This post is another in our new series which highlights the major discussions from each week’s acting classes.
You could say the buzzword in class this week was focus.
To start off, we are continuing our classwork on the Matrix throughout the month of May. Last week, we discussed what the Matrix did – and how it applied to film/television acting. In this week’s Wednesday night class, the goal was learning to use the Matrix to ground the actors’ work, bring in an even greater level of depth, and get the actor out of his or her head. I think the students were surprised to see it in action. The funny thing about the Matrix is that in theory, it can seem like it’s very heady. Lots of students get stuck on exactly what it means to connect to an “energy point” – they try to think their way through it, rather than feel it. What makes the Matrix interesting, however, is that in practice – the exact opposite happens. Once a student jumps in – and just applies the concept – they are pulled out their heads, and are able to just deal with the talking and listening necessary in the scene. What I always love about the Matrix is that it is like tying off a boat to the dock – once it is secured, the waters can get choppy, but the boat can just go with the flow – because it’s not going anywhere. What our students discovered this week – is that the Matrix can provide the same structure – the same sense of groundedness – that no matter where the scene goes, they will not become lost at sea.
The other area of focus we discussed this week had to do with pinpointing your focus, while things in the industry seem so crazy right now. There are a lot of doomsayers out there about the status of the entertainment business – and actors often feel the brunt of it. So, you basically have two choice… you can either go stick your head in the sand, and where for it to get better… or you can take advantage of this time, and use it to your advantage. Obviously, I suggest the latter. So take advantage of this slower time – get those things done that you’ve been putting off. What better time to put together your reel, get those headshots in order, contact people on your target list – and above everything else – GET CREATIVE. Everyone’s contacting casting directors – maybe you want to focus on contacting writers. Everyone’s sending out postcards – maybe you want to come up with something that stands out more. Don’t let the state of the economy stop you from doing the next thing in front of you. Trust me… you’ll kick yourself afterward if you do. Challenge yourself. Push yourself. Remember, you’re in the actor olympics – if you’re not ready to compete against the top 1% in your field, then you might as well pack your bags and go home. So, focus – on what it is your really want – and it’ll push you through the down times.
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