
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.

Ep 175Episode 175: Chapters 3&4
Jeff shares a couple of chapters of the upcoming Audiobook version of his book, The Real Life Actor.

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.

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.

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.

Ep 171Episode 171: The Real Life Actor teaching tour spring 2025
Here are the details for Jeff's spring 2025 book/teaching tour.

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.

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

Ep 168Episode 168: Part 6: Forget the audience
What it means to forget the audience while you're working.

Ep 167Episode 167: Part 5: Trying to feel things
This is how feel what you need to feel in a scene.

Ep 166Episode 166: Part 4: In Rehearsal
The most effective way to use the lines you've diligently memorized.

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.

Ep 164Episode 164: Part 2: Character approach
Some helpful hints on what to consider when deciding the best way to play your character.

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.

Ep 162Episode 162: Telling stories of woe
Here are some tips for telling the tragic stories you sometimes have to tell when you act.

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.

Ep 160Episode 160: Doubt is the wrecking ball of creativity
Jeff discusses the best way to wrangle self doubt.

Ep 159Episode 159: Theatre staging and storytelling
Here are some great tips on how to approach staging a play.

Ep 158Episode 158: A new training program that culminates with four live performances
Jeff lays out an exciting new training program.

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.

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.

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.

Ep 154Episode 154: Many reasons why you should be word perfect
Jeff explains the importance of always being word perfect.

Ep 153Episode 153: Dealing with agents, do's and don'ts
Jeff explains the finer points in dealing with agents, from getting to maintaining.

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.

Ep 151Episode 151: Stronger justification leads to stronger storytelling
Jeff explains the importance of strongly justifying your characters actions.

Ep 150Episode 150: The importance of self conflict
Jeff explains the importance of self conflict in your scenes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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."

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.

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!

What’s killing your acting spontaneity?
Jeff explains why “doing the work” may be killing your acting spontaneity.

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

A great exercise to improve your authenticity and spontaneity
EJeff gives you a great way to rehearse a scene that’ll keep you loose and focused.

Giving yourself permission to lie the truth
Jeff discusses the counter productive notion of constantly questioning your own believability.

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.

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

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.

How to use the great instincts you use in life, when you act.
EJeff breaks down a scene from “The Talented Mr. Ripley” to show how you can use your instincts to better understand a scene.

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.

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.

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.