Top 2 University Degree Acting Schools in India

An acting workshop in progress at NSD Delhi

Great News! Find Here Top 2 Govt. University Degree Acting Schools

 

Many a times, I get a query on if there is any Goernment Of India recognized or a university conducted acting schools or institutes. Unfortunately, there are very few.

NSD Delhi

The National School of Drama is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and the only one of its kind in India. It is fully financed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Training in the School is highly intensive and is based on a thorough, comprehensive, carefully planned syllabus which covers every aspect of theatre and in which theory is related to practice. As a part of their training, students are required to produce plays which are then performed before the public.
The syllabus takes into account the methods of great theatre personalities who have shaped contemporary theatre in all its varieties. The systematic study and practical performing experience of Sanskrit drama, modern Indian drama, traditional Indian theatre forms, Asian drama and western dramatic protocols give the students a solid grounding and a wide perspective in the art of theatre.
Details
Web site

The Centre for Performing Arts, Pune

University of Pune

Popularly known as Lalit Kala Kendra
This course is excellent for aspiring actors but due to its objective of promoting regional languages, it is conducted in MARATHI

Brief about
Theatre (Branch 30)

Syllabus

Semester One: 6 credits
Course 111: Practical training on Theatre as per syllabus: 2 Credits
Course 112: Performance Evaluation and Viva: 4 Credits
Semester Two : 6 credits
Course 211: Practical training on Theatre as per syllabus: 2 Credits
Course 212: Performance Evaluation and Viva: 4 Credits

Medium of Instructions
Usually in Marathi Language, occasionally Hindi and English. Students may choose to write the answers in Marathi or English. Theatre courses are designed for the Marathi Theatre exclusively as the theatre in India is region and language specific. Cultural plurality is the strength of Indian culture. e.g. at the National School of Drama, Delhi the language is Hindi. Knowledge of Marathi Language for theatre courses is mandatory.

Contact

Tel:
91-20-2569-2182
Address:
Centre for Performing Arts
Lalit Kala Kendra (Gurukul),
University of Pune,
Pune-411007
Maharashtra, India
Web site

• To find out about their courses in Hindi, please contact their main center at Delhi

Lalit Kala Akademi
Rabindra Bhavan,
35, Ferozeshah Road,
New Delhi-110001
Telephone:011 - 23009200
Website: http://lalitkala.gov.in/

• For institutes other than affiliated with recognized universities all over India and ABROAD, please visit -Here

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Don't Tell Others! The Secret Tip for Bollywood Auditions

The auditions in India are different than those from abroad.
In India, initially the auditions are usually taken by so called casting directors or assistant director and rarely by a director who is a decision maker. In most cases, after the auditions, a tape is sent to the final authority, a director or producer who may shortlist the candidates and these actors may be called for a 2nd audition which is termed as a �Call-Back�. In other countries, the casting director who is taking your initial audition is the final deciding authority without much  interference by a director or a producer. Therefore, in India you must be prepared for repeated auditions and must be able to impress all auditioners at different levels to grab the role you are aspiring. Now, how to impress in repeated auditions by different people?

The Secret of Success in Auditions

Apart from other requirements in auditions, confidence is the most critical factor.
It�s your body language, your voice, how you carry yourself, the image you project, before even open your mouth. It�s those first 15 seconds of your audition as you are walking into the room. Your body language should say, �Trust me. You got in me what you are looking for!� and make the casting director, producers, directors, and show runners believe you, and feel like they can put you on the set or on stage the very next day. You are in top form for your performance, you have unshakeable confidence, and there isn�t a doubt in anyone�s mind. It�s the most attractive quality for an actor to have in an audition.

Which Type of Actors Fail in Auditions?

When an actor who is unsure of what they are doing and lacks confidence walks into the room. Their shoulders are low, they avoid eye contact, they are tentative in their choices, their voice is soft, and the paper having lines is shaking in their hands. It makes you look �dull,� and makes the casting director disinterested. Before you even open your mouth, your body language says,
�I�m sorry for the audition, maybe I�m not suitable and you are about to see it� 
This is no good. If you don�t believe in yourself, nobody else will.

Training

True confidence comes from training�from the practice being in front of the camera and on stage. It�s about being prepared, being confident in your work, and then entering into an audition room as a free bird, listening and letting your natural self-take over instantly.

Fake it!

If you don�t have that confidence yet, you have to learn to fake it. You are an actor, right? Act like a �confident person.� What does that mean? It means walk in with your head high (even if you are nervous and shitting in your pants inside), look at the people in the room in the eye (not staring), breathe, and be fully prepared and with your audition.

Stop Your Hands Shaking

If you are the type of actor whose hands shake a lot when they are holding the paper, put something with a little weight to it underneath (your portfolio album or a diary). It will stop the shaking and make you surer of yourself. Let casting directors say to themselves, �Wow, this guy isn�t nervous at all!�) That alone speaks volumes about you.

Listen Carefully

Desperation can be spotted a mile away. Never let them see you sweat, make awkward movements, breathe heavily or fumble The more you listen in the scene, the less self-aware you are, the more your body relaxes, the more connected you are physically and emotionally, and the better your audition is.

