In the lapse between now and your last video I got into acting school in Australia after a 2 year Odyssey. Always grateful to have discovered the most useful hidden gem of acting resources on the internet. Glad the channel is still going. ❤
My Ma's from Australia, and I know you're lucky to be working there. Just work night and day to get the real meaning of scripts right (right for you) and it sounds like you've some fun times ahead! John
Thanks for kind word. Hopefully ''subtext' - or whatever we call it - can be FUN as well, and help us to - secretly - enjoy lines which other actors may have skipped past! Best anyway, John
John, I have pursued the performing arts now. I know you’re mostly in dramatic acting, but I have got in to a really great musical theatre program, and I’m very excited. I’ve learned a load of gems from your videos and I quite appreciate you.
Thanks for kind words. Most of what I say applies to musicals too, and - we should not talk about it or we sound rude - but too many singers are trying to show off that they can sing, instead of enjoying the need to sing, and practicing to make their songs seem 'true'. So best wishes! John
It's great to see you being alive and well Sir! I had worried that you were ill or possibly worse because you hadn't been very active over the last couple of months.
More likely on Skype which works well as we're concentrated on the screens with no distractions. But up to you, working with anyone hard enough usually pays off, and best way to find me is not here, but the 'Contact' page on my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com), though, as I say, you may manage well with anyone! John i
I am an actor in my 50s in the US for a few years now - have not made any money yet, but that is not important to me at the moment - and THE FIRST THING I was taught was to not be late. Being German.... Late is not really in my vocabulary and I annoy people by always being early or on time. I rather leave way too early and wait somewhere then to be late. That said... EVERYBODY is always late. It is driving me crazy but I am never saying a word. People are late to rehearsal, people are late to class, people are late to the actual shoot and they NEVER start on time because of that. I have not figured out if this is a generational thing (I am older and they are all 20 to 30 years younger) or a country thing (me being originally German in the US) or even very localised (Los Angeles) and it's an LA thing.... I have no clue. I deal with it, am on time and watch the world being late. Last example. A friend recently performed a life one woman show. HER own show. She needed to be there at least 30 minutes early. She was late (or better only 10 minutes before curtain) and blamed traffic. THEN LEAVE EARLIER!!! Sorry for the rant but... I just can't...
Yes, that's such a big deal with our work, but at least you know YOU can be relied upon, and that you recognize 'serious' actors from the start! And maybe you can use your tight schedule to fit in new plans and read dozens of plays! Best anyway, John
This is amazing! Just yesterday, I stumbled upon your UA-cam channel, and today, after a year, you've started uploading videos again. I have to say, I absolutely adore your content!
I honestly almost feared that the channel wouldnt be continued. I study acting in Berlin at the moment. And your lessons have helped me a lot, specifically the ones concerning Shakespeare-plays (I love Shakespeare). And Im very happy to see you and your new Videolessons! Looking forward to learn more from you!
Thanks for kind words. I've been busy coaching actors for the last year and had no time to make new videos, but I have 20 years more work to do so the channel will continue for a long time yet! And best wishes for your Shakespeare work. If you get stuck on anything get in touch through the website, although if something is not clear in his lines it is probably not meant to be obvious! John
just watching you and the passion for acting grows exponentially, I don't know if it's your natural way of being or it's interpretation but that's the effect you have edit:. to those ppl that thought that John somewhat died... he's obviously not going to die by natural causes in this decade at least lol
Thanks for kind words. And no, I've no plans to die, as I have 20 years of work still to do, including not yet playing the title role in King Lear), and as for the "natural causes" you mention, my plan is to die laughing, hopefully at the end of my month of doing Lear in 2038. John
You spell Nobel with a capital 'N' and not ending like the word "n o b l e " so if you're saying I should be nominated for the Swedish Nobel Prize then, great - AT LAST ( ! ) - that's something even better than a knighthood to look forward to. I will acknowledge you in my acceptance speech fully, but, for now, thanks very much. John Windsor-Cunningham
Fantastic as usual. I had thought, sadly, you died. If you did die, then how would we ever know? A recording of Malkovich in True West I think is the best acting I've ever watched on TV. I Iive in Southern CA, and all the plays, pretty pretty much, are all woke garbage. I guess there will never be a stage performance of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar ever again!
