How To Learn Accents For Actors: Improving Your Resume
Learning a new accent is a great way to improve your resume. It can make you more castable and eligible for more roles. It can be tricky to know where to start, which is why I’ve put together this guide on how to learn accents for actors. This post contains affiliate links, which means I…
An Actor’s Schedule: How To Plan Your Day As An Actor
It can feel difficult as an actor to manage your schedule and figure out how you should be planning your days and weeks. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do in order to make this a lot easier to achieve. That’s why I’ve written this guide to the actor’s schedule and how to…
Special Skills For Actors: Improve Your CV And Get Cast
Here at the Actor’s Toolkit, we focus a lot on the actor’s craft. Ultimately, we’re focused on actors who are passionate about the art of acting and offer something valuable to audiences through their acting work. The reality is, that acting is a business, and to do the work we want to do, we need…
Safety For Actors: The Ultimate Guide
When becoming an actor, there’s lots to think about, especially when it comes to thinking about safety for actors. When we go to drama school, there’s a big emphasis on keeping our instruments safe through vocal and physical warm-ups. But what about dealing with agents and casting directors? How do we know who to trust?…
Why Your Individuality As An Actor Is Important
Individuality is one of the most important things an actor can bring to their work. But what does that even mean? Why is it so important? Why is this the thing that will take your work from good to great? What Does It Mean When People Tell You To “Be Yourself” As An Actor? I…
Acting Preparation Techniques And Why They’re So Important
There are tons of acting preparation techniques circling around these days. But which are the good ones? Which ones are useless? Why do we even need to use acting preparation techniques at all? Read on to find out! The answer to the last one might surprise you. This post contains affiliate links, which means I…
How To Be More Creative For Actors
Creativity in acting is one of the most important elements of the craft. Unfortunately, this side of things can often feel mysterious and inaccessible. Many of us struggle with feeling inadequate and less create than our peers. That’s why we need to learn some simple tools in order to help us learn how to be…
Why Acting Is A Spiritual Art: From Noh To Stanislavski
Did you know acting has links throughout history and across the globe to spirituality? In fact, I think there’s reason to believe that acting is the most spiritual art of all. But what does that have to do with us? What relevance does this have to the modern day actor? How do these concepts apply…
How To Practice Acting At Home: FREE DOWNLOADÂ
If you ever read my post on Why You Need A Personal Acting Practice, you’ll understand why it’s so important. But what about actually putting the advice into practice and learning how to practice acting at home? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with my new free download! I have created a multi-page free printable…
The Actor’s Guide To The Work of Cicely Berry
Cicely Berry, a renowned voice coach and director, has left an indelible mark on the field of acting. Her unique approach to voice training has revolutionized the way actors use their voices to convey emotion and meaning. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the genius of Cicely Berry. We will be exploring her…
A Guide To Patsy Rodenburg: A Revolutionary Approach To Voice In Acting
Patsy Rodenburg is a renowned voice coach and one of the foremost authorities on voice training for actors. Her techniques have revolutionized the way actors approach their vocal work. She enabled them to tap into the full potential of their voices and create powerful performances. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world…
The Ultimate Guide To Acting Movement Practitioners
Movement is an essential element in the art of acting. While dialogue and emotions play a significant role in bringing a character to life, it is through movement that actors truly embody their roles on stage or screen. Studying acting movement practitioners can help you to achieve this. How an actor moves can convey a…
The Most Famous Acting Schools In The World
Embarking on a journey in the world of acting requires not only raw talent. It also requires refined skills and professional training. Here we will be exploring places to do this by looking at some of the most famous acting schools in the world. Choosing the right acting school is paramount for aspiring actors to…
Acting Practitioners To Help You Go From Good To Great
Acting is an art form that requires skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Behind every great actor is a foundation built upon the teachings and techniques of acting practitioners. These individuals have made significant contributions to the craft. They have shaped the way actors approach their work and bringing characters to life…
Actor Training by Alison Hodge – Book Review: Top 3 Lessons From This Excellent Book
Alison Hodge’s book lays out actor training throughout the ages. It is an amazingly comprehensive book that looks at major practitioners of the last 150 years, and even the acting philosophies that came before that. While this book is broken down into clear and definitive sections, what we quickly discover is that all of these…
How Actors Can Make Time to Read Acting Books
As an actor, I understand the importance of continuous learning in honing my craft. One of the most valuable resources in my journey has been acting books. These books not only provide valuable insights into the art of acting but also offer inspiration and guidance. However, as actors, we often find ourselves struggling to make…
Acting: The Basics by Bella Merlin – Book Review: Top 3 Lessons We Can Learn To Become Excellent Actors
Bella Merlin’s book, Acting: The Basics, presents a wonderfully straightforward view of the scope of acting techniques whilst also narrowing down some common points that define acting as a craft. In this book, the author presents a number of different acting practitioners who have had different techniques, theories, and methodologies. Alongside this, she also offers…
What Kinds Of Books Should Actors Read? : Amazing Books To Help Your Craft
As an actor, I have always believed in the power of storytelling and the importance of constantly expanding my knowledge and skills. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through reading. But what types of books should actors read? Books have the ability to transport us to different worlds and broaden our…
The Ultimate Acting Reading List
Last week, we talked about why reading acting books is an absolutely crucial part of an actor’s personal practice and development. But how do you know where to start? Don’t worry; I’ve created the Ultimate Acting Reading List to help you out. In this list, I’ve covered acting books, voice books, movement books, and more,…
Why Actors Need To Study Acting Theory
Introduction to Acting Theory As an actor, one cannot underestimate the importance of studying acting theory. It is the foundation upon which exceptional performances are built. Acting theory provides actors with the necessary tools to understand their characters, connect with their emotions, and deliver authentic and captivating performances. In this article, we will explore the…
Why Actors Need To Read Acting Books
As an actor, I have always believed that continuous learning and growth are essential for success in the industry. Some of the most valuable tools at our disposal are acting books. Acting books serve as a treasure trove of knowledge, offering insights into the craft, techniques, and theories that shape our performances. In this article,…
Which is the best Acting Practitioner For You?
