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Relaxation Techniques For Kids

August 17, 2016 Acting Classes

Relaxation Techniques For Kids

Let’s face it. We live in a stressful world. Traffic, money (or lack thereof), our relationships with family and friends, our jobs, and/or the threat of losing them all contribute to a feeling of insecurity.

Our innate biological responses, which exist to motivate us in case of emergencies, kick in, and adrenaline and cortisol are released. Theses hormones are great friends when escaping a fire or providing superhuman strength to lift heavy fallen objects in time to save a life, but their continual production not only compromises our effectiveness, but our health as well.

Although children may have fewer daily responsibilities, the stress in their young worlds can be just as ominous. As all levels of education become increasingly more competitive, the pressure to perform well academically also increases. Anxiety over not fitting in, of course is an age-old trial of childhood. And now we are recognizing the prevalence and harmful effects of bullying.

Acting Classes: Performers Anxiety

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August 17, 2016 Acting Classes

Performance Anxiety and Young Actors

For any creative process to be successful, it is important that the critical voice of perfection takes a back seat. Nothing will squelch creativity like the fear of being judged or of “not doing it right.” And for those of us in the performing arts, this is especially tricky because as much as we may practice and feel good about what we’ve done in rehearsal, as soon as we’re on stage, on camera or in front of people, fear and anxiety may creep in, keeping us from our most free and expressive performance.

Although some children love the spotlight, there is a good chance that by the time they reach adolescence inhibitions may well begin to surface. Of course adults, too can suffer from performance anxiety. Many an audition I have blown by not allowing myself the time to release the stress of revealing my emotional life to perfect strangers before I enter the casting office.

#1