Well I've 15 years of work still planned, possibly coaching someone to become a new Malkovich, and doing at least a few plays, and more videos will hopefully show I'm still breathing. And bits of it are FUN! Best to you as well, John
Hey just a question, whenever I’m reading a certain line for my character in a play I tend to have 2-3 different ways of delivering that line and they’re just as good as each other so I can never really choose which one is best, how do I overcome that? In my head I always come up with multiple ways to deliver the line and they’re just as good as each other (example: different movements, different way of saying it, maybe putting a prop in my pocket while saying the line, or even reading something while saying the line, etc)
Hard to answer your question without knowing you, so I have to 'guess' what you need, which could be that you are actually ADDING things to a scene, when the scene may not need it. If a director MAKES you pick up a prop when you'd not thought it necessary then just do it and don't think about it at all. It's also tempting (for ALL actors) to try and add something clever to a scene, just to look different, and - again - THINKING of doing it is not what your character needs to do as your character is not an actor !!! Concentrate on the other actors, and don't feel awkward if you don't seem to be doing much, for the most famous of actors are most interesting when they do nothing. (Or ask for coaching). John Windsor-Cunningham
I really can't give you serious help without watching you doing a scene, and coaching on Skype seems to work well, perhaps because of being concentrated on the screens with no distractions. But I can't coach here, more than I've already said. Sorry. John
Good question ! I suppose because they feel they could lead different lives, or they want to understand life from another person's point of view. It's also a kind of education if we choose interesting other lives, it helps some of us grow. And it's fun. And a better job, if done well, than some others. John Windsor-Cunningham
How come there are a lot of actors out there (if not 80% of them) never make it big and instead only get 2-4 lines in a script every 6 months if they’re lucky because even my drama teacher isnt a proper actor he has a side job, Is it because they don’t look good enough or is it because they aren’t that good at acting?
Yes, it's what you say, and caused by people not knowing it's a difficult job, so millions THINK they can act, and know nothing about irony, syntax, subtext, suggestion, clarity, and not enough about language, oh yes and humor. Those who have slim talent but work incredibly hard, and find parts which SUIT them AND who have luck, and who have more interest in acting than a family, or pets, or a '"nice home" and ONLY want acting jobs, And who stumble on a suitable coach for them may - even then - only barely survive, but the thrill and the hope and the promise is enough for them. People who want money and fame are children still. Sorry. OH - and having some basic skill to start with helps,, like vocal range, a comedy angle, looks, and being perfectly prepared to die attempting the job. John Windsor-Cunningham
In the lapse between now and your last video I got into acting school in Australia after a 2 year Odyssey. Always grateful to have discovered the most useful hidden gem of acting resources on the internet. Glad the channel is still going. ❤
My Ma's from Australia, and I know you're lucky to be working there. Just work night and day to get the real meaning of scripts right (right for you) and it sounds like you've some fun times ahead! John
Mr Windsor, I'm glad you are still posting on your Channel, years after your accent videos 😊 I'm learning so much already.
Greetings from California
Oh my! That final statement just left me shocked! Thank you for that
Thanks for kind word. Hopefully ''subtext' - or whatever we call it - can be FUN as well, and help us to - secretly - enjoy lines which other actors may have skipped past! Best anyway, John
John, I have pursued the performing arts now. I know you’re mostly in dramatic acting, but I have got in to a really great musical theatre program, and I’m very excited. I’ve learned a load of gems from your videos and I quite appreciate you.
Thanks for kind words. Most of what I say applies to musicals too, and - we should not talk about it or we sound rude - but too many singers are trying to show off that they can sing, instead of enjoying the need to sing, and practicing to make their songs seem 'true'. So best wishes! John
It's great to see you being alive and well Sir! I had worried that you were ill or possibly worse because you hadn't been very active over the last couple of months.
Yes, I've been wildly busy, with plans for WORK for at least 15 more years. As William S' said "This gives life to thee"! Best wishes back, John
@@NewYorkActingCoach Thank you. Maybe that means that I'll still get the opportunity to study with you at some point!
More likely on Skype which works well as we're concentrated on the screens with no distractions. But up to you, working with anyone hard enough usually pays off, and best way to find me is not here, but the 'Contact' page on my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com), though, as I say, you may manage well with anyone! John i
Thank you for the video and the stories. I think I needed to hear this today 🌸
Best wishes for tomorrow as well then. John
I am an actor in my 50s in the US for a few years now - have not made any money yet, but that is not important to me at the moment - and THE FIRST THING I was taught was to not be late. Being German.... Late is not really in my vocabulary and I annoy people by always being early or on time. I rather leave way too early and wait somewhere then to be late. That said... EVERYBODY is always late. It is driving me crazy but I am never saying a word. People are late to rehearsal, people are late to class, people are late to the actual shoot and they NEVER start on time because of that.
I have not figured out if this is a generational thing (I am older and they are all 20 to 30 years younger)
or a country thing (me being originally German in the US)
or even very localised (Los Angeles) and it's an LA thing.... I have no clue.
I deal with it, am on time and watch the world being late. Last example. A friend recently performed a life one woman show. HER own show. She needed to be there at least 30 minutes early. She was late (or better only 10 minutes before curtain) and blamed traffic. THEN LEAVE EARLIER!!! Sorry for the rant but... I just can't...
Yes, that's such a big deal with our work, but at least you know YOU can be relied upon, and that you recognize 'serious' actors from the start! And maybe you can use your tight schedule to fit in new plans and read dozens of plays! Best anyway, John
This is amazing! Just yesterday, I stumbled upon your UA-cam channel, and today, after a year, you've started uploading videos again. I have to say, I absolutely adore your content!
And better to come, hopefully! Best back to you, John
I am not an actor, but I used to do fundraising for a theatre, and I loved the theatre world. I just love listening to your voice and your stories!
