HCAC https://methodactingasia.com/ Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:11:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.3 https://methodactingasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/favicon.ico HCAC https://methodactingasia.com/ 32 32 Tuning the Actor’s Instrument: The Art of Mastery https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-actors-instrument/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hcac-actors-instrument https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-actors-instrument/#respond Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:55:30 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=31883 When we think of musicians, we often think of the skillful fingers strumming a guitar or the delicate bow gliding over the strings of a violin. But have you ever stopped to consider the importance of tuning these instruments before a performance? Just like a musician tunes their instrument to ensure that it plays the […]

The post Tuning the Actor’s Instrument: The Art of Mastery appeared first on HCAC.

]]>

When we think of musicians, we often think of the skillful fingers strumming a guitar or the delicate bow gliding over the strings of a violin. But have you ever stopped to consider the importance of tuning these instruments before a performance? Just like a musician tunes their instrument to ensure that it plays the notes they want, we too can tune our instruments – our bodies, minds, and spirits – to achieve mastery in our craft.

I. Tuning the Body

As an artist, your instrument is not limited to a single tool or body part. The painter has their paintbrush, the dancer has their body, the singer has their lungs and diaphragm, and the actor has their entire being – body, voice, brain, heart, spirit, and soul. How do we tune these instruments to bring out our best performances?

Physical Awareness

By cultivating physical awareness, artists can develop greater control over their movements and gestures, allowing them to convey meaning and emotion more effectively

II. Tuning the Mind

Just as a musician must focus their mind to produce the right notes, an artist must cultivate the mental discipline to fully inhabit their characters and convey their emotions convincingly. Reading, writing, and other creative exercises can also stimulate the mind and help us generate fresh ideas and perspectives.

Mental Discipline

Mental discipline involves practices like visualization, memorization, and self-reflection. By training the mind to focus and stay present, artists can enhance their performance and develop greater empathy for their characters.

III. Tuning the Spirit and Soul

Whether we believe in a higher power or not, tapping into our innermost selves can help us access the depth and authenticity needed to truly connect with our audience. This might involve practices like journaling, therapy, or engaging with our creative communities.

Self-Exploration

By exploring our own emotions and experiences, we can develop a deeper understanding of the human condition and create performances that are both meaningful and impactful.

In conclusion, just like musicians tune their instruments to achieve mastery, artists can tune their bodies, minds, and spirits to enhance their performances and connect with their audience. Whether it’s through physical exercise, mental discipline, or spiritual practices, the key is to cultivate awareness and intentionality in our creative process. So, the next time you step on stage or in front of the camera, take a moment to tune your instrument and see how it transforms your performance.

HCAC

Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity

The post Tuning the Actor’s Instrument: The Art of Mastery appeared first on HCAC.

]]>
https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-actors-instrument/feed/ 0
The Challenges of Being a Full-Time Actor: Is It the Right Career Path for You? https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-challenges-of-full-time-actor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hcac-challenges-of-full-time-actor https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-challenges-of-full-time-actor/#respond Thu, 16 Mar 2023 08:10:31 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=32180 Pursuing a career as a full-time actor can be an exciting but challenging journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that influence whether or not being a full-time actor is the right path for you. We’ll discuss the challenges of navigating the industry, the financial considerations, and the dilemma of pursuing your passion […]

The post The Challenges of Being a Full-Time Actor: Is It the Right Career Path for You? appeared first on HCAC.

]]>

Pursuing a career as a full-time actor can be an exciting but challenging journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that influence whether or not being a full-time actor is the right path for you. We’ll discuss the challenges of navigating the industry, the financial considerations, and the dilemma of pursuing your passion while balancing personal responsibilities that often stem from societal expectations.

The Challenges of Being a Full-Time Actor

Breaking into the acting industry can be incredibly difficult, and even more so when you’re trying to turn it into a full-time career. It requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication to master the craft and gain recognition for your work. The competition is fierce, and the road to success is often filled with rejection and disappointment.

Financial Considerations

If you are financially stable, pursuing acting full-time may be more feasible. This can provide the freedom to focus on building your career without constantly worrying about making ends meet. However, for many people, pursuing their passion while trying to support themselves financially is a challenging reality. The idea of the “starving artist” is a common one, and it’s a reality for many aspiring actors, especially in countries like Singapore where societal expectations tend to prioritize stability over creative pursuits.

