The article lists a ton of examples of things a gentleman in 1880 was to do or not to do. Below I have listed a few of my favorites with commentary in italics where possible:
- Never exaggerate. Oops. I always exaggerate about everything.
- Never laugh at the misfortunes of others. Sorry, it's kind of how I make part of my living.
- Never give a promise that you do not fulfill. Gulp.
- Never send a present, hoping for one in return. This is why I don't send presents.
- Never speak much of your own performances. Instead, ask people how you did.
- Never fail to be punctual at the time appointed. Guilty.
- Never make yourself the hero of your own story. We all know this guy, right?
- Never fail to give a polite answer to a civil question.
- Never question a child about family matters. Especially our children. They know too much.
- Never present a gift saying that it is of no use to yourself. Sorry I gave you that copy of "Jack" directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
- Never call attention to the features or form of anyone present. Bella ...
- Never associate with bad company. Have good company, or none. Poison or Warrant is, however, just fine.
- Never look over the shoulder of another who is reading or writing. Aidan ...
- Never appear to notice a scar, deformity, or defect of anyone present. Bella and Aidan ...
- Never punish your child for a fault to which you are addicted yourself. If I can't say bitchface, then you can't say bitchface.
- Never answer questions in general company that have been put to others. Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
- Never, when traveling abroad, be over boastful in praise of your own country. U-S-A, U-S-A!
- Never attempt to draw the attention of the company constantly upon yourself. Have you ever been in a room full of theater students?
- Never exhibit anger, impatience or excitement, when an accident happens. Impossible not to do one of these things. Do YouTube accidents count? (Thanks, Eric, for the link.)
- Never enter a room noisily; never fail to close the door after you, and never slam it.
- Never will a gentleman allude to conquests which he may have made with ladies.
- Never fail to offer the easiest and best seat in the room to an invalid, an elderly person, or a lady.
- Never give all your pleasant words and smile to strangers. The kindest words and the sweetest smiles should be reserved for home. Home should be our heaven. Amen.
"... you need to rush as quickly as possible through your sides, as not to waste the director's time by having any real moments."
True. I mean the director has better things to do than audition people. Hurry it along! He probably precast the show anyway. Also, I like to not only go fast but never look up from the sides as well. Thanks for the tip, Hailey!
Emmie said ...
"When deciding between fighting against emotion and crying, always choose crying. The more you can cry during an audition piece, scene, or play, the better! Crying is very dramatic, and shows the director and audience how good you are (at crying)."
My hot wife Amelia said ...
"... actors should always go out of their way to help out in other departments, when on set. And if you ask, "Can I help you steam those curtains?" or "Can I help you carry those stingers?" and the answer comes back a hearty "NO!" then don't listen and pitch right in without hesitation."
I love this woman. Also, she is dead on. In film, everyone just shares each others' jobs. Unions be damned. Am I right? So, feel free to pick up a sandbag and move it. Just be ready for the grip to come along and tell you that your scene could be faster and have more crying.