Imagine that we could measure Self Esteem like we do the temperature. If you had a healthy Self image, and respect for yourself you would be up the top of the thermometer. If you had an unhealthy self image or complete lack of self respect for yourself, then you would be at the bottom of the thermometer( Apt that this is the coldest part of the thermometer). Now if we divided the thermometer into 10 equal parts with the top of the thermometer being 10 and the bottom of the bowl 1 we could start to get a rough idea of wher we sit just by our behaviour.
Lets start at the bottom. 1 or 2- well if you had a self esteem of 1 you would be in hospital. It would mean that you have such little self respect that you could not enter into society.
3 or 4- In this case you would be in Society but not a pleasant part of it. You would be very negative, and see only the bad in others and the world as this reflects your view of yourself. Quite often were bullies and out casts sit.
5 or 6- This is an area that a large part of the world sits. It’s one that can teeter either up or down. Very mood related when things go good we feel good and when they don’t we feel bad.
People here have the ability to be nasty or nice.
7 or 8- If you are here you are more pleasant than anything. You generally feel good about yourself, so this reflects on your view of the world. You see the good in other peolple and situations and are generally positive, most of the time.
9 or 10- A very rare person. So happy with themselves that they tend to make everyuone feel good. Always smiling and in love with life whatever it brings. Often mislabelled as an optimist by 5’s and below because they can’t believe someone can feel so good about the world.
It’s amazing what measuring things change the way we look at things isn’t it? already you are reading this and thinking about where you sit. Well read on!
What is interesting about this analysis isn’t how we feel about ourselves , but how where we sit affects how we treat others. For instance lets start at the top this time. Anyone that is from 7-10 tend to treat everyone as if they are a 7-10. So if you are a 5 or 6 you will soon feel like a 7 or 8 if you mix with this group. You will praised, never surrounded by self depreciating humour and encouraged. Before long you really will be a 7 or higher.
However anyone that are a 3 or 4 also treat others the way they feel. So if they see a 5 or 6 they treat them as if they are a 3 or 4 and soon they will be. As long as the 5 or 6 hang around with the 3 or 4 they will be subjected to negativity and abuse. Sarcasm and anything else that stops that person from feeling good about themnselves. Often in large office blocks or school grounds the 3 and 4’s can be seen a s a dark cloud that wanders around trying to bring as many people down to their level as possible.
In simple terms 7 and above bring all around them up, 4 and below bring all around them down.
So what do you do if you find that you fit into the 3 or 4 category and want out. It’s really easy. Choose to change. It won’t be quick but if you become aware of everytimne your mean and nasty you are waving a flag to the trained people of the world that you don’t like yourself or aspects of your life, then recognise it yourself. Sit down and think of all the good things abuot yourself, and finally change who you hange around with. Australians are proudly loyal when it comes to friends. This is an admirable quality, but NO friend is worth having a miserable life for, and if they are true friends as you move onwards and upwards so will they.
At the Australian Acting Academy we have a comitment to making sure our students are the 8’s and above. We have a no teasing rule in the classesa that we do our best to enforce and we are total encouragement all the way to students while they are with us and in many cases even after they have moved on. Be aware that this simple behaviour monitoring can be the single most important thing in the future of every child teenager and adult. It’s not only guarenteeing happiness but success.
http://www.actingacademy.com.au/
Sunday, December 30, 2007
4 STEPS to greatly influence your child’s ability to succeed in the future!
The Australian Acting Academy classes are not just about acting. Far from it, they have been specifically designed to USE acting as a tool to benefit your child in life. It does this in 4 easy steps.
Step 1: Build a Sense of Belonging.
This is an attribute of successful people. It’s what psychologists call an affiliation drive. Belonging to a group leads to a non-arrogant status with peers, and inquisitiveness with people, places and things. The Academy class quickly gives each student a strong sense that they belong to not only the class, but an organisation of 600 strong students. They wear their uniform with pride, and it is often through this sense of belonging that we first see a positive change in our students.
Step 2: Build a Sense of Self Worth
This is the intrinsic belief that given how I look, how smart I am, and what talents I have – “ I am glad I am me!”
Each Academy class runs under the philosophy of the safety net – a simple no bullying, peer support based understanding. It is in this environment that our students fast become comfortable with who they are. For many it is the first time they feel they have existed in a judgement free zone. It is through building the students self worth that we begin to see improvement in the skills we teach them, as well as behavioural and attitudinal changes in their school and home life.
