I have a new test for actors – – perhaps it could even be used as some kind of an audition. My thought is to have all of the actors in question bring in a collection of toys that they currently have stocked on their bedroom shelves. They would be forbidden from bringing anything that requires electricity. They would need to bring in this pile of toys to class and dump them at their feet in the Blackbox. Then, they would be required to sit down and PLAY with the toys. They would have to start by playing alone, and then they would be given the option of including others in their play.
Could they pass this test? Would they be open to the quite vulnerable activity of brining in their own toys? Could they present them in front of themselves allowing everyone else to see what they have brought? More challenging, would they be able to actually play for the full 90 minutes – – WITHOUT getting bored or self-conscious? Would they have enough imagination to fuel the entire experience?
When I asked the class, they all said that it would be NO problem. It would be a cinch – – but then they began to think – – and a few began to double their success . . .
I really do think this might be an excellent audition tool. Who wants an actor who has moved so far away from Toyland that only the electric screen of a phone or iPod will suffice?