“Being a celebrity has taught me to hide, but being an actor has opened my soul.”
– Meryl Streep
THE ACTORS WAY
An acting student who wants to learn the craft of acting today, has many types of acting techniques to choose from. Classical, Chekhov Technique, Method, Meisner and the Grotowski Technique are just a few of the notable acting approaches that have emerged over the years and empowered actors to hone their craft. At my Toronto acting studio, I teach that Soul Acting is another effective WAY of approaching the actors’ craft.
ACTING FROM SOUL
Soul Acting is a unique and cutting edge approach that helps you, the actor, find access to the many ‘parts of you’ you can use in creating a character. The way of Soul Acting is to safely voyage through your inner psyche to discover a deeper and broader understanding of who you really are. In this deepened and expanded state of awareness, you gain access to the rich world of energies living inside you. These energies provide access to a myriad of qualities, both light and shadow. They may include: kindness, strength, compassion, courage as well as envy, greed, lust and power. If you want to read more about the role of the shadow in acting, you can read my article: “What Does The Shadow Have to Do with Acting“.
THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL ACTOR
These energies, which are actually parts of you, dissolve identification with your limited self view and open you up to the multiplicity of your actor’s instrument. Like a painter who selects many paint colours from his palette, you learn to choose which inner parts will breathe life into the characters you play. Your spectrum of available colours is enhanced, and your acting takes on a wider field of view. Characters you thought were beyond reach become more accessible to you and your limited self concept is replaced with a vast and profound sense of self.
Two actors safely take the plunge into unchartered waters and explore unfamiliar parts in our acting classes in Toronto
COLLECTIVE SOUL ACTING
In the safe holding environment of my Toronto acting classes, you are gently nurtured and guided towards knowing your Soul Self – the integrated sum total of who you are. You approach the way of soul trusting the human path forward will be shared with fellow actors on the road (you need not go at it alone). Your acting takes on both a dimensionality and relatability, heightening your own individual process as well as growing in compassion for the process of your peers. The collective heart emerges in acting class, illuminating the creative realm and shining a light on the Soul in us all.
THE SOULFUL PATH
Whether you choose to utilize the well known acting techniques of yesterday or newer groundbreaking approaches of today, the methods available to you as an actor are numerous. At my acting school in Toronto, I take a holistic approach to the artform, empowering the actor to find the approach that works best for them.
One of the approaches I’ve found to be highly effective in liberating the actor from their limited self view is Soul Acting. By tapping into this deeply expansive reservoir, I’ve been privileged to bear witness to truly vulnerable, inspiring and soulful performances. For further reading on Soul Acting, see my articles Soul Acting 1 and Soul Acting 2
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.
www.torontoactingstudios.com
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