First Thing: Learn the Words

In acting, the most fundamental step is deceptively simple: learn the words. As Brian Cutler shares, “Peter O’Toole said that in an interview with Charlie Rose… near the end of the interview, Charlie Rose asked, ‘What’s the most important thing you learned about acting and working with major stars?’ And he said, ‘LEARN YOUR WORDS!’”

Mastery of the words is just the beginning. Once you’ve memorized them, Anthony Hopkins’ advice comes into play: “You must have the willingness to learn the words and the courage to forget that you learned them.” This crucial step transforms the lines from a script into your own authentic voice. It allows you to shift from the analytical left brain to the instinctual right brain, where genuine, reactive performances thrive.

Brian emphasizes the camera’s ability to capture even the smallest details: “The camera is a marvelous tool… it gets into the soul. Every little nuance you have as a human being is magnified by the lens of the camera.” This magnification is why stillness is so important. When an actor is still and present, their authenticity resonates deeply on screen.

Learning the words is the foundation of acting. Forgetting them and trusting your instincts is what elevates a performance. When you master this balance, you create a natural, compelling connection with the audience, one that transcends mere dialogue and becomes truly human.