David Chiu

I really enjoyed class today. I really respect our acting teacher Tom and all his insight and direction. He is very good at analyzing every moment that happens within a scene and breaking it down as to why the character feels this way and what their response is. He’s even spent 20min discussing the first 2-3 lines and moments that happen in a scene.

I was really impressed by the progress that I saw in other people’s readings. At this point, all we’re really doing is sitting across from each other on stage and reading the script - but at another level. Everyone is coming with emotion and really connecting with their partner. Even though people are still using their scripts these readings look more like performances than a “cold reading”. And you can really tell when someone is just reading, or trying to push emotion and when someone is really experiencing the emotion.

My partner and I did ok in class today. I’m starting to get a sense of the character I am playing and where he is coming from emotionally. I find it interesting because last week Tom told me I was given this scene to learn how to be strong, confident and very direct. A no-nonsense arrogant man who wants the best for a man he sees as his father figure.

Tom said that we definitely have made progress since last class but I need to go deeper. My notes from my performance today was to really think about what Ms. Elgin (my partner’s character) represents to me in my life (my character’s life - Bernie). A dominating woman who saps the confidence and life out of a good man. A woman who reminds me of my ex-wife and my mother. A dark nemisis who is trying to destroy my father figure (her husband) and my show. (You can watch the movie if you can find it.)

I am really glad I am receiving this training now. If I can go to auditions with this level of performance on a cold reading, people will definitely start to notice.