HOW TO ACT 'REALISTICALLY' (1st of 2 videos on this) Acting Coach NYC

Another free lesson from New York acting-coach John Windsor-Cunningham, here on just one way to be a 'realistic' actor. This is the first of two short videos on the subject, showing how actors can make a single line 'real' so that other lines may just follow it ! Dozens of other videos about acting are on his website Windsor-Cunningham.com

[@StupidLittleNobody]

"You can't fake it. It's got to be real. It's got to be acting."

[@StupidLittleNobody]

Ah. Just watched both videos, and it turns out that's *exactly* the point!

[@mayou7381]

okay when i saw this comment, he said that x)

[@filmictime]

But funny thing is Lawrence Olivier said to Dustin Hoffman "Why don't you just act?"

[@leedoran2312]

Shira yuki sams 😂😂

[@cloutelfin8323]

Jon PFT

[@MindaFraser]

I'm surprised to see how difficult it is to be surprised!

[@Rakesh_sharma23]

Minda Fraser k

[@lightningbolt4451]

well i'm surprised you had to mention that

[@CampfireHeadphase]

@@lightningbolt4451 but are you actually surprised?

[@lightningbolt4451]

@@CampfireHeadphase I am surprised most the time that i'm not surprised more.,this has been a horrendous obstacle .

[@KeikoMushi]

@@lightningbolt4451 Needs more cowbell. :-D

[@thomasmichael5940]

I do agree that acting is hard work, and is a highly, skilled, profession. The best actors make it all look so easy, but, of course, it is not.

[@sovietninja6865]

It takes 20 years

[@peachylady]

Please learn how to use commas correctly.

[@kobejva]

Natalie lnaooo

[@thekub32]

@@peachylady Thank you for your service grammar Nazi.

[@timothyalan34]

Nah, too many commas. Let's comma better.

[@michaelokeke4976]

Overacting vs Real acting

[@justme-ew3ri]

Michael Okeke not overacting.... most people don’t overact because they can’t even act

[@vivianwill9341]

Acting to exaggerated is defintely a thing. Many independant films have this tendacy, and it either doesnt fit the context, or the character very well. But i would almost put more blame to the filming, and the shots. Very awkward placement at times.

[@ewoudzimmermanns8904]

Or down acting

[@shanejupp8699]

@@justme-ew3ri if u can’t act you over act

[@justme-ew3ri]

@@shanejupp8699 It you can’t act you can’t overact that’s why people who are new to acting don’t jump in all the way the choices are very small very closed very close to the body

[@meli2066]

When you want to audition for the school play but have no experience so you decide to binge John's videos

[@lorenasmith2596]

hi it's tweety I’m auditioning tomorrow AHHHHHHHHHHH

[@abbiepancakeeater52]

LEGIT ME RIGHT NOW LMAO

[@abbiepancakeeater52]

I'm trying to learn how to do my chosen monologue and the character's angry, but when I'm angry, I rant and talk very fast, and uhh I can't do that for my audition or my teacher will have no clue what I'm saying, so idk what to do :')

[@-scotty-6321]

This is my exact situation

[@sab_8498]

HAHAHA ACTUALLY ME RIGHT NOW

[@mandymelsingh7361]

you aren't being unkind, you are being straight forward... it refreshing..😊😊😊 love your videos

[@Chanelle208]

I'm not an actor but this was very interesting nonetheless.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, acting, like all art, is strangely "interesting" , I agree. Thanks for noticing. John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@markant9534]

@@NewYorkActingCoach I agree, but I don`t know how to spot good acting in a movie othder than when I can relate to an actor on screen, but how do I know if I am just liking a performance in a movie just because of presence or not? Actors like Brando had a natural charisma that came off them, how do I spot when they are acting well and not just being themselves?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

@@markant9534 YOu ask sensible questions, if I may say so, but they go to the heart of what 'acting' is and so are completely impossible to answer in a few lines. If you are an actor and want help with this issue then you could have a session with me (but dont leave messages about that here as they can get lost, please use my website - at the end of all the videos). The main thing I'd say is that acting is supposed to give the impression of the actor speaking himself, not of him saying somebody else's lines, and that what you refer to as 'presence' is basically a combination of confidence and personality of a person. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@markant9534]

@@NewYorkActingCoach Thanks.

