When it comes to auditioning... are the you "The One"?
Last Wednesday night’s class was a continuation of our month-long dip into the world of acting technique. Now a lot of you hear the word “Matrix” and think of the film(s), but the Matrix is also a technique used by actors, which originated at Yale. It’s based on the principal of connecting to energy points (much like an extension cord to an outlet), which allow the actor to create their world, and to have something outside of themselves to connect to (rather than going inside – in their head). I know the description of it sounds somewhat ethereal – but in practice, the technique is incredibly grounding, and helps the actor focus and live in the moment in a scene – and that, my friends, is the ultimate goal of any actor. By giving an actor a structure in which to play and be free, attention can be given to just talking and listening, knowing that the access to their world, and by extension, their emotional life, is right there. It truly allows an actor the chance to bring themselves to the role – because every Matrix point is specific, and based on the unique qualities of the actor.
The beauty is in seeing the work in action. The Matrix really shines when it comes to auditioning or working in film/TV, because so much needs to be created these days by the actor (often with green screen, it’s all imagination). I always explain to people that the Matrix is not “a way” to act or some kind of new method, it’s just technique – much in the way that sense memory or creating the fourth wall, is just an acting technique. It should be used as part of the actors toolbox – not the only tool, but one of many to be called on when needed. There are times when you’ll need it more than others – but when put into service, it can help an actor to really stand out as “The One”.
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