#acting
Here’s the full playlist of National Histories event, a series of conversations with key people from the National Theatre’s 50 years reflecting on their experiences. A personal favourite is Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton, who first met at the National in 1982 whilst working on Guys and Dolls.
Hi just letting y’all know that Sia, the artist, is making what is essentially a big “F you” to autistic people. She is collaborating with Autism Speaks which is an organization that believes autism is something to be cured and treats autistic people like burdens. It is another run of the mill inspiration p**n movie for non autistic people and able bodied people to feel like they have compassion and understanding for us. For any of you who are not autistic and are able bodied, please do not support this film as it perpetuates bad stereotypes about autism and disabled individuals.
The fact that she used a neurotypical actress to represent a neurodivergent character definitely isn’t great, but on its own it really isn’t the end of the world.
But her rude responses to people being upset? Her shitty treatment to her autistic fans? Her shitty treatment to Maddie, the actress who was uncomfortable with her role? Her partnering with fucking Autism Speaks? Absolutely disgusting. Straight ableism.
Try harder.
I queued this a little while ago so I feel that I should add that Autism Speaks themselves put out a disclaimer saying they had no part in what Sia did and disagree with her actions.
The god awful ableist hate group is doing better than her. That’s low.
Hi just letting y’all know that Sia, the artist, is making what is essentially a big “F you” to autistic people. She is collaborating with Autism Speaks which is an organization that believes autism is something to be cured and treats autistic people like burdens. It is another run of the mill inspiration p**n movie for non autistic people and able bodied people to feel like they have compassion and understanding for us. For any of you who are not autistic and are able bodied, please do not support this film as it perpetuates bad stereotypes about autism and disabled individuals.
The fact that she used a neurotypical actress to represent a neurodivergent character definitely isn’t great, but on its own it really isn’t the end of the world.
But her rude responses to people being upset? Her shitty treatment to her autistic fans? Her shitty treatment to Maddie, the actress who was uncomfortable with her role? Her partnering with fucking Autism Speaks? Absolutely disgusting. Straight ableism.
Try harder.
I think what modern filmmakers keep forgetting (especially disney affiliated productions) is that actors used to have a much more hands on and involved part. they weren’t just reading lines handed to them in a dark alley ten minutes before filming. they suggested script revisions and could improvise lines on the spot bc they knew their characters.
if mark hamill says “that’s not my luke skywalker” that’s a problem. if temuera morrison had insight into boba fett’s character the producers shouldn’t have just told him to deal with the script he was given. if seb stan was concerned about the lack of closure in the steve bucky relationship that’s an issue! the insane levels of secrecy and treating actors like the only thing they are good for is regurgitating lines is so detrimental to modern film/television
The fact that we’ve been talking about this in class and how we’re so prepared as actors to actually delve in and help with the work
Omar Sharif is able to look so amazingly sad. A kicked puppy. On point emotional acting.
people who use tiktok are like “I hate theatre kids.” meanwhile their favorite sound on that app is from a musical
I like to explain to people that all the actors they love and admire and thirst over are literally just ascended “theatre kids” and watch their faces fall.
what movie do y’all know front to back like it doesn’t even have to necessarily be Good,, it’s just something you’ve seen so many times that the dialogue is printed into the very core of your being
I’m a professional actor and also very gay so what I’m saying is that it’s Rocky Horror Picture Show
One of my dearest held principles that I share with as many actors as possible is actually quite simple: read poetry. This is even more applicable if you’re also a playwright, writer, director, or composer. The overlap between theatre and poetry is huge, and not just with the classics. Music and poetry are inextricably linked. Reading poetry, both casually and out loud, can really help you grow as an actor and give you the skills to better understand text and subtext when it’s presented to you. Below are some of my very favorite poems for actors. Enjoy.
Megan Married Herself– Caroline Bird
Snow and Dirty Rain– Richard Siken
Ode to the Women on Long Island– Olivia Gatwood
The Kindest Thing She Almost Did – Blythe Baird
May We Raise Children Who Love the Unloved Things– Nicolette Sowder
Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note–Amiri Baraka
Good Bones – Maggie Smith
14 Lines From Love Letters or Suicide Notes– Doc Luben
I have more, but these are some favorites.
If you’re a dramatic (gay) arts person and the pandemic has ruined your potential for cinematic angst, consider doing what I’ve been doing since I was 16 and edgy and looking at The Unsent Project.