In this episode of Dedicated to the Craft, a segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast by MonsterVox Productions, host Scott Leon Smith dives deeper into the art of scene work. This episode builds on previous discussions by introducing the concept of working within given circumstances, using a scene called The Waiting Room to illustrate how actors can apply tactics and objectives to bring a script to life.

Scott emphasizes the importance of tactics and objectives in acting, focusing on how they create dynamic, believable performances. This episode introduces the concept of breaking a scene into beats and applying specific tactics to each, ensuring a natural escalation of conflict and tension.

• Tactics: Specific, actionable verbs (e.g., "proclaim," "comfort," "provoke") that actors use to drive their performance, fueled by imagination and vocal energy.

• Objectives: A combination of a tactic and a desired outcome (e.g., "hassle them so that they apologize").

• Focal Point: Tactics and objectives always target a specific entity, such as another character, the audience, or an abstract concept.

• Beats: Dividing a scene into manageable parts to assign unique tactics for each character, creating a sense of rising action.

Scott introduces a short scene titled The Waiting Room, featuring characters Alex and Jamie in a hospital waiting room. The dialogue has a melodramatic, poetic quality, which poses a challenge for actors to avoid playing the mood and instead focus on tactics.

Applying Tactics to Performance

Scott demonstrates how applying these tactics brings the scene to life, creating tension and conflict. By reading the scene with tactical energy, he shows how actors can make dialogue feel natural and dynamic, even with poetic or abstract language. He stresses that tactics, not mood, drive realistic performances, citing examples like Shakespeare and Waiting for Godot.

Scott challenges listeners to apply the same techniques to a new scene, The Bridge, featuring characters Sam and Riley. The context is that they meet on a bridge at dusk, with an unspoken history between them.

• Read the Scene: Access The Bridge via the podcast transcript at www.monstervoxproductions.com under the Electric Secrets podcast page.

• Break into Beats: Divide the scene into manageable parts.

• Assign Tactics and Objectives: For each beat, assign a tactic for Sam and Riley, focusing on their vocal energy and objectives.

• Experiment: Read the scene with a partner, sitting back-to-back, to focus on vocal energy rather than physical performance. Experiment with different tactics to explore the scene’s dynamics.

• Feedback: Email info@monstervoxproductions.com for feedback on your work.

In the next episode, Scott will explore sense memory and emotional memory to add depth to characters and scenes, building on the foundation laid in this episode.

Part of the Electric Secrets variety podcast, Dedicated to the Craft offers practical acting techniques and exercises for performers. Other segments include BizVox for small businesses and The Unforgettable Voice, focusing on vocal performance.

Want to start your own podcast? MonsterVox Productions offers professional podcast packages with remote recording, editing, music, and promotion. Contact them for a free consultation and enjoy 10% off your first package and 20% off your first upgrade.

Join host Scott Leon Smith on BizVox, part of the Electric Secrets variety podcast, as he dives into the world of philanthropy with Amber Wertman, CEO of the United Way of North Central Ohio. In this engaging episode, Scott and Amber discuss the United Way’s 2024-25 annual campaign, which successfully raised $1.2 million to fund over 60 programs across Crawford, Marion, Morrow, Seneca, and Wyandot counties.

Amber shares insights into their focus areas: successful children, healthy families, self-sufficient residents, and the new addition of strong communities, while highlighting the transparency and local impact of every dollar donated. From innovative fundraising events like purse bingo to impactful training like Bridges Out of Poverty, this episode is packed with inspiration for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit enthusiasts.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Local Impact Matters: Discover how United Way of North Central Ohio ensures donations stay local, directly supporting programs in a five-county region with a transparent, community-driven funding process.

2. Volunteer Power: Learn about easy, flexible volunteer opportunities, like reviewing funding applications online, that make a real difference in deciding which programs get supported.

3. Community Resilience: Hear about the new “strong communities” focus, addressing needs like disaster relief and Main Street revitalization, showing how United Way adapts to evolving community challenges.

Get Involved: Ready to make a difference? Visit unitedway.org to find your local United Way branch (the North Central Ohio United Way is here) and explore volunteer opportunities, donate, or even start a workplace campaign. For North Central Ohio residents, reach out to Amber’s team to join events like “Raise a Glass” or purse bingo, or volunteer as a funding reviewer. It's flexible and impactful, no in-person meetings required!

Subscribe to BizVox on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts for more inspiring stories and bonus content. Want to amplify your business’s voice? Visit MonsterVoxProductions.com for affordable podcasting packages with free consultations.

Ryan Carver’s “Gold Standard” Branding Sets Him Apart in the Service Industry

In this engaging episode of BizVox, a segment of the Electric Secrets variety podcast, host Scott Smith sits down with 18-year-old entrepreneur Ryan Carver in a bustling local coffee shop. Recorded just before Ryan’s high school graduation in May, the interview dives into his thriving lawn care and landscaping business, which he’s transformed from a childhood chore into a promising enterprise. Ryan’s ambition, self-taught skills, and clear vision for the future shine through as he discusses his branding, growth strategies, and dreams of building a multi-billion-dollar company. Beyond business, Ryan goes on to reveals his passion for music as a guitarist and singer in his band, Cruz Campo, adding another layer to his multifaceted journey.

Scott, a Gen Xer, reflects on his own youth, marveling at Ryan’s drive and wishing he’d had such clarity at 18. This episode is a refreshing blend of inspiration, practical insights, and nostalgic musings, perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone rooting for the next generation.

• Set Clear Goals and Take Calculated Risks: Ryan emphasizes the importance of defining a business goal and breaking it down into actionable steps, acknowledging that entrepreneurship requires persistence and a willingness to face potential setbacks.

• Branding Builds Trust: By creating a professional website, logo, and “The Gold Standard” slogan, Ryan establishes reliability in a competitive industry, proving that thoughtful branding can elevate even a small business.

• Diversify Your Passions: Ryan balances his landscaping business with his music career, showing that pursuing multiple interests can keep you motivated without detracting from your primary goals.

Be A Guest

Attention Ohio business professionals. BizVox needs your voice. We're booking guests for our first season. If you're a new entrepreneur, a veteran, small business owner, an overstressed nonprofit warrior, or a grizzled guru of the grind, and you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, Hey, it's easier than morning coffee. Just reach out with a friendly email to info@monstervoxproductions.com. Big voices are always welcome back to the show.

What Is BizVox

BizVox is your go-to podcast for business inspiration. Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe for fun bonus content and exclusives. Need some help with your business's podcast? Check out MonsterVox Productions.com for professional and affordable podcasting packages with free consultation. Small business, big voice. This is BizVox.

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