The Real Life Actor
Jeff Seymour, acting coach of 43 years and author of 'The Real Life Actor' talks acting and the business.
Mon, March 31, 2025
The Real Life Actor teaching tour spring 2025
Here are the details for Jeff's spring 2025 book/teaching tour.
Sun, January 19, 2025
The Real Life Actor Scene Study Workbook
Jeff describes his latest book, The Real Life Actor Scene Study Workbook with 32 original scenes.
Mon, November 25, 2024
A tale of 2 books
Jeff discusses his two new books, Directing Talent and Showing Up Like a Pro. Here is the Amazon link for Showing Up Like a Pro https://shorturl.at/K5x25 and here is the link for Directing Talent http://tiny.cc/6xeyzz
Fri, September 13, 2024
Part 6: Forget the audience
What it means to forget the audience while you're working.
Mon, August 12, 2024
Part 5: Trying to feel things
This is how feel what you need to feel in a scene.
Fri, July 26, 2024
Part 4: In Rehearsal
The most effective way to use the lines you've diligently memorized.
Thu, July 11, 2024
Part 3: The best way to memorize
Here are some great tips on the best way to memorize and "own" your words.
Fri, July 05, 2024
Part 2: Character approach
Some helpful hints on what to consider when deciding the best way to play your character.
Tue, June 25, 2024
12 part series. Part I: Reading the script.
Jeff explains why it's so important to read the script from a readers point of view first. Familiarize yourself with the story before you start thinking about your character.
Thu, April 18, 2024
Telling stories of woe
Here are some tips for telling the tragic stories you sometimes have to tell when you act.
Wed, September 27, 2023
Working live is the best confidence builder
Jeff explains why working live on stage is so important for the actor's growth and confidence.
Tue, July 11, 2023
Doubt is the wrecking ball of creativity
Jeff discusses the best way to wrangle self doubt.
Thu, April 27, 2023
Theatre staging and storytelling
Here are some great tips on how to approach staging a play.
Wed, April 19, 2023
A new training program that culminates with four live performances
Jeff lays out an exciting new training program.
Fri, April 14, 2023
Thoughts on theatre acting and directing
Jeff shares his thoughts on conventional theatre acting and directing and why it needs to change.
Wed, January 04, 2023
Why properly taking direction is a superpower
What is properly taking direction and why is it an actor's superpower? Jeff explains in detail.
Tue, December 06, 2022
Why being "real" isn't enough
Jeff explains why you'll always come up short if being "real" is your primary focus.
Tue, November 29, 2022
Many reasons why you should be word perfect
Jeff explains the importance of always being word perfect.
Tue, November 22, 2022
Dealing with agents, do's and don'ts
Jeff explains the finer points in dealing with agents, from getting to maintaining.
Thu, November 17, 2022
In person auditions are a thing of the past. Here are tips for great self tapes.
Jeff explains why live auditions aren't coming back and offers some great tips to get the most out of your self tapes.
Thu, October 13, 2022
Stronger justification leads to stronger storytelling
Jeff explains the importance of strongly justifying your characters actions.
Mon, October 03, 2022
The importance of self conflict
Jeff explains the importance of self conflict in your scenes.
Mon, August 08, 2022
Memorize the facts and concept first, then the lines.
Jeff gives a great example of a wonderful way to own your words and learn your lines.
Sat, July 16, 2022
Caring way more by caring way less
Jeff discusses the best headspace to be in when you're working and why it's so important.
Thu, May 26, 2022
Is your acting feeling fake? Here is the cure.
Here is the cure for any actor who has ever felt their acting was fake.
Fri, April 01, 2022
Lessons learned in the field
Jeff shares some lessons learned while doing 8 shows a week in Prayer for the French Republic at The Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City.
Tue, February 08, 2022
How to keep it fresh, night after night and other stuff
Jeff shares his insights from his current job performing on stage at The Manhattan Theatre club in New York City.
Wed, January 05, 2022
I’m back, after a “big break"
Jeff scores a big job in the New York theatre and discusses what he’s observing and learning.
Thu, September 02, 2021
The rules for choosing a choice
Regarding the choices an actor can make for character and scene, Jeff explains the need to consider the overall story and a simple rule to follow.
