ESL Podcast 1023 - Learning to Act
to bang - to make a loud noise by hitting two objects, especially metal objects, against each other
If you ever run into a bear in the woods, try banging things to make a loud noise to scare it away.
pots and pans - metal containers with handles used to cook on a stove, with or without lids (tops; covers)
Why do you need so many different pots and pans when you don't often cook?
audition - a tryout; an interview for an acting, singing, or performing role where one displays one's skills or talents in front of the director or other people who will decide who is selected for a show or opportunity
Have you decided which song you'll sing for the audition next week?
to rehearse - to practice, especially to practice a speech or performance
Rehearsing in front of a mirror is a good start, but try rehearsing in front of friends or family members so that you can see their reaction.
up for - being considered for; under consideration for; a contender or candidate for
Did you hear that Jenna is up for the new marketing manager position?
part - a role played by an actor
Wayne had the leading part in the high school play last year.
to learn (one's) lines - to memorize the things that one must say on stage, or for a film or television filming, especially while acting
Would you please help me learn my lines by reading this script aloud with me?
to improvise - to act or perform while thinking of what one will say and do at that moment, without previous preparation and without written instructions or a plan
When the couch on stage collapsed, the actors had to improvise to make it seem like an intentional part of the show. (number)-course - a meal with a certain number of dishes, plates, or types of food, usually served one after another
They served a delicious three-course meal of soup, pasta, and dessert.
to stay in character - to continue to act in the role one has been assigned, without becoming distracted and appearing as oneself
Issac is such a great comedian that the other actors struggle to stay in character, because they're tempted to laugh at his jokes.
to stretch (one's) acting chops - to accept and perform a challenging role as an actor, a role that can improve one's acting skills and become a better performer
If Kyle accepts that role, he'll be stretching his acting chops because he has never had to learn to speak with a foreign accent for a role before.
to get into the head of (someone) - to fully understand someone and be able to think and behave like him or her
The detective is known for getting into the head of criminals and anticipating their next move.
to project - to project one's voice; to speak loudly and clearly so that one can be heard and understood, especially in a large room
The microphones aren't working tonight, so the singers are going to have to project really well.
to emote - to show emotions or feelings, especially while acting
Her face is so expressive and she's able to emote joy, anger, or fear without saying a word.
commercial - an advertisement shown on TV or broadcast on radio
Those commercials are silly. They make it look like drinking their brand of soda will suddenly make us popular and wealthy.
bit part - a very small, unimportant acting role
Vicky's first acting job was a bit part in a movie, but she has accepted many bigger roles since then.
there are no small parts, only small actors - a phrase used to mean that no parts or roles are unimportant, and a talented actor can demonstrate his or her skills even in the least important roles, improving the quality of the overall performance
Kelly was really disappointed to be a tree in the school play, but she felt better when her teacher said, "Remember, there are no small parts, only small actors."