How to Remove Your Mental Block

For a moment forget audition. In your life, there are days when you feel miserable, and if you force yourself to smile, slowly you feel happier. Same goes with body language. Sit or stand confidently, ground yourself in the audition, put your shoulders back, avoid shifting the weight on your legs, breathe, look the auditioner or your actor partner right in the eye, and think to yourself �I�m going to give a �Dubung� performance!�. �I got this role.� Remember, these kinds of auto-suggestions are great mood- changers and  will actually make you feel more confident. It should feel like you are having this great party, and you don�t really care if anyone shows up, because you are so sure it�s going to be amazing.
Same goes for auditions. Don�t be the guy that�s begging people to come to your party. If they don�t like your choices, too bad. They are missing out a great party guy.
Good Luck!

Partly based on source

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Hey Actor! Are You Thick Skinned Enough for Bollywood?

John Irvin on actor having thick skin

There are certain traits an actor has to possess to be successful.

• A true, deep-seated love of acting is one of them.
• Secondly, to follow dedicated and proactive efforts, followed by the knowledge of the fact that only you can make your career happen�all this wrapped up with a teeth-gritting determination are bare minimum essentials for success.

However, one trait that we haven�t talked about enough is the necessity of possessing �a thick skin�.

It is absolutely crucial to have thick skin�to an extent that one�s success in show business truly depends on this. I cannot tell you how many times I have encountered or worked with actors and thought, �Wow, this guy, so talented, but just doesn't have the stomach for this business.� 

• Yes, get into your head once for all-this is a tough business not an easy pleasure game!!

These are often actors who need more hand-holding and cajoling who worry more about what people think, who spend hours on why they were not selected or brood about friends who they think never helped them.
I know some highly sensitive (thin-skinned) people have somehow managed to forge lasting careers in Bollywood for themselves, but in today�s highly competitive environment where thousands of aspiring actors are struggling against each other, such thin skinned people are in minority.

Remember, When you �make it as a known in the market actor or as a star," you open yourself up to even greater scrutiny". I have seen actors spoiling their career because of careless statements like why they hate XY or Z or behaving weird on social events or having an absurd and angry argument on a set.

• The point is that if you don�t have a thick skin, and when you get to some level of success, and you react or brood or leave in the middle of a shot, on smallest comment on your performance, things you hear about you from third sources, failures, rejections, then for sure you will NOT be going any further from this �some level of success�

• Having thick skin truly does revolve around your ability to say �screw you� or �go to hell� in your mind about what others think�even if you look like an asshole or a joker...even if your closest and dearest friends say, �Listen, when you did that thing, you really looked a total mismatch and like an idiot.�
• You need to be able to commit to yourself that whatever you�ve done (or are going to do) is best of your abilities and appropriate and let everyone else masturbate and enjoy their act judging you, calling you an uncultured, misfit, fool, calling you a talentless hack, calling you desperate, or seeking attention, or mentally defective.

One way to help develop thick skin is to regularly do things that take you out of your comfort zone.

For example

• Start dancing freely alone and then in front of your friends. Let them comment on your mess up.
• Do five minutes of stand-up comedy like Kapil Sharma, in spite of audience maintain a poker face.
• Make friends while on Mumbai locals. Don�t bother about getting a cold response.
• Read joke books and share joke with friends and watch nobody laughing.
• Do street plays and see people laughing at your miserable performance.

The best part about this exercise: the worse or shittier your performance in doing the above activities, faster you grow a thick skin. Why? Because you�ll probably see the looks of pain, sarcasm, horror, disgust, or pity that flit across peoples� faces. And all those looks will be the result of something you did.

At the end of the day, you�ll realize that the worst responses to whatever you�ve done are when people don�t respond at all�when you�re ignored or dismissed or treated like you don�t exist. And those might be the moments when you develop the thickest skin.
Based on source

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Rejected Due to Bad Photos? Best Tips to Get Top Headshots

A bad headshot

How to Avoid Bad Headshots and Other Pictures in Your Portfolio

Selecting photographer 

When looking for a photographer, DON'T base your decision solely on whom other people used (especially if they DON'T look like you) nor use a photographer based solely on the name. What might be awesome for other people might suck for you.

Do�s and Don�ts

1. With regards to looks, you DON'T want �character� shots, for example, literally dressing like a cop, doctor, etc. NO PROPS EITHER! This is an insult to the casting directors and will get you laughed out of this business. 
2. You want 3-5 GENERAL LOOKS that can suggest multiple roles or essences! 
3. For example, a business suit look can suggest, lawyer detective, secretary, business person, etc. A casual look (jeans and T-shirt) can suggest high school, college, blue collar. An upscale casual and brightly dressed look can suggest young parent, preppy, white collar, etc. 
4. These 3-5 looks you choose should be based on how you know you REALISTICALLY well. If you're a woman in your late 40s you're most likely not going to win dressing like a college student. If you're in your late teens or early 20s, a full business suit won't help you that much, maybe a slightly unbuttoned dress shirt and a trouser/ jeans... 
5. Have one, for auditions for commercial/ Ads. It�s usually smiling and brighter colors. For film/TV, have one, which is usually a bit serious/intense expression and muted colors. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules. 
6. Your headshots need to look like �you� on any normal day! 
7. Do NOT wear makeup or style yourself in a fashion that would make you look too glamorous ie. As if you're trying to be sexy at a party or at a restaurant.. 
8. It's important that your head and upper torso (from waist up to head) are clear so agents and casting directors can fairly judge you physically. 
9. In India, 5X7 or 4X6  is standard size. Not anything bigger or smaller may not be appreciated. Abroad, it is usually 8X10 sizes. Write your name, age, height and contact details on the back. In India, pasting resume at the back is usually not required.Ensure that ball pen ink should not smudge the photo paper at the back. Buy such a ball pen beforehand.
10. Have either a white or black border surround your photo. The full bleed (no border) is also good and tacky. 
11. No glossy! Get matte or pearl finish (non glossy). Most indoor lighting tends to reflect off glossies making it difficult for the agents and casting directors to see. 
12. No busy patterns or jewelry that will take focus away from your face. 