There is lots of debate within the acting community about which practitioner is best. Who had it right? Who truly had the best technique? It can get quite competitive, leading to squabbles on methodology and who knows best. Well, I think that’s all pretty silly and I’m here to tell you why. I’m also here…
How To Do A Self Tape For Actors: A Comprehensive Guide
Self tapes have revolutionized the audition process in the acting industry. Doing a self tape for actors includes recording and submitting auditions from the comfort of your own home or any location of your choice. In a world where remote work is becoming more prevalent, self tapes have become an essential tool for actors to…
Unlock Your Creative State: A Step-by-Step Guide to Effective Warm-Up Techniques for Actors
As an actor, tapping into your creative state is essential for delivering captivating performances. The creative state is that magical place where ideas flow effortlessly, emotions are easily accessed, and characters come to life. We can access this through using warm up techniques for actors. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This…
Best Places To Live For Actors In The UK
Ever felt like if you’re an actor looking for places to live for actors in the UK, you absolutely have to live in London, no two ways about it? That may have been true 10 years ago, but not anymore! There are tons of places you can live if you want to be an actor….
How To Find A Day Job For Actors: Your Perfect Survival Job
As actors, we spend plenty of time between jobs. However, we all still need a way to pay the bills. So, we need to find a day job for actors, or a survival job. But how do you find one? Which ones work around acting? How do you balance the whole thing and get everything…
How To Form A Personal Connection With Your Character For Actors
When we play a character we know we are the one who has to connect with them in order to tell their part in this story, However, sometimes we struggle to find a connection or to relate to them. That’s why we need to find specific techniques to form a personal connection with your character….
Why It’s So Important To Have A Personal Acting Practice
In my post on Why You Need A Practical Acting Practice (And How To Build One), I outlined the process of having a personal acting practice. I talked about how it can be helpful and offered a ton of ideas on what you might want to include. For anyone who has been to drama school,…
Unlock Your Acting Potential: Explore the Techniques of Influential Voice Practitioners
As actors, we are constantly searching for ways to enhance our performances and bring our characters to life. One often overlooked aspect of acting is the voice and the work and influence of various voice practitioners. The way we use our voice can greatly impact the authenticity and effectiveness of our performances. In this article,…
A Beginners Guide to David Mamet and Practical Aesthetics
Introduction to David Mamet David Mamet is a renowned American playwright, director, and screenwriter who has made a significant impact on the world of theatre. Born on November 30, 1947, in Chicago, Mamet’s career spans over five decades, during which he has written numerous plays, screenplays, and essays that have captivated audiences worldwide. His unique…
A Guide to Jacques Lecoq for Actors: From Movement to Magic
As an actor, I have always been fascinated by the power of physicality in theatre. The ability to convey emotions, tell a story, and captivate an audience with just your body is truly magical. That’s why I was drawn to the teachings of Jacques Lecoq, a master of physical theatre who revolutionized the way actors…
Ultimate Guide To Using Laban Technique For Actors
Character physicality is a crucial aspect of acting that brings depth and authenticity to performances. Laban technique is a great way of approaching this acting tool. As an actor, the way you move and use your body can communicate volumes about your character’s personality, emotions, and intentions. It is through physicality that actors can truly…
How To Look After Your Mental Health At Drama School
As a drama student, it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of auditions, rehearsals, and performances. However, amidst the excitement and intensity of drama school, it is crucial to prioritize your mental health. The demanding nature of the performing arts industry can take a toll on your well-being, making it essential to…
How To Take Care of Yourself On A Film Set as an Actor
As an actor, working on a film set can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. However, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. So, you need to learn how to take care of yourself on a film set. It is crucial to prioritize self-care to ensure your well-being throughout the filming process. Self-care on…
How To Cope With Audition Nerves For Actors
Auditioning is a crucial aspect of an actor’s career. It is the gateway to new opportunities, but it can also be a nerve-wracking experience. That’s why we need to know how to cope with audition nerves for actors. Understanding audition nerves is essential for actors to effectively cope with the pressure that comes with auditions….
