Apps for Actors

I've never been big on the concept of new year's resolutions... but I did come up with a few for myself this year.

As you've probably noticed from my previous posts, I'm a big technology nerd. What I've discovered about myself, because of that nerdiness, is that I'm much more likely to stick to my guns regarding something akin to a resolution if I have some kind of technology to remind me about it/assist me with it.

So, here are a few great apps that I plan on using in connection with my 2012 resolutions:

Mint.com: Resolution #1 - Keep my finances in check, and save money for an end-of-year film project. I've been using Mint for over a year to track my budgets and spending habits, as well as to stay on top of the money I use to invest in my acting career. The service is free, and is fantastic for setting goals if you plan to fund your own projects. I finally downloaded the iPhone application as well, and now I have access to my information on-the-go.

Nike Training Club: Resolution #2 - Get the the gym at least 3 times/week. One of the most important things I learned during my training at NYU was the importance of fitness and body awareness in acting. I find myself much more connected to how I am using my body as an actor when I am working out regularly, but its often hard to get motivated to go to the gym. Nike's iPhone application is nothing short of amazing. There are loads of 30-45 workout routines with videos and suggestions that play as you workout. It also keeps track of the time that you workout and gives badges as a reward for the time you put in. Best of all? The app is free.

Pandora: Resolution #3 - Go into auditions with the best attitude possible. I had a teacher in college who required us to make a playlist of songs for a character we were developing one semester. As silly as it might sound, it was one of the most important things I ever did in school. I learned so much about how music could affect my state-of-mind, almost like a "quick fix" sense memory exercise. Obviously, you wouldn't have time to make a full playlist for every audition that you go on. But using an application like Pandora, which allows you to create an instant playlist based on your choice of a song or artist, you can create a quick set of songs to set a mood for yourself as you make your way to the audition. Might not work for everyone, but worth a try! (Another tip: if the audition is too generic for you to have a sense of character, or is for a commercial that you don't know much about, make a playlist of songs that make you feel awesome about yourself to listen to before you go in.)

Did you make any resolutions this year, or do you have an app on your phone that helps you as an actor?

-- Laura Hunter

 

Comments

[Sarah]

Laura--

A few more I like and use:

klout.com

boomerang--(boomeranggmail.com--organizes and schedules emails.)

[Laura Hunter]

Thanks, Sarah! I am a bit of a Klout-aholic myself. :)

[Marc]

This is great stuff! Thanks so much. I think I'll definitely try using Pandora. I usually make my own personal playlists on iTunes, but Pandora would probably be easier.

[Laura Hunter]

Glad to help, Marc!

[Mr. Spock]

You should try BopStar app.
This app is really for acting. Its more of a children's app, but if you want to practice showing your emotions. It really works.

[Melissa Trump]

Most of these Apps are not Acting apps.

Goto AppStore and get .. BopStar!

They have a free and a paid version. The paid is definitely worth it for all you acting buffs like me.

Cheerio!