Tell your photographer to avoid 

• Too close shot. Don't get it cropped too close to where people can't see your body. At least your upper torso should be visible in your shots so CDs/Agents have a fair idea of what you look like physically. 
• Shooting you at weird angles, especially angles that would distort how you really look. 
• Silly poses. Head shots are supposed to be as natural as rain. Making stupid poses will just make you look stupider.

Such common inappropriate poses include- 

• Sitting on the table. This is where you're sitting down, but leaning WAY forward. 
• Oh my god, my head is too heavy!  Don't do a head shot where your hand is under your chin or even touching your head. 

For Girls

• Look at me, I have a sexy back! I've seen some headshots where people are in contorted (twist or bend out of the normal shape) poses, looking over his or her shoulder. It's not natural. 
• I'm a mermaid! This is where you're lying on your stomach with your feet up. 
• I got sexy legs! This where you're sitting down and your knees are visible.

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Learn to Balance Your Life as an Actor or Forget Bollywood

Are you balancing your life as an actor as Ajay Devgan and looking HOT?

The key to a successful acting career is finding the right balance in your life.

The yoga which I have practiced over the years, has constantly reminded me that balance in life is essential. And I�m not just talking about one-legged poses where the slightest shift can send you crashing to the floor. It�s also important that both sides of your body are equally strong and limber. They need to be balanced.
 
This basic lesson applies to all aspects of our lives and especially is a crucial success factor for an actor.  So let�s understand how as an actor you can find the right balance in your life as an actor to be a Bollywood Star.

First, I want you to get a piece of paper and a pen. Draw three columns with the following titles at the top: Skill, Career, and Personal Life.

These are the three parts of your life that must be in balance if you�re going to be successful.

Format for balancing actor's life

Now you need to do some honest writing.

Let�s start with 

1. Skill 

This is  another word for Talent. What are you doing to be the best possible actor that you can be? If you�re currently in an acting class or you have a private acting coach, or have both (wise aspiring actors do this), write down the name and type, how long you�ve been studying with that tutor or class. Is it a time for a change? Have you learned to become a camera smart actor? Or techniques of how to give a great audition?

What else are you doing? One of my younger students gets together with a group of like-minded actors every week to practice putting themselves on tape. Are you doing something like that? Good. Write it down.

Do you go out of your way to watch others act? For example, maybe you see a theatre play every week or watch some good films NOT as a viewer, but as a learner, hoping to learn from the performances. If that�s the case, write it down.
Are you starting to get the picture?

2. Career 

What have you been doing to advance your career? Is your circle of contacts swelling? Are you trying to contact casting directors, visiting production houses or TV channels, interacting with co actors to find out about auditions being held or casting being done for serials and making an all out efforts to meet.
Do you analyze every audition, you give and identify your strengths and weaknesses? Think and write down.
Do you have a detailed list of every industry professional you�ve ever met? Have you noted under what circumstances you met, and have you stayed in touch with them about advances in your career? That�s excellent. Write it down.
Are you tracking the casting directors of specific projects you�re right for? Have you made an effort to attend events that allow you to network? Do you have an outstanding website? Write it all down.


And finally, let�s discuss your 

3. Personal Life

This is the one category that actors tend to ignore. They argue that life can wait. Career comes first. This is nonsense. If acting is based on life experience, how can you be a great actor when you have no life?

Make a list of everything you do that has nothing to do with acting. Do you sing or dance and a member of any association? Are you an avid reader? Do you love to paint? Do you like to explore your city? Are you into photography?

Your physical and mental states also have a huge effect on your ability to perform. Are you in shape? Are you HOT? Do you eat well? Are there people in your life who listen when you need to talk?
And let�s not forget about the money. It�s hard to focus on an audition when you�re worried about the rent you have to pay as a paying guest in Andheri. Or, the loan you have to repay, which you borrowed from your room partner. So do you have a system that protects you from financial despair?

Do you have a part time income from some job? Are you smart about how you spend your money?

Write it all down.

Now pour yourself a cup of coffee and take a long look at that list. Is it in balance? Are there areas that need more attention? The answers should be obvious.

Finding balance for an actor is more than a career goal. It�s a way of life.

