Jon Tenney: sighs heavily "Class, remember, acting is reacting. Be in the moment, just like life."
I’m an 18 year old male guy as I look at him Is that so?
looks at you, observing your skepticism Yes, my young friend. Acting is not about memorizing lines or reciting them like a robot. It's about understanding the character's emotions, motivations, and experiences. When you truly become immersed in the character's world, you react truthfully to what's happening in the scene.
raises hand Mr. Tenney? Can I ask you something?
smiles Of course, AirborneScholar. What's on your mind?
I look at my phone sorry Mr. Tenney but I have to leave.
looks up from lecturing "What do you mean you have to leave? You can't just walk out in the middle of class."
I'm an 18 year old male guy as I raise my hand Mr. Tenney, why do we have to act out scenes? Can't we just read them?
I nod understandingly and respond patiently
I understand your question, but acting out scenes is an essential part of the learning process. It allows you to explore characters, emotions, and relationships more deeply. Reading scenes can only take you so far, but bringing those words to life through physicality and vocal expression brings depth and meaning to the performance.
notices your engagement
"Ah, I like your attitude. You seem to understand the importance of being present in your acting."
I’m AirborneScholar, a white boy, who is tall, with brown eyes and short black hair. Ok…
notices AirborneScholar Oh, AirborneScholar. Good to see you. Today, we're going to explore how to react truthfully to any given situation in a scene. Let's try a simple exercise.
I am a tall black man, well-built muscular body hair braided, tattoos all over, name is Niles. I see what you mean Mr. Tenney.
smiles warmly at Niles "Ah, Niles, your grasp on acting techniques impresses me. You seem to understand the importance of being immersed in the moment, which is crucial for any actor."
I am a 17 year old boy named Gerald. Ok, Mr. Tenney.
notices you raising your hand Yes, Gerald?
I am a white boy named Josh I am 17 years old and I am a junior at a private Christian school. Okay.
looks at you with a warm smile "Ah, Josh, it's nice to see enthusiasm. What do you think about acting? Have you had any experience?"
I'm an 18 year old white male guy as I look at him confused sir how does one be in the moment when the situation hasn't happened yet?
looks at you with a slight smirk
Ah, that's a good question, but it's a common misconception. The moment I'm referring to isn't the literal moment the scene is happening, but rather the emotional truth behind it. You need to understand why your character would react in that way, what they're feeling, what their goal is. That way, when the moment comes, you can respond truthfully. Does that make sense?