ABOUT A STUPID ACTOR

[@nochubtch]

i found your channel a few years ago when i left home (i was 18, 21 now) and i was looking for what i really wanted to do in my life, i have always thought of acting but never really had an inspiration or a will to pursue it, but after discovering your channel and watching your videos i have learned that you are the inspiration i needed, the push i never knew i needed- about a year ago my dream of being an actress was quickly fading but your videos kept my dream going. now i moved in to the big city (in my country) and i am pursuing my dream, though it is harder right now because of the pandemic but i have met so many amazing people in the industry that became my friends and they serve as my inspiration as well, you and my friends gave me hope that one day i will be able to do what i love, and i am very thankful to have been able to stumble upon you and my friends. i am so glad to see you posting again. cheers! :)

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Just work hard at it, read hundreds of plays, watch films you like 3 times, and go to classes all the time! Thank you for kind words. Hang onto the friends you are making. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@PeterMercedesSL550]

Keep up the good work johnnie you’re a true inspiration

[@alyssasparacco6786]

Thank you for uploading this!!

[@vrvretro]

Thank you for the laughter. I feel like watching this video again tomorrow.

[@arigrandedabom]

I remember I found your videos when I was auditioning for acting schools and now I am a senior in college :) thanks for sticking by me John

[@silviatucci5664]

So happy you're back, John. I love your videos. Real joy to watch and what a beautiful voice you've got. Thanks , John. Please keep uploading more. 🌻🌻🌻

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thank you! As soon as I have time I plan new ones on how to relax our voices, and on the meaning BEHIND everything we say (which makes actors more interesting and the lines easier to remember,) and one about 'one-person' shows. Let me know which you think might interest people most. Please. John.

[@silviatucci5664]

Hello John, thanks for getting back 🙂 I'm not sure about what others would like best, but the one on how to relax your voice and the meaning it carries really interests me.🤩 Another area of interest to me ( if I may) is how to keep a low voice (speaking from your diaphragm, more like)for a long period of time. Any tips on that would be most appreciated. Thanks again😉

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Your question about keeping a low voice is impossible to answer without knowing what you are like, because all actors have different needs. So either just aim for the 'deeper' truth in any text you work on, or use the 'Contact' page on my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com ) or my direct email ( [e-mail] ) and book a session with me. Or go to any vocal coach who agrees to explore that issue. But this is not the place to go into more details sensibly, sorry. Ask around and I think others will say the same.John.

[@SMewett]

Your story reminded me of how 'idiotic' I was. I left home and I didn't know that I didn't know how to cook, or how to iron clothes, until I had to do it. When you're older you look back and think things are obvious, and how could you have acted as you did; but actually things are only obvious if you know about them 👍🏼

[@jacobrogersproctor]

Thank you John! Your stories and videos are always so helpful in someway.

[@ManoscraftGamers]

Thanks for sharing these amazing stories!

[@SamLewis-c4k]

If you can, can you make another one of these videos about funny acting stories? I find it really interesting haha

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

I'm set to do one more on Voice Exercises - so that people come to me for script problems and they sort their voices out themselves! But yes, another funny story would be easy as well. Thanks. John.

[@s.j7423]

im very glad you're uploading again:]

[@lowercase_ash]

I love this, so good to watch on a cozy day with a warm drink

[@lauren-jl9xc]

You are so incredibly brilliant and charismatic. I have never acted before but it’s constantly in the back of my mind that I may be good at it. Your videos are so helpful, thank you for being so kind :)

[@jpl10fe9]

The stories were hilarious! Glad you've been posting more frequently

[@JohnCMartinActor]

Yet another great story

[@ncpolley]

Thanks for the video, John. Life stories are important.

[@ut8947]

Thank you for uploading the video! I’m so glad.

[@katherineholmes698]

I'm a theatre teacher for 8 to 11 year olds and I've been recommending your videos for years.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Very kind of you. There are plays and stories for children on the website Making Light for youngsters, which I admire, and you might enjoy. Just an idea. But thanks anyway, John Windsor-Cunningham

[@katherineholmes698]

@@NewYorkActingCoach thank you very much! I will check those out.

