Archive for October, 2009

Continuing on the theme of the similarities of utilizing the acting exercises and inspirational thoughts that I use for teaching actors being equally as beneficial for one’s life…

This week is Part II of Your Personal History.

Last week I spoke about the value and pitfalls of Character history.  The value in doing it is as it’s relevant to the current script, actions, motivations that trigger.  The pitfall is in playing it and making choices on past history vs. finding the moment that can be different.

Ok – so Life!

Your life history is good for the child as they feel that they belong. They are part of a unit.   They have certain guidelines.  They can learn how to keep themselves safe.

By teen years, we’re looking at how to be different and finding new role models – the gorgeous/handsome Model, the popular Friend, the famous Actor/Actress.

In adulthood, we either confront the fact that there’s more to us than meets the eye.  We can tap into our own likes/dislikes – spontaneous reactions and feelings, dreams and aspirations – and we can create and step into a new vision of what we are now in this very moment.

If not, our lives and relationships will be a carbon copy of those first few years.  History needs to provide a base for us to step out of to become who we really are.

Actors create the Character’s backstory (history, experiences). This best serves when it is hooked into what the Character is doing and why the Character behaves as they do in the current moments of the script. Also how it pertains in the Character’s motivation.

This is a very good grounding exercise. However, don’t play it and don’t make all of your decisions because of it. For example: you might discover that you and your sister and brother have always argued and that they have always criticized you. That’s the history and the scene itself seems to fortify this thought. To compound things, you have a sensitive issue to discuss with both of them.

Now, here’s how to work with that. Instead of playing into that history of relationships, create a scenario where you are constantly looking for an opening. Notice anything they do that could be interpreted as a soft, kind or lenient moment and work into that. Use that as an opening to speak to them. This will work even if your line of actually discussing the issue comes a few moments later. Look for the openings, the times that are different and not historic, even if they never come.

Coaching for Acting vs for Life is most often the same. Here are a few thoughts that work for both:

• Think in terms of what is “core” and what is “essential.” It works in Life as well as for Acting.

• When ego’s out of the way, you don’t have to show or prove anything. Again, great for Acting and Living.

• How much do you want it? “Quantify” for Acting and for your Life.

• The difference with working on Acting or your life: It’s easier to look at the scene than what you’re actually creating in your own life.

• Tough times warrant tough love. Find your way through it.

• Don’t worry about the fall. Just get up and keep moving. Then figure it out while on your feet. (Yes, I’ve done it lots of times.)

• Brand whatever you’ve got. It’s like a dog marking their territory. Once branded, share it!