'Why I Do Theater' Patsy Rodenburg

In the performing arts culture there are various arts one can use to express themselves, or to tell a story. Whether it be through dance, a song, musical instruments, or acting. Each art allows the artist to intricately engage the audience, bring the audience in, and take the audience along with them. One of the most used art forms for this type of storytelling is acting. Actors, and actresses, train and learn to hone their skills in order to take a story, whether fictional or non, and make it real. As actors we learn to take our personal experiences, and emotions, and put them into the story of the character we are playing so the character has life. In theater or Hollywood this type of talent is unique, yet few posses the true ability to do so. Many only go so deep in their role, sometimes remaining at the surface of the character, leaving the audience to walk with no connection. So, it poses the question why do we act or perform, if we're not going to go all in? I believe as a performer we each must ask ourselves this question so we are able to give our truth, and the characters truth, to the audience.

I recently came across a video on TED.com titled 'Why I do Theater' by Patsy Rodenburg, who shares her perspective on acting and theater in a talk at the Michael Howard Studios. In the video Patsy is very charismatic and humorous as she draws her audience in to share why she does theater. Her presence throughout the short clip speaks volumes of her love for the art and her deep respect for the art as well. Yet, it is the profound statement she makes at the beginning of the video that helps to answer the question of actors and theater, and that "is being present, being in the moment, being engaged, being connected". Patsy shares her biggest belief for any entertainer, in any arena, 'is being present', as she deems one who can not gain presence will not succeed. Patsy then goes on and shares her experiences in moments where actors were able to be so present in the moment that some audiences would leave upset or angry because it triggered an emotion or past experience that was too real for them. To Patsy this is the mark of a great actor, the ability to be present in the moment that you do not care whether the audience loves or hates you, because you are being true to the character, the story, and your craft.

Patsy Rodenburg is a renowned and respected actor, author, and esteemed teacher with over 25 years experience in theater. Today she shares her talent and insight at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and at the Michael Howard Studios in New York City.

So, again I ask the question 'why do we act or perform, if we're not willing to go all in'. At the A. Quinn performing arts center my role, and desire, is to teach, train, and push my students to go beyond the limitations of their mind and allow the deep emotions of life to catapult and transform their craft to new depths never realized before. To be uninhibited and free to express without the constraints of the mind. I want each student to walk away from a performance knowing they were present and gave it their all. For this I'm sure Patsy would be proud.

Thanks for reading,

LaKesha

My Inspiration

Recently, I came across a young dancer who is taking the dance world and Hollywood by storm, Kendall Glover.  Kendall Glover is a 12 year old sensation, who has been taking the dance world by surprise with her agility, athleticism, and technique. Kendall has already begun to create a successful career for herself in Hollywood that few adult dancers have been able to obtain in their entire career span. After reading and researching this young sensation, who is captivating hearts every time she hits the stage, I began to think back on my start in the dance community, and though I have not achieved the fetes Miss Kendall may have, I thought back on my inspirations that caused me to pursue my love for dance and the arts. For me it was when I first learned about Katherine Dunham in dance class that I became more intrigued about this art called dance.

Katherine Dunham was unique and special in the dance community, and she too took the dance world, and Hollywood, by storm just as Kendall Glover has. Katherine broke barriers, not only as an African-American, but as a dancer period. Katherine first made waves when she realized at the age of 18 she wanted to pursue and learn ballet. Shocker! At 18 most dancers are just hitting the peak of their careers, and here was Ms. Katherine, an African-American woman, looking to start her career. Despite the protest and opposition she pushed through and found someone who would take her in and teach her the disciplines of classical ballet. Katherine Dunham soon moved on to study various styles of dance from other countries, that helped her enter the theatrical community, and thereafter finding herself gracing the big screen in Hollywood. Later, she opened the Dunham School and helped to bring awareness to black dance and dancers throughout the world. Today, her name still lives on in the dance community as an innovator and one who would not take 'no' for an answer.

Katherine Dunham still inspires me to this day to continue to push to achieve my goals regardless of the obstacles or opposition I may face. And now, Kendall Glover is another inspiration as I see in her what the future holds. I desire to be apart of that future. I desire to create an environment, like Katherine did, that allows dancers to learn their craft but also become innovators of their generation. I desire to see the next Kendall Glover rise from the A. Quinn Performing Arts Center and know I was apart of their history. And I mostly desire to leave a legacy that will carry on for generations knowing I made an impact that helped to shape the course of tomorrows dance.

Thanks for reading,

xo,

LaKesha

Check out this amazing performance!