Be wary of putting anyone on a pedestal. They have many flaws and will let you down. Be wary if anyone wants to put you on a pedestal. You have many flaws and will let them down. We’re all deeply flawed. We’re also capable of doing incredible things. Beautiful acts of kindness, generosity, bravery, andContinue reading “Pedestal”
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Making art can be a very lonely endeavor. We often feel like nobody’s out there. Nobody cares. Nobody wants to hear from us. That’s ok. Keep going. Embrace the freedom that comes from dancing like nobody’s watching. You’re on your way to making something amazing. I, and many others, can’t wait to see what youContinue reading “Hello…Is This Thing On?”
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We love watching people immersed in their craft. Fully engaged in what they’re doing. Entire television channels (The Food Network, HGTV, etc…) were created and organized around this principle. This is especially true in our acting. We must be completely interested and totally engaged in whatever we’re doing. Whether it’s playing an action, doing behavior,Continue reading “To Be Interesting, Be Interested”
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There’s an old adage: don’t ask a question if you’re afraid of the answer. But to get better, to grow as an artist, you need a few people you can trust. People who get you and the change you’re trying to make. If you have them in your life now (they are rare), cherish them.Continue reading “You Can Handle The Truth”
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“Make each day your masterpiece” -John Wooden The legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, learned this expression from his father, a farmer. It was listed on the “7-Point Creed” his dad handed him and his brothers when they graduated elementary school. Wooden credits it for much of his own drive and success in life. MementoContinue reading “Today”
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Essayons is a French term which means “Let us try.” It’s also the motto of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. No matter what’s going on in the world and in our lives. No matter the uncertainty. No matter the odds. No matter if the art or change we seek to make will work. NoContinue reading “Essayons”
One of the main reasons we love John McClane in Die Hard is Bruce Willis’ portrayal. He imbues the character with humanity at every turn. McClane’s not a superhero. Not super human. Just a regular guy, with street smarts, who’s in an extraordinary situation. Who chooses to be brave in spite of remarkable odds andContinue reading “Self Talk”
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“If you’re not feeling those butterflies, you’re not taking a big enough risk.” -Ray Manzarek Apologies, but I’m paraphrasing the above quote. A good friend and fellow actor told it to me when we worked together on a play. And he heard it from someone else. So there you go. Doesn’t matter. The spirit ofContinue reading “Risk”
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“Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course.” -Shakespeare “Embrace The Suck.” -Military Slogan When trying to do something great, accomplish a goal, make art, make change, we can one hundred percent assume adversity will hit us. And will hit us hard. It’s inevitable. We need to trustContinue reading “Trust In The Suck”
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“A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” -Tim Ferris. Once we embark on our passion project, it won’t be comfortable. We have to sacrifice, make hard decisions, “steal time from comfort” as Derek Sivers writes. And while on the journey, there will be lots of doubts and uncertainties, lotsContinue reading “Uncomfortable”
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The Vs. Studio Blog