1. DAILY GROUNDING FOR THE ACTOR
Getting in touch with feelings and impulses and acting on them spontaneously is part of the actors craft and you need to be in your body for that. First thing in the morning do a 10 minute “stretch and breathe”. Breathe into each part of your body as you stretch.
How you stretch is important. Rather than willing your body to move, allow for a spontaneous movements that are inspired by your own internal need for pleasure and expression. In other words get out of your body’s way and let it stretch and move in whatever way it wants to. It if it feels enjoyable and pleasurable you are on the right track. Read more grounding for the actor tips here.
2. MEDITATION FOR THE ACTOR
Meditate for 10 to 15 minutes. If you can meditate longer, great! Headspace, Calm and Insight Meditation provide fantastic apps if you need support. Learning to quiet your mind will help you gain control over the actors mind interference that can come from a place of self-doubt, inner criticism, and useless chatter.
Before you start the meditation check in with your general overall state of mind, physical body, emotions and energy. My article on the four bodies of the actor illustrates this point in greater detail.
3. ACTOR PRESENCE
Being open to receive stimuli is also part of the actors craft which requires you to be in the present moment in your work. You can do this walking down the street at any time. Begin by dropping your mind into your body and noticing your feet on the ground. Then become aware of the change in weight distribution as you shift from one leg and foot to the other. Check that your hips are moving and that you are “in” your body. Then simply notice what’s around you.
Ask yourself what can I see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Wake up your five senses. If you find yourself going back into your thinking head simply “come back to your senses”. Part 3 of my Ground and Centre Awareness article talks about what this has to do with coming into present time.
Two actors in our Toronto acting class are being coached on bringing “Authentic Play” into their preparatory scene work
4. LIFE STUDY FOR THE ACTOR
People watch. Notice how people walk talk and engage with their worlds and other people. Be curious and ask yourself questions about the people you are observing and allow your imagination to be set free. Who is this person? What do they do when they are at home alone? What does the way they walk tell me about them? If I had to play this person what physical gesture would I start with? Are they married or single? What is their relationship like? And on and on.
This is best done with curiosity and without judgment.
5. PLAYTIME FOR ACTORS
Take your inner child on a playdate once a week. The child in you knows how to become deeply involved in imaginary worlds. Don’t just decide what you are going to do with your child from an adult perspective. Ask your inner child what they want to do. Provide the necessary materials and environment for this to happen. Above all remember that if you promise a child a play date it’s best to keep your word. This way you build a sense of trust and safety making it easier for them to come out and play in you’re acting work.
6. READ READ READ FOR ACTORS
Become knowledgeable about your craft. There are lots of books out there.
Please feel free to send me an email to ask for suggestions that might better suit your particular needs.
7. ACTING AND SELF ESTEEM
Acting can be a lonely profession and it’s easy to get mired down into wondering why you haven’t booked that next job. Always looking into a future that you have little or no control over can take you down. Find one thing to be grateful for each and every day. It’s important to really feel the gratitude. So find something you can really mean when you say it. Place your hand on your heart, breathe and let your chest open and expand. On the breath out say “I am grateful for……”
Cindy Tanas Actors Studio teaches acting classes for Theatre and Film in Toronto and the GTA, Collingwood and Southern Georgian Bay.
Connect with Cindy for a free consultation
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Acting Teacher / Mentor / Life Coach Cindy Tanas, has run a highly reputable and successful Toronto acting school for over 25 years. She teaches Acting Classes for beginners and experienced actors. Cindy is a member of ACTRA, former Chair and member of TAAS (Toronto Association of Acting Studios) and member of Theatre Ontario.
Cindy Tanas Actors Studio offers a holistic approach to acting in Toronto since 1995. Both in person and online acting classes are available.
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