Aaron Speiser
Aaron Speiser
by Melanie C. Jordan
Aaron Speiser is a well known acting coach in L.A. I was tipped by Annette Vazquez Calvo that he was in Miami Beach giving a seminar. So, I took it upon myself to get in contact with Aaron for a short interview. Why would I want to interview this guy, well let me see… Umm, maybe because he has couched LL Cool J, The Rock, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Jeff Dunham, Nia Long, Nadine Velazquez and many, many other great actors and actresses we all love. I asked Aaron many cool questions which Gary Michaels (Comedian) Helped me with. I was hoping to hear more about the people he couched. However” it is what it is “and I thought it to be a very interesting interview. So here it is:
Who would you say was your biggest challenge coaching as an Actor?
There was never an actor that I would call my “biggest challenge” when coaching. Almost always it is the material we are working on that is “the challenge”. Working on the movie, “I Am Legend” was extremely challenging because of the unique premise that Will Smith’s character just might be the last human being left on Earth. Creating an inner life that keeps the character driven and motivated with very few lines was one of the most challenging films that I worked on. However, working with Will Smith is and always has been a joy.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is helping people understand that following their dreams of acting will always lead them to a better, more interesting, more fulfilling life whether they “succeed” professionally or not. Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss”. I can’t say it better.
What actor are you most proud of and why?
I’m proud of all of the actors I’ve worked. Asking which actor I’m most proud of is like asking a parent which child are
they most proud of. I love my students and clients and that love is unconditional. Some of my clients have been nominated for Academy Awards as well as other awards but I am just as proud of the new actor that books his first job! Or the actress that finds her true love in acting class and gets married and asks me to give her away. That was great!
What makes you different then Lee Strasberg?
Mr. Strasberg and I are similar in that we both believe in actors being real in their work. We believe that an actor’s goal is to create life in the imaginary world of the script. We are different in some of the techniques he preferred in helping the actor achieve that goal. Mr. Strasberg preferred a technique called, “Affective Memory”. I prefer the use of physical actions. I find it too difficult for the actor to use Affective Memory as they are working. I find Affective Memory very useful as a teaching technique to explore and expand the actor’s emotional life.
Will there ever be another Marlon Brando?
No, there will never be another Marlon Brando. There will also never be another Leonardo Da Vinci or Abraham Lincoln. But there will absolutely be more revolutionary artists, leaders, scientists, etc that break barriers and help the world learn, grow and move to a better place!
What advice would you give someone that wants to get in the business?
Find the best teachers in your area and begin by studying. If you can get a job, even as an apprentice, production ass’t or in some capacity in the business, take it. Find mentors and teachers you can trust to guide you. Develop a team to help you. Above all, follow your bliss! If your bliss changes, once again, follow it!!!
