fandomhigh | How to Be a Really Famous Actor (And Other Acting Tips), Friday, Period 1

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How to Be a Really Famous Actor (And Other Acting Tips), Friday, Period 1

"Now that we're back in class, it's time to move on to our next session," Lucas said, kicking off the class. "Yeah yeah, no more action stuff, and probably no stuntmen being thrown around for a while, either."

"So now we're focusing on drama. Or, let's be honest, award bait. Because really, that's why people make dramas. There are other minor reasons, I guess. They're not funny or they look funny holding a gun. But if they're like me - and most actors are - they broke into drama for the awards and award shows. Nobody gave me an invite to Sundance until I made Let's Hope There's a Heaven and that baby scored some prizes. And all I did was kiss some chick and die for a couple hours! And that's the reason why LHTH did so well," Lucas said, and yes, he did say 'LHTH.' "It's because I hit the three biggest parts of drama. I cried, I gave a big monologue, and I died. We're going to start with that first one today."

"Crying in movies is shorthand for 'Hey. I can act.' If you can pull off a crying scene, people are going to give you a lot of credit. You don't even have to be great! You can just be pretty good and people will give you extra credit. But if you're terrible at it, everyone's going to laugh at you. And then you'll learn how to cry more realistically."

"Step one is to figure out how to force yourself to cry. Try to think of something sad, like a breakup or a parent dying or, I don't know, someone kicking your puppy. The more personal it is, the more realistic it is. If that doesn't work, try violence. Stub your toe or pinch yourself or have somebody punch you really hard. Or just be like me and be a really good actor."

"Okay, that's enough talking for me. I want everyone to cry today. I don't care how you do it, just cry. And then write up a quick explanation for how you made yourself cry and turn it in."

Because he hadn't done anything evil yet this class period, but demanding potential emotional blackmail made up for that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sadly.

Ramona Flowers

Nathan Young

Kate Gregson

Quinn Fabray

Caroline Forbes

Calvin

Or just talk during it. Even though it's actually, like, a real lecture this time and not just a couple minute demonstration!

Nathan couldn't remember the last time he cried and he didn't think he'd be crying anytime soon either. There just wasn't enough to make him cry in this world. He didn't want to end up all snotty and red face. No thank you.

And he was having trouble picturing Professor Lee crying, movie or not.

Kate could remember the last time she'd cried. It was most of Monday, this very same week. So she looked a little sour when she realized that was seriously the only topic today.

Go ahead and cry. If you need to recruit help, you're not as good an actor as Lucas, but do what you have to do to cry. And then, of course, write a quick sentence or two explaining what the key to making yourself cry was.

Yeah, Nathan wasn't doing well with the whole crying thing. Thinking of his dad just pissed him off, thinking of his mum pissed him off, thinking of someone dying...was too hard because he hadn't cared about anyone that had died.

He tried to think of something horrific like Bono being a dickwad or the Spice Girls being internationally best selling artists but that just made him confused. This assignment was giving him trouble.

"Would kicking you make you cry?" Kate wondered, sauntering over. Yes, she was just going to assume he'd be hardpressed to cry over emotional things in class. "Or would that just make you whine?"

"If you kick me, I'm gonna kick you back and then curse at you," Nathan said, giving her a look. "Feel free to give it a go, though. Maybe you'll find just the sweet spot and I'll shed a few tears."

Kate tilted her head at him and pretended to gve it some thought. "Nah, I think I'll pass," she decided then. "All I see that leading to is a circle of violence."

"I don't cry," he informed her, leaning a little closer and pointing to his eyes. "Look into these eyes. My tear ducts are fucking dry. If I'm ever sad, I make a choice to go out and find some sort of amazing outlet for my sadness. Usually she's about five foot ten, top heavy with pouting, red lips. Works every time!"

"Well, that must be nice for you," she drawled, amused. "And you have good eyes. But you're gonna fail the assignment."

Whereas she totally intended to cry in public. Totally. Except not.

"I don't cry." He did but it was extremely rare and took a lot. "I think Professor Lee will understand that my masculinity prevents me from crying like a little pussy in class."

"He gave the assignment knowing you are in this class, though," Kate couldn't help pointing out. "And, also, by enforcing your masculinity like that, I think you're undermining his. I can't see him liking that."

Sign In

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Listen to the Lecture

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Cry!

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Talk to the TA

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Talk to Lucas

OOC