[@timothyalan34]

hahahaha this interaction is hilarious through and through

[@ykdrew.]

I bet everyone watching tried to do surprised

[@ajayllar]

Andrew'sGoingCrazy 246 yes😂😫 the whole time I was trying to say "😯... I'm surprised to see you!..."

[@Qar-bp1yr]

My Name Is Andrew later when i take a shower

[@kellyv6075]

@@ajayllar hahahah me too

[@emiarut7797]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sexyrat8693]

😂😂yes

[@abionahoward5071]

oh my lord I love the way he edits and explains things.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Well, glad it was of interest, but surprised you could put up with my editing! More at www.Windsor-Cunningham.com if you want it. Best wishes, John

[@abionahoward5071]

@@NewYorkActingCoach thank you! you are very good at editing actually.

[@karmenkline9009]

@@NewYorkActingCoach are you really surprised or were you acting

[@ssnowypug]

same

[@cindyjenkins1553]

as an american, he seems like my british grandfather that i only see at christmas

[@unoreverseyourmom6119]

Do all Americans live very lonely and sad life?

[@trllagong]

If your Grandfather is British, then you’re not really American

[@s0phia71]

@@trllagong they probably meant nationality

[@carloslopez5671]

@@unoreverseyourmom6119 sadly yes

[@NO-kc4xb]

@@unoreverseyourmom6119 No. Don’t listen to them, they’re trying to be edgy.

[@shannonbradley7942]

I just had an acting class last night, my first ever actually, and we did an exercise where we had to speak based on what we saw in the room and react based on what we felt in our gut. Not much thinking, just reacting to the environment. I was so focused on trying to find something to speak about, that I was wayyyyy too in my head and it showed in my performance. Just goes to show that if you are only focused on the outcome or the action itself that you're doing (and not being in the moment) it will hinder your acting skills. Thanks for this video!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Well keep practicing, whatever it feels like, because the more you do the better you become. People who go to class once a week an watch films once and dont research are really just audiences. Actors keep working at it. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@shannonbradley7942]

@@NewYorkActingCoach I appreciate the reply! I plan on sticking with the classes and practicing on my own as well until it becomes second nature.

[@tyresegeorge]

Well update us, hows it going?

[@clivedancey-theactordude-a1512]

Great video John. .. acting has to be believable.. I have my own mantra .. ‘ you know your lines .. but your character doesn’t ‘ .. it has to be ‘real’

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks for that. Very - VERY well put. John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@sanjanaxnair]

Oh my God so true....never even thought about that......

[@thephandmphamilywithalvefo3307]

This guy has some of the most beautifully subtle humour and I’m loving it 😂

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

At the risk of spoiling your idea of my "humour" - and it's nice to see you spell it in the British way ( ! ) - you might give a look to my other website ( MadEnglishman.com) and just look at Video number ' 7 ' . I'm not sure if the "subtlety" is still there. But best wishes, John Windsor-Cunningham

[@popcornwarrior578]

I'm 11 and I can't wait to start acting when I'm older so I thought I should start practicing and this really helped me 😃 thank you

[@SemperFine]

Do it while you still have determination. Wait long enough and that dream will slowly fade away

[@almightytallest9812]

I’ve wanted to act for the majority of my life but I’m not allowed to.

[@sun.sh.in.e]

Chase Dawson It’s just what naturally happens.