The Mental Dilemma

There is a cognitive dissonance that many aspiring actors face when considering a career in the arts. On one hand, they feel the pressure to conform to societal expectations by climbing the corporate ladder, getting married, and settling down at an early age. On the other hand, they have a passion for the creative arts that drives them to pursue acting as a long-term career. This internal conflict can be challenging to navigate and can lead to a lot of uncertainty and anxiety.

Alternative Career Paths

For those who find it difficult to commit to acting full-time, freelancing or part-time work in the industry can be a viable alternative. but it’s a more realistic option for those who need to support themselves financially. There is no one route to success. The journey may be longer but the lessons along the way can still be fruitful and rewarding.

The post The Challenges of Being a Full-Time Actor: Is It the Right Career Path for You? appeared first on HCAC.

]]>
https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-challenges-of-full-time-actor/feed/ 0
HCAC Short Stories https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-short-stories/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hcac-short-stories https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-short-stories/#respond Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:45:00 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=31630 The post HCAC Short Stories appeared first on HCAC.

]]>

The post HCAC Short Stories appeared first on HCAC.

]]>
https://methodactingasia.com/hcac-short-stories/feed/ 0
How Acting Training Positively Impacts Kids https://methodactingasia.com/how-acting-training-positively-impacts-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-acting-training-positively-impacts-kids https://methodactingasia.com/how-acting-training-positively-impacts-kids/#respond Mon, 06 Feb 2023 04:11:00 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=29878 It’s so exciting that your child has embarked on an acting journey—not just because it provides a wonderful outlet for creative expression, but also because an acting education has many benefits. In my 20 years of running an acting studio in L.A. for kids, teens, and young adults, I can say that an acting education […]

The post How Acting Training Positively Impacts Kids appeared first on HCAC.

]]>

It’s so exciting that your child has embarked on an acting journey—not just because it provides a wonderful outlet for creative expression, but also because an acting education has many benefits. In my 20 years of running an acting studio in L.A. for kids, teens, and young adults, I can say that an acting education positively impacts many aspects of life. Here’s how.

Building self-confidence.
First and foremost, it’s so important for your child to train in a positive learning environment. When this is the case, without a doubt, I see a significant increase in self-confidence in students who stick with their acting training. Some students embark on an acting course because they want to pursue professional careers while others are simply looking for a fun extracurricular outlet. No matter the reason, I see an increase in confidence across the board even for those who are shy. For example, Forrest Wheeler, star of ABC’s hit show “Fresh off the Boat,” was a shy boy when he first came to my studio. Afterward, he gained the confidence needed to secure a top talent agent.

Later in life, when a child actor is interviewing for college programs, internships, or jobs, he’ll have already done dozens, maybe even hundreds, of auditions playing all sorts of characters. In this case, a simple one-on-one interview, in which he gets to simply be himself, can certainly feel a lot less daunting since actors tend to develop excellent interpersonal and interviewing skills.

Fostering empathy.
The craft of acting involves studying the lives, thoughts, and emotions of other humans in close detail. By considering the plight of a character and then stepping into the shoes of that character and bringing her to life, your child is cultivating empathy. As she cultivates empathy, she will become more and more curious about, and sensitive to, how other people think, feel, and operate in the world. 

As they continue their training, many actors actually become involved in service work and humanitarian efforts. This inclination to be of service is a natural byproduct of an actor’s increasing capacity for empathy. 

Developing focus and cognition.
Acting involves an immense amount of focus as well as memory retention. Your child will be exercising his brain in a dynamic way that involves physical coordination and memorization while at the same time remaining open and flexible to the words and actions of the other actors around him. In order to remain present to his character and to the characters around him, while also speaking lines and thinking thoughts of his character, your child actor must be very focused. 

This level of focus can certainly help to improve your child’s focus in the classroom. Over the years, I have witnessed numerous instances of students’ grades going up after beginning their acting training! 

Providing stress relief. 
Acting provides a great outlet for stress relief and for the expression of emotions. Teenagers especially are hard-wired to feel emotions on a larger scale than adults are. Acting provides a great outlet for these feelings. 

Again, I must emphasize the importance of a positive and safe training environment. Your child should feel free and comfortable to express or not express herself at the level that she feels comfortable with and at her pace. A positive and encouraging teacher will foster your child’s growth in an uplifting and healthy way. Do your research! 

