What was the 'gut check' tradition on ER?

The 'gut check' was a weekly tradition where the cast of ER would meet to screen that week's episode and critically analyze each other's performances.

Who inspired the 'gut check' tradition on ER?

The tradition was inspired by Alan Alda, who described a similar practice used by the cast of MASH.

How did the 'gut check' tradition affect ER actors?

The intense, sometimes harsh, critiques motivated actors to constantly refine their performances and avoid complacency, with Noah Wyle noting it encouraged constant movement in his scenes.

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ER Stars' Brutal 'Gut Check' Acting Tradition Revealed

5 Apr

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Summary

ER cast underwent weekly 'gut checks' to critique performances.
Tradition inspired by Alan Alda's MASH cast feedback sessions.
Actors analyzed each other's work, sometimes harshly.

ER Stars' Brutal 'Gut Check' Acting Tradition Revealed

Actors on NBC's "ER" adhered to a demanding performance tradition known as a "gut check." Noah Wyle shared that this practice, adopted from the cast of "M*A*S*H" and suggested by Alan Alda, involved weekly lunches where episodes were screened and each actor's performance was intensely scrutinized.

This critical review session, which took place in the executive producer's office, could be quite brutal. Actors were encouraged to provide candid, often harsh, feedback on any perceived overacting or unnecessary mannerisms. Wyle noted that this process motivated him to maintain constant movement in his scenes, striving to earn each moment rather than simply occupying space.

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