ARE YOU A COMPELLING ACTOR?
WHAT ARE YOU THINKING
HOW TO CONNECT YOURSELF TO A CHARACTER
I want to paint a picture with words to help describe the potential power of subtext.
Picture a large irregularly shaped block of ice floating in the water: an iceberg. This block of ice can be very large but only a small section is visible to the eye. For a knowledgeable sailor what is seen is not the most important part of the iceberg.
Only 1/8 of this ice block is visible; the rest is hidden from view. The 1/8 visible portion is, when viewed, apparently all there is. But what is not seen, the 7/8 section actually completes the iceberg.
In acting terms, the 1/8, or what is apparent, is what the script’s character “seems” to be saying. But the 7/8, what is not seen, is what the character is actually thinking.
I make this comparison of an iceberg to subtext because too many actors give lip service to subtext while ignoring its potential unseen power.
Of course the words – the text of a script – are central to an actor’s performance. But its what an actor does behind these words that empowers them.
Ernest Hemingway coined the “iceberg principle.” He states: “If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing about, he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing.”
To rewrite Mr. Hemingway for actors:
If actors know and allow their subtext to exist unspoken, the audience will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the actor had stated them.
But actors who force subtext they do not understand only make hollow places in their acting.
Your real feelings that you fully understand become the character’s subtext, and therefore, the story is strengthened. However, include subtext you don’t know about, and the story is weakened.
This 1/8 to 7/8 ratio can also apply to an actor preparing the character story. Too many actors spend a tenth of their time linking their personal subtext with the characters and the rest on creating made up subtext with little or no personal understanding.
When you look for a character’s subtext, look to yourself. Your truth will become the character’s truth. Your personal thoughts become the character’s.
Find those elements of the character as written, that you think are different from you, and find where they are similar to you.
You may not relate to any of the character’s experience in the script. But if you spend a good part of that 7/8 time finding ways to connect what you know of yourself to the character, you will build powerful subtext.
Sarah Shahi – Series Regular
If you’re an actor and you actually want to make a living at it, all you need is Bill Howey. Since beginning our private coaching sessions, I’ve booked roles that are shaping my career. He forces me to get personal, explore different ways of doing a scene, and brings depth and insight I couldn’t find with other coaches. Continue reading
Steve Howey – Series Regular
I have been a working actor since 1999. The only reason for this is because of privates and acting class with Bill Howey and Carla Howey. As an actor it’s hard to have someone hold up a mirror and show you your acting flaws, as a man it’s even harder, and when those people holding up the mirror is your father and mother, it can be down right harrowing. I’ve basically been in class all my life and sometimes I’ve strayed. Not because it was too close for comfort but because of my attitude. I didn’t have the balls to look at my bad choices. My dad and mom has taught me that confronting those bad choices and habits is the only way to get better. To trust my instincts and to explore new ways of telling a story. Bill and Carla offers you an opportunity to look at oneself without judgment or malice. They show you the path of great potential, but you as the actor, must walk it. The only place I am a real actor is in their acting class, on stage with the lights in my face. 
Television: Series Lead, “Kev”, on Showtime’s Shameless. (2010-2021) Guest Star on Workaholics (2015) Jennifer Falls (2014), Sons of Anarchy (2013) Guest Star on New Girl (2013) Recurring on Love Bites (2011) Series Lead “Van” on Reba (2001-2007,) recurring role NBC’s Love Bites (2011), Psych (2010), Ben on Ctrl (2009) Twins (2006), ER (2000) Pacific Blue (1999)
Features: Game Over, Man! (2018) Making Babies (2018) Unleashed (2016), Love on the Run (2015), See You in Valhalla (2015), In Your Eyes (2014) Sandy on Wrong Cops (2013,) Rick in Franny (2012,) Joel in Conception (2011,) Marcus in Something Borrowed (2011,) Joel in Conception (2010,) Terry in Losing Control (2010,) Daniel in Bride Wars (2009,) Agnew on Still Waiting (2009,) Stan in Stan Helsing (2009,) Weatherby in DOA: Dead or Alive (2006,) KC in Supercross (2005.)
Short: Brody on Monster Roll (2011)
Max Greenfield – Emmy & Golden Globe Nominee
Having studied with many acting coaches in Los Angeles I feel as if I have really found a home in Bill’s class. I not sure that there is any way someone can tell you how act. It has been my experience that through a dedication to the craft and a willingness to risk that my work has become more personal and expressive. That’s what I have been able to do in Bills class. As an actor, being able to get up on stage once a week and work with a piece of material has been invaluable. Bill has an amazing ability not to direct or tell you what to do or, “How to Act,” but leads you on a journey to make the work truthful, exciting and spontaneous.
Golden Globe Awards 2013 Nomination And Emmy 2013 Nomination:
Actor In A Supporting Role In A Series, Miniseries Or Motion Picture Made For
Television For New Girl.
