Life in Acting - Acting in Life

Developing a philosophy of actor training is an ongoing and evolutionary process. Ideas presented subjectively and objectively by all manner of professionals, teachers, trainers and coaches continue to circulate and provoke debate.

And so it is necessary to first articulate and develop a bedrock philosophy to actor training that seeks to be universalist and inclusivist in nature. A philosophy that works to acknowledge and respect the “work of the tribe”. It is necessary to seek out principles that are fundamental to the human experience. Principles that are by there nature, not divisive but rather represent open mindedness; principles that leave room for expansion and growth. It is important to express the understanding that life and acting are not separate or exclusive of one another, rather they are beautifully intertwined. When we examine our processes in acting craft or our attitudes to acting we realise that to work on one is to work on the other.

The philosophy behind the actor training being developed begins with a respect for the universality of the human experience and within this universality, the infinite uniqueness of the individual. Embracing the paradox of the “universality of uniqueness” is the first of many principles upon which this philosophy is built.

Within the human experience there exists fundamental and universal truths, the expression of these truths is in turn represented in a seemingly infinite number of ways. It is imperative that we develop both a respect for our individual uniqueness and the universality of the experience called Life. Wherever we look in Life there is an Acting lesson. Conversely wherever we look in Acting there is a Life lesson.

As an example: No matter how hard we try we can never make two moments in time exactly the same. We are always held in the moment of now, which is universally true. Every moment of human expression is uniquely different to the last moment in some way. Which is also universally true. A truth in Life is also a truth in Acting.

In creative expression we can sometimes attempt to force each moment to be a certain way and often become exhausted working against the very nature of life which does not allow us to control it. Rather, it waits to be discovered.

Our developing philosophy embraces a commitment to the expansion of self awareness. As we become more aware of ourselves and of the human experience we become better equipped to convey and communicate story. Growth of self awareness as a natural process can be consciously propelled and can also be consciously and unconsciously resited. Philosophically we recognise and respect both the desire for new awareness and the caution to new awareness that comes through resistance. We see this as life’s way of providing an accelerator and a brake for the car of learning.

When we exercise our will and express an eagerness to embrace change the search for greater self awareness becomes an exciting and rewarding journey. In some ways actors training with this philosophy also understand that they are pioneers for the human spirit, which inherently yearns to grow and embrace a greater truth.

As we grow our awareness we begin a strengthening process that equips us professionally and personally. The self awareness process is not only natural but also deeply satisfying. Sometimes things are discovered that challenge and confront, however as we practise the next part of our philosophy we also learn to accept these discoveries.

A commitment to the self awareness process reflects the artists passion to know more of life, to explore the macro and the microcosm of self and universe and to find it infinitely fascinating.

To embrace new awareness we practice acceptance.

When we practice acceptance we immediately create possibility for growth.
Acceptance is feminine in nature; it implies receptivity. It requires kindness and understanding towards oneself and in turn, towards others. To practise acceptance is to embrace possibility and to allow space for further growth and deeper understanding. Acceptance is fundamental to open mindedness.

Becoming aware and accepting aspects of ourselves that we do not enjoy, requires courage and strength. When the aspects that we do not enjoy about ourselves are accepted they are able to be understood and in time, released.

Once released, the space created is replenished by elements of a more positive nature. For example; if we discover we are very intolerant of certain behaviours and through a process of self examination become aware that we ourself practice these behaviours, once accepted, this allows us to transcend and replace the unacceptable with the acceptable or the inhibitive with the productive.

If we resist new awareness we apply a hand brake to evolution. Resistance of new awareness is an attempt to regain un-awareness, which is not possible. Judgment or self criticism stemming from new awareness is counter productive to growth and neutralises possibility. Therefore to practice acceptance becomes a pre-requisite to the actor’s instrumental growth.

Sometimes we find ourselves in reaction, out of hurt we say words in anger which in turn hurt another and so on. We come away from this event with self criticism and dis-ease over our behaviour. The more quickly we can come to accepting this behaviour the more quickly we can begin to learn from it. Beginning a process of letting go and working on the possibility of not reacting to similar situations in the future.

Practicing acceptance is fundamental to the philosophy of “Life in Acting: Acting in Life”. To practice acceptance is to create room for growth, is to embrace the possibility of change, is to allow new knowledge to contribute to a strengthening process of self awareness and self identity. It is essential if we are to remain open to receive. The more we strengthen our self identity the more we come to understand the universal identity. Acceptance is an essential element in the learning process.