Archive for August, 2009

The first step to “Star Power!” is to value yourself. This is the job for your Authentic Self, not your Ego. Judgments and opinions are the Ego’s yardstick – valuing and appreciating who we are and all we go through constitute your Authentic Self.

It takes a long search before you can answer the question, “Who am I?”, through identifying with your Inner creative Authentic Self; that is, the you that hears the question and responds spontaneously…as you really are and feel it, when the lid is off.

The one you see in the mirror is the one others like, judge, don’t like, talk about, praise, insult. It’s the same YOU that judges how you look, and if you are acting in a way others will like. That YOU present yourself in a way for other’s approval and has little value for who you really are and in fulfilling your own desires and purpose.

On one remarkably transformative day, I realized that I wasn’t blond, blue-eyed, tall with broad shoulders. (The look I’d always wanted.) Now, although not all the actors I coach are remarkably beautiful – I seemed to have cornered the market on every gorgeous, blond, blue eyed, broad shouldered model and actress, just to taunt me. Mirror, mirror on the wall…

Lesson learned. Everyone is working it out and everyone has an immeasurable gift. If it’s up for a vote by your Inner creative Self, “You’re a Gem.”

So let’s get down to it: you were born You. You were given it. It’s Yours. It’s You. Value it and get on with your life with this new perspective.

An Inside Look at This Acting Technique Created By Sande Shurin

I began to develop a new acting technique in 1979/1980; rather it began to create itself through me – and it continues to do so. “Transformational Acting: A Step Beyond” is a book about the formative years of myself, this technique, why I created it…and a few fabulous decades that influence the work.

INTENTION

“We learn in particles, intention organizes it.

Everything in the world is set in motion through intention. All inner potential has the possibility of becoming a project through intention. Similarly, your character’s life is set in motion intentionally.”

CREATIVITY

“Creativity is looking at what could be/ what’s possible, rather than what is/ what has to be. To focus on doing it right or trying to figure out what they want is totally antithetical to the development of creativity. Throw the creativity out in front of you and let it pull you along and work in the spirit of creativity.”

RISK

“Taking risks equates going beyond your limitation, your boundaries, your frame of reference. As you challenge your ability to take risk, your perception shifts and you can see a new possibility. YOU DARE YOUR WALLS OF LIMITATIONS AND PUSH THEM OUT.”

PASSION

“We have it sexually and that’s partially because we can’t think about a visit to the accountant and have an orgasm at the same time. We are just in the moment having a meaningful experience to focus upon. We want to have a lot of inner passion. For film work we may not express the passion as we would for theatre. For film you might have a lot of passion and express it behaviorally, or express for theatre by throwing a chair across the room. But it has to come from the same emotional place on the inside.”

VULNERABILITY. Letting your SELF show.

“Your embarrassment, fear, etc.. Whatever we don’t want to feel is the key to opening us up. Standing with it and not running away is what opens us up that is key for our growth. A key word to all of this is ALLOWING. Allowing the energy and information to work on you. Allowing your self to assimilate it. Allowing your self to transform. Allowing your self to take risks and to work with passion”

For more information about “Transformational Acting” click here.

Just completed teaching the July Audition Intensive in New York City. I kept it simple this year. I gave a few of my pertinent notes about what industry professionals are looking for (CD, Directors, Producers, Agent, Managers) then Part 2 – I did private coaching – and working for the style of different Directors. Then Part 3 was about Image and Personal Story – good auditions, good quick results. The whole intensive lasted approximately 6 hours.

I’ve taught Actors to audition for at least twenty of the thirty years that I’ve been teaching my acting technique, Transformational Acting.

Each of the contexts and much of the content and processes are different year to year. For example, the context last year was “It’s Your Creation.” This year it was that “Everyone Auditions” — no matter who you are, what your profession, whether being interviewed for a job, getting your kid into a good school, or being on a date.

It’s about really bringing the best of you forward – not to be of misunderstood as “nice – sweet – happy” – that’s for the non-confrontave who wants you to play their mutual game. The bigger Player wants “You,” your Authentic You, that’s where trust and bonding occur. The Casting Director, Director and Producer want to see who you are – your vulnerabilities, your trigger points, how you really respond to the material and to what’s going on as well as to who you’re working with.

The other people want to connect with you – know that you’re listening to them and respond truthfully. Being who you are always wins!! And being the best you can be at every moment is a habit. Perhaps knowing the criteria of Authenticity with get you moving in that direction.

Checklist I gave to the Actors at the end of the day for Evaluating:

1) Start with breathing and silence.

2) Feel what you are feeling, not what you think the Character should be feeling.

3) Really listen, associate and respond – not with the response you think they want.

4) Are you revealing your vulnerability, strengths and emotions?

5) Are you in the moment, really here and now, presenced, not thinking about “later”?

6) Are you always ready?? For an audition or interview in another profession.

7) Don’t let the reader pace you.

If they give you nothing, listen to the words and let them trigger you.

9) It’s about what’s between the lines.

Know your technique as an Actor as for any professional. That is, be good at what you do – and be you.