Welcome to AWOL's Lesson...Getting Physical

Reviewed By: Pamela Pinkerton

REVIEW

This website is an article that provides tips for physical and vocal warm-ups to do before performing. The article is part of the website "Acting Workshop On-Line" which offers numerous lessons for the aspiring actor. The address for the organization is given on the homepage, but it is given as a means to send donations. The article begins by offering reasons why warm-ups and relaxation exercises are important before you rehearse or perform. The article also points out several times that these exercises should not be painful. One negative point about the website is that it offers information, but does not offer support or cite sources. While the information presented is accurate and helpful the credibility would be better supported if sources were cited. After the justification for the warm-up exercises the article offers several step-by-step examples of exercises. The exercises cover a wide range starting with physical exercises and then moves on to vocal exercises. The one thing that is missing is the explanation as to what part of the body or vocal aspect is benefiting from the exercise. This would be helpful for someone since a video demonstration is not available. The website is very easy to read and the warm-up exercises are simple to follow. The website also offers a link to ask questions and provide feedback to the authors.

Reviewed By: JP ROGERS

Getting Physical is a really good brief warm-up for telling a story. I wanted something ?short and sweet? and found it on this site. Source: It?s parent site is called AWOL, Acting Workshop On Line. When I went to the parent site there is a request for a small contribution of a dollar or two to help pay for the cost of maintaining the site and it gives an address in Milwaukee, WI. The site has been around since 1996 based on its copyright since that date but does not seem to have an ?about us? link. Nature: Although there is not an ?about us? link, there is every kind of link imaginable related to acting and the pursuit of acting, e.g., right off the bat, there is a box to click if you are interested in acting for film, another for filmmaking, and yet another to join the free ?how to Get Discovered Club?, as well as topics such as "I GOTTA GET AN AGENT ! ! !", WHAT ABOUT SCAMS?, THE ESSENCE OF ACTING, HELP! I GOT THE PART! NOW WHAT?, How to Contact AFTRAandSAG The Movie and TV Actors' Unions, and How to Contact the ACTORS'EQUITYASSOCIATION(AEA) The Stage Actors' Union. There is also an AWOL Book Mall. The stated purpose, right on the homepage, is (and I quote): ?This is the place for beginning actors and actresses to learn about acting and the acting business For actors and actresses aspiring to become professional or for those who want to take their avocation to the highest artistic level possible. Periodically, new "lessons" and relevant links will be posted for you to study, learn, practise, and get more info about acting. Read the AWOL Q&A Page to ask a question about acting and to learn something everyday about acting.? http://www.redbirdstudio.com/AWOL/acting2.html Appearance: The site is very tight. You click on a link for a lesson and go to the lesson and, at the end, there is a link that takes you back to the AWOL homepage. If you click on a book in the Book Mall (a column on the left side of your screen, you have been taken to Amazon.com (usually ? I never linked anywhere else) and then I just ?x?-ed back to the AWOL homepage. Same thing goes for the links to Musical and Movie soundtracks and Movie scores. AWOL's Thousands of Great Acting Links appears to be a link back to the homepage it essence but in a different background color and with an acting tip added and the contents jumbled around. Additionally there are links to Canadian Acting, United States and non-U.S. Film Commissions, and the American Association of Community Theatres. Page Content was accurate as far as I could tell. I have no connection to the acting world but the links all worked (that is a plus in itself) and no typos were noted. The layout was pleasant and easy to peruse. Nice colors that did not make you want to hide your eyes.