Thu, August 26, 2021
The best way to become a more confident actor
Jeff offers up a way of rehearsing that will grow confidence in the actor
Sun, May 30, 2021
The best way to stay focused and on point
Jeff explains the best way to stay in the scene and express the feelings you’re supposed to be feeling.
Wed, March 03, 2021
A smattering of observations
Jeff discusses the best way to rehearse, scenes with love interest and the phrase, “I could have done better."
Wed, February 24, 2021
Bits and bobs from last week
Jeff continues his new weekly series with observations about actors throwing their face into neutral, being interesting, and beautiful people and humor.
Thu, February 18, 2021
A new series: Last week in review
In this new series Jeff will discuss topics and lessons learned from his previous week of Zoom sessions. Fresh insights every week in this new weekly series!
Mon, August 31, 2020
What’s killing your acting spontaneity?
Jeff explains why “doing the work” may be killing your acting spontaneity.
Tue, July 07, 2020
You’ll be a better actor if you focus more on why and less on how
Jeff explains why it's more important to understand the why of your actions, than it is to focus on how it’ll manifest in your performance. Plus, another great exercise.
Sun, June 14, 2020
A great exercise to improve your authenticity and spontaneity
Jeff gives you a great way to rehearse a scene that’ll keep you loose and focused.
Mon, May 18, 2020
Giving yourself permission to lie the truth
Jeff discusses the counter productive notion of constantly questioning your own believability.
Thu, April 30, 2020
Monologues, observations and advice after a week of Zoom classes
Jeff shares observations and advice on how to approach a monologues after a week of his new Zoom classes on monologues.
Fri, April 10, 2020
Questions answered. Zoom acting classes.
Jeff answers listeners questions and introduces his new Zoom acting classes.
Thu, March 19, 2020
The new Q&A series, online training, and more...
Jeff introduces the new Q&A series, discusses his online training format and talks about the crazy times, we’re in.
Sun, January 26, 2020
How to use the great instincts you use in life, when you act.
Jeff breaks down a scene from “The Talented Mr. Ripley” to show how you can use your instincts to better understand a scene.
Tue, December 24, 2019
The trick to staying out of your head
Most actors suffer from getting distracted by how they’re doing while they’re acting. Jeff provides the remedy.
Mon, December 09, 2019
There is such a thing as caring too much and trying too hard.
Caring too much and trying too hard can end up undermining your mission.
Mon, November 25, 2019
Stop worrying about getting into the zone and feeling stuff. It’s a fool’s errand.
Stop concerning yourself with your headspace and just get on with making your points. Everything will fall into place.
Mon, November 18, 2019
Stop staring when you act. The best way to stand out in an audition.
Once again, Jeff offers up solid acting advice about some common acting problems.
Thu, November 07, 2019
Lose the obligation of result. It’s the best way to go.
Jeff discusses the importance of never focusing on the notes you plan to hit, but rather the path to those notes.
Mon, October 14, 2019
Getting rid of the self doubt that denies your instincts
Jeff questions why actors are so quick to deny their instincts.
Fri, October 04, 2019
The perspective you need to make it personal
Jeff goes over the best way to care about the thing we’re supposed to care about in a scene by making it a personal issue, not an acting issue.
Sun, September 15, 2019
Approaching a scene. A practical demonstration.
Jeff puts you in a scene and takes you through it, pointing out the things an actor should be concerned with and focused on.
Sun, September 01, 2019
Stop being stingy with support and compliments, you’ll be a better artist for it.
Jeff explains why being generous to fellow artists with support and compliments will make you a more confident actor.
Mon, August 19, 2019
Why bending like a reed in the wind is an actor’s most powerful stance.
Actors need to loosen up on the reins a little and stop taking redirects and criticisms so personally. There is more power in being fluid. Learn to relax your grip on your one idea.
Mon, August 12, 2019
Remember this: Story is King
Jeff explains the importance of clearly understanding the story you’re trying to tell.
Mon, July 08, 2019
The best way to keep from “falling out” while you’re acting
Actor’s seem to be forever struggling with staying in a scene. Jeff offers up some great advice as to how you can keep your mind exactly where it needs to be.
Sun, June 09, 2019
When in doubt, choose humility.
If you’re interested in having a healthy career, listen to this.
