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The Real Life Actor

The Real Life Actor

100 episodes — Page 1 of 2

Ep 176Episode 176: I'm directing a feature, cast entirely from actors I've trained. Here's why I chose them.

Jeff is directing a feature he wrote, cast entirely from the actors he's trained. He explains what he looks for in the actors he chooses.

Feb 26, 202626 min

Ep 175Episode 175: Chapters 3&4

Jeff shares a couple of chapters of the upcoming Audiobook version of his book, The Real Life Actor.

Oct 16, 202528 min

Ep 174Episode 174: The ABSOLUTE BEST WAY to improve your acting

Jeff talks about why performing in from of live audience is the best way to improve your acting. He also offers a way for you to do it.

Sep 30, 202516 min

Ep 173Episode 173: The things that compromise your confidence when you act

Jeff discusses ways of approaching your work that end up creating more confusion than clarity.

Sep 24, 202522 min

Ep 172Episode 172: It's time for a shift in the paradigm

Jeff discusses a long needed change in the way acting is approached and taught.

Sep 17, 202527 min

Ep 171Episode 171: The Real Life Actor teaching tour spring 2025

Here are the details for Jeff's spring 2025 book/teaching tour.

Mar 31, 202514 min

Ep 170Episode 170: The Real Life Actor Scene Study Workbook

Jeff describes his latest book, The Real Life Actor Scene Study Workbook with 32 original scenes.

Jan 19, 202518 min

Ep 169Episode 169: A tale of 2 books

Jeff discusses his two new books, Directing Talent and Showing Up Like a Pro. Here is the Amazon link for Showing Up Like a Pro https://shorturl.at/K5x25 and here is the link for Directing Talent http://tiny.cc/6xeyzz

Nov 25, 202416 min

Ep 168Episode 168: Part 6: Forget the audience

What it means to forget the audience while you're working.

Sep 13, 202417 min

Ep 167Episode 167: Part 5: Trying to feel things

This is how feel what you need to feel in a scene.

Aug 12, 202419 min

Ep 166Episode 166: Part 4: In Rehearsal

The most effective way to use the lines you've diligently memorized.

Jul 26, 202416 min

Ep 165Episode 165: Part 3: The best way to memorize

Here are some great tips on the best way to memorize and "own" your words.

Jul 11, 202423 min

Ep 164Episode 164: Part 2: Character approach

Some helpful hints on what to consider when deciding the best way to play your character.

Jul 5, 202416 min

Ep 163Episode 163: 12 part series. Part I: Reading the script.

Jeff explains why it's so important to read the script from a readers point of view first. Familiarize yourself with the story before you start thinking about your character.

Jun 25, 202418 min

Ep 162Episode 162: Telling stories of woe

Here are some tips for telling the tragic stories you sometimes have to tell when you act.

Apr 18, 202420 min

Ep 161Episode 161: Working live is the best confidence builder

Jeff explains why working live on stage is so important for the actor's growth and confidence.

Sep 27, 202317 min

Ep 160Episode 160: Doubt is the wrecking ball of creativity

Jeff discusses the best way to wrangle self doubt.

Jul 11, 202324 min

Ep 159Episode 159: Theatre staging and storytelling

Here are some great tips on how to approach staging a play.

Apr 27, 202327 min

Ep 158Episode 158: A new training program that culminates with four live performances

Jeff lays out an exciting new training program.

Apr 19, 202317 min

Ep 157Episode 157: Thoughts on theatre acting and directing

Jeff shares his thoughts on conventional theatre acting and directing and why it needs to change.

Apr 14, 202323 min

Ep 156Episode 156: Why properly taking direction is a superpower

What is properly taking direction and why is it an actor's superpower? Jeff explains in detail.

Jan 4, 202319 min

Ep 155Episode 155: Why being "real" isn't enough

Jeff explains why you'll always come up short if being "real" is your primary focus.

Dec 6, 202218 min

Ep 154Episode 154: Many reasons why you should be word perfect

Jeff explains the importance of always being word perfect.

Nov 29, 202217 min

Ep 153Episode 153: Dealing with agents, do's and don'ts

Jeff explains the finer points in dealing with agents, from getting to maintaining.

Nov 22, 202227 min

Ep 152Episode 152: In person auditions are a thing of the past. Here are tips for great self tapes.