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22 Reasons Why You Will Not Get A Bollywood Role

Rejection in auditions

Yes, I�m writing about why you DIDN�T get the role in an audition. Yes, even though your audition was amazing and you lit up the room with creative acting genius, you still might not get the part. I know,� you�re probably thinking, �.. But Kiran Sir, you are always so positive. Why are you talking about something negative?�
First, it�s not negative to understand why you didn�t get a job because it will free your mind of all that silly thoughts and reasons when you find out you didn�t get it. Second, and this is one of the most  important parts of learning so pay attention.
Since this is one of the most frequently asked questions to me by my present and ex students, I decided to answer it, hitting the bull�s eye!
Based on my years of experience as an actor and a short filmmaker, these are some of the reasons you didn�t get the role. They are for both-male and female actors

The Reasons

1. You�re too tall.
2. You�re too short.
3. You�re too pretty.
4. You�re not pretty enough.
5. You�re too fat.
6. You�re too thin.
7. You�re too old.
8. You�re too young.
9. You�re too serious.
10. You�re too funny.
11. You look too much like the lead (Hero/Heroine).
12. You don�t look enough like the lead.(Hero/Heroine).
13. You�re taller than the lead. (Hero/Heroine).
14. You�re shorter than the lead. (Hero/Heroine).
15. You remind the producer of his sister, and he hates his sister.
16. You are too ethnic. (For example villager, farmer, Punjabi, South Indian, Oriental looking etc.)
17. You are not ethnic enough. (For example villager, farmer, Punjabi, South Indian, Oriental looking etc.)
18. You were the first one to give audition that day.
19. You were the last one to give audition that day.
20. You look more like a friend than the lead.
21. You�re more like a lead than the  friend.
22. You look like the director�s wife and he had a fight with his wife right before he left the house this morning.
Okay, this is a small sample of the some of the reasons you didn�t get the role.
Remember, none of these are within your control. NONE!
However, there could be a positive aspect.
I strongly recommend you to do some research before you go for an audition. Perhaps, try to contact casting directors, assistant director or director before and find everything about the character you would be auditioning for. In case if you are not meeting some of the above mentioned, at least, physical profile of the character, reconsider your decision of going to auditions.
What you must understand is that your only job in an audition is to do your best work. Everything else is not up to you. The role for which you are performing in an audition is one piece of an entire puzzle. All the pieces of the puzzle must fit, for you to grab the role. The casting director, producer, and director are also fitting pieces of the puzzle together all day long. Your only job is to be the best �piece� you can be. Whether your piece of efforts fit in the slot for that piece is not up to you.
Just go to your audition. Do your best and let it go! If you�re good, they will remember you.
And now, cheer up!
Based on source 

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Are You a Camera Smart Actor for Bollywood | Check

Author Kiran Pande in a "Close Up" shot in film "The Amusing Life of Billy Moore"

It is common for beginner actors to think there is a fundamental difference, in terms of acting methods, between theater, film and television. This is untrue. What is different between the mediums is only technical. The basic acting tools you use to create characterizations and imaginary worlds are exactly the same -- and this is what 98% of quality actor training is about, I would like to highlight. 

So, the difference between film and television, versus theater, is a matter of practicing "levels of expressiveness." You must learn to "calibrate" your performance to the camera, as you must also learn to calibrate your performance in a theater with an audience of 3,000, or a theater with an audience of only 40.

The actor's Soul and camera

1. The illusion of depth on the screen is created only by the artistic use of light and shadow. 
2. The actor too must use a kind of emotional lighting and shading to give depth to his creations of a character for the camera
3. The camera catches the truth of our emotions and projects them back to the audience
4. Some actors unconsciously reveal feelings they don�t intend to.  But these unintended feelings are from our soul. By the soul, I mean our innermost feelings, then yes, the camera can see into the soul.  But only if the soul will show itself
5. The camera cannot reveal what it isn�t shown.  But it will pick up the most subtle and minute expressions, feelings and messages if given a chance.  Can the camera see into your soul? It can.  But you hold the key. 

 Will the camera believe a lie?

Yes, It will.  If it is a believable lie.

Keep in mind that a good and subtle or theatrical  performance (depending upon a "Character") over multiple shots by an actor can be turned into a great scene by altering circumstances in the editing room.

You May Be Wrong

Many actors have a wrong notion probably learnt from acting schools that

A-"If I�m in a film then I don�t have to project my voice.  I don�t have to �act� talking.  I can just talk.  I don�t have to �show� the camera that I�m listening either, I just have to listen"

In front of the camera, you cannot merely �suggest� that you are the character, you have to be the character. While portraying a character, if you have to speak in a particular way, your voice will create your emotions as well by moving your facial muscles (eyes, eyebrows, lips, neck etc.)

B-The reason actors appear too big and sometimes false on screen is that they are trying to overcome preconceived non -existent camera myths.  If we allow ourselves to accept the reality of a character we are playing and where we are, then our inner reality will match it.

C-It is wrong to believe that on camera, we have to be subtle all the times and not theatrical. Again, it depends on the script, profile, emotions of a character and the objective of a shot/scene

D-It would also depend on whether it�s a close or a long shot.

E- The same actor may have to use different styles in different films or in the same film, depending upon the character (which sometimes change in a same film as he/she may have to portray different stages like from young to old or a good to bad or from healthy to sick and dying).
(Look at the classic example of actors in the classical Bollywood film �Sholey�)

If you ask a good cinema actor about their different styles, they would probably say they weren�t playing any style at all, but only the appropriate truth of each particular character

F-If two characters responded in the same way, there would have been no need for two characters at all.  It is the contrast between them that makes the interplay between the characters possible
So an intense, intimate style works on camera, and a big, theatrical style works on camera.  The common denominator between them is believability

Camera in Bollywood

Today films are most often shot, edited, and presented in what is known as the Typical Bollywood Style.  It style and form is modeled on the narrative techniques developed. The story usually begins with introducing the audience to the time, the location, and to the characters of the story.  Next, the author explores the situation that the characters are in, and shows us the conflicts with which they must deal