Of course, acting is not a replacement for therapy or counseling. It’s meant to be a positive and fun mode of self-expression. Always seek the resources that you need outside the classroom. 

Acting is a really fun profession. Your child can learn so much about other humans, about storytelling, history, culture, and the world. She can cultivate empathy and confidence. She can learn about herself! Always check in with your child to make sure she is enjoying the journey. The journey itself—the classes, the auditions, and all of the moments in between—can be as fun and rewarding as an actor chooses to make it.

This article is written by : https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-acting-training-positively-impacts-kids-69484/?fbclid=IwAR3t6xPzMXC_qU4kS3V6HbERP_CIzi4Ft_nq34Shq8CRUXd70uWmgap3Kpo

The post How Acting Training Positively Impacts Kids appeared first on HCAC.

]]>
https://methodactingasia.com/how-acting-training-positively-impacts-kids/feed/ 0
5 Tips for a Good Self-Taped Audition https://methodactingasia.com/5-tips-for-a-good-self-taped-audition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-tips-for-a-good-self-taped-audition https://methodactingasia.com/5-tips-for-a-good-self-taped-audition/#respond Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:17:00 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=28417 Find a good lighting That means either natural lighting, a ring light or an inexpensive light box. You don’t want to obscure your face and mess up your work. You need good sound You want your voice to be clear when you send your work to casting. Most cameras and camera phones have built-in microphones, […]

The post 5 Tips for a Good Self-Taped Audition appeared first on HCAC.

]]>
  • Find a good lighting
  • That means either natural lighting, a ring light or an inexpensive light box. You don’t want to obscure your face and mess up your work.

    1. You need good sound

    You want your voice to be clear when you send your work to casting. Most cameras and camera phones have built-in microphones, which is more than enough. If you want to be doubly sure, you can consider getting an additional low-cost microphone. 

    1. Work in front of a neutral surface

     For example, a blank wall or you can hang a muted colour sheet as a backdrop so we can focus on you and your acting, not what’s in your home. If you can’t avoid using your bedroom, make sure it’s tidy! 

    An extra tip- make sure not to stand right against the wall to avoid any shadows!

    1. Make sure to record horizontally

    You watch films and TV on a horizontal screen so it makes sense to also record that way too. Ensure your camera or your phone is stable as well. It makes all the difference. You can either use a tripod or balance your phone or camera on a stack of books

    1. Find a great reading partner

    Make sure your self-tape has you working opposite a great reader. That way you have something to feed off of when you record your work to send over to casting.

    At the end of the day, casting directors are not expecting Oscar-worthy cinematography. With the above 5 things in mind, you are free to focus on recording and sending over your best take for consideration. Remember every audition is an opportunity to be the solution to the casting director’s problem. Why not have that solution be you! You got this!

    The post 5 Tips for a Good Self-Taped Audition appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    https://methodactingasia.com/5-tips-for-a-good-self-taped-audition/feed/ 0
    The Brides Programme Booklet https://methodactingasia.com/brides/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brides https://methodactingasia.com/brides/#respond Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:33:58 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=28556 The post The Brides Programme Booklet appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>

    The Brides 24th – 26th Sept 2021
    Programme Booklet

    DOWNLOAD HERE


    The post The Brides Programme Booklet appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    https://methodactingasia.com/brides/feed/ 0
    Dart Handbook 2021 https://methodactingasia.com/dart-handbook-2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dart-handbook-2021 https://methodactingasia.com/dart-handbook-2021/#respond Thu, 26 Aug 2021 04:52:45 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=28405 The post Dart Handbook 2021 appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>

    Refer to our latest DART Handbook for a summary of best practices from Casting to Rehearsal to Production:

    DOWNLOAD DART HANDBOOK 2021

    DOWNLOAD DART QUESTIONS ANSWERED


    The post Dart Handbook 2021 appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    https://methodactingasia.com/dart-handbook-2021/feed/ 0
    Saturday Sessions at HCAC https://methodactingasia.com/saturday-sessions-at-hcac/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=saturday-sessions-at-hcac https://methodactingasia.com/saturday-sessions-at-hcac/#respond Sun, 08 Aug 2021 19:36:52 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=28307 The post Saturday Sessions at HCAC appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    Sign up for an audition at bit.ly/hcacss4