Jeff explains why live auditions aren't coming back and offers some great tips to get the most out of your self tapes.

Nov 17, 202226 min

Ep 151Episode 151: Stronger justification leads to stronger storytelling

Jeff explains the importance of strongly justifying your characters actions.

Oct 13, 202228 min

Ep 150Episode 150: The importance of self conflict

Jeff explains the importance of self conflict in your scenes.

Oct 3, 202217 min

Ep 149Episode 149: Memorize the facts and concept first, then the lines.

Jeff gives a great example of a wonderful way to own your words and learn your lines.

Aug 8, 202223 min

Ep 148Episode 148: Caring way more by caring way less

Jeff discusses the best headspace to be in when you're working and why it's so important.

Jul 16, 202220 min

Ep 147Episode 147: Is your acting feeling fake? Here is the cure.

Here is the cure for any actor who has ever felt their acting was fake.

May 26, 202214 min

Ep 146Episode 146: Lessons learned in the field

Jeff shares some lessons learned while doing 8 shows a week in Prayer for the French Republic at The Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City.

Apr 1, 202225 min

Ep 145Episode 145: How to keep it fresh, night after night and other stuff

Jeff shares his insights from his current job performing on stage at The Manhattan Theatre club in New York City.

Feb 8, 202227 min

Ep 144Episode 144: I’m back, after a “big break"

Jeff scores a big job in the New York theatre and discusses what he’s observing and learning.

Jan 5, 202226 min

Ep 143Episode 143: The rules for choosing a choice

Regarding the choices an actor can make for character and scene, Jeff explains the need to consider the overall story and a simple rule to follow.

Sep 2, 202116 min

Ep 142Episode 142: The best way to become a more confident actor

Jeff offers up a way of rehearsing that will grow confidence in the actor

Aug 26, 202120 min

Ep 141Episode 141: The best way to stay focused and on point

Jeff explains the best way to stay in the scene and express the feelings you’re supposed to be feeling.

May 30, 202128 min

Ep 140Episode 140: A smattering of observations

Jeff discusses the best way to rehearse, scenes with love interest and the phrase, “I could have done better."

Mar 3, 202128 min

Ep 139Episode 139: Bits and bobs from last week

Jeff continues his new weekly series with observations about actors throwing their face into neutral, being interesting, and beautiful people and humor.

Feb 24, 202123 min

Ep 138Episode 138: A new series: Last week in review

In this new series Jeff will discuss topics and lessons learned from his previous week of Zoom sessions. Fresh insights every week in this new weekly series!

Feb 18, 202125 min

What’s killing your acting spontaneity?

Jeff explains why “doing the work” may be killing your acting spontaneity.

Aug 31, 202026 min

You’ll be a better actor if you focus more on why and less on how

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Jeff explains why it's more important to understand the why of your actions, than it is to focus on how it’ll manifest in your performance.Plus, another great exercise.

Jul 7, 202023 min

A great exercise to improve your authenticity and spontaneity

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Jeff gives you a great way to rehearse a scene that’ll keep you loose and focused.

Jun 14, 202021 min

Giving yourself permission to lie the truth

Jeff discusses the counter productive notion of constantly questioning your own believability.

May 18, 202023 min

Monologues, observations and advice after a week of Zoom classes

Jeff shares observations and advice on how to approach a monologues after a week of his new Zoom classes on monologues.

Apr 30, 202025 min

Questions answered. Zoom acting classes.

Jeff answers listeners questions and introduces his new Zoom acting classes.

Apr 10, 202039 min

The new Q&A series, online training, and more...

Jeff introduces the new Q&A series, discusses his online training format and talks about the crazy times, we’re in.

Mar 19, 202018 min

How to use the great instincts you use in life, when you act.

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Jeff breaks down a scene from “The Talented Mr. Ripley” to show how you can use your instincts to better understand a scene.

Jan 26, 202034 min

The trick to staying out of your head

Most actors suffer from getting distracted by how they’re doing while they’re acting. Jeff provides the remedy.

Dec 24, 201924 min

There is such a thing as caring too much and trying too hard.

Caring too much and trying too hard can end up undermining your mission.

Dec 9, 201927 min

Stop worrying about getting into the zone and feeling stuff. It’s a fool’s errand.

Stop concerning yourself with your headspace and just get on with making your points. Everything will fall into place.

Nov 25, 201930 min