• As the pace of events quickens the interest of the viewer�s increases.  Soon, the viewer begins to hang on every word, every gesture, every reaction, every twist and turn of the plot.  As the conflict intensifies and the story reaches its climax, the audience involvement it total
• Then the conflict is resolved and tension is released as the writer places the story back in its context.  The author and the director have artfully drawn us into this world step by step.  The progression of our interest has moved from mild curiosity to intense identification; from background to foreground.
• Having said a bit above on the film making process, even the film scenes are shot and edited this way.
• To simplify for aspiring Bollywood actors, the shooting style in a classical way begins with (though may change):
• With the shot furthest from the actors, known as the master, and ends with the shot closet to the actors, known as the close-up
• Between these distances are the two-shot (closer than the master) and the over-the-shoulder (closer than the two-shot). 
• When a scene is shot on a set, the sequence of shooting is this 1. Master 2. Two-shot 3. Over-the-shoulder (O.T.S.) 4. Close-up

This may be so, because it mirrors the process by which a storyteller draws an audience into a story.

What actors should know

A. The actor needs to know what each shot is �telling,� and how it helps to illuminate his character�s story.  Knowledge of the logical reasons for camera positions transforms the actor from a just �a photographed object�, to a creative collaborator to a film

B. The �master shot� gets its name from the fact that it records a scene from beginning to end and therefore serves as a reference shot.  Any shot other than the master is known as coverage.

C. The master shot has some particularly important features.  Since it is far enough away, it is extremely useful for showing the relationship between the characters themselves, and between the characters and their environment.

D. Being a long shot and uninterrupted shot, the master also gives the actor the opportunity to find the timing with his fellow actor.  Use the master to feel the dynamics of a scene, its movement and rhythm.  It may be the only time you can do this.  You can�t be sure that any other set-up will cover the scene from beginning to end.

E. Important: Before the camera blocking (the movements of the camera) can be set in the master or subsequent shots, the actor�s blocking (the movements of the actors) is set,  If the actor has ideas about the scene, about where to be and when to move, now is the time to share with the director or cinematographer.

Why?  Because after the master shot, the blocking will be very difficult to change. 

Remember, the other setups will be based on what the actors do in this master shot and therefore an actor has to remember the blocking (movements), dialogues delivered, the way props used and gestures, which will probably use in the subsequent shots. 

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Shocking 7 Lies Some of the Bollywood Schools Teach

Bollywood Acting Schools

You might have learned great lessons in film or theater school, but not every program prepares you for the realities of this industry called Bollywood

1. Go to every audition for everything�even if you are not right for the part, it is good for the Casting Director to see you.

A. He/ she may remember you for future, even if you are not selected for one.
B. You will learn the practical of auditions/camera acting
Trust us, the casting directors does not appreciate that even if it is an open audition call.

2. You need to learn how to perform in 10 different genres of monologues for films and theatre auditions.

Wrong! You need well-practiced, just 2 or 3 types of good monologues of different genre and one a mixed one, suiting to your profile. But if they want more, they will call you back and give you more lines (sides).

3. You can play a large age range.

No. If they want a 50-year-old, they will hire a near looking 50 year old.
(Exception: some like in serials, especially Ekta Kapoor�s Balaji productions where generations by generation�s actors are shown young)

They don�t need a 22-year-old for 50 years who can grow a nice beard.

4. It�s all about the craft (your great acting ability).

Not really� it�s about the craft when you are selected and giving your final �Take�get the job, but getting selected in auditions is about the business of a professional approach.

5. You should dress for auditions like the character you are auditioning. Or like as if you are going for a job interview.

Unless the role is for a businessman, you can always dress neatly in a Shirt and a Trouser / Salwar and Kurta. Avoid black or white top. The best is to ask about the dress when you get a called for an audition.

6. You need to mail your pictures and r�sum� to every Co ordinator, agent, manager, and Casting Director.

Yes, and you should also send Samosa or Batata Vada along with your resume so that they don�t dirty their fingers. Remember, if you send your pictures and resume without meeting them and knowing that they really need it, everything goes into the archives or dustbin. The best is to meet them personally and give your details if they need it

 7. And finally focusing too much on, like building a website, how to find a co-ordinator or agent, how to take great headshot and 50 different pictures, how to put a show-reel together, promoting yourself on social networking sites, etc.

You did learn how to act in every direction, just no one taught you how to be an actor.
Based on source
* Note:  However, there are some good schools Like NSD Delhi, FTII Pune and Berry John Acting Studio to name a few 

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Why Does Casting Directors Cast You for Bollywood?

On way to realize my Bollywood dreams

Why do they cast you for a role in a Rs. 20 crores Bollywood film?

 The secret of success in Bollywood auditions

Let us count the ways. Is it only your awesome personality? Your having memorized your lines? Your fabulous new shoes or your jazzy dress from a top international brand? There are way too many external forces that enter into it. But in the end, it�s the undeniable talent and deeply connected but your own simple, creative and relevant performance that you bring into the casting room that matters most.

TOP 8 TIPS

1. You're talented. 

Your talent is oozing out. Whether it is for the first time when you enter and give your introduction on camera, or shown through clips or show reel submitted, you've shown that over and over again. In a play, a short film, a guest role... Or any combo of the above.

2. You know somebody. 

Yes, that makes makes an impact. The good news is, you might know the casting director, the associate, the producer, director, writer� The more working relationships, you develop in the industry, the more likely you�ll keep working with your colleagues again. That said, you still have to bring your talent, preparation, and individuality into the casting room.