Step 3: Build a Sense of Individual Identity Through Competency.
Even identical twins have differences. The Academy honours the differences in all the students and looks for opportunities for them to show their individual talents, while give them other opportunities to build competencies in new skills. By building their ability to have a talent or skill that is their own, our classes allow them to feel pride in the competency of a skill that not everyone else has. In fact 99% of the world finds public speaking and performing the top fear. We help our students stand in the TOP 1% of the world!
Step 4: Build a Sense of Self Efficacy
Very few students today leave primary or high school BELIEVING they were born to win. There are many reasons for this but a strong sense of self efficacy is probably the most important step towards correcting this and allowing your child to succeed in life. Simply, Self Efficacy is the feeling that one can perform any particular task successfully and a functional belief in one’s ability to control what happens in an uncertain world.
Self worthiness may give students permission to succeed, but self efficacy lets them believe that THEY ARE ABLE to achieve.
It empowers you to strive for your goals then it continues to motivate you long after you have reached your initial objective.
This means that once a student feels they can achieve at any of the skills we teach them, their motivation to achieve actually becomes stronger. We call this the flow on affect. The Students begin to expand their belief in their ability to succeed in other unrelated skills. Success and achievement become something that the students begin to take for granted and they begin to EXPECT to achieve as opposed to having a fear of failure. This is probably one of the biggest gifts our classes will give your child: The desire to feel confident in all areas of life!
Just imagine the empowerment your child will feel after working for 6 months in this environment! To get a clearer sense of what Accting Academy is all about make sure you check out our website at http://www.actingacademy.com.au/ where you'll find more information plus testimonials and photos of of students in action.
Step 1: Build a Sense of Belonging.
This is an attribute of successful people. It’s what psychologists call an affiliation drive. Belonging to a group leads to a non-arrogant status with peers, and inquisitiveness with people, places and things. The Academy class quickly gives each student a strong sense that they belong to not only the class, but an organisation of 600 strong students. They wear their uniform with pride, and it is often through this sense of belonging that we first see a positive change in our students.
Step 2: Build a Sense of Self Worth
This is the intrinsic belief that given how I look, how smart I am, and what talents I have – “ I am glad I am me!”
Each Academy class runs under the philosophy of the safety net – a simple no bullying, peer support based understanding. It is in this environment that our students fast become comfortable with who they are. For many it is the first time they feel they have existed in a judgement free zone. It is through building the students self worth that we begin to see improvement in the skills we teach them, as well as behavioural and attitudinal changes in their school and home life.
Step 3: Build a Sense of Individual Identity Through Competency.
Even identical twins have differences. The Academy honours the differences in all the students and looks for opportunities for them to show their individual talents, while give them other opportunities to build competencies in new skills. By building their ability to have a talent or skill that is their own, our classes allow them to feel pride in the competency of a skill that not everyone else has. In fact 99% of the world finds public speaking and performing the top fear. We help our students stand in the TOP 1% of the world!
Step 4: Build a Sense of Self Efficacy
Very few students today leave primary or high school BELIEVING they were born to win. There are many reasons for this but a strong sense of self efficacy is probably the most important step towards correcting this and allowing your child to succeed in life. Simply, Self Efficacy is the feeling that one can perform any particular task successfully and a functional belief in one’s ability to control what happens in an uncertain world.
Self worthiness may give students permission to succeed, but self efficacy lets them believe that THEY ARE ABLE to achieve.
It empowers you to strive for your goals then it continues to motivate you long after you have reached your initial objective.
This means that once a student feels they can achieve at any of the skills we teach them, their motivation to achieve actually becomes stronger. We call this the flow on affect. The Students begin to expand their belief in their ability to succeed in other unrelated skills. Success and achievement become something that the students begin to take for granted and they begin to EXPECT to achieve as opposed to having a fear of failure. This is probably one of the biggest gifts our classes will give your child: The desire to feel confident in all areas of life!
Just imagine the empowerment your child will feel after working for 6 months in this environment! To get a clearer sense of what Accting Academy is all about make sure you check out our website at http://www.actingacademy.com.au/ where you'll find more information plus testimonials and photos of of students in action.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Acting Tip: A Guide to Agents
The following is one of the most requested topics here at the Academy so I hope you find it to be useful.
WHAT IS AN AGENT?