[@nuclearclarity3778]

For everyone saying why not start now, sometimes parents won’t let you. I wanted to be a dancer as a kid and my parents wouldn’t let me join a studio, and by the time I joined a high school dance team I had no more passion left 😂

[@yesyoutube8027]

XX_MocoLoco_XX Mocha how

[@sapphiresushi3437]

Lol I’m gonna go downstairs and be surprised to see my sister. She’s gonna be so weirded out 😂

[@mmymmy315]

this made me chuckle haha

[@ejiofordominion2801]

Sapphire Sushi 😂😂😂

[@sarahk8742]

i didn’t expect this to be as entertaining as it was

[@chocolatcats]

He was in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" "Difficult People" (2016)

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks for noticing! Yes it was quite fun! John (Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@guilhermme5280]

This man looks really cool.

[@AmberLovesMystery]

You are incredible! Thank you! I had tears in my eyes which surprised the heck out of me (after part 2 of this) I am rewatching this now because I got so much from this the first time. Thank you again, you are brilliant. New subbie here.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thank you so much. John

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Wel thank you ! John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@SuperMohanakrishnan]

Amber Loves Mystery ya..me too

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome, John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@JohnSmith-ix5gx]

+John Windsor-Cunningham darling this was. fabulous video

[@heiditroutadams3901]

I have just recently stumbled upon your videos, and have learned a lot from them. Thank you so much for posting them.

[@cameronmccarthy7611]

Totally agree the best kind of acting is really understanding your role and bringing your character to life. The mean word is 'being' being in the moment and characters shoes feeling their emotions and outcome you want in a scene then it becomes more realistic when you be real instead of acting, over acting really breaks you from your character and then it starts to become unnatural.

[@OrganicActing]

Exactly!

[@reginal2056]

So thankful for your videos and your tips, thank you for taking the time and teaching others who have searched for throughly tips like this, not like most teachers that will just tell you what to do without giving you a reason.

[@ala-lash3710]

I love the editing in this! Also this sir is incredibly enjoyable to watch and listen to. Subscribed!

[@juliannapercoco8719]

I love the way you speak. It is so calming. Thank you for this!❤️

[@matthudson8599]

Thoroughly useful, Mr. Windsor-Cunningham! One of my standard acting references to view over and over! Thank you.

[@VuyelwaPhota]

Honoured to have seen this a few days before performance. And sir, it isn’t that you’re rude at all! You’re just telling the absolute truth that NEEDS to be heard by all performers. There is so much importance in genuineness in performance. Thanks

[@jamilgotcher5456]

Hello John. Thank you for this high quality video and coaching.

[@nerotoxin6959]

I just paused your video to thank you for your lessons. I'm auditioning as Beverly Carlton and your convincing British accents were a tremendous help in "finding" him. Stop apologizing for your rudeness, you're one of the two best directors I have ever found.

[@magic666qrt7]

you helped me so much since I discovered your channel! Thank you! :) Keep it up!

[@aishgupta4492]

such details in advice! Thank you for your teachings,

[@maiapickup1277]

this is the most useful video i’ve seen on this topic!!

[@shelmithseth8650]

haha I love how you explain these things..really entertaining and informative at the same time

[@nan1975]

Absolutely love your videos. I would die for an actual class. Brilliant. Thank you

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome to come to me for coaching, on skype or in New York, and as many or as few times as you like. But don't contact me on this please, as I miss most messages here, please use the 'Contact' page on my website (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com) or use my direct e-mail ([e-mail]) and I will reply with full information about how to arrange a session and what it costs. If that's what I think will help you. JOhn

[@shaydjokes]

This guy is brilliantly hilarious 😆 love it. Thank you!

[@Ratherniche]

I discovered you by complete accident :D -- This whole channel has been a joy and given me some great pointers that I hope I can use in the future particularly as a presenter :)

[@ggnitika11]

Jackson Wang sent me here.... Waited for "just Imagine~ " line. 😁 . Loved the video.