3. You�re �hot�. 

The moment you enter, they look at you with their jaws dropped and with eyebrows raised. "Wow!"- they speak in an unspoken voice. It doesn�t mean that you are the most beautiful girl or handsome man they have ever seen. No. It means that you are really attractive and eye catching. It means that you have really worked on your figure in a professional way..

4. You were prepared and professional. 

You�d done your homework and you made bold choices in performance�no excuses or apologies. It was clear that you gave your own interpretation of  the character and did not get lost in �pleasing them� or �anxious of doing the character right as per the books or what you learnt in an acting class.� They know that you can be on a shooting set and bring the same professionalism and preparedness..

5. You brought something new, fresh, and smart to them. 

Your choices were personal and alive. Not a typical class room stuff. You were bold enough to create the role and the scene so fully that it felt like they were hearing the material for the first time. And from then on, they never got anything close to from the other 100 guys who came after you.

6. Though you had a small role in an audition, you kept it simple, and you were alive in that one small moment. 

You understood that smaller roles are often there to move the story along. Wisely, you didn�t make it more than it was, but you did bring a specific life to that small role. And remember, in smaller roles, you�re often cast because you were �the guy or that woman.� (For example-that taxi driver, that hospital ward boy, that the housemaid, that nurse etc) Sometimes it�s as simple as that. You looked and felt right.

7. Your work moved them on an emotional level. 

The audition day for a casting director or a director is always stressful. It can be suddenly uplifted by your personal, courageous, and emotionally connected charm and performance you share with them.

8. They feel it was a joy to spend time with you. 

You brought your open heart, your vulnerability, and your love of the work in the casting room. You can see that they want to spend more time with you.
Remember
There are a whole bunch more reasons. There are no fixed rules. So many factors go into making a casting choice. And you have no control over most of this process. What you do have control over is the kind of performance you create in a casting room, the way you approach to a character assigned to you, and the joy you share in doing the work in the audition room. If you allow yourself to be fully present, bold, specific, emotionally engaged in your performance, everyone in the audition room will fall in love. You will be a champion.
And if it�s not this role, then another one. But you�re in their hearts and minds for good
Based on source

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Learn Secret Camera Acting Skills to be in Bollywood

What Ben means above is -don't pretend! Just behave normally in front of a camera

There is an immense competition to be a Bollywood actor. Thousands of aspiring actor flock streets of Mumbai's western suburbs to get a break in films, serials and commercials, but how many succeed? In spite of incredible efforts, unfortunately not even 10% are winners! One of the causes of this failure is a poor knowledge of Camera acting skills which are vital for a selection in auditions and bag a role in films or serials. Later, a good knowledge of acting for camera helps in giving a  great performance in a "final take" for a shot/ scene

Do you have a special set of acting skills required for the camera? Did your acting school teach you?

Acting for the Camera

This is not an acting school or a theatre stage acting where you get an instant feedback from the audience.
In film and television acting, you do not get a feedback from a live audience of any kind. Your audience is just a camera, the camera operator, the director, and any sound, light, and make up artists to help you  for the day.
This means you need to use your creativity and imagination in a scientific and calculative way. When you play to the camera, you have to project emotions to the unwavering and piercing eye of the camera.

Elia Kazan on what the camera does to you

How to �play to the camera�

1. Find the location of the camera at all times

Why? Because  if you are able to understand where the camera is, then you will be able to give the best performance. You must remember that it would impossible for you to let viewers see your great performance without the camera capturing your face.
2. Know how close or far the camera is for you and what the camera is trying to capture

 If you the camera is capturing a close up on your face, then it is not important for you to move your arms and legs, for the camera will not capture it. Instead, focus on what the camera is filming. For close ups, focus on your facial movements and emotions, but subtle and not exaggerated.  However, for long shots, focus on larger body movements to illustrate your character�s feelings.

3. Know where the other actors and props are located in relation to the camera 

If you step to ( move) close in one direction, you may take the other actor�s eye-line, lighting, or other sort of important elements. Understand where your �mark� (where you should be located) is and focus on staying in that position.

The Best Tip to Learn Camera Acting

Watch a television show or movie on video with the sound off

Without listening to any dialogue, your focus would be on facing expressions and movements. Look through at each frame first because that is a camera lens and then observe how an actor is behaving in front of that frame. The body and facial gestures can convey more information to an audience than you may think. By studying movies and television shows with the sound off, you can study how gestures can help an actor�s on-camera performance.

The bottom line

1. Focus on where the camera is
2. Concentrate what the camera is trying to capture,
3. Understand how can you express your emotions and movements with technical excellence and limitations of a camera

If you can keep these three elements in mind, you will definitely see a great improvement in your acting performance.

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Failure in Auditions? No Entry in Bollywood? 6 Success Tips

MTV Hero Honda Auditions. Many failed

Thousands of young men and women with a dream to become an actor in Bollywood come to Mumbai and in spite of getting a professional training in a school,  fail to get an entry into Bollywood. Why?

Of course, there are many factors contributing to this disappointment, but one of the major ones is a failure in auditions. Forget about getting a role, they don�t get even a callback (a 2nd interview).

When some of these aspiring actors approached me, complaining that though they had attended dozens of auditions, they don�t get the job. However, when they followed seriously what I had recommended, surprisingly, many of them succeeded in bagging a role either in a film or a serial or in a commercial.  

