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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Theatre is not the only place where you will find terrific monologues. Movie scripts are full of some of the best speeches written in recent years. Here are five of my favourites. -
From Guest Author Josh McHugh – “Have a secret.” This was the easiest piece of advice I have received in an actor’s studio. These words (highly paraphrased) came from the mouth of perhaps one of the finest actors of our generation, Meryl Streep. -
Sometimes it pays off when you are allowed creative freedom and you take a risk during a scene. At times actor’s ad-libs have become iconic movie moments, here are my favourites: -
Guest Post from Actor and Director Ben Hodge – I am shocked at how much my children can teach me. They move, they laugh, create, explore, destroy and dance around the space with a freedom that is palatable. -
It’s not everyday you get a legend in the back of your car, so why not interview him whilst he is sitting there. This is just what Will Rubio did when he drove Mandy Patinkin to the airport. -
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: -
Movie actor Matt Damon shares his advice on auditioning learnt from being both an actor at a casting, and from casting actors himself.
