Be a more confident actor

When is the last time someone thanked you for making a mistake?

One of the best things about Eugenie Bondurant’s on-camera acting class is her brilliant way of turning every mistake into a positive learning opportunity. Right when you think, boy, I just blew it, she’ll excitedly say, “I’m so glad you just did that! Now we can talk about another way to do it.”

In the on-camera acting classes at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa, students learn how to be real and connected on-camera and deliver a more interesting and believable performance.

“We explore the dynamic of ‘less is more’ and being truthful, creating good acting habits for camera that could be also used for stage work,” said Bondurant.

Each class begins with Meisner exercises that help actors learn how to be present and truthful with the work and their partners.

What is the Meisner Technique?

“The Stanford Meisner Technique is one of the best methods of acting to force the actor to ‘get out of his head’ and focus on being in the moment; and being present with his partner in real time,” said Bondurant.

The technique promotes deep use of the imagination as opposed to playing the action. The actor learns to use what is real and present in his life, along with his imagination, to create an alternate reality to fit into the scene.

Each student is encouraged to to study their on-camera performance at home to learn what works and what doesn’t work.

“We’re often our own worst critic, so seeing what is believable and working through it can change the dynamic of the process for the student,” said Bondurant. “I’m very excited about this class. It is truly one of my favorite classes to teach since we really get to dive into the nuts and bolts of being real on camera.”

The adult on-camera acting workshop starts this Thursday, Feb. 3 and runs through Feb. 24, 2011. The on-camera acting workshop for grades six through 12, taught by Michele Young, starts this Sat., Feb. 5 and runs through Feb. 26, 2011.

Feel free to make mistakes, take chances, be yourself and learn the tools of the trade. Come see how Bondurant’s infectious enthusiasm can help you become a more confident performer.