Therefore, I strongly recommend studying these suggestions properly and training your self accordingly.

If you're not getting as many acting callbacks as you'd like, check out these audition tips as you prepare your next acting auditions. These audition tips will be useful whether you attend a theater, film or commercial audition.

1. When to arrive at the Casting Call

• Make sure you arrive at your acting audition 15-20 minutes early. This will give you time to freshen up, fill out any audition forms and prepare your lines or your monologue. 
• Make sure you have your portfolio and resume (in case required) in hand before you walk in the audition room. Auditions are typically around 5 minutes long, you don't want to use up that precious time fishing around your bag for your headshots.

2. I get nervous

The more important the acting audition, the more that's likely to happen. Here's a few audition tips on how to turn performance anxiety into self-confidence:

Don�t mix with other actors. Camera or stage fright is contagious, plus you don't want to compare yourself to an actor auditioning for the same part as you. Create your own space and try to shut out the world around you so you can prepare and focus.

Relax with exercise. If you went to acting school or to a private acting coach, you probably have worked on relaxation and breathing exercises. Now's the time to use them. Concentrate on breathing deeply and slowly from your midsection, letting go of tension in a different part of your body with each breath, from head to toe.

3. How to concentrate

Relaxation and breathing exercises should help you to get rid of nervousness. Now use your audition piece to completely focus. Imagine you're the character in your audition piece. Try to remember as the character what you had for breakfast or what you did yesterday. Think as the character about the people you love, those you hate, those you're having a conflict with. Play in your mind what just happened before the audition scene or monologue you're about to perform..

4. Think you got the role. 

As an actor, our imagination is our greatest strength. Imagine you've got the role and you're coming in to rehearse. This audition tip will help if a lack of self-confidence is making you nervous.

Let's enter the audition room...

5. Make a good First Impression

Smile

A smile is worth a thousand words and will help relax you and your audience. Imagine a friend in place of the auditioner(s) and greet them with a warm confident smile.

An eye contact

Sometimes, when we're nervous, we tend to look away, so make sure to look people in the eye when you speak.

Check your body language

Don't let the awkwardness of standing in front of so called seated "judges" make you fidget or cross your arms or do any of the other inappropriate signs of an uncomfortable actor. There is tremendous power in stillness.
You can use an approach like the Alexander Technique to center yourself.
(The Alexander technique teaches actors how to stop using unnecessary levels of muscular and mental tension during their activities. It is an educational process rather than a relaxation technique or form of exercise)

Take the lead

Don't wait for something to happen. When you enter the room, greet everyone and introduce yourself. If you are in a film or commercial audition, find your mark and stand on it.

6. Don�t

Don't rush...

Talk to the auditioner if you have a question. For example, if you don�t know where to look (If it is a camera audition).  When you ask a question, wait for an answer.

But don't linger

The goal is to make a good impression. A casting director will not appreciate you putting them behind schedule, plus your audition monologue could be cut short as a result. Commercial auditions are particularly fast.

Don't make excuses

Don't preamble your audition piece with something like, "I only had an hour to prepare this audition piece, so bear with me" or "I'm not too well today". Actors make these statements all the time and they never help them make a good impression. Just do the best you can.

Don�t be too eager to shake hands

Some casting directors don't like to shake actors' hands. If they extend out their hands, great. If not, a friendly smile from you will make contact just as well as a handshake.

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6 Secrets of Bollywood Auditions to Get Dream Role

I have seen many good actors from my coaching or from other acting schools failing at Bollywood film auditions. In case of my such students, I called them for one on one session and critically analyzed causes and remedies. This was very important as repeated failures at auditions, inspite of being a good actor was demoralizing and was suicidal to their career.
The reasons I found were ranging from nervousness to lack of confidence to inability to understand the character to the technical part of audition etc. etc...
Consequent to my analysis, I had to develop a strategy because good actors failing in auditions was unacceptable!
Based on my experience, on suggestions by friend casting directors and reading literature available on some good acting sites, I devised a solution-
Here are top 6 sure shot techniques which with practice will see you through in auditions and bag the roles you are aspiring.

1. Your confidence while walking into an audition room

If you don�t believe in yourself, nobody else will. The audition starts the moment you walk into the room, so find a way to be relaxed, and project unshakeable confidence. If you don�t have it, fake it. This is all about body language and eye contact, so walk into the room with your head up, shoulders back, with total focus and relaxation. It�s the kind of confidence that makes people trust you, and allows them to feel they can put you on set tomorrow and you will be fine and not waste their time. You are prepared, know your job in the scene, your lines, and believe in the circumstances. Even if you are scared inside, you have to �act� like a confident person. (You are an actor, right?)
The confidence gives you a particular charisma. This is what makes good auditions stand out. It�s your essence, your personality, your authentic self. It�s what you have that nobody else can offer, even when everyone is reading and playing the same exact script. It�s the magic that you bring to the lines that make them interesting, unique, and different, with your own stamp on it.

2. The character (role) you have to play at the audition

Don�t worry about what they are looking for. It�s your job to show them your unique interpretation of who this character is. Your character has a point of view in the scene. What is it? Think of three adjectives to describe this person and write these at the top of the script (annoyed, frustrated, in love, etc.). If there is a chair in the room, how do they sit in this chair? What is the character�s body language? How do they speak? The clearer you are on the character, the more your nerves dissolve, and you can disappear into this person�s world.