Television: (2019) “Leo” on Veronica Mars, “Dave” on The Neighborhood (2018) American Horror Story (2015-2016), (2018) Boo Boo on Bob’s Burgers. “Schmidt” on New Girl (2011-2018 – 146 eps), The Mindy Project (2014), Gigi: Almost American (2014), Robot Chicken (2014), Hot In Cleveland (2011,2014), The ArScheerio Paul Show (2013), Bob’s Burgers (2013), NTSF:SD:SUV (2012)Guest Star Happy Endings (2011,) Guest Star on Hot In Cleveland (2011,) Guest Star on The Gentlemen’s League 2010-2011,) Recurring Role on Raising The Bar (2009,) Recurring Role on Ugly Betty (2007-2008,) Series Regular on Greek (2008,) Recurring Role on Veronica Mars (2005- 2007,) Guest Start on Modern Men (2006)
Feature: The Big Short (2016), “John Fremont” Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015), About Alex (2014), Veronica Mars (2014) The Came Together With Paul Rudd (2014,) The Indestructible Jimmy Brown (2011)
Webseries: Starring And Writer Of Finding Susan
Stephen Rannazzisi – Series Regular
I came to Bill Howey after I kept hearing him recommended by working actors. Now that I have taken his class, I understand why. Bill has pushed and challenged me to become a more personal actor. His emphasis on repeating scenes with different approaches has allowed me to better make adjustments in a short period of time; a skill that has proved invaluable to me at auditions and on the set.
Television: Kevin on The League (2009-2016,) Guest Star on Me, Myself and I, Guest Star on New Girl (2016), Steve on Daddy Knows Best (2013,) Kyle on Love Bites (2011,) Outsourced (2011,) State of Romance (2009,) Seth on Samantha Who? (2008-2009.) Series regular on ABC’s Big Day (2006-2007.)
Feature Films: Superbat on Avengers of Justice: Farce WarsThe Locksmith (2010,) Imagine That co-starring with Eddie Murphy (2009,) Stuart on Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009,) For Your Consideration (2006.)
Numerous national commercials.
TV Self: @midnight (2014), Jerrod Carmichael Sponsors a PeeWee Football Team (2014), This Is Not Happening (2014), Brody Stevens: Enjoy It! (2013), Steve Rannazzisi (2013), Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell (2013), Conan (2013), Comedy Central Roast of James Franco (2013), Gotham Comedy Live (2013), The Naughty Show (2012), Pauly Shore & Friends (2009), Premium Blend (2005), Punk’d (2003)
Bailey Chase – Series Regular
I met Bill right after wrapping Saving Grace. He didn’t waste any time giving me an attitude adjustment. His candor inspires me to keep the channel open. Whether you’re a beginner or a series regular, Howey will cut to the chase…
TV: Twin Peaks (2017) Grimm, recurring (2016) Chicago P.D. (2014-2015) “Branch” on LONGMIRE – 3 seasons (2012-2014,) Awake (2012,) Butch Ada on Saving Grace (2007-2010,) Guest Star on White Collar (2012,) Sean Everett on Damages (2011,) Recurring roles on: Miami Medical (2010,) Castle (2009,) Criminal Minds (2007,) Ugly Betty (2007,) Watch Over Me (2006-2007,) Las Vegas (2005,) As The World Turns (2003-2004,) Buffy Vampire Slayer 1999-2000. And many guest starring roles.
Features: Tao of Surfing (2016), No Beast So Fierce (2015), Sex, Death and Bowling (2015), The Boy Next Door (2015)Tao of Surfing (2014,) Summoned (2013,) Dark Metropolis (2010,) Crossing Over 2009,) Rats (2003)
Dan Mintz – Emmy Nominee
The great thing about Bill is no matter what level you’re at, he can always zero in on whatever few changes you need to make to get better. Then, with those problems fixed, he turns his attention to new ones, so you’re always working on something manageable while never ceasing to be challenged. It’s a deeply personalized approach that’s highly effective. When I started working with Bill, I knew basically nothing about acting. And week after week he took me to the place where now I’m getting work and feeling confident about myself as an actor.
Credits: Mulaney (2014-2015), The Awesomes (2014-2015) Writer/Co-Producer- Nathan for You -7 episodes (2013,) Pretend Time (2011,) Jon Benjamin Has a Van – 10 episodes (2011,) Important Things with Demetri Martin – 17 episodes- (2009-2010, ) 2010 MTV Movie Awards, Human Giant – 14 episodes- (2002-2008) Comedy Central Presents, Shutterbugs (2007-2010,) Lucky Louie 2006-2007.
Voice: Series Regular -Bob’s Burgers- Voice of Tina – Fox (2010-2017)
2014 Entertainment Weekly 25 Best Characters on TV – Tina
Stand up comic: Late Show with David Letterman (2013) Last Call with Carson Daly, Comedy Central Presents, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Nominated for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special for Night of Too Many Stars (2011)
Nominated for 2017 WGA award for Outstanding Writing for Episodic Comedy category for “A Taste of Zephyria” Son of Zorn.
Ari Shaffir
My other classes were more concerned with how a scene should look. Bill is more concerned with creating a more versatile, confident actor. This class has already turned many of my acting flaws into strengths and I feel confident breaking down any script now. I’m a way better actor since I started training with Bill.
TV Self: Netflix Original – Double Negative (2017) What’s Your F@#Cking Deal?!?! (2016) Paid Regular (2015), Conan (2015), Adventures in Comedy (2015), Getting Doug with High (2014-2015), Delivery (2014), Comedy Underground with Dave Attell (2014), This Is Not Happening (2013-2014), Adrenaline Junkie (2013), Brody Stevens: Enjoy It! (2013), The Naughty Show (2011-2013,) Air Shaffer: Passive Aggression (2013,) The Green Room with Paul Provenza (2011,) Just For Laughs (2011,) HBO-Down and Dirty with Jim Norton (2008.)
TV Actor: Keeping Up With the Joneses (2016) InAppropriate Comedy (2013,) Written By and Co-Starring with Rob Scheider in InAPPropriate Comedy (2013) West Side Stories (2012,) The Institute (2011,) Recurring role on Minding the Store (2005.)
Film: Natural Born Komics (2007.)