    The post Saturday Sessions at HCAC appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    https://methodactingasia.com/saturday-sessions-at-hcac/feed/ 0
    Why Speech And Drama Matters More Now Than Ever https://methodactingasia.com/why-speech-and-drama-matters-more-now-than-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-speech-and-drama-matters-more-now-than-ever https://methodactingasia.com/why-speech-and-drama-matters-more-now-than-ever/#respond Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:44:29 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=27486 It is no secret that Covid-19 has taken the world by storm. The pandemic has affected everyone from the young to the elderly. Now that Singapore is slowly opening up again, here are some reasons why speech and drama matters now more than ever. Dr Chan Poh Chong, head and senior consultant in the division […]

    The post Why Speech And Drama Matters More Now Than Ever appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    It is no secret that Covid-19 has taken the world by storm. The pandemic has affected everyone from the young to the elderly. Now that Singapore is slowly opening up again, here are some reasons why speech and drama matters now more than ever.

    Dr Chan Poh Chong, head and senior consultant in the division of general ambulatory paediatrics and adolescent medicine at the National University Hospital (NUH), said that any major disaster may have traumatic effects on children. Dr Celine Wong a consultant in the department of psychological medicine at the NUH, said that there has been an increase in anxiety and depression in children post-circuit breaker.

    Speech and drama classes are a safe space for your children to process their thoughts and feelings without being judged or teased. These classes will also be able to help your children re-build their self-esteem. With Covid-19 in our midst, it is harder to focus on one task let alone an entire school day on the internet. Speech and drama can help your child to focus and concentrate as they are encouraged to listen to each other’s opinions and thoughts.

    Even though Covid-19 has its negative impacts, it gives children the opportunity to re-build themselves to be more resilient. It also gives them the opportunity to explore new hobbies they have never thought to try before or never had the time to try out before. So carpe diem and sign up for classes today!

    The post Why Speech And Drama Matters More Now Than Ever appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    https://methodactingasia.com/why-speech-and-drama-matters-more-now-than-ever/feed/ 0
    7 Values We Wish To Instill In Your Kids https://methodactingasia.com/7-values-we-wish-to-instill-in-your-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=7-values-we-wish-to-instill-in-your-kids https://methodactingasia.com/7-values-we-wish-to-instill-in-your-kids/#respond Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:39:57 +0000 http://159.223.64.176/?p=27481 Authenticity We believe that authenticity is about teaching children to realize and trust their feelings. At HCAC Kids, the syllabus encourages your children to show their raw emotions and feelings about social issues that are talked about in class. 2. Empathy Beyond learning how to act, tell stories and write, engaging in the performing arts […]

    The post 7 Values We Wish To Instill In Your Kids appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
  • Authenticity
  • We believe that authenticity is about teaching children to realize and trust their feelings. At HCAC Kids, the syllabus encourages your children to show their raw emotions and feelings about social issues that are talked about in class.

    2. Empathy

    Beyond learning how to act, tell stories and write, engaging in the performing arts teaches your child what it means to be fully human. We encourage learning in your children to be global students. HCAC Kids builds awareness of the world through social issues. These issues open up your children’s eyes to the world that they live in, inculcating empathy in them.

    3. Truthfulness

    As mentioned above, we do not only teach your children to be performers but really to be good human beings of this world. Being truthful is one major value we would like to inculcate in your children. Being truthful in this craft and being truthful to themselves.

    4. Fearlessness

    Here at HCAC kids, we prepare performers of the future. We encourage your children to be fearless in expressing themselves, fearless in being their true selves. We prompt them to share their thoughts and opinions without being afraid to speak up.

    5. Love for self

    Even in the workshop for adults, the basic training for all actors is to fully know themselves. Your child knowing who they truly are at a young age will help build their self-confidence and it will be unwavering. They will learn to love themselves from a young age and will have the tools and skills to continue learning about themselves as they grow older.

    6. Leadership

    We have all heard that children are the leaders of the future, and they are. With speech and drama, children will be taught to be confident in every decision they make on stage and off stage. They will learn to be confident in presenting themselves in front of others.

    7. Working with mutually beneficial intent

    While there are plays that are one man shows in theatre, we believe that teamwork is a crucial value for children to learn in these classes. We nurture your children to work together with each other to come up with a project that they can call their own here at HCAC Kids.

    The post 7 Values We Wish To Instill In Your Kids appeared first on HCAC.

    ]]>
    https://methodactingasia.com/7-values-we-wish-to-instill-in-your-kids/feed/ 0