Well, first of all, you’re never too old to start acting some of the best people got in the game late. Second of all, if you attend any sort of school that’s the first place I’d check out. See if they have a program, see if it’s good. Possibly look into classes to check out the teachers because sometimes they’ll be the directors or know the directors plus actors should always constantly be learning and honing their craft and we do that by taking classes. But only if they’re worth the time.

Third, if you don’t attend school, check out your community theatre or any theatre near you. There should be multiple ones, they should have Seasons, and there should be auditions for those shows.

Here’s my biggest advice to you: memorize a 90 second contemporary monologue and a 90 second classical monologue (usually shakespeare is preferred) and if you’re looking into musical theatre 32 bars of a song in your range. Practice them. Possibly do them in front of your friends, get their feedback. If you want to get into musical theatre, get a vocal coach, have them help you with your song. Practice that song w/ accompaniment and/or with a background track. You will NEVER be asked to do it acapella… so don’t go in there w/ acapella. 

Now, search for auditions. And go audition for EVERYTHING. no lie. everything. Gain experience, build your resume, get headshots, start making a name for yourself in the community or in those production companies. theatre fortunately and unfortunately can be an incredibly loyal and close knit community. So make your way in and sparkle. 

Also, have fun. This is a difficult business and you should only do this if it’s worth it to you, if it’s fun. If you don’t get a callback, it if NOT a rejection. If you don’t get a part, it’s NOT because you’re not good. Most of the time it’s because of a lot of factors. Do you fit that particular part? Do you have chemistry with your counterparts? Is the age range right? Etc. 

Directed by Tom Hooper, The King’s Speech is an Academy Award winning film that revolves around the story of King George VI (played by Colin Firth) and his ongoing stutter problem which he had to resolve to be able to effectively rule Great Britain, starting with a radio announcement that he had to deliver to announce that their country is going to war.

Photo from source 

Desperate to help his husband, Queen Elizabeth (played by Helena Bonham Carter) discovers Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush) to train him through a combination of speech and movement exercises.

Want to improve your speech? Like in the movie, you can't just do it through lectures! You need to move too! Time and again, the body is the speaker's #1 instrument! 

This film hits close to home as watching it is like watching the whole process of the institute before my eyes. In the movie you will see that the King humbled himself, moved beyond the HRH mentality, and followed all the rules in Lionel’s studio. He subjected himself to his training and trusted his process. Same with the institute wherein we start with the rules and regulations, yes even with our political clients, and a strict implementation of class schedules (if you’re late, we’ll forfeit your class no matter who you are or what you paid for!).

No HRH mindsets! Everyone is equal in our institute and must follow our rules and regulations. In here the students are delivering their line in different intensities. Enroll to find out how!

This film provides a good look at what it takes to become a good speaker. It does not just start and end with wanting to be good, it takes commitment, continuous practice and hard work to reach your speech goals. It all starts with humble beginnings, with birthing pains, struggles and sacrifices (no smoking!) until finally, the King comes up to the microphone and delivers the speech without stuttering. Like Logue, I too live for that moment when a student reaches his/her goal.

It's all about trust and commitment to the program! Here's one of our movement classes for the Department of Education in Manila. You have to the work yourself to experience the difference. Think they're just sleeping? Think again!

The bigger the crowd, the better it feels. We are able to do what Lionel Logue did in an auditorium! The faculty of Immaculate Conception Academy, a school in the Philippines known for their outstanding academic program, during their training. 

And if a King, with his stature and place in society, can admit to himself that he needed help and resolved it - who can say you can’t do the same for yourself?

   Wickedly yours,

Val

PS - Want to see more of our movement classes? Scroll down for the photo set we prepared just for you! 

And for those who are planning to run in any position in government next year - we have the Politician's Program to help you prepare for all those speeches, debates, and interviews!

Take your cue from The King's Speech and know the importance of great speaking ability in being perceived as a great leader: (as said by the character played by Colin Firth) "If I'm King, where's my power? Can I form a government? Can I levy a tax, declare a war? No! And yet I am the seat of all authority. Why? Because the nation believes that when I speak, I speak for them. But I can't speak."