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
With owning my own performing arts academy one of the things I preach is bring your character to life. If you are an actor you have to be and portray what that actors job is. If it cause for you to be dramatic and over the top but in reality you are soft spoken, you must transform into that person to make it believable to your audience.
ReplyDeleteThere is a show called "So You Think You Can Dance", the reason I love this show so much is because they tell a story thru dance. They draw their audience in thru their movement without having to speak. Art is a way to release how someone is feeling. A simple way you dance, or an expression you portray in a play can change the lives of someone watching you. I agree with Patsy Rodenburg when she says, "being present,” is the biggest belief for any entertainer.
Stacey "Ms. Breezy" Gill