THE ART OF ACTING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 994, 25 March 1909, Page 18

THE ART OF ACTING.

Miss Phyllis Dare, who has already written her reminiscences, and who reached the mature age of eighteen last August, has published a pamphlet on “How to Become an Actress,” over the imprint of the Hints Publishing Company. “ In my own humble opinion,” she says, “ it seems to me that the best road to success in any walk of life is to act on the advice of those who have succeeded.” And she adds that the following are hints which she received herself. Their value will be realised when the position which Miss Phyllis Dare holds on the stage to-day is taken into consideration.

The following are a few of the more important hints: — *, Choose the right fathei’ and mother! Unless you have a great natural aptitude, it is useless to adotp the stage as a career.” “ Learn to speak clearly and correctly, enunciating every syllable with proper emphasis, but without pedantry.”

“ You must be able to sing distinctly and well.” “ After you have learnt to sing, you must learn to dance gracefully and manipulate your skirts with effect-” “ Study daily in front of an ordinary looking-glass, reciting scenes from well-known plays and depicting all the primary emotions, such as love, hate, jealousy, surprise, fear, etc.” “ Seize every opportunity of practising what you have learnt in the privacy of your own room in front of your friends and relatives, so as to gain confidence in yourself in public. Do not be discouraged if youi* friends are not sufficiently appreciative. Remember that a prophet has no honour in his own country.’

“ If you are going to be successful you will not allow yourself to be disheartened by early failures, nor will you be unduly elated at early success, should you achieve it.” “ Study every part in the play as well as your own, and be ready to go on in the leading lady’s role at a moment’s notice. You are not likely to be asked, but it is as well to be prepared. Many young actresses have made a name by seizing opportunities of this kind.”