Fri, May 31, 2019
In pursuit of character
Jeff has covered this topic before but some lessons bear repeating. He hits it from a slightly different angle in order to drive his point home.
Thu, May 23, 2019
Self tape tips
Here are some simple things you can do to make your self tapes look and sound better.
Mon, May 06, 2019
All the things you never want to do in the audition. Ever.
All the things you want to avoid from the moment you get your audition, all the way through to the ride home.
Wed, April 10, 2019
Stop dropping bread crumbs for your audience. They can figure it out without your help.
Jeff addresses the actor’s compulsion to make sure the audience gets every little thing and why it’s a huge mistake.
Wed, April 03, 2019
Without question, the most important tool in the actor’s toolbox
Acting is the definition of this word and it is the single most important ability the actor must have.
Mon, March 25, 2019
The type of information you need to be able to own your scene
Jeff breaks down a scene from The Savages and gives a great demonstration on focusing on the info that will make it much easier for an actor to “own” the material.
Sat, March 09, 2019
The importance of trusting your instincts and using good common sense
Jeff speaks to the frustrations of 3 different actors and reminds them to always trust their instincts.
Mon, March 04, 2019
The best way to handle direction you were not prepped for
Jeff answers a listener’s question. What is the best way to handle direction, on the set, when it goes opposite to what you had prepared?
Fri, February 15, 2019
On directing and the best way to deal with actors
Here is some great advice for any director to become a proper, “actor whisperer."
Mon, December 31, 2018
New Years resolutions and some thoughts for 2019
Wrapping up a year that seemed to go by for too quickly and why that probably is. Getting more done in 2019 by slowing things down.
Tue, December 25, 2018
How to keep it fresh, take after take, performance after performance.
Jeff answers a listener's question. Here is the best way to keep your performance from getting stale or becoming robotic.
Mon, December 17, 2018
Making the scene more important than your acting.
It’s a common mistake. Actors focus too much on the medium and not enough on the message.
Fri, November 30, 2018
What to do when casting directors say, "make interesting choices."
We've all heard it. It's that sage advice casting directors love to offer, "make interesting choices, be unique, dare to be different." But how? what does it all mean?
Thu, November 22, 2018
The Aussie files: The difference between a useful backstory and a useless one.
Backstories are very important but the actor needs to know the difference between what is playable and what is not. Here is a good explanation.
Wed, October 24, 2018
How to keep on, keeping on. Some useful life hack advise.
How to remain healthy and sensitive in a generally insensitive business.
Fri, October 19, 2018
What it means when you hear, "Just make it more conversational."
You've heard the phrase, but what exactly does it mean and what is your best course of action?
Sat, October 13, 2018
I'm telling you for the 100th time..
Some ideas bear repeating.
Sun, October 07, 2018
The art of unquestioned commitment.
Don't waste your time trying to justify your commitment to an action in a scene. Just accept it. It's simply what you do and who you are.
Sat, September 15, 2018
The Toronto Files. Observations about a culture of acting.
Two weeks of teaching 2 classes a day in Toronto lead to these observations and to one of the most astonishing break throughs I've ever seen.
Wed, August 29, 2018
Our interview with Aisling Franciosi
Known for her incredible, award winning performance as Katie Benedetto, in The Fall, Aisling talks about her, "lucky" career. It's the type of lucky that usually accompanies major talent and Aisling is a major talent. She's also delightfully humble.
Sun, August 12, 2018
How you can use, "as if" to get a much deeper understanding of your scene
Here is a very useful tool, to use when needed, in order to get a deeper, more visceral understanding of your scene.
Thu, August 09, 2018
The on set etiquette that always leads to the best possible work
The winning attitude, grace and on set manners that make a set run smoother and enhance creativity.
Sun, July 15, 2018
Would a capable, working actor benefit from a proper acting class?
What are the benefits of continuing to train even if you're currently managing to work on a fairly regular basis? Are there any?
Sun, July 08, 2018
Here is an acting experiment you really should try.
In his continuing effort to bring about change in the way acting is taught, Jeff offers up an acting experiment.
Wed, July 04, 2018
The Real Life approach applied to a scene with no talk of acting. Priceless.
Once again, Jeff shows how he coaches an actor in an audition scene without ever discussing acting, just real life.