[@jasminewashington8402]

That’s so cool your theatre teacher! Im thinking of doing theatre do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

@@jasminewashington8402 I don't want to push anyone to come to me,, - I'm sure there are others who may answer your questions - but if you want serious answers from me you might want to try a session with me on Skype and get into it all the questions seriously. I can't say anything much in a few lines of text. My Website has a 'Contact page' to arrange this if you want it. Just send me a few details so that I can see if you are serious. The website is Windsor-Cunningham.com John Windsor-Cunnigham

[@jasminewashington8402]

@@NewYorkActingCoach ok, I’ll definitely be reaching out sooner or later thank you!

[@alohaleah9897]

I am happy you're well! Been watching your videos from 9 years ago. You've helped me a lot! 🥺🥰 Please do upload more videos!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes 20 more years of videos planned, hopefully between Oscar ceremonies, An Off-Broadway show at the end of this year may slow things up, but I've better ones in mind. Thanks for kind words, John Windsor-Cunningham

[@egobode]

I am just happy to listen to you talk🤗

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Ah, and you can read about Cordelia, one of the most misunderstood parts in Shakespeare. I once had a heated argument with no less than Ingmar Bergman about the way he made an actress play her, and the play can REST, can RELY on her spirit to make us listen to the rest of them moaning on at times! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@egobode]

@@NewYorkActingCoach I wasn’t only referring to this video. I have listened to many of your videos because I’m particularly interested in developing the British accent. I think my case is hopeless but I enjoy your videos and wish that the more I play them the more I’ll remember to apply your tips.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

@@egobode We live in a new world, where nobody cares or notices another person's 'accent' - or knows, for sure, where it is from, ! - - what matters, even for actors (in fact especially for actors) with an accent is that we are clear in what we are saying (possibly more clear than most people who ARE from the country whose accent we're copying), and that our voice sounds reasonably kind. Clarity and a kind sound is what we are attracted to. But your probably know that, sorry. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@GeraldSteyn]

Thank you for sharing, Mr. Cunningham. Your stories always help 🙏

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

There's a fine American actor with the name John Cunningham, a nice guy, but he's not me. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@GeraldSteyn]

Ofcourse! my apologies, Mr. Windsor-Cunningham.

[@LBCreateSpace]

Riveting! I love the conviction here too - it really gives hope to those of us who are just starting out in this space. I have been using your videos to improve my accents and acting for a RPG that I'm preparing to stream and, I have to say, you've been extremely helpful all along! Thanks for uploading this.

[@slagathorpunchinello2482]

This was so good. I loved this. Thank you, Sir.

[@mb.7105]

This is such a lovely video, thank you for sharing your experience and perspective! You have a lovely speaking voice!

[@jakebrookesactor]

You've answered what I've been thinking about for years. Thank you.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You're welcome! Hope it wasn't the system for drying hair quickly. John Windsor-Cunningham,

[@obiestill5785]

I am listening to your videos every day. You can’t imagine how helpful they are. I am listening, waiting to hear you tell the story of what attracted you to the theatre personally. How I would LOVE to be your student. I am auditioning for a part for the first time in my life this month (I am 52). I am having such fun learning about the characters in Steel Magnolias. It is so cathartic for me to put myself in their shoes. I want to practice the Meisner technique so badly with someone. Got this feeling like…why the hell did I take so long to do this?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

I'm not sure if you're saying you want help from me, and I'm not pushing anyone to come to me for coaching, but if you do want help. including with Meisner, please use the 'Contact' page on my website ( Windsor-Cunnigham.com ) or my direct email ( [e-mail] ) . If not then just keep working and working on your audition, in lots of different ways til it feels right. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@obiestill5785]

@@NewYorkActingCoach I saw your site and will be contacting you very soon. Thank you.