The Ultimate Guide To Self-Care For Actors
Why is self-care for actors so important? Because this industry is demanding, and draining, and we are often encouraged to deny ourselves self-care because that’s what real artists do. How many times have you heard an acting teacher say they skipped their mother’s funeral because they had a rehearsal? Or they hardly slept because they…
How To Get Acting Work Without An Agent
Do you think you need an agent to get acting work? Well, I’m here to tell you you’re wrong! But how do you get acting working without an agent? I’m here to demystify the process. There are so many ways to find acting work so you’re able to do what you love, build up your…
Ultimate Guide To How To Network For Actors UK
We all know networking is the way forward when it comes to getting acting work. But how do you do it when you’re not a nepo baby? Don’t worry, I’ve made the ultimate guide to how to network for actors to solve this very problem. Sometimes, networking can feel fake and phony, like we’re taking…
How To Do Your Taxes For UK Actors: A Quick and Simple Guide
Taxes can feel so overwhelming the first time you have to do them. However, they’re actually way more simple than you think. To show you just how simple they can be, I’m going to make the most simple and quick guide on how to do your taxes for UK actors. Don’t worry, it’s a piece…
How To Build A Complex Character And Give Your Characters Depth For Actors
It is often said that the moments audience members connect with characters are the moments that we get to see the chinks in their armour. These are the moments that we get to see behind the mask and see who they truly are. These are the moments when audience members have the opportunity to feel…
Why Actors Don’t Need To Worry About Getting An Agent
Getting an agent can sometimes feel like the be-all and end-all when becoming an actor. After all, they’re the people that get you in the room with those top casting directors for the shows it’s your dream to be a part of. However, it’s not quite as rosy as all that. It can be tempting…
What To Do If You Don’t Get Into Drama School: 10 Amazing Options
Not getting into drama school can be a real blow. However, it doesn’t mean your career is over. Far from it! It can feel like you’re never going to be able to reach your dreams if you don’t get into drama school but there are so many other options for you to take. You can’t…
7 Great Alternatives To Drama School For Actors
When you want to become an actor, sometimes going to drama school can feel like the be all and end all. While it can give you a really good basis in training to give you the skills you need to have a fruitful acting career, it certainly isn’t everything. There are many graduates coming out…
How To Work On A Monologue For Actors
The ability to work on a monologue is one of the most important skills an actor can learn. It can mean the difference between booking jobs and not booking them. It’s also a skill you must learn early on, as many drama schools require you to prepare more than one monologue. However, it can be…
How To Choose The Right UK Drama School For Actors
Choosing which UK drama school to go to can be a big decision. It can cost a lot of money, it’s where you’re going to spend three years of your life, and is going to be the basis for your future art and career. No pressure, right? Despite it being such an important choice, it…
Stella Adler’s Impact on the Art of Acting
Introduction to Stella Adler Stella Adler, an iconic figure in the world of acting, was a renowned American actress and acting teacher. Born in New York City in 1901, Adler made significant contributions to the art of acting. She left behind a profound legacy that continues to shape the industry to this day. Her innovative…
Meisner Technique and The Art of Authenticity: Unveiling the Sanford Meisner Technique for Powerful Acting
Introduction to Sanford Meisner and his acting technique Sanford Meisner, an influential American actor, and acting teacher, is renowned for developing an acting technique that emphasizes authenticity and emotional truth. Born in 1905, Meisner had a long and illustrious career in both theater and film. However, it was his revolutionary approach to acting training that…
The Truth Behind Lee Strasberg’s Method: Separating Fact from Fiction
As an actor, I have always been fascinated by the different techniques and approaches to acting. One of the most well-known methods is Lee Strasberg’s method. This has been used by many successful actors over the years. However, there are also many misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the method. In this article, I will explore the…
Konstantin Stanislavski: Mastering the Art of Acting with the Amazing Stanislavski Method!
As an aspiring actor, I have always been intrigued by the Stanislavski method. This acting method has revolutionized the way actors approach their craft. It has become a cornerstone of modern acting techniques. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the world of Konstantin Stanislavski and his groundbreaking method. We will…
Why You Need A Personal Acting Practice (And How To Build One) : The Ultimate Guide
Having a personal acting practice is one of the most important things an actor can do. There will inevitably be periods of time as an actor in which you are not working, and you do not have a specific role to work on. However, having a personal acting practice can make sure you are always…