Thanks for kind words, and yes, it's fun how some theatres have a circle of pleasure round them, and very glad to hear you found yours. John.
I honestly almost feared that the channel wouldnt be continued. I study acting in Berlin at the moment. And your lessons have helped me a lot, specifically the ones concerning Shakespeare-plays (I love Shakespeare). And Im very happy to see you and your new Videolessons! Looking forward to learn more from you!
Thanks for kind words. I've been busy coaching actors for the last year and had no time to make new videos, but I have 20 years more work to do so the channel will continue for a long time yet! And best wishes for your Shakespeare work. If you get stuck on anything get in touch through the website, although if something is not clear in his lines it is probably not meant to be obvious! John
Thanks for your videos to help me to improve my English skills ❤.
just watching you and the passion for acting grows exponentially,
I don't know if it's your natural way of being or it's interpretation but that's the effect you have
edit:. to those ppl that thought that John somewhat died... he's obviously not going to die by natural causes in this decade at least lol
Thanks for kind words. And no, I've no plans to die, as I have 20 years of work still to do, including not yet playing the title role in King Lear), and as for the "natural causes" you mention, my plan is to die laughing, hopefully at the end of my month of doing Lear in 2038. John
@@NewYorkActingCoach 👌👌👌😀😀😀🎬🎬🎬
Thank you. 😊
Thanks for watching. I'm surprised that this video 'landed' for quite a few people. John
@@NewYorkActingCoach Actually, I think you are quite wonderful, and I appreciate your sharing your vast experience and knowledge with us. Thank you!
I love your voice, why don’t you read stories just like my grandpa used to do. I will ❤it
Because It's just as much fun coaching other people to be able to do it.
I started acting in movies and films a few years ago, now I'm making a second outing in the theatre (if i get my callback)
Amazing vidoes Sir 🙏
Thanks for kind words. You seem to see that it's all perseverance and hard work, so best wishes, J.
you are doing a Nobel thing sir...
You spell Nobel with a capital 'N' and not ending like the word "n o b l e " so if you're saying I should be nominated for the Swedish Nobel Prize then, great - AT LAST ( ! ) - that's something even better than a knighthood to look forward to. I will acknowledge you in my acceptance speech fully, but, for now, thanks very much. John Windsor-Cunningham
Fantastic as usual. I had thought, sadly, you died. If you did die, then how would we ever know? A recording of Malkovich in True West I think is the best acting I've ever watched on TV. I Iive in Southern CA, and all the plays, pretty pretty much, are all woke garbage. I guess there will never be a stage performance of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar ever again!
Well I've 15 years of work still planned, possibly coaching someone to become a new Malkovich, and doing at least a few plays, and more videos will hopefully show I'm still breathing. And bits of it are FUN! Best to you as well, John
Hey just a question, whenever I’m reading a certain line for my character in a play I tend to have 2-3 different ways of delivering that line and they’re just as good as each other so I can never really choose which one is best, how do I overcome that? In my head I always come up with multiple ways to deliver the line and they’re just as good as each other (example: different movements, different way of saying it, maybe putting a prop in my pocket while saying the line, or even reading something while saying the line, etc)
Hard to answer your question without knowing you, so I have to 'guess' what you need, which could be that you are actually ADDING things to a scene, when the scene may not need it. If a director MAKES you pick up a prop when you'd not thought it necessary then just do it and don't think about it at all. It's also tempting (for ALL actors) to try and add something clever to a scene, just to look different, and - again - THINKING of doing it is not what your character needs to do as your character is not an actor !!! Concentrate on the other actors, and don't feel awkward if you don't seem to be doing much, for the most famous of actors are most interesting when they do nothing. (Or ask for coaching). John Windsor-Cunningham
I really can't give you serious help without watching you doing a scene, and coaching on Skype seems to work well, perhaps because of being concentrated on the screens with no distractions. But I can't coach here, more than I've already said. Sorry. John
why do people like to pretend they are other people or involved in various situations?
Good question ! I suppose because they feel they could lead different lives, or they want to understand life from another person's point of view. It's also a kind of education if we choose interesting other lives, it helps some of us grow. And it's fun. And a better job, if done well, than some others. John Windsor-Cunningham
How come there are a lot of actors out there (if not 80% of them) never make it big and instead only get 2-4 lines in a script every 6 months if they’re lucky because even my drama teacher isnt a proper actor he has a side job, Is it because they don’t look good enough or is it because they aren’t that good at acting?
Yes, it's what you say, and caused by people not knowing it's a difficult job, so millions THINK they can act, and know nothing about irony, syntax, subtext, suggestion, clarity, and not enough about language, oh yes and humor. Those who have slim talent but work incredibly hard, and find parts which SUIT them AND who have luck, and who have more interest in acting than a family, or pets, or a '"nice home" and ONLY want acting jobs, And who stumble on a suitable coach for them may - even then - only barely survive, but the thrill and the hope and the promise is enough for them. People who want money and fame are children still. Sorry. OH - and having some basic skill to start with helps,, like vocal range, a comedy angle, looks, and being perfectly prepared to die attempting the job. John Windsor-Cunningham