher constantly emphasized his views, conveyed his energy, and established a core principle.

For the students, they couldn't yet understand it at such a level, so high up. Some were confused, understanding it superficially and unconvincingly.

However, this energy was very important, shaping the actor's personality from the foundation. The positive emotions could be felt from the atmosphere of the class.

In the blink of an eye, another ninety minutes passed. A two-hour class was coming to an end. Unknowingly, he was sweating profusely again. He never expected that acting class would be physical labor, and the amount of exercise was definitely not to be underestimated.

"Today, for the final part of the class, a five-minute short play."

The teacher, without exception, was also covered in sweat, her long hair tied into a bun, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes were bright and full of enthusiasm.

Perhaps some people are curious, why hasn't such a talented acting teacher become an actress?

There are many possibilities.

Maybe her acting skills are indeed excellent, but she has never encountered her opportunity; maybe she performs well in private, but gets nervous in front of the camera; maybe she is simply not suitable for performing in front of the camera, the feeling is different.

Perhaps she is excellent at theoretical discussion, but her actual performance is another matter entirely. There are countless people who pretend to be professionals with a set of theories. An excellent acting teacher is not necessarily a good actor.

Perhaps she is an actress. She still hasn't given up her dream, teaching to make a living while constantly auditioning and waiting for opportunities.

There are indeed too many possibilities. Hollywood never lacks such people; but the light in this teacher's eyes doesn't lie—

Sincere, burning, ardent.

It can be seen that she really likes acting and hopes to see more excellent performances. She has no jealousy at all, but is satisfied with the students' excellence, wholeheartedly imparting what she knows.

The smile shone in the teacher's eyes.

"Now, let's put aside the script, put aside everything you know, and use your heart to feel the character and the emotions. We will do improvisation training."

Buzz.

Buzzing.

Although no one spoke, a faint commotion spread. All the students sat cross-legged against the wall, leaving the central stage of the practice room empty, but the heat transmitted from their eyes, heartbeats, and breathing filled the entire space.

The teacher laughed.

"What, are you scared?"

A burst of laughter—

Indeed, for the beginner class, they are still in the stage of imitation. Suddenly, they have to get rid of the script or the samples they refer to and enter improvisation. The difficulty is unimaginable to them.

"Don't be nervous."

"Not only the advanced class, but even those professional actors now may not be able to produce convincing performances in improvisation, because improvisation requires inspiration, sparks, and a state of mind."

"Some actors perform for a lifetime and still can't improvise. But it doesn't matter. Not being able to improvise doesn't prevent them from becoming excellent actors, nor will it become an obstacle for you, because improvisation may never be used, especially on film sets."

"So."

"We choose improvisation not to test your acting ability, but as an experience."

"Remember what I said? Feel the emotions, feel the energy, feel the state, including your own and your opponent's. The quality of the improvisation doesn't matter. Even if it's a mess, it doesn't matter. What's important is to experience it."

The teacher looked around, giving the students an encouraging look of affirmation.

"Next, I will randomly give a situation, including two characters, and then you are free to develop it. No matter what, you must push the performance forward."

"How about it, anyone volunteer?"

Everyone: ......

They looked at each other.

Although today's practice, from beginning to end, is about breaking shackles and breaking shame, the thought of being pushed into the spotlight and starting to perform without preparation, with no knowledge of the character or plot, and the opponent's possible reaction is unknown, everything depends on improvisation, testing explosiveness and adaptability, and the heart can't help but shrink.

This…

It's terrible!

The teacher looked around, revealing a helpless smile, "Guys, there's no need to be nervous. This is just our class, not a real performance or audition. You should look at it from another angle. If this is an audition opportunity…"

"Oh, very good, very good, someone has raised their hand to sign up!"

The teacher took the lead in applauding, revealing a set of not-so-even teeth. Just as he was about to ask the student's name, he saw another student raise their hand and stand up, and the smile deepened.

"Perfect! So, our two opposing actors are about to take the stage. How about it, are you ready?"

Third update.