The Main Thing

What is the one thing that sets the truly great actor apart from everyone else? Is it talent? Is it skill? Classes, experience and good looks might top the list but as a director the one thing I wish for all of my students is the same. It is the one thing that will make all of these other elements work together to move you forward in your talent and it begins with this simple exercise.

With a partner sit facing each other in chairs or on the floor. Now I want you to imagine a box the size of a matchbox at the end of your nose, got it? Now squeeze your face into that box, just push your face down into the tightest ball you can, now hold it for a count of five. Next imagine yourself riding on the back of a motorcycle at two hundred miles per hour, the wind stretching your face. Pull it back, open your mouth and eyes, stretch your face out to the fullest extent possible, really open it up. Now squish it back down, now open it, back down repeat!

Continue to do this, take turns watching your partner and then doing the exercise while they watch. Continue until you feel ready to read the next paragraph.

Congratulations! You have just experienced the most valuable of all acting lessons, never be afraid to make a fool of yourself! (also this is a great facial exercise to add to your warmup routine)

Now that you are over the humiliation lets talk. Why do I say this is the first and most important thing any actor needs to learn? First: acting is a public expression of private emotion and thought processes. Carrying the fear of what an audience will think of your performance onto the stage with you is nothing short of disastrous.

Second: Being able to commit to a character to the point that you will do whatever it takes to accurately portray that character is the secret to great acting. Everything else can be learned, but it is this uninhibited abandoned commitment to your performance that will allow you to rise above the competition! This is something YOU must choose. It can not be taught, most of us are not born with it, you must choose it!

So the next time you feel that surge of adrenaline and are tempted to succumb to "stage fright" just remind yourself of this little exercise, take a deep breath and go for it! Commit to making the most of your performance and be surprised by how far that determination will take you!