There is a tendency to add new rules to safeguard against failure, but it more effective to scale back the parameters that are already in place.
-From Directing Impov by Asaf Ronen
That quote is specifically about working on a format with a group. I think there is wisdom in there generally. We as performers know what works, what we're good at, what character types, voices, and tics get the audience going. Subconsciously we build up rules: I can do a british dude but is has to be a RP British guy / I should bring out my hilarious salesman character now / People like my dinosaur walk, time for a dinosaur walk on ... etc and we follow them without thinking. These are the patterns that naturally evolve with performances. Fine, it's normal, it can be great. They give you a style.
But when you plateau, or start feeling like you're stuck, that's when it's most important to scale back your habits.
Watch tape, find your rules, and break them.
No comments:
Post a Comment