I Don't Need an Acting Class

Latest Episodes:

We Want to Hear from You! May 14, 2023

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Hey everyone. First of all, we want to welcome our new listeners. It never ceases to amaze us that people keep discovering the podcast everyday. We’re so grateful. We also want to know what you think. Are there any issues you want to hear Milton discuss? Any questions or confusions? What do you love? What do you hate? (No we’re not trying to get you to do an acting exercise.) We would love to hear from you. So if you would, please take a couple minutes a leave a review for us on Apple Podcasts. And feel free to use that review to send us a message. Not only will Milton respond to you, but we will love you for it.

Living Off of Images May 08, 2023

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This episode with Milton’s famous class exercise “Something I Love/Something I Hate” where you talk out improvistorally while building something you love or hate. The purpose of this exercise is learning to live off the images and make choices that feed you in order to earn the line “I hate ________”, or: “I love ________.” “What I want you all to do is stop throwing things out there that you don’t pay a price for.” Milton says. “Everything is something that needs to be earned.”

Have an acting question? Send us a voice message (link below ⬇️), or an email at questionsformilton@gmail.com

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The Plot Is Not The Problem May 01, 2023

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This week’s episode, taken from a private coaching session, is about uncovering what your character’s problem is, and who the character’s partner is, in order to get to the action. And the problem is never the plot. Even though the given circumstances play into the problem, the true problem is always a much bigger, cosmic idea. Your impulse to solve this problem is what you’re doing to solve it.

Have an acting question? Send us a voice message (link below ⬇️), or an email at questionsformilton@gmail.com
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A Police Procedural Audition Apr 24, 2023

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This week’s episode is an excerpt of a coaching Milton did with JP for a SWAT audition. You’ll notice that the difference here between teaching and coaching. Teaching demands that the actors themselves comes up with the choices and tools they’ll use for that specific material. Whereas coaching requires less independence because the coach gives it to you. It’s important to take note of what you’re function is in the grand scheme of the episode. If you’re a “plot point” there to further the storyline, you don’t want to build too much, or else you risk stealing focus. “What you really want to do,” Milton says, “is look at the plot that is there, and figure out what you need to both earn the plot, and make it more interesting.”

We want to know: what is the worst, most confusing, unhelpful, or enraging acting note or direction you’ve ever received? Send us a voice message (link below ⬇️), or an email at questionsformilton@gmail.com

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Active Listening Apr 17, 2023

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A question was asked our script analysis class about the idea of stillness in film acting, which led to a conversation about the proliferation of acting “tricks” that are espoused by so many actors who may be brilliant, but don’t always have a clear idea about their own process or what makes them great. “Stillness” is a result or “effect direction” while active listening is something you can actually do.

We want to know: what is the worst, most confusing, unhelpful, or enraging acting note or direction you’ve ever received? Send us a voice message (link below ⬇️), or an email at ⁠questionsformilton@gmail.com⁠

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The Character Is Not You Apr 10, 2023

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The episode discusses the importance of seeing the character you’re playing as a separate entity. You, as the actor, get the opportunity to build a human being. After allowing your mind to wander and wonder what it would be like to be *this* person in *this* specific circumstance, you can begin talking it out different moments. Eventually, you will be ready to shape-shift into the character and talk out as them. Most importantly, you want to get specific in your choices so it excites you as much it would if you were telling a favorite story. Have an acting question for Milton? Send a voice note or email us at: questionsformilton@gmail.com

The Actor’s Contribution Apr 03, 2023

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This week’s episode is about the difference between the actor’s contribution to the creative process, versus the writer’s. Whereas the writer’s job is to put into words what they have to say, the actor’s contribution to the art form is bringing the text to life, which they do by experientially filling in what the writer has given us. It’s always a lot of work, but every actor’s performance will be unique because everyone connects to something different and has a distinct ”road-in” to approaching the role. Have an acting question for Milton? Email us at: questionsformilton@gmail.com Find more at idontneedanactingclass.com

What Are We Saying With This? Mar 27, 2023

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This week, we’re swinging back to an important idea. Which is knowing what the idea is! Getting to the idea doesn’t happen in an instant. It is a process in which you keep coming back to the piece, whether it’s a play, a film, a monologue, a radio show or a speech, and asking yourself: what is this about? It’s alright not to know yet, and it’s alright if the answer changes. The important thing is that you never stop asking the question. Have an acting question for Milton? Email us at: questionsformilton@gmail.com

What Would You Do If You Had the Part? Mar 20, 2023

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In this episode, Milton wanders around and takes questions while avoiding Strindberg because of how much he knows it’s going to cost emotionally. But by the end, he lands on a helpful way to access a role, especially if it’s not yours yet: ask yourself “if I had this part, how would I, as an individual, work on it?” This gives you confidence because it gives you ownership of the role, and helps you make bolder choices. Of course there is no right or wrong, there is only the best “road-in” for you. Have an acting question for Milton? Email us at: questionsformilton@gmail.com

Introducing...Bonus Content for Subscribers! Mar 20, 2023

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Here's what you get: Expanded and unedited episodes • No ads • Interviews • Videos • Full access to the IDNAAC Archives • And newsletters including articles, quotes, acting exercises, and chapter’s of Milton’s next book. For more info or if you have an acting question for Milton, email: questionsformilton@gmail.com