BREAKTHROUGH. That's it. That is the best way I can describe last week's class and the theme for this entry.
The most profound thing is that this was not a week with a mindblowing script or a performance of a lifetime from myself. At first glance, the nuance between the lines called for a subtle yet powerful performance. The pivotal moment was after a take when a conversation between Ani and me opened up everything.
While I did an adequate job of performing the scene for the first time, Ani knew there was much more that I could give. She was right, of course. However, it was a challenging task. Before I began the next take, I took a moment and thought about everything we'd been taught so far. Was I being honest in my performance? Was I holding back for any reason? When I felt like I had something, I began again.
Ani loved this take. Initially, I was not confident I had done anything to warrant such praise compared to my first attempt. Then Ani asked which take I liked more and why. Right there, she asked me that question when the breakthrough occurred. When I thought about which take I liked better, it was the second one. Not because Ani gave it audible approval but because I did something that limited me in acting and my personal life. I took off the ceiling I subconsciously placed on myself.
Whenever a scene or a moment in my life called for strong emotion or to get loud, there was a certain level I could not attain. I have never been comfortable raising my voice or commanding a room, but at that moment, I did both. During that performance, I was just as hurt as the character I was playing. I was honest with my chosen direction and meant every word I said.
Each word left my mouth with more passion than the last. It may sound far-fetched, but Ani, indeed, was able to pull a better performance out from within me. I'm still unsure what she can see in me and the others, but it does light a fire under you for the next take.
In place of everything I thought about acting classes before I joined the studio, it is almost comical that my best performance was born on such an inauspicious day. Everything I wanted and needed from this journey would be born from this moment. I was sure of it. For the next few days, you would've sworn a different aura was glowing around me.
If you are someone like me who chooses to be more reserved, acting could be a missing piece in your life. You don't need to make this your career, but the freedom that comes with the
expression of taking on a character can invigorate other aspects of your day-to-day. This art form provides inspiration that is often hard to put into words.
If you used to act but have fallen out with the craft or are someone like me who has never taken a step into that world, I urge you to take that leap of faith. It does not matter what comes of that leap. You will be changed for the better... Believe in yourself.
It is also important to note that this great moment did not occur in a vacuum. This confidence and inspiration would drive the performances I would soon give for both of my upcoming auditions.
#greenroomactingstudio #bretsexton #gregjamesblount #actingclasses #actingstudio #actingauditions #actor #actorsjourney
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