ABSTRACT
The Director in the Front Row of Your Mind Every script is written for the purpose of communicating something-selling, education, entertainment, or expressing an emotion or feeling. No matter how well-written a script might be, it is not the words in and of themselves that convey the message, it is the way in which the words are spoken that ultimately moves the audience. It is the details of the performance that lie behind the words-the nuance, the emotions-that allow a performer to bring a script to life. And behind every performer, there is a director. You may not realize it, but somewhere in your mind there is a director. Allow your director to sit front row, center in your mind-in a big, overstuffed chair-so he or she can objectively watch your performance to keep you performing at your best. A voiceover performance is theatrical truth-not real-life truthand your internal director is the part of you that gives you silent cues to keep you, or rather, your character, real. As you work with copy, you will find a little voice in your head that tells you, “Yeah, that was good” or “That line needs to be done differently.” The director in the front row of your mind is the result of critical thinking. He or she is the part of you that helps you stay in the moment, and gives you focus and guidance with your performance. Think of this director as a separate person (or part of you) who is objectively watching your performance from a distance, yet close enough to give you cues. In time, your internal director and your performance will become as one-a seamless blending of director and performer resulting in a truly professional dramatic artist, without any conscious effort. This mastery of self-direction is the level to strive for.
