This is the title of my post

Yes, well, I wanted to save my creativity for my script and thinking up a clever title was making me work too hard.

Lead Actor took me to his acting class last night. Very cool. I got a hell of a lot out of it. First of all, I don't think I've ever met so many friendly people all in one place before; completely supportive of each other and unafraid to walk up to me to say hello and ask questions. I love to sit in the back of a room and watch all the dramatic people.

There was some real talent in that room, and there was some not-so-talent. But what was interesting was seeing how people took direction, and it gave me some excellent ideas on how to direct my actors when the time comes.

The main problem people were having was pretty universal. Whether they were emoting too much, holding tightly to one emotion or trudging around nervously on stage, it was all a question of being in the moment. The actors who performed the best were the ones who wanted to be there, the ones who really felt like they were the person they were trying to be, and not just reading lines. It's common sense, I suppose, but it's easier said than done and there is no way I'd feel comfortable doing it. Hell, I got fidgety when they made me introduce myself.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love actors?

Those guys have so much dedication. Some of the class bailed when it got late but most stayed until the end, even though the end was 1:30 a.m. on a weeknight. I'm glad to be on vacation right now.

It is really ballsey to do a Hamlet soliloquy when it's been done by Brannagh and Olivier and Jacobe and Gibson. Kudos to that dude for trying.

The best performance was a Mamet dialogue by this really nerdy looking guy. That was disturbing and hilarious at the same time.

I gave out one card to an actress who might be a good Shiela.

I mean Shiela, the character in my script not Shiela the lady kanagroo.

What made me especially hopeful was that during the first pass through each scene, I usually felt a lot of the same things the Teacher did, so clearly I have a good eye for what makes a good performance. And he was a good teacher. He had very cool dogs that just sat and chilled while people were emoting all over the place and he gave me a hug. Actors aren't afraid of personal space. I could take a lesson from that.

So now I just need some equipment and a crew and I'll be ready to roll. After I do about eight million other things.