First Light Video DVD: Audition: The Video Series by Michael Shurtleff (4 DVDs)

Audition: The Video Series is a compilation of 12 guideposts that will help each actor achieve the maximum expression required for the stage performance. With help from Michael Shurtleff, each actor is encouraged and prodded to find his own inner strengths that will help bring the characterization to life.

Risk is emphasized to help each actor reach down inside himself and draw out the emotions needed to bring give the best performance possible. Analysis of scenes, along with Michael's help will lead you to the best way to bring the scene and performance to life.

Disc One deals with the conflict of the scene. According to Michael, "Without conflict, there is no drama". Bringing action to the performance is critical and Michael demonstrates how important it is to start with energy.

Disc Two deals with humor. Humor comes from pain and Michael will show you how to find the humor in a scene - even a sad one. The concepts of "opposites" and "discoveries" are explored.  Opposites is the relationship between tension and its opposite while Discoveries covers how to make things happen through the process of constantly exploring the emotions of the scene.

Disc Three deals with Communication and Competition. The play or movie is always an ongoing series of messages and responses. How to find the "core" of the scene is stressed as well as the changing relationships that an actor must learn to experience and emote.

Disc Four deals with Place. How an actor creates a sense of place is critical to a scene - even if he is on a bare stage. Through a series of games and role playing, this ability is developed.A sense of wonder and mystery must be brought to each performance in order to achieve this.