[@hollywoodoftheozarkspresen8691]

Love this John Windsor-Cunningham, Thank you Sir.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome! John (more at my website in "free videos" www.windsor-cunningham.com)

[@magdalenaoknianska]

This was a very helpful and interesting video, thank you!

[@ottobangsgaard5279]

Love this. LOVE THIS!

[@raaghavahariitasa4103]

Really very informative, Thanks a lot Sir!

[@celestenicoleswart3744]

Looove watching your videos!

[@Dellaluna13]

As the presents are unwrapped on Christmas, I will thank John Windsor-Cunningham.

[@jeffjeds6893]

You're so amazing and brilliant. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Better to come hopefully, just too busy, but thanks for kind words! John

[@cylinamangal7358]

wow,this is amazing,thank u so much merci bcp

[@allys744]

Two words that sum it up: Act Natural. It may be oxymoron, but it’s truth.

[@donnafluff_]

Great video, you helped me a lot :) Thank you!

[@enzocypriani5055]

Thank you for this channel!

[@scottgorbachofficial]

You are incredible! Thanks for this great video.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Very kind of you. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@Joy_Dabih]

omg I had the honor of working backstage on a show with John and he helped me learn how to cold read. He’s so awesome and I love these videos

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Well! very kind of you, Tiffany. But I've done so many shows in the last years so please remind me which show you mean ( ! ) I can't believe I was much use to anyone else when doing it as I keep to myself so much when I'm working on a play - because my understanding of plays isn't always what others think ( ! ) But if you say I was OK to you, that's nice to hear. But remind me which play please, and not here because messages can get lost here - so use my direct email ( [e-mail] ) or the 'Contact' page on my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com ) or if you're too busy, very best wishes back to you anyway. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@trapdoormajesty]

I enjoyed this greatly.!

[@indianprincess98]

I can tell how passionate you are about acting sir. Thank you!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm not sure if it's simply a passion or madness, I only know that it's like breathing air when it goes even reasonably well. If you do want to see madness you might look at my other website MadEnglishman.com and just glance at a short video number '7'. I'm planning an off-Broadway show based on it if I can find the right crew, so if you're in NY I'll send you a comp, if you remind me of this in October. But MadEnglishman.com may change your mind! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@cornelmaris627]

This is a great video . I was a bit distracted by your amazing tie , so I had to watch it a few times .

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks, yes, a clever tie, given to me by Laurence Olivier when he opened the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester theatre in Manchester, and costing a small fortune then!

[@karenbrown2684]

HI JOHN!!ALL OF YOUR FILMS ARE OF SUPREME INTEREST TO ME!!!

[@anjalitiwari2683]

This instuctor is so engaging!

[@shafogarty]

Very smart. Practical. Thanks. I wish acting teachers/coaches would watch these.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Well thanks! I do coach a few acting teachers, and I'm afraid it's up to actors to check out what teachers have actually done, and - more importantly - if they don't 'get on' with them (or with me) to MOVE ON, or have a chat with them.

[@albionxhediku9788]

Not my field but this is a very interesting video John! You talk with passion and professionalism! Great editing btw.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thank you ! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@dojella2417]

Sir, I am a young "Want to be" actor, if there is a video that helps me, it's this one. I searched throughout KZbin, and most are all goofy and unintelligent, or they aren't serious. Thank you, can you send me a link to contact you, I need some practical advice. Thank you.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

As you are young I'd be totally happy to do a skype session (or in person if you are in New York) with your parents present. Be careful who you ask for help, there are peopl pretending they have 'contacts' when all they want is your money and this is true as the actors union is taking some of them to court! So, if you want to try coaching, in which I'd probably suggest classes you should try in the city you live in and doing plays at school, well dont reply here as I miss most messages here, but us the 'contact' page on my website (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com) and make sure your parents ask difficult questions as the idea of being an actor can be a difficult one! JOhn

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You can use the 'Contact' page on my website or my email address which should be at the ed of all of my videos. John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@fernandosalinas505]

You’re so lucky lamo 💀 by the way, did you have the classes with him?🧐

[@christice8158]

Thank you so much I got the best part

[@joesatva]

The good thing about acting and developing acting skills is that in the beginning is difficult, hard and tricky. But just like most arts forms it gets easier with time and practice

[@eykachoo2775]

Oh..i really come here because of jackson.. Btw,, nice information..i watched it to the end.