[@brendamertes9472]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@olevictorcorral6445]

Welcome back! Nice to see you upload again, i enjoy your thoughts and teachings. Thank you

[@ra12du]

Yes.. is true! The character is the most important!!!

[@skywalkergreen9012]

Really enjoyed your story, please continue to share, I feel like I learned from it. 😃 There is an ineffable quality sometimes about the things that motivate us, but tapping into it can create a positive feedback loop which can lead to a real sense of progress, meaning, and satisfaction. My best to you, from Louisiana! 😃😃

[@Magikal10]

Keep up the good work, thank youu!!

[@halfcrazycompletelybrillia3410]

I wish we had that kind of infrastructure and opportunity here in New Zealand, most of what I get to do is unpaid, or some profit share that is still close to unpaid lol. Its not just me either, we don’t have anything like broadway lol, But I relate so much to it not mattering. That drive is indescribable isn’t it? And also never feeling like you are there. I’m 23 years into this acting obsession, and still feel like a beginner a lot. Frantically refreshing my memory for a dream role in a shakespeare in a tiny community theatre, and your videos are very helpful, so thank you!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, but in order to be inspired, to actually WANT to work harder, to find parts of 'you' which you've not been using FULLY in your acting work, there are 2 things which most actors need and CAN do, even the ones who are great SOMETIMES BUT NOT ALWAYS, or who are stuck in community theatre. What is needed is to know ( or to have a coach who will help you work out, and I don't mean it has to be me who does this for you) - what lines MEAN, that "How are you" may mean "I don't have much time to TALK!" or it may mean "I love you" or 100 other things, but it does NOT mean HOW ARE YOU !!! You have to work out what lines MEAN. Even John Malkovich and Jessica Chastain work out that their simple final lines may mean that a doctor has told them they're dying, and that these may be their last ever words. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@StephanieBosshard]

Loving your content John! Helping me on my acting journey! Keep up the great work! 👍

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Better to come soon. Hopefully next week. The trick is to keep working. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@perfectchild8073]

Great video.

[@KaifKhan-nn9gr]

Thank you for a great content.

[@DelphineTheWorstBladeEver]

Is this what it looks like to not feel embarrassing? I'm jealous.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, well, imagine when you're older and you're not bothered by daft things you've done because you've also done good things! That's one of the secrets of comedy - "to enjoy being stupid" - well, one of the secrets of one kind of comedy. Thanks for watching anyway. Sounds like you're an open person too. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@alirazastudios4427]

Ayy keep up the good work Johnnie 🙌🏻

[@riledmouse4677]

This is the greatest story I’ve ever heard.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks! So everything has some value then! And better videos coming soon hopefully. Best wishes back. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@JohnTurkActor]

Thanks for the video John

[@SMewett]

Keep the stories coming 👍🏼😂

[@MissFawlty]

One of my favourite people

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Better to come hopefully, including Off-Broadway in November if I can find a Producer. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@sabreewowweeanderson9205]

Thank u sir.. keep uploading this is getting me through this down time 💪

[@rarediamondent5809]

So much insight love you and your channel ❤️ Acting is my everything.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, you say great words, and they're good to hear, all you need now is something to focus on that will make it happen, so keep searching, and best wishes, John Windsor-Cunningham

[@Casshio]

The pursuit of acting has me lost. I didn't make it into the necessary schools, I've failed auditions, didn't even have one proper role yet, the typical stuff nearly every aspiring actor faces in the beginning you shouldn't let discourage you. But... from what I gathered, after thinking about it for quite some time now, I seem to have too many internal barriers or issues that block out any meaningful performance. Too much other baggage bringing it down and so on. And also, people tell me they don't see someone as reservered or "humble" as me as some called it, competing for the spotlight. I'm under the impression that I know how acting works but I can't seem to apply it properly. It's a poor facade. So even if I somehow succed, if I was granted some more steps forward, I feel like I'd just be a stupid actor.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

