Acting Advice from the Cast of SHERLOCK

DURING THE APPLE STORE (LONDON) Q/A AFTER THE THREE EPISODES OF SHERLOCK, SEASON 3, HAD SHOWN AROUND THE WORLD…

A young girl asked if they had any advice for young people who want to go into acting because that’s what she wanted to do…These were their replies…

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) :

"Stick with it. Just consume culture. Know a little bit of what you’re apart of, but hold really true to who are and what you’ve got to offer because that’s the first thing, when you walk into a room. That’s how you appear to the world. You know and you can transform and shape shift and do all that stuff, but you have to know who you are to have a solid base for anything you can then prove you can become. I don’t know…what stage are you at, because that’s kind of the vital qualifier…? (Girl answers) Drama school, okay. (Girl says she has a recall audition). So you’re auditioning. Well, just get as many people that you can bear to see your audition piece…just be really bold and brave about it. Get it out there. Don’t be frightened of sharing that because that’s what you’re going to have to do when you’re in a room with two or three strangers who are going to evaluate your work. Just rehearse, keep practicing it...you’ve got a recall, so you’re doing really well. So just take that confidence and just keep going with it. I’m going to pass it over to these two now ‘cause I get mushy."

Martin Freeman (John Watson):

"Everything he just said is bullshit." (audience laughs)

"No, I’d probably concur with that. Yeah. I mean, good luck, it’s as insane and mad and joyous as you would hope it would be. You know, the whole thing is. You are your own judge…you have to be your own worst and best critic, I think. At the end of all the other advice and other feedback, you will get for however many years, it’s you who follows your own path, really. Work hard. You know, be on time, learn your lines, do all the stuff….all the one on one stuff, because that stuff is important, you know? And be nice, but not too nice."

Amanda Abbington (Mary Morstan) :

"And I’d say…remember to enjoy it…that’s ‘cause sometimes you forget. And also, you absolutely have the right to be there. Remember that, because sometimes you think you don’t…you’re a good actor, just work hard, remember to enjoy it, and you have a right to be there. And good luck. Really good luck."

Look at Martin's socks! LOL!

Tamsin adds...

As a certified teacher of drama, a director (film and stage), and a coach...I love these! I think my favorite quotes are:

* "Know who you are to have a solid base for anything you can then prove you can become." -Ben

* "Get as many people that you can bear to see your audition piece…just be really bold and brave about it. Get it out there. Don’t be frightened of sharing that because that’s what you’re going to have to do when you’re in a room with two or three strangers who are going to evaluate your work." -Ben

* "Be on time, learn your lines, do all the stuff…all the one on one stuff, because that stuff is important." - Martin

* "Work hard, remember to enjoy it, and you have a right to be there." -Amanda

Also...there was something Martin said that was too short to be a quote...but I thought that when he says to "follow your own path"...that actors really need to pay attention to that. Just like everyone does certain tasks differently (ie: ties shoes, loads a dishwasher, etc), every actor has to find their own way. So often actors think there is "one way" to where they want to take their career and I think that's bullshit. I think that just because so-n-so has a manager, you don't have to get one...nor do you HAVE TO go to LA to build up to do film. Your path is your path. Don't get bogged down in what you think you should or shouldn't do. No one is alike...so what you choose for your training/audition regiment/self rehearsal/memorization/prep time and so on...if it works for you it's right. Just cause the "famous actress" in your show gurgles salt water for 30 minutes before a show doesn't mean you have to. It's her process. Find yours. If it feels right, usually it is right. Unless, of course, its to sit naked centerstage and hum for 30 minutes...I think there are limits... ;) LOL!

SO be brave/bold...take chances...know yourself...and enjoy the journey.

Best, Tamsin