Michael Spurgeon’s Reviews > Respect for Acting > Status Update
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 95 of 240
Chapter 11: The Object Exercises
I tried this one before. Or I really haven’t gotten to actually sit down and pursue someyhing like this. I already have source material to work on and scenes to improve.
But this idea of an acting “score” is interesting. I attempted this for my last play and it didn’t really get me anywhere. It actually froze me up.
— Sep 12, 2026 01:25PM
I tried this one before. Or I really haven’t gotten to actually sit down and pursue someyhing like this. I already have source material to work on and scenes to improve.
But this idea of an acting “score” is interesting. I attempted this for my last play and it didn’t really get me anywhere. It actually froze me up.
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Michael’s Previous Updates
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 102 of 240
Chapter 12: Three Entrances
Should really be called three steps. I haven’t tried this yet. Another piece of the puzzle. Think I’ll give this another read when I book some play or something.
But yeh. Having a before, present, and objective is really good for me. Then I’m not stuck anywhere, I’m just going forward.
— Sep 12, 2026 01:37PM
Should really be called three steps. I haven’t tried this yet. Another piece of the puzzle. Think I’ll give this another read when I book some play or something.
But yeh. Having a before, present, and objective is really good for me. Then I’m not stuck anywhere, I’m just going forward.
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 75 of 240
Chapter 8: Walking and Talking
Having an action in each moment is important. Like one that has an ending which I am actively tying to reach. Like today, at the boils. My goal was what? If I have a goal, then I can at least work backwards from there.
Chapter 9: Improvisations
Just need to flex the improv muscle a lot more. It’s an important tool bruh
— Aug 22, 2026 09:33PM
Having an action in each moment is important. Like one that has an ending which I am actively tying to reach. Like today, at the boils. My goal was what? If I have a goal, then I can at least work backwards from there.
Chapter 9: Improvisations
Just need to flex the improv muscle a lot more. It’s an important tool bruh
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 69 of 240
Chapter 7: Thinking
I remember being so excited about this chapter. So the process of building “inner objects” involves an intimate relationship with the circumstances. In order for them to move in on me, they’ve got to be particular and substituted. Let’s try it.
— Aug 15, 2026 02:01PM
I remember being so excited about this chapter. So the process of building “inner objects” involves an intimate relationship with the circumstances. In order for them to move in on me, they’ve got to be particular and substituted. Let’s try it.
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 64 of 240
Chapter 6: The Five Senses
Need to focus on what I’m feeling in a particular moment. Journaling it and just keeping it near me will allow me to examine it for better understanding. Used to skip over this chapter or skim to apply it purely to the acting.
This book is not about acting. It’s about how to approach the craft like an artist.
— Aug 01, 2026 03:50PM
Need to focus on what I’m feeling in a particular moment. Journaling it and just keeping it near me will allow me to examine it for better understanding. Used to skip over this chapter or skim to apply it purely to the acting.
This book is not about acting. It’s about how to approach the craft like an artist.
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 52 of 240
Chapter 4: Emotional Memory
Recenter focus on where the emotion comes from. If I can’t find it, recall the objects that live in the memory and find one that is sustainable enough to continuously work with.
— Jul 26, 2026 02:16PM
Recenter focus on where the emotion comes from. If I can’t find it, recall the objects that live in the memory and find one that is sustainable enough to continuously work with.
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 46 of 240
Chapter 3. Substitution
I’ve been kinda doing this already. I remember being befuddled when I first read it. Did this technique with Meisner some years ago and it really worked for me.
— Jul 22, 2026 03:27PM
I’ve been kinda doing this already. I remember being befuddled when I first read it. Did this technique with Meisner some years ago and it really worked for me.
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 33 of 240
Chapter I - Concept
Chapter II - Identity
Rereading this book for the fourth time. Starting to understand identity a bit more. It’s less self-inflicted, and more curiosity of human behavior itself. (Also, focusing on one thing is better on stage. So I’ve gotta do more homework so I don’t have to think so much while I’m acting. I hate thinking and acting.)
— Jul 18, 2026 10:43PM
Chapter II - Identity
Rereading this book for the fourth time. Starting to understand identity a bit more. It’s less self-inflicted, and more curiosity of human behavior itself. (Also, focusing on one thing is better on stage. So I’ve gotta do more homework so I don’t have to think so much while I’m acting. I hate thinking and acting.)
Michael Spurgeon
is on page 22 of 240
Missed some stuff in those earlier years when I read it. Need to keep reading to actually finish it
— Jun 27, 2026 10:16PM