[@Twowheelsandadream]

Saw your story about listening, loved it 👌🏻

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thank you. More if wanted at Windsor-Cunningham.com Best wishes, John

[@Twowheelsandadream]

John Windsor-Cunningham will check it out

[@ashleypolek1535]

I have found your videos extremely helpful, so I want to thank you for taking the time to make them! I am just starting out and have no experience in acting. I have a huge desire to peruse a career in acting, ultimately in films. I spend countless hours reading books, watching films, researching and watching videos such as yours. I find it difficult practicing on my own because it is difficult to watch a recording of myself and think "oh well you did this well and this not well" (hope that makes sense) I am not really sure what to practice... I would love any advice you might have, possibly regarding tips for starting out or whatever you think may be helpful! I hope you can find the time to respond, thank you so much! -Ashley

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks, Ashley. - My phone and e-mail are on my website, which is listed at the end of my other videos here, not this one. Then you can send me a few questions, for free, or do a Skype session with me for $30. John

[@sundarcvc8478]

Hey Ashley....Just stumbled upon your comment while going through other..I am Sundar from India..Even I have a huge interest towards acting and I have started pursuing it recently.....I see that you have posted this comment 2 years ago so I would really like to know and learn about your 2 years in your acting career,like the challenges you went through,how did you hone your craft in these 2 years,and as this field requires a lot of patients and sacrifice how did you keep yourself motivated and positive ...I would love to hear from you Ashley..Looking forward for your reply..

[@hannahgaming425]

Ashley Polek I would love to become an actress, so far I've started with church plays since I was 6-14 and going on to today

[@WillDareYa]

How has your acting career been going so far? How has it evolved over the course of the past 9 years?

[@kseniasherstyuk711]

Thank you, sir.

[@wonderlandsubliminals..2950]

i love u and ur humor

[@sarahjadevolkmann5555]

Oh his accent is AMAZING ❤️😍

[@lucyreds]

For some reason I got a lot of videos about how to act in my feed, the funny thing, I have never acted or thought of it in my life, anyways is great to see this kind of videos, interesting 🤔

[@lucyguxo5241]

Very helpful tips!

[@nathanaelwinters2952]

I love this video. And I'm not even an actor, I just struggle with figuring out how humans works sometimes... You really should make a video with all of those "When you say *insert line* in this way, it means *insert something entirely different* and so on. To me, if I sound surprised, I am surprised. Not happily, not badly, just plain surprised. I lack the understanding of the whole hidden language behind the words and it's frustrating as all hell to figure out. >> If you do make a video about it, I'd love it if you could send me the link. ^^

[@sapphrose]

Nathanael Winters right! Like sometimes emotions doesn’t translate to tone or facial reactions and it’s weird and like usually if someone says something I hope they’re just straight up

[@pvt.vassili9863]

I learned something.Thank you.

[@Hnitroxz]

i love your advice

[@WOTI9999]

Damn. Love ya john

[@chamara5309]

Hello, thank you for this video. You've got this natural charisma and confidence here that really sends the message in. I think it was at the start of this year that I realised I really did love acting in dramas in my school-acting, singing, writing scripts, painting the set and masks with the gang, even sewing parts up! I have always been fond of storytelling, regardless of my language or medium. Is it possible to pursue acting while being a university student? I don't want to give it up. edit: the tie is gorgeous, sir!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

The answer is for you to do as much acting as you can, maybe in the film dept. at the college, and spend time with anyone else you meet you is into acting, to learn their plans and, well, DO it, not talk about it. The sooner you start the more chance you have of success, and if you get an audition on Backstage.com by asking for work in your area then find a coach near where you live, online, or come to me through my website. But my main pint is to DO things. The director of a silly university film may end up employing you and a silly commercial you get online may get you an agent. John.

