I am a director/actor who now owns 1/2 of a relatively new(2 years), community theatre (dear god, what was I thinking?!)  I am putting on an actor's workshop in October (it's not limited to, but is aimed at beginners and moderately experienced actors) and would like to know what YOU would find most helpful in an actor's workshop.  I find that we (ct directors) often don't have enough time to work in depth with actors to help them develope, well, as actors.  I'd like to provide them with some resources and techniques to enhance their skills and to provide a jumping off point to embrace the art.  Any ideas, titles, resources, etc. would be great.  I know what I would have like to have been told when I first started out...what would you like to have been told?

I find actors most often need to learn how to develop a character (mannerisms, voice, stature, etc.) and how to memorize lines (sounds easy, but soooooooooo many study alone and learn everyone's lines except their own).  Stage direction is also much needed (US, DS, C, DLC, etc.)

Of course you all KNEW I would say this - but PLEASE teach actors how to use stage makeup properly....if you can find a decent book that shows it.  Corson's is great but it's also expensive.  There is NO other book I know of that doesn't have some BAD concepts in it - even brand new books.  But so many of them need to get away from the silver hairspray, crayon sized lines, no fancy makeup for men (but yes, still need makeup) and women also need to understand that street makeup sometimes works and there's no need for embellishment.  As well for God's sake drop all the old fashioned concepts and cliche' ideas that simply never did do anything for a good makeup application. It's ALL very individual and specialized. Oh that I had the time, I would make a full time career of doing makeup seminars.  But I couldn't make enough money nor would there be the time much less the interest.  You DO know I've heard it for years from actors that "oh, I do my own makeup"!!! Well let me tell you tales and stories from the front and you'll be amazed.  WELL maybe another time.  

Originally posted by Gaafa So Tony when is your book coming out? Might be a good project for the Greenrooms Mike & Chris to look at &/or assist in publishing. 'Making up warm props'. I think most luvvies only worry about the acting & strutting in the Limes. Totally  unconcerned about the mise en scene effect on their performance. In that regard have a techies acting workshop & vice versa. As we all know techies make the better actors anyway! Now a play with just lights & no actors has possibilities, with the techies doing the voice overs!

Joe,