Stop pretending

Author

Acting Mastery
29 Apr

OUTSOURCING THE ENERGY

Want a quick and easy to help take the pressure off yourself when performing?

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Rather than making the scene about yourself by focusing on yourself and your performance, outsource what you’re doing and reacting to.

Earlier this year, we had the honour of once again hosting high-acclaimed acting coach, Miranda Harcourt, in our studio. One of the big takeaways of working with Miranda is the power of reversing the flow of energy between yourself, and everyone and everything around you.

This ties into something many of you may have heard me say before:

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Actors get too concerned with how they’re being seen, and not concerned enough with what they’re seeing.

Ben Mathews

So, what is it that the actor can see? Or where can you put your attention?

You can outsource the energy and put your attention on:
1. Your scene partner
2. The world around you
3. Objects and props
4. Your internal landscape

Ben Mathews

Your ultimate goal in a scene is to react to, and have a relationship with the person in front of you, the environment immediately around you and the images and memories in your mind’s eye.

Not only does this take the pressure off yourself, but there’s no need to pretend or indicate! Using what’s directly in front of or surrounding you affects how you’re being and what you’re doing in the scene NOW.

Quick tips to ground yourself & outsource the energy in your scene:
- Using props and objects imbued with meaning and history
- Connection exercises with your partner, either verbal or touch
- Be specific about everything you’re talking about or referring to
- Ask for what you need from your reader so all you have to do is react

Do the work of building relationships with the other person in the scene, the world around you and what’s in your mind’s eye when you’re thinking as the character. I also want to encourage you all to take responsibility for what you need as an actor to do your best work and don’t be afraid to ask for it before the camera rolls.

I’ll leave you with this clip of me chatting about outsourcing in class:

Take care and speak soon,
Ben Mathews & The Acting Mastery Team

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