You are not the only actor to feel this way,. It is IMPORTANT that you 'know' yourself, and question everything. I cannot say more without knowing you because all actors need to learn different things in different ways, to succeed. If you want help from me then use the 'Contact' page on my website, Windsor-Cunningham.com or my direct email, [e-mail] not this site, please, OR just keep pushing and working on dozens of plays and screenplays, because it is experience that develops ability, and playing a part "humbly", like Richard Schiff in THE WEST WING or Patrick J Adams in the early episodes of SUITS, is mainly what people like about them I think! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@stevebarney6735]

I think the first mistake those with an impulse to act make is believing that acting is intuitive. It isn't. It's more counterintuitive than flying an airplane. But you can figure it out.

[@Tribuanatd]

Stay healthy ♡

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks. - I am intending to. I have 20 years of work left to do! John Windsor-Cunningham.

[@maxjellinek2538]

Good thing I’m going to prep a monologue in the coming weeks

[@maxjellinek2538]

@hossein landel sorry but I don't like them

[@ajgreanescobido5308]

Good luck!

[@soapofsoup]

Do you still give Skype coaching lessons?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, the website gives details from this year (2021), and has a 'Contact page' on it ( Windsor-Cunningham.com ) or use my direct email ( [e-mail] ) rather than give personal information here please. John WIndsor-Cunningham

[@JCResDoc94]

*cant believe you were fired just for not knowing your lines and setting your hair on fire. >>* . but it got your union card =). gr8 entry.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, maybe that was just their excuse and they were really jealous of my brilliant performance, but something tells me not. Still, thanks for the idea. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@AhmedHussain-ql8wz]

You inspire me

[@OanhTran-ip9kr]

I'm from Viet Nam . Thank you for sharing

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thanks for kind words. Best wishes to you in Viet Nam. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@jadtourany3386]

Amazing talent Mr. Cunningham, I'm looking to get into theater and drama classes in university this upcoming fall, what would be your best advice for a specific monologue that was given for us to work on before auditioning? Thank you! (P.S Great acting)

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Try to use the simplest one and make it interesting. Work on it NOW and as much as possible (I've been coaching people for twelve months for some big auditions). Be so used to it that you can relax months in advance of the day and do it for fun. And remember that every part in anything is about some aspect of YOU. If you nod your head at all that and don't do it, well remember that some people will do it, will work in advance, who may be no better than you, but who will get in! John Windsor-Cunningham

[@jadtourany3386]

@@NewYorkActingCoach Noted, thank you for quick response sir!

[@jadtourany3386]

@@NewYorkActingCoach I've made it Sir, thank you for your help it gave me a lot Mr. John!

[@theluckyfamemonster]

thank you so much for your videos. big fan of yours. :)

[@prashantupadhyay749]

Hello, Mr.John I'm learning so much things from your videos and it'll be great if you help with telling or making a video on how to cry during an act/scene.

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

There are three ways, but being able to 'cry' (or seem to cry) is not what matters in a scene. Understanding the REST of the scene fully is what counts, - your whole involvement in a scene. And that can't be taught here as all actors are different, and need to work in different ways. So forget about acting 'tricks' and get into the scene more deeply. Sorry but you ask the wrong question, - I know that sounds a bit rude. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@Snyfer0000]

I really really love this man ❤️❤️

[@GenuineArabCasting]

Its always a pleasure to listen to John....Makes you feel there is hope

[@Snyfer0000]

@@GenuineArabCasting Totally right , same feeling

[@YuliiaUkraineR]

Keep up the good content!❤️

[@snoopz8144]

COME BACKKK PLZZZ 😭😩😩

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Thank you ! I've been really busy (with work), but will have new videos up, hopefully of some use - ! - ) next month. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@snoopz8144]

@@NewYorkActingCoach Glad to heat that ❤️ CANT WAIT!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

If you're really bored and want to see the 'other' side of me, my second website ( MadEnglishman.com ) - perhaps starting with Video number '7' may be the last you'll ever need. If you've seen it already, you may be inspired to do your OWN work by the fact that I'm planning a stage-version of the Bath-singing video. John

