Tactics & Objectives In Action

On this episode of Dedicated to the Craft, part of the Electric Secrets variety podcast, hosted by Scott Leon Smith, we dive deeper into the creative process. Building on the previous episode’s focus on using the "imagined energy of tactics" with specific action verbs (like "proclaim" or "comfort") to uncover character insights during rehearsal, this installment shifts to the concept of objectives.

Scott reads the scene in a monotone to avoid preconceived interpretations, then assigns each character a single tactic to "ride like a wave" through the scene: Red’s tactic is "hassle," and Blue’s is "deny." He re-reads the scene, adding a phone filter to Blue’s lines for clarity, demonstrating how vocal energy can reflect these tactics. Next, he introduces objectives using a "so that" phrase: Red’s objective becomes "hassle so that Blue apologizes," and Blue’s is "deny so that Red drops the subject." Another reading follows, showing how these objectives shape the interaction, even without specific context.

To explore tactical flexibility, Scott changes Red’s tactic mid-scene from "hassle" to "entice," keeping the objective intact, and notes how this shift might surprise Blue and reveal new character dynamics. He stresses that rehearsal is about experimentation—collaborating with scene partners and directors to discover what works—rather than performing for an audience.

Finally, Scott simulates active listening by playing pre-recorded lines for Red and responding as Blue, highlighting how real-time reactions drive realism and immersion. He encourages actors to try these exercises with open scenes and peers, promising deeper scene work in the next episode.

If you liked this episode of Dedicated to the Craft, there is so much more to unbox from the Electric Secrets variety podcast series. Subscribe today.

Who Is Scott?

Scott Leon Smith has worked as a professional actor and director for nearly 25 years in a variety of genres. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting at West Virginia University, where he studied under alumni of the prestigious American Conservatory in San Francisco. He honed his craft in Chicago as part of A Crew of Patches, a traveling theatre company that performed Shakespeare for students. Scott is CEO of Monstervox Productions, where he helps clients by providing specialized voice-over work for advertising, audiobooks, eLearning, & instructional videos.

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.

[Bizvox #8]

Listening Deeper To The Stylings Of Johnny Cash

In this episode of The Unforgettable Voice, part of the Electric Secrets podcast, host Scott Leon Smith explores Johnny Cash’s iconic baritone, blending personal reflection with analysis. Listeners will discover what makes Cash’s voice unforgettable, both culturally and as a storytelling tool.

Smith highlights Cash’s universal appeal, likening his voice to a familial figure, evoking strong male relatives. The episode examines how Cash’s music, rooted in country, transcends stereotypes, giving voice to the marginalized and forgotten, using his platform as a form of protest in the 1960s and 70s. Listeners will learn how Cash’s rhythmic, train-like style in songs like “Rock Island Line” and “A Boy Named Sue” immerses audiences in vivid narratives, with his “speak-singing” blending tradition and rebellion.

Smith portrays Cash as “The Man in Black,” a symbol of compassion, voicing grief and regret, fostering deep audience connections through humor and irony. A personal story about Smith’s father finding solace in Cash’s *American Recordings* during cancer underscores the voice’s therapeutic power. The episode concludes with Cash’s dynamic with June Carter in “Jackson,” showcasing their honest chemistry.

Listeners will gain appreciation for Cash’s legacy, inspiring them to explore his timeless human sound.

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The Legal Stuff

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or endorsement of its participants, nor of any companies or persons discussed therein. MonsterVox Productions is not responsible for any losses, damage or liabilities that may arise from the use of information contained in this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast are those of its participants and may not be those of any podcasting platform or hosting service utilized in its distribution.

MonsterVox Productions, LLC.