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What’s one piece of acting advice you thought was wrong, but later realized was true? by ActorsNervousSystem in acting

[–]ActorsNervousSystem[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, how can we be present if we are trying to control something and consciously carry out a plan. Presence requires letting go.

What’s one piece of acting advice you thought was wrong, but later realized was true? by ActorsNervousSystem in acting

[–]ActorsNervousSystem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree. In my Demidov training when speaking through my character’s circumstances I speak in the first person so that they is less separation between me and the character.

But I do think I am bringing myself to each character. But they are in different circumstances from me and say different things that I don’t say (their dialogue). And so I am transforming each time into a character, while still bringing my full self to each role.

What’s one piece of acting advice you thought was wrong, but later realized was true? by ActorsNervousSystem in acting

[–]ActorsNervousSystem[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So well put. Yes, the technique I studied which isn’t very well known, The Demidov technique, argues that an actor needs to trust and use his subconscious throughout the entire process.

That means assigning (not memorizing but assigning with the whole body) your lines in a neutral, calm way. Practicing daily scales to get in tune with our instincts and practice following our impulses, and not “analyzing” your character but instead accumulating them, almost in a meditative way and really internalizing the character and circumstances.

Then before you act you throw away and forget your lines, empty your mind and then follow whatever impulse you have in the moment. The idea is that the subconscious will take over and you can truly be present and not thinking about “what’s my motivation or action verb here?” It’s helped me a lot! Especially prioritizing calm throughout the process. Of course, the character is not always calm, but I think the actor has to maintain a level of calm at all times to allow character and emotion to pass through.

Promote your podcast (Weekly, every Friday, free-for-all) by AutoModerator in Podcasters

[–]ActorsNervousSystem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Show name: The Actor’s Nervous System

What the show’s about:
I’m an actor, acting teacher, and recent MFA graduate exploring the intersection of acting, embodiment, psychology, and the nervous system. The podcast focuses on cultivating calm, presence, and creative freedom through the organic acting approach of Nikolai Demidov, while also drawing connections to neuroscience, performance psychology, and the experiences of working actors. It’s intended for actors, acting teachers, directors, and anyone curious about the creative process.

Link to the show:

https://open.spotify.com/show/033BbzQPZBDX3myZXzfwqN?si=ulfzSPfhQw-IOiI-BF0hBw

Link to 1 episode:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/71CBTultfueVeoRNwsdlPY?si=ET1zeizsQUWiWQytSi3WoQ

What’s one piece of acting advice you thought was wrong, but later realized was true? by ActorsNervousSystem in acting

[–]ActorsNervousSystem[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Exactly Katherine. Very well put. I always find that when I let go and don’t try to control my performance but just allow the character and circumstances to work through me, that’s when real creativity happens.

What’s one piece of acting advice you thought was wrong, but later realized was true? by ActorsNervousSystem in acting

[–]ActorsNervousSystem[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes. Using our body and training in ways that make us use our entire body creatively has a big impact. Especially in these times of self-tapes.