Thu, June 28, 2018
Stop trying to get your scene "right," it's messing with your reality and authenticity.
Jeff explains the difference between trying to get your scene "right," and honestly pursuing the truth.
Mon, June 25, 2018
Stop complaining about the business and if you do make it, shut up a little.
Jeff talks about the importance of not complaining about how hard the industry is to break into. It's supposed to be hard. And if you do make it, stop talking about it. It's bad form.
Fri, June 22, 2018
Do you really want to improve your acting skills? Seriously. Be honest.
Jeff offers up a challenge. If you really want to improve your skills and you're enjoying these podcasts, shouldn't you want to see the approach in practice, live?
Tue, June 19, 2018
Jeff breaks down a one page scene to show how Real Life works.
Once again, Jeff uses a recent audition coaching to give a great example of how to better understand and fully comprehend a scene. He reads through the scene, taking you step by step through the thought process.
Wed, June 13, 2018
When acting classes become cults.
All the acting classes that make you blindly follow the leader through a myriad of nonsense acting exercises that cram you further down the rabbit hole of bullshit. BUYER BEWARE!
Mon, June 11, 2018
Most actors don't work on their acting skills enough.
Constantly honing and refining your acting skills is the best way to get where you want to go. It'll also keep you centered and confident. Remember; we are students for life.
Sun, June 03, 2018
Substitution debunked. Forget about it.
Jeff explains why substitution, like many old school methods, ends up disempowering the actor.
Mon, May 28, 2018
How to authentically deliver your lines, every single time.
Jeff addresses the tricky business of delivering the written script as though it was what you were going to say anyway. It's a simple change in perspective and easier than you think.
Fri, May 25, 2018
If you're going to miss one podcast this year, don't let it be this one. Word.
Jeff continues to chip away at traditional training nonsense and presents a solid case for the freedom and power you achieve in using The Real Life Actor approach. Word, indeed.
Sun, May 20, 2018
The best way to conjure those needed feelings at a moment's notice
The actor's quest to conjure the appropriate feelings when needed is far easier than you think. Ultimately, it's lightening fast and super easy. Just like in real life.
Fri, May 18, 2018
The bullshit myth of getting into character
Jeff dispels the myth of that final moment when we, "get into character." It's just another bullshit belief that suckers actors into getting far too deep into their heads.
Sat, May 12, 2018
Advice and insights on the best way to approach and own your scene
Once again, Jeff uses a recent training session with one of his students to offer a great example of the best way to approach and own your scene.
Tue, May 08, 2018
If you want to be a better actor, stop worrying about this and start thinking about that.
Here is a great example taken from a recent Skype lesson with a student. The things actors worry about and shouldn't and the things actors don't think about and should.
Mon, April 30, 2018
Those classes that encourage you to make out and tell sad ass stories
Those classes that challenge the actor's commitment by seeing who will make out the hardest and tell their deepest darkest secrets. It's a bullshit lure to keep you in the class. How is this getting you to improve as an actor?
Wed, April 18, 2018
The actor's true obligation when telling a story of woe
Jeff offers up some great insight as to what we're really after when we share tragic stories. He also answers questions from Carla in Paris and Kieren in the UK.
Sun, April 15, 2018
Acting inhibitions, what they are, and how to get rid of them.
That dreaded feeling of inhibition when you're acting. Jeff goes over what an actor is actually experiencing and what to do about it.
Wed, April 04, 2018
The difference between a professional and a poser, plus an acting rant
Jeff describes the difference between being a professional and a poser. He also rants about old school acting nonsense that isn't going the way of the dinosaur fast enough.
Fri, March 30, 2018
How to deal with self doubt and stay out of your head
This podcast was inspired by a series of questions from, Jason, a twitter follower and the helpful comments from other followers on The Real Life Actor twitter page.
Tue, March 20, 2018
Making Real Life points during a coaching session for an audition
Jeff takes you through a coaching session he did in order to show why the Real Life Actor approach is so effective at getting an authentic performance.
Tue, February 27, 2018
How to become a director's dream actor, courageous and user friendly.
Many nightmare actors think they're dreamy to work with. Their irritating behavior can be subtle but never subtle to the director. Here are some do's and don'ts.
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