Josh McHugh is an actor living and working in Los Angeles.
He writes a blog about “The trials, musings and shenanigans of a working actor…” – Josh McHugh, He Acts
His writing is thoughtful, insightful and we are delighted to be sharing it here on Actor Hub.
He writes a blog about “The trials, musings and shenanigans of a working actor…” – Josh McHugh, He Acts
His writing is thoughtful, insightful and we are delighted to be sharing it here on Actor Hub.
Yes, And . . .
The most important building block of improvisation is also perhaps the most powerful tool in my life and career.
I received my introduction to improvisation at IO West in Hollywood approximately a year ago. I was not a natural. It was easily the most challenging class I have ever taken as a performer. However, I would do it again in a heart beat.
It was there I learned my most important lesson as a professional trying to make it out here; “Yes, and…”
What is “Yes, And . . .” all about?
“Yes, and…” is the concept of building a scene organically through positive interaction. Simply put, say yes to everything your scene partner gives to you. In addition to saying yes, you offer them something in return. This keeps the scene going.
Negativity is the death of this art.
The scene can go nowhere if you deny what is given to you.
This simple concept has transformed my life in so many ways. It has given me incredible confidence as an actor. If you can survive a minute on stage with nothing but the clothes on your back and open ears, an audition room poses no real challenge, where everyone wants you to succeed.
“Yes, and…” has motivated my career.
An example of “Yes, And . . .” at work
A friend of mine reached out to me about a year ago. She was producing a web series and needed some more hands on set.
I thought about it, figured “what the hell”, and showed up.
Within a week I was running sound and setting up lights. A few weeks after that, I had a recurring role in a few episodes.
Before I knew it I was an associate producer.
Now I work on two different web series and I have a show family of beautiful, creative people that I hope to keep around me as long as they’ll have me.
“Yes” is a very powerful word. You never know where it will take you.
Other Guest Posts from Actor Hub
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Here is my run down of my favourite books about theatre and acting from 2014. These are all must read books for anyone with an interest in acting and all deserve to fill a gap on your book shelf or some space on your kindle!
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Watching great actors at work is always a good way to improve your own technique, here are a few scenes I have picked out as great examples of screen acting.
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Playing drunk on stage is very difficult, you might have to appear completely legless one minute and then the very next scene you are stone cold sober. It takes skill and technique. Here are some acting tips:
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From Guest Author – voiceover actress and comedian Nicola Redman – So, here are my favourite tongue twisters that I use every day. Picked up from various eccentric voice teachers and acting coaches over the years – “Ah hmmmmmm ma ma”… and other classics.
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Auditions can be difficult situations – the pressure is on! Try this tip which I was taught by a casting director and you can release all the casting nerves and pressure …
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Auditioning for a commercial requires a different mindset than other auditions. Here is how to best behave at an advert casting so that you make all the right impressions.
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As an actor you will often get asked to work in an accent that is not your own. It can be daunting knowing where to start when approaching a new dialect. Here are our top tips.
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Making a safe choice at a casting will make you a competent actor but will it get you remembered? Why not take a chance and make a more interesting choice.