I love the Olympics. Every four years I completely forgo sleep and watch as many events as possible. The work the athletes put into their sports is awe-inspiring. So, what's the Olympics have to do with acting? Well, I've related actors to athletes before, especially when it comes to training. To be good at anything you need to practice - lots.
One thing training gives you is a place to turn when you hit a snag or run out of steam or things just aren't going your way. There is the story of Michael Phelps winning a race even though his goggles filled with water and he couldn't see. He trained so thoroughly that his body knew how many strokes away the wall was and he didn't need to see it to know when to touch.
When you see a gymnast falter during a routine and fall off an apparatus, they get back on and finish with their back arched. The ability to push slip-ups out of their mind and simply continue is all because of their training. They are able to do this because they have done this routine so much that their body has the muscle memory of it, they don't have to think.
Actors are the same. When you are tired, facing hour 12 on set, and have to create an emotion filled scene; it is your training that will get you through. By training so much that you can do it without thinking. Actors can create the same muscle memory through training in their craft.
The American Skeet Shooter, Kim Rhode, who won gold in her fifth consecutive Olympics shoots between 500-1,000 rounds a day, everyday. She figures she has over 3 million targets under her belt. That is what it takes to be a champion. How much time do you spend working on your craft?
Well, I have some more swimming and gymnastics to watch. Go team USA!!!
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