[@DiamanteDea]

Beautiful video, great accent

[@jfunf]

Dear sir, thank you so much for the editing of the video so it would have no pauses between your sentences...

[@nelvinn.v1215]

I just realized I have a lot to be working on this hole month

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Well done. Working a lot at anything is, of course, the trick to getting better at it. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@montakarate]

Dear John, Thank you for everything. You changed my life!!

[@celebritaek7534]

Love you❤😍 Dis video helps a lot

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks!! John (Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@KarimDavisFilms]

I had the pleasure of training with John a couple of years back, he was an absolute gentlemen and very skilled coach, I can recommend him with confidence!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

How kind of you to remember. Trusting all well with you. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@KarimDavisFilms]

@@NewYorkActingCoach you are most welcome, it was a brief but educational encounter, I am glad to see you are well! I look forward to contacting you once again once my travels have been completed! Kind Regards, Karim

[@eclecticsubliminals7624]

2013: no 2014: nope 2015: maybe next year 2016: sorry no 2017: nah 2018: lol noooope 2019: hell nah 2020: YES

[@ClownCarCore]

This man makes me so happy

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks very much! I actually have a video upon YOutube called "The happiness of being an actor", and my other website ( MadEnglishman.com) John Windsor-Cunningham

[@jamjamsterjiggidyjay]

Good Stuff! Your voice catches you immediatelly. Thx for sharing!

[@lolstorm7738]

I respect you and all you do

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Very kind of you. Thank you. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@albatoolraed8695]

From jackson wang 😭😂❤️

[@KarenSanchez-nerakso]

Love it!

[@pizzasparkles]

Learning this so once quarantine's over I might use it on people

[@KyannGatesedits]

Thank you so much!

[@novakaneomega]

I love the blatant way u say everything

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

"Blatant"? Hmm. Yes, I think you've got me summed up there! Thanks for noticing! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@ocar5920]

Very wise man.

[@theshowbyme4026]

Thank u - see u on the top buddy

[@lindomnguni7459]

thank you so much for the help, im so nervous im gonna go for auditions soon i dont know what to expect and how to behave or react

[@vinnyjamea96]

I love this guy..

[@DiegoFernandez-oe5fl]

thanks jhon for this videos..i am actor from colombia and i find this videos really helpfull for me..just to knowing how can be better actor...thanks man God bless you

[@alyssamulligan]

tik tokers really need to watch this

[@xia1330]

Yea, some of them overact

[@checkmate5768]

I'm an aspiring actor (14 years old currently), and this is quite helpful. I want to improve my acting and singing, and I hope with much more practice, I will improve. Theater is amazing, and I would love to be on stage (main, ensemble, whatever, just something). I really want to get better and it's a bit overwhelming, since I'm really walking into this under experienced. I don't know what I'm trying to say, but I appreciate this video, and plan to watch more.

[@usernotfound8717]

How's it going

[@actorpoet53]

I am so excited and grateful to be able to watch your acting videos- and work on the craft of acting - John, from my home in Clearwater, Fl, especially now during this weird period of time we find ourselves in. Awesome material!! How do you pull yourself out of it though once you're create the desired emotion, acting reality? I find myself sitting there feeling very disturbed, sad or whatever, for several minutes after I've 'performed' the part!

[@ShilpaGautamActor]

Great knowledge :)

[@janettestevens6742]

I just wanna be an actor this helps alot

[@insider4319]

VERY HELPFUL!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome! John (www.Windsor-Cunningham.com)

[@thefro8342]

Great video!

[@ligiaromana8305]

I'm not even thinking about acting but watching this anyway because I fount it quite interesting