Acting : What Exactly Is a Beat—And Why Should Actors (and Writers) Care? by Ashley Renee Smith

Ashley Renee Smith

What Exactly Is a Beat—And Why Should Actors (and Writers) Care?

This new Stage 32 blog is one of the clearest breakdowns I’ve seen, especially for those of you looking to refine your acting craft. It goes deep into the history of the term "beat", explores how different techniques define it, and lands on an incredibly useful and actionable definition that screenwriters can use to actually write scenes actors want to perform.

Check it out here:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/the-actors-beat-your-missing-link-between-s...

Let’s discuss: How do you define a beat when preparing a role? Has a writer’s clarity—or lack of it—ever made your job easier or harder?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Maurice Vaughan

"Has a writer’s clarity—or lack of it—ever made your job easier or harder?" I'm looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say, Ashley Renee Smith! They'll help me make an actor's job easier and help me get better at writing.

Alexandra Stevens

Ashley Renee Smith I found this article really enlightening and plan to share it with my acting buddies

Mone't Bradley

Another great article. I must confess I was unfamiliar with this word when I first saw it, on my notes from my screenwriting consultant. But the more that I practice is the better that I understood the process. In many ways it is vital to telling great stories.

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