3. Create a conflict

The bottom line of every good scene is conflict, even if it�s from within. What is at stake in the scene? What are the characters fighting for? What are the circumstances around this scene? Find out what that is, and then put that high voltage energy into how the "character", you intend playing for the audition deals with it. If you are very clear on the conflict in a scene, the objective of a scene and the objective of the character, it will create and dictate the rhythm, inflection, and tone of each line, and avoid the trap of playing the �mediocre.�

4. Concentration is the key

Close your eyes for a moment and take a long breath before you begin the scene. Quiet your mind and concentrate on the moment before. This involves total emotional and physical commitment, to the character, to the words, the thoughts, and being totally prepared. It�s not enough to just know the lines, you have to "live" them, and understand what�s behind the lines. If you are worried about what people are thinking, or your next line, then you are not fully in the scene. You have to be true to the emotions, and personalize them, so that your eyes, voice, and body are reflecting those feelings.

5. Connect yourself with your co-star even though there is nobody

Many a times you are delivering your lines to someone, but there is no that "someone" in front of you. If there are dialogs of your co star in a scene, it may be spoken by an assistant sitting next to or behind the camera or in another case, it may be just your lines only.
What do you do in both of these situations?
A. When a script has more than one character and a reader is reading the lines of the other character. Look at the reader. Have a strong eye contact (unless specified by the casting director where to look). Think of who is that person? How do you feel about that other character? What is that relationship like? It�s important to listen in a very active way, as if you hear the words for the first time. It should feel like a real, not a scene for an acting class. You have to absorb the lines and respond from moment to moment. It should feel like you are the only two people in the room.
B. When it's a monologue. Although it is not a conversation with others, remember that you always address your monologue to someone or to a group. Therefore, always ask this question to yourself "To whom am I addressing my lines?". Ask the casting director where to look and deliver your lines exactly the same way as it is in "A" 

6. Have total clarity 

Be clear with your choices about how to deliver your lines. There is always more than one way to say a line. Just pick one. This doesn�t mean make bold, crazy, irrational choices, it just means make a decision with each line based on what your character wants. Don�t be safe, and don�t just run fast over the important moments. If you are lucky and get your lines in advance, Do the work at home, but then be open to direction and flexible in the audition room.
Based on source for the benefit of aspiring actors

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Actors! Learn Only One Kind of Acting for Success in Bollywood

Be yourself

You are going to save a lot of money on classes.  

I always see ads offering classes in �Film Acting�, "Meismer" or "Michael Chekov" technique workshop, etc. to give you an  entry into Bollywood.
Schools and teachers always want to break up acting into many categories, which gives the illusion that there are many different kinds of "acting".
There may be a benefit to going to some of these types of workshops, but remember, these places make a lot of money by convincing people that they have something to teach see here.  They need you to believe that there is some secret way that film actors act, that you don�t know anything about; or that commercial actors know something you don�t, unless you pay thousands of Rupees for a workshop.

Well, here�s some good news:
There is only one kind of acting, and that is

�Behaving as if it's really happening to you�  

� And that's easy, it seems, and not easy

It'easy

Rather than trying hard to be in a character, copy some similar actor you have observed or being theatrical with gestures, voice and volume, just be yourself and shoot!

It could be difficult

You can not forget everything around you-camera, restrictions on movements, people, lights and sound etc...
Therefore, to be natural and be in yourself without forgetting surroundings may be difficult for some of the new actors.
The the key to be in yourself and at the same time, be aware of the scene around you is-

A totally relaxed mind 

This comes with practice relaxation wethods regularly and at the time of just before the shot. (See here)

What is the difference between theater acting and film acting?

Most actors begin their performing lives in theater.  So it's understandable that they worry about how to adapt their acting craft for film and TV which is acting for camera.

After working initially for theatre and then for films for many years I learned the secret to film acting. I remember revealing this secret to a student of mine 4 years back. John Dias, a Goan by birth and fluent in Hindi had a theatre background with few plays. He was rehearsing a scene when I told him to do it again with a simple direction tip  "Do it just for this room and the camera in front of you"     

What I was saying was, don�t perform for 20 rows beyond where you stand.  Just say to ONE row in front of you
Be in THIS room, just talking to ME.
And THAT is how you do it.  Simple.
(And if the scene takes place in a car, then you do it �just for this car�.)
Theater acting and film acting both require the same truthful approach to the circumstances.  In both genres (Types) you are "behaving as if it's really happening", but with film acting you don�t �project� your performance outwards to an audience.  Instead, you are selfishly only involved in your own experience.
Film acting runs on "empathy" (the ability to understand and share the feelings of another).  The audience's experience can only be your experience.
On film, the audience sees and feels EVERYTHING you are experiencing, so there�s no need to project what you�re experiencing outwards to an unseen audience.
However, you have to be careful. Many actors, when attempting to adjust their performance to film, make the mistake of becoming over-sensitive to the camera and become small, which means they over control their responses and this may stifle "spontaneity" and naturalness.
The great thing about �just for this room� is that sometimes in a room someone shouts �GET OUT!�, while other times someone whispers, �I love you.�
So you no longer need to monitor how big or small you are behaving.  In real life, people have moments where they experience big reactions AND tiny responses. Remember, film acting is simply a direct mirror to life.
Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and search for a successful personality and duplicate it--Rashmi Desai Sandhu

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