David Chiu

Sunday we had a substitute teacher come in and coach our scene study class. Just like in high-school, a lot of people didn’t show up for class because there was a substitute. Unfortunately for them, they missed out on a great class. Diane, our guest teacher, spent at least an hour talking about the key to having a career as an actor. The secret: know thyself. Know your type, know your personality and the aura you project. Know what your character handle is in real life and use your personality and real life idiosyncrisies to permeate in your work. That is what will make you stand out from the crowd. Don’t try to be somebody else. Be confident in who you are and what you have to offer as an actor. She gave examples such as Bill Macy and Philip Seymore Hoffman who you wouldn’t of ever thought of leading actors at first look, but then they created great careers by creating great characters.

This was a great lecture and something I really neded to hear and reinforce in my mind. Diane even spent the time asking each of us what roles we are most commonly sent out for and if we feel we match those roles. I told her how when I was “younger” I was also sent out for a lot of asian gangster roles but never booked any of them. She said that just by talking to me in person she could see that I am definitely not a gangster type. She said I project more of an Asian Carey Grant (who would’ve thought? Not I). I guess this would also match Tom’s comments of how I have this bit of sophistication about me. Honestly, I would’ve never said these things about myself, but how enlightening. What’s even more interesting is that I brought in a comedic monologue I wrote dealing with the struggle of self identity. How ironic.

Today I drove into Hollywood for CBS Showcase auditions and as I approached the casting office I noticed a big sign on the door “CBS Showcase Auditions are Next Week Not Today”. So I immediately called my agent who verified this. Oh well. At least I know that I can prepare a monologue very quickly.