[@deagoldylocks8337]

I gave up on my dream of acting a few years back, but i like to watch these videos because they are interesting

[@rich3821]

I have been a background actor for a while now. Started part time, and have gone from there. I was working literally right next to a journeyman actor in a scene the other day. On a new TV series. The character the actor was playing was an intemidating one, as well as the actor himself. So I stepped back a foot or so from him while others were standing right next to him. The director liked my look and had me acting in almost every scene that night. Was it the 2nd AD, 1st AD or Director, not really sure. I just know I was all over the place last night! So it makes me feel good to know that your journey in acting took a while. Because I am starting late in life. It's something I feel I have to do. In selecting a good acting school what is your criteria? I always strive to give the best performance on camera even though my part may be cut or rarely seen. My location is the greater Atlanta,GA area! Thank you for your informative, incisive videos. They have been of great help in understanding the nuances of acting. Cheers!

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

All actors are different and need to learn different things to get work. I can only know what to tell you if I see you for a coaching session, - if only one. I'm not pushing you to come to me, just find somebody online who is near to where you live. But if you want me then please don't use this, use the 'Contact page' on my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com ) or my direct email ( [e-mail] ) John Windsor-Cunningham

[@rich3821]

@@NewYorkActingCoach Thank you for your advice. I will use your suggested methods. And when booking use your contact page and or direct email.

[@robertgallagher5285]

David Mamet a big name produced his last play at a 100 seat theater in Venice California to avoid having to be at the mercy of theater critics have to respect him!!!!!

[@robertgallagher5285]

Also chose a lead actor with alot of scandal David Mamet a stand up guy!!!!!

[@robertgallagher5285]

Know the press in New York like that dude in the Post Michael Reidel vilified China Doll with Pacino which I've read and I think is a good play not far below Oleanna which I 💕 love!!!!!

[@lakshmanparthiban1339]

Hi sir , I'm from India , acting classes here are not that good and I also can't afford classes . How can I learn acting?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

I am sorry to hear you cannot afford acting classes. So many people want to become actors, thinking a few classes is all they will need, but, like many jobs, it needs training (if you are to compete with the many other actors at auditions) and if you want to act enough you will manage it. I removed asbestos at night when I was 16 and worked in a bar at night to pay for my first classes. If you have a serious audition I will give you a session for free, because you are in India and I know the problems you are having there. But it will need to be for an audition, sorry. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@lakshmanparthiban1339]

@@NewYorkActingCoach thank you sir for replying . There are no auditions here because of the grim covid situation . It is fine I watch your videos and a lot of movies , and I think I'll figure out a way to give a truthful and soulful performance.

[@lakshmanparthiban1339]

@@NewYorkActingCoach and I try to train as much as I can sir 👍👍👍.

[@vansh4383]

Sir i have a question while acting when facing the camera i don't know why but i can't act well i mean i become conscious that i am acting do tou have any solution to the situation while facing camera

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Yes, this is very normal for actors when they are starting, but cannot be answered in a few lines. If you want coaching session about it please use my website ( Windsor-Cunningham.com ) or my email ( [e-mail] ) : what you need is to know how to understand your lines so deeply that the camera does not exit. John Windsor-Cunningham

[@vansh4383]

@@NewYorkActingCoach sure sir

[@mariahcarey9470]

John have you ever met Alan Rickman?

[@mariahcarey9470]

5:50 Alan Rickman got into RADA. Did you know him? Who was the famous actor who got you into RADA?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

Sorry, just saw your question. Alan and I didn't get on well, probably my fault, but obviously he was adored by millions so we were probably working on the wrong play! And I prefer not to say who helped me into RADA, you can guess why. But other great actors were generous and clever with advice, so I only suggest we all find the right gurus! J.

[@marielimperial6534]

Is this Your video si(r)?

[@NewYorkActingCoach]

What do you mean? Are you asking is it the truth? Yes. John Windsor-Cunningham