TAKE-AWAY NOTES

 

​Michael Shurtleff was a renowned Broadway and Hollywood casting director whose book Audition quickly became a cornerstone of modern acting training. His approach centers on practical, immediate tools—known as his “Guideposts”—that help actors clarify the conflict, stakes, and relationships in a scene. Shurtleff believed an actor must fight for a goal, spark real connection with a scene partner, and play the scene’s emotional extremes to bring it fully to life. His emphasis on dynamic choices and heightened moment-to-moment awareness makes his technique especially useful in audition settings, where boldness and clarity can make an actor stand out.

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1. Relationship

 

Who am I to the other person in the scene?

Blurb: Understanding the specifics of the relationship is essential. Whether you are friends, lovers, siblings, rivals, or strangers, the nature of the relationship drives the emotional stakes and shapes how you interact.

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2. Conflict (or “What Are You Fighting For?”)

 

Key Question: What do I want, and what is preventing me from getting it?
 

Drama thrives on conflict. Your character must have a clear objective and face an obstacle—another person, the situation, or even themselves. Playing this “fight for what you want” generates energy in the scene.

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3. The Moment Before

 

Key Question: What happened right before this scene starts?
 

The action doesn’t begin in a vacuum. The emotional state and circumstances leading into the scene give you momentum. Knowing (and feeling) what just happened helps you enter the scene with clarity and authenticity.

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4. Humor

 

Key Question: Where can I find lightness or levity—even in serious moments?
 

“Humor” doesn’t necessarily mean telling jokes; it’s about finding the spark of life or hope that makes even dramatic material more human. By weaving in moments of humor, you reveal more complexity and keep the performance engaging.

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5. Opposites

 

Key Question: How can I play two contrasting or contradictory elements at once?
 

Real people rarely feel just one thing at a time. Look for ways to layer contrasting emotions—love and hate, hope and despair—to create a more compelling and dynamic performance.

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6. Discoveries

 

Key Question: What new information or realization does my character find in each moment?
 

Scenes come alive when characters discover something unexpected. Each fresh bit of information or sudden realization propels the story forward and keeps both actor and audience engaged.

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7. Communication

 

Key Question: How does my character convey their thoughts and feelings, and what effect does that have on the other person?

Acting is a two-way street. You’re not just talking at someone; you’re trying to make them understand or feel something. Make sure every line is aimed at achieving a response.

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8. Competition

 

Key Question: How am I competing in this interaction, and what am I trying to “win”?
 

Even in friendly conversations, people vie to be heard, accepted, or validated. Identifying how you’re competing—whether for attention, power, or love—brings urgency and vitality to the scene.

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9. Importance

 

Key Question: What makes this moment extremely significant to my character?
 

If it’s not life-and-death (emotionally speaking), a scene can feel flat. You want to raise the stakes so that it matters deeply whether you succeed or fail in achieving your objective.

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10. Find the Events

Key Question: Where are the turning points and “big beats” in the scene?
 

Scenes shift when something important is said or done—these shifts are events. Spot those moments and play them with clarity. Events can be emotional beats, power shifts, or revelations.

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11. Place

 

Key Question: How does my environment (physical setting, time period, surroundings) influence my behavior?
 

Where you are affects how you speak, move, and feel. If you’re in a cramped office, a lavish ballroom, a hospital room—each has its own set of emotional and physical realities. Allow that atmosphere to shape your performance.

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12. Game Playing & Role Playing

 

Key Question: What “masks” do my character and the others wear, and why?
 

People often adopt different roles—jokester, caregiver, authority figure—to get what they want. Identifying these games or roles adds depth: your character might put on a brave face while hiding fear, or act tough to mask vulnerability.

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13. Mystery & Secret

 

Key Question: What am I holding back or not saying?
 

Everyone keeps secrets—thoughts or feelings they choose not to reveal. This hidden undercurrent creates tension and intrigue. Even if you never explicitly share the secret, letting it color your performance makes the character more compelling.

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