My mom and I recently decided to start taking some MasterClasses; they're online courses you can take from professionals in various fields such as cooking, sports, writing, etc. The first one that I decided to try was Helen Mirren's class on acting. She discussed concepts and tips used in both theater and movies that she had learned over the course of her career. Although I'm not an actor, I really enjoyed her class, and I felt like a learned a lot that could help me even if I'm not an actor. I realized that some of these tips could even help me as a writer. Here is what I learned from her class:
1. Art influences art.
Like I said, even if I'm not an actress, I can learn a few things from Mirren's class. She talked a lot about characterization and storytelling, which I can use as a writer for my own works. Her mediums of theater and movies/television are more visual than mine, so these tips will be applied in a different way, but they're still useful. Different styles of art can influence each other; you can learn from so many different mediums. If you consider yourself a creative person, then absorb different kinds of creative content, even if you didn't think it'll apply to you.
2. Details are everything.
Mirren had a few lessons on costumes, makeup and hair, and set design where she said that even small details like how someone wears a certain style of clothing or what his/her apartment looks like are vital aspects to characterization. You have to create the character in your mind and think of what that particular person would wear or decorate with. If someone is lazy, intelligent, perky, irritable, etc., then the smallest parts of their appearance should reflect that. As a writer, describing those little details is the best way to characterize someone.
3. Working with others.
The third thing I learned from Helen Mirren was how to work with others. When you're auditioning or working on a set, you have to be polite and humble and respectful. You won't get hired for a job if you're rude and snooty. She said to ask lots of questions and be willing to work with people. If you have a suggestion for a scene or character, then don't be afraid to talk with the director or whoever you need to talk to. When writing, one has to work with a group of people such as editors, publishers, and sometimes agents. You have to learn to cooperate and work with these people to make a project the best it can be. Being the author of a work may hold more weight than being an extra on a set, but you should still be respectful and listen to other's suggestions.
4. Confidence.
She reminds the students to be confident in themselves and their abilities. Even professional actors are still people; they had to start somewhere too. Don't be overly confident and think you're the most talented person in the world but don't cut yourself short. Even if you're a new writer who hasn't had anything published, that doesn't mean you aren't a real writer. Take small steps to start getting noticed and then work your way up. Work hard and have enough confidence to push towards your dream!
I am so glad that I took that class, and I can't wait to take more in the future. There were so many classes that I could use to improve my writing and even some to take just for the fun of it! I hope you get a chance to take one too. They're pricey, but it's worth getting the advice of a professional. I hope you enjoy whatever class you take and that you'll learn something new!