An agent is the middle person between a production company or casting director and an actor. In a perfect world an agent will market you, inform you of auditions, negotiate your rate, collect your money then pay you.
In this same perfect world, an agent would take 10% of what you make in return.
Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world. More agents have opened up in Queensland than ever before. The question remains when there is less work around than ever WHY more agents?
The answer I dare say is that despite more information being around there are more people making money form Photographs, Courses, Internet sites etc than they are from getting you work. This means that they have made their money just by having you sign up to their data base.
An honest agent will charge you nothing, as long as you have a professional quality photo and are prepared to invest about $100 in one of the more reputable Internet actor sites such as AT2 or SHOWCAST. These sites are nationally used and are looked at by hundreds of directors and producers, so if you have the right look your chances of getting an audition will be greater.
They make their money back by charging you 10% of what you are paid. If an agent says there is not enough work to survive with just 10% of what you earn, I suggest they aren’t a great agent.
ESPECIALLY if you are training with us, the need to spend a cent on a course with an agent is silly, and any agent suggesting you do so is not making a great first impression. After all if Tom McSweeney, Australia’s Top casting Director, recommends kids train with us, an agent would be hard pressed to say otherwise.
WHEN DO I NEED ONE?
This is the big question. And no simple answer. Let’s break down the type of work available and see if we can make this clearer.
Extra Work
Anyone who has a pulse can do this
TV commercials-Non speaking
If you’re a big personality, confident and can take risks in front of the camera. Often the ability to be cheeky is and advantage
TV commercials - Speaking
As above but some ability to act. Remember lines and think quickly.
One liners
This is the first step up the acting ladder and often very hard. An ability to be truthful in acting. Also an incredible patience and a strong ability to take direction.
Small Speaking
As above, but more confident with own ability.
Guest roles
As above but extreme confidence and a solid acting ability.
Lead Roles
All of the above
So the only other thing to remember is YOU ONLY MAKE 1 FIRST IMPRESSION. No point having an agent if they do their job and get you an audition and then you make a terrible first impression. If you ask your teaching artists then they will let you know when you are ready. In the mean time be patient and you won’t rush in and maybe waste money or make a mistake.
HOW DO I FIND ONE?
Yellow Pages. Simple I know but if you go there you will see how many there are. How do you find a GOOD one, that is more difficult.
Use this checklist, if they tick off more than half they aren’t too bad, if they get all the ticks they are great.
GOOD AGENT CHECKILIST
Is professional in appearance, polite and seems to care about you.
Only takes 10% commission. (Most, if not all agents take more for TV commercials, according to the MEAA (union) they shouldn’t but most do)
Doesn’t charge for Photos
Doesn’t require you to do any courses.
Doesn’t have 1000 + people on their books.
Collects all moneys paid into a TRUST and pays you within 7 days of them receiving the money.
It should be mentioned the other place to find an agent is by :
a) doing well in the screen casting workshop. For all students who receive a B or higher we will personally organise you a meeting with an agent if you would like us to.
b) Becoming a member of the extension stream, and doing well in class.
WHO TO BE CAUTIOUS OF:
Finally this industry is made on dreams. Some people will tell you whatever you want to hear if you pay them enough. If it sounds dodgy it probably is. Send me an email and I will tell you if I have at least heard of them.
WHAT IS AN AGENT?
An agent is the middle person between a production company or casting director and an actor. In a perfect world an agent will market you, inform you of auditions, negotiate your rate, collect your money then pay you.
In this same perfect world, an agent would take 10% of what you make in return.
Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world. More agents have opened up in Queensland than ever before. The question remains when there is less work around than ever WHY more agents?
The answer I dare say is that despite more information being around there are more people making money form Photographs, Courses, Internet sites etc than they are from getting you work. This means that they have made their money just by having you sign up to their data base.
An honest agent will charge you nothing, as long as you have a professional quality photo and are prepared to invest about $100 in one of the more reputable Internet actor sites such as AT2 or SHOWCAST. These sites are nationally used and are looked at by hundreds of directors and producers, so if you have the right look your chances of getting an audition will be greater.
They make their money back by charging you 10% of what you are paid. If an agent says there is not enough work to survive with just 10% of what you earn, I suggest they aren’t a great agent.
ESPECIALLY if you are training with us, the need to spend a cent on a course with an agent is silly, and any agent suggesting you do so is not making a great first impression. After all if Tom McSweeney, Australia’s Top casting Director, recommends kids train with us, an agent would be hard pressed to say otherwise.
