1,023 — Learning to Act

Are you an acting genius? If not, you can learn how to act by listening to this episode, or at least improve your English.
Slow Dialog: 1:28
Explanations: 3:30
Fast Dialog: 17:27
Richard: It’s 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Why are you banging those pots and pans?
Elizabeth: I have an audition coming up and I’m rehearsing.
Richard: By banging pots and pans?
Elizabeth: I’m up for a part as a 1950s housewife. I need to learn my lines and be prepared to improvise. That’s why I’m cooking you a 10-course breakfast. I want to practice staying in character.
Richard: I don’t really want a 10-course breakfast, but if it helps you with your audition...
Elizabeth: It will. I have to stretch my acting chops and really get into the head of the character.
Richard: Right. Whatever you say.
Elizabeth: “Yes, dear. Your breakfast will be ready and waiting when you want it.” Did I project enough? Did I emote enough?
Richard: You were great. What kind of acting job is this?
Elizabeth: It’s a small one.
Richard: In a film?
Elizabeth: No.
Richard: In a TV show?
Elizabeth: Not exactly.
Richard: What is it?
Elizabeth: It’s a commercial. It’s only a bit part, but you know what they say: There are no small parts, only small actors!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse