Right now I am in a post-Olympic, pre Fall TV season malaise. So, I'm taking an online literature class to fill my time. I'm telling you this so you know I have a darn good excuse for being late with my blog this week: I was writing a term paper on the theme of science vs faith in "Dracula" (makes me sound really smart, huh?) Well, now that I'm finished writing and on to reading "Frankenstein" I figured I would take a break and write about my last piece of Olympic inspired acting advice.
JUST RELAX.
I found it fascinating watching how different athletes prepared for their events. A big theme was relaxation. One of my favorites was the high jumper who sang to herself while she waited for her turn. She wasn't focusing on how high she was going to jump or going through the motions, she was just singing. Or how about all the divers hanging out in the hot tub between dives? Yes, it allows their muscles to stay warm, but it also relaxes them. By relaxing an athlete can rely on all their training to come forward and they will actually do better by not thinking about what they have to do.
Acting is similar. You go to classes and work day after day perfecting your technique. Then when you get a script you pour over it, figuring out every single moment. Then here is the tough part: you let all that go. Once you are on stage or film, you can't be thinking about what you are about to do or worrying about the moments coming up because when you do that, you'll lose the moment right in front of you.
A key for me before any audition or show is to relax. I don't sit there going over my lines in my head, because they should already be there. You have to have done the work ahead of time and be able to trust in it. I got a great piece of advice once: the moment before you begin an audition or go on stage - yawn really big. This immediately relaxes your jaw and helps get rid of tension in your face and neck.
Okay, well back to reading "Frankenstein." Anyone got suggestions on essays topics for this one?
Too funny - I'm also taking this class on Coursera. Totally agree that to relax is the hardest thing to do! I'm so used to the constant hustling and switching my hats, sitting down with a book or writing an essay does wonders.
ReplyDelete