the moment before

There's a technique actors use to envelop themselves in the environment of their character - so even before they speak their response feels real and true. You're supposed to imagine what you're character just sensed right before you say your lines. I took my first ever acting class last night - it's acting for stand-up comics - and we used this "moment before" idea to prepare ourselves for our practice Mastercard commercial audition.

I had no idea how much craft and nuance went into this stuff. Basically, our scenario was you're out to lunch with your co-workers and boss, and LO AND BEHOLD! your stupid co-workers cards get declined. They didn't know any better then to use Mastercard. Chumps. But you, Mastercard holder, have the upperhand. BUT - don't be smug about it. You're a confident person - you don't go around trying to impress people like some OTHERS (snicker, snicker). So here you are, effortlessly paying for the lunch with your credit card. AND, the boss is noticing but you don't REALLY care.


Stuff I told myself to get in character:

Wow! I feel so at ease with this situation because I'm confident and because of that confidence I know to have Mastercard. It just fell in my lap. Nothing can get in my way, and it's ALL GOOD! I mean, why spend time worrying about anything - homelessness, war - shit - I got it under control with my credit card. Easy Breezy!!

Moment Before Thought:

Waiter says: Of course we take Mastercard! after co-workers get busted for their lame-ass cards.


Then we spoke WITH the camera (as if it were our friend). In the parentheses are the tone choices I made:

Ya know (friendly), life's too short to worry about making impressions on other people (you know this too, i'm sure of it). I mean, are you ever really (slightly incredulous) impressed by someone else's credit card (of course you're not, friend)?

What matter most to me about a credit card is (thoughtful pause) how it impresses me.

Mastercard gives me what I want (even love and security) - anything is possible (it's a cheery fact).

I use it when I want, where I want - day or night (you have a natural born right to this credit card) - could be Timbuktu (kinda crazy...but it could!).

Don't talk to me about impressions (i know better, and you do too. you are so smart)
Give me possibilities (bright and friendly, the future is ours!).

END

So,watchout world, I'm on to you!