Acting : Don't Ever Say This to Actors by Aaron Marcus

Great video, Aaron Marcus! Thanks for sharing your experiences and advice.

You are so welcome Maurice. I wonder if others on STAGE32 ever experienced someone saying something inappropriate to them on a set.

Correct Aaron Marcus ... never 'direct' another actor and especially never give a line reading. I thought your response was great, and a clear way of 'reminding' the actor they are not the director. Even when I have been both actor and director, I would hold my notes until the end and never give notes while in the scene. You have to step away from the set/stage and put on that other hat.

Thank you so much for your wise words Domenic. I am fine if a director gives me some notes or asks for something else after a take. I get it. Sometimes things change and they might need another option. But, that is one of the director's job description. But, as you said, never should another give unsolicited advice or suggestions to another actor without being asked.

What types of projects do you mostly act in and direct?

Thank you again.

My only quasi-regret ever talking to an actor was this one time I was directing for a sketch comedy web series and we were shooting this fake Xtreme Sex Pills parody advertisement, and the mid 20s male actor we hired to play the pitchman brought his mom to the studio because she was driving him that day. So the whole time I'm directing this poor guy to read these fairly crass and sordid lines with his mother 15 feet away watching. It was absolutely as awkward as you could imagine. Felt so bad for the guy. But it's fun because it all had a happy ending (not that kind) when the tape we shot of him for another sketch helped him book a movie role! So it was a nice reminder that good things can happen after even the most awkward moments on set.

What a great story. I can imagine how uncomfortable that might have been for everyone. Are you still shooting films or sketch comedy?

I'm shooting mainly short films and pilots these days. I aim for 1 project per quarter but end up with about 2 or 3 per year usually, depending on when life happens!

Wow, Pat. You sound incredibly busy. Congratulations on all of your work.

thank you, Aaron. Great advice

You are very welcome Have you ever had an actor something inappropriate to you?

Absolutely Aaron Marcus that is my biggest issue with extra work, EVERYONE, LITERALLY EVERYONE even those who only do extra work , has unsolicited advice on not only your acting career but how you should live your life in general. No adult has to do to anything, and unsolicited advice is meddling no matter who says it.

I have had complete strangers shake their finger at me and tell me, "You HAVE to listen to what others are saying to you.:" My response, "I don;t HAVE to do anything." And they get angry with me. It's interesting to me that it seems to be a film and television thing. Never once doing theater have as a fellow actor told me I should play it this way or that way. We all defer to the director and act as a team.

This is so interesting. I think there are a lot of angry extras who believe they should have roles in these projects and are bitter.

I have heard extras complain that someone might have gotten cast to say two words because they are friends with the director. That happens and I understand it.

Sometimes directors want toy be around their friends and like giving them a small role as a favor. So, to those who are angry about this, I would say, become friends with a film director.

Or, work unbelievably hard at being great and find an agent who can submit you for roles.

I agree with you. You don’t have to listen to anyone

If it is someone you respect, then take in what they have to say. Others you can listen and filter everything else, and if what is being said makes no sense then disregard their information

Thank you so much for sharing

Actors can say a lot! Without saying anything...! Freedom to express is part of the art form! Thanks Aaron!

You are so right Rachel. There is so much we say without saying a word. Thank you so much for this incredibly wise comment.

Awhh Thank YOU Aaron!! Much love:-)