WHEN DO I NEED ONE?
This is the big question. And no simple answer. Let’s break down the type of work available and see if we can make this clearer.
Extra Work
Anyone who has a pulse can do this
TV commercials-Non speaking
If you’re a big personality, confident and can take risks in front of the camera. Often the ability to be cheeky is and advantage
TV commercials - Speaking
As above but some ability to act. Remember lines and think quickly.
One liners
This is the first step up the acting ladder and often very hard. An ability to be truthful in acting. Also an incredible patience and a strong ability to take direction.
Small Speaking
As above, but more confident with own ability.
Guest roles
As above but extreme confidence and a solid acting ability.
Lead Roles
All of the above
So the only other thing to remember is YOU ONLY MAKE 1 FIRST IMPRESSION. No point having an agent if they do their job and get you an audition and then you make a terrible first impression. If you ask your teaching artists then they will let you know when you are ready. In the mean time be patient and you won’t rush in and maybe waste money or make a mistake.
HOW DO I FIND ONE?
Yellow Pages. Simple I know but if you go there you will see how many there are. How do you find a GOOD one, that is more difficult.
Use this checklist, if they tick off more than half they aren’t too bad, if they get all the ticks they are great.
GOOD AGENT CHECKILIST
Is professional in appearance, polite and seems to care about you.
Only takes 10% commission. (Most, if not all agents take more for TV commercials, according to the MEAA (union) they shouldn’t but most do)
Doesn’t charge for Photos
Doesn’t require you to do any courses.
Doesn’t have 1000 + people on their books.
Collects all moneys paid into a TRUST and pays you within 7 days of them receiving the money.
It should be mentioned the other place to find an agent is by :
a) doing well in the screen casting workshop. For all students who receive a B or higher we will personally organise you a meeting with an agent if you would like us to.
b) Becoming a member of the extension stream, and doing well in class.
WHO TO BE CAUTIOUS OF:
Finally this industry is made on dreams. Some people will tell you whatever you want to hear if you pay them enough. If it sounds dodgy it probably is. Send me an email and I will tell you if I have at least heard of them.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Acting Tip: From Agorophobic To Actor
When I was in nine years old I began to have debilitating anxiety attacks that greatly inhibited me as a child. Despite developing some amazing coping mechanisms, (any of my friends from school would be unaware to this day of what I went through) I was eventually diagnosed with Agorophobia, or fear of leaving familiar surrounds.
I went through all my school years unable to go on school camps, and even sleepovers saw me being picked up at 11pm. Right through to when I was studying to be a teacher I was at times crippled with fear behind closed doors.
It was at this time I discovered acting. To say It changed my life is an understatement. With in weeks of starting classes I began to find new found confidence, direction in life and dare I say a reason to live. I eventually left teaching to study the performing arts at University and it was here as a 27 year old when I started the Australian Acting Academy. A place where everyone, no matter what class, creed or colour could feel safe as they grew and discovered their strengths.
This Business has not only developed some great talent, and given professional opportunities to rising stars. It has equally been a place of hope, and somewhere to belong for thousands of students.
Our staff share my passion for the benefits the performing arts give, and are loved and inspired by the students. I often am in awe at the great work the students do, and the results they achieve artistically and personally. As a father of 3, with one on the way, and as a relatively successful actor, I have few regrets in my life, but I can’t help but wonder if my life would have been different had my parents given me the same opportunity when I was younger.
I went through all my school years unable to go on school camps, and even sleepovers saw me being picked up at 11pm. Right through to when I was studying to be a teacher I was at times crippled with fear behind closed doors.
It was at this time I discovered acting. To say It changed my life is an understatement. With in weeks of starting classes I began to find new found confidence, direction in life and dare I say a reason to live. I eventually left teaching to study the performing arts at University and it was here as a 27 year old when I started the Australian Acting Academy. A place where everyone, no matter what class, creed or colour could feel safe as they grew and discovered their strengths.
This Business has not only developed some great talent, and given professional opportunities to rising stars. It has equally been a place of hope, and somewhere to belong for thousands of students.
Our staff share my passion for the benefits the performing arts give, and are loved and inspired by the students. I often am in awe at the great work the students do, and the results they achieve artistically and personally. As a father of 3, with one on the way, and as a relatively successful actor, I have few regrets in my life, but I can’t help but wonder if my life would have been different had my parents given me the same opportunity when I was younger.
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