5/27/11



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2 comments:

  1. P. Grecian5/27/2011

    I always say that I am afraid of performers who are not afraid. The trick is to harness the fear offstage and use it to create in-the-moment concentration. When I taught acting, I would tell my students that you can't force your mind to relax...but you CAN relax physically, so start with your toes and relax muscle groups, moving up your body. Chase out muscular tension.

    When you do this, it fools your brain, which says, "Hey, he's physically relaxed. No troubles. I will relax as well."

    There is, then, a loop effect. Since the brain relaxes in reaction to the body, the body follows suit and relaxes in reaction to the brain. And around and around.

    Once you are relaxed, then, be aware of your body, and keep it relaxed, in order to maintain the loop. The former "fear" becomes concentration on the moment. Works every time. I'm always fearful offstage...but as I prepare to go onstage, I feel myself relaxing...and onstage, I am home.

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  2. Anonymous5/30/2011

    I find I have to make a silly comment on this, really wonderful, suggestion. I just can't help myself! No disrespect meant, but as it is, I have trouble staying awake on a normal day, so this would not work for me! All that relaxing and the puppet would be on its own! My theme song would be, "Sleepy Time Gal", Add a little, Aroma Therapy, and all that practice would go up in smoke!

    But seriously,
    I've been in a few plays on stage and even played the lead in, "The Man Who Came to Dinner." To be honest, I find that being a little on edge and excited helps me to be sharp, on my toes, and have some extra, Pump Up.
    That adrenalin rush, in my humble opinion, is just what the doctor ordered. But, different strokes for different folks, I guess!

    Regards, Joe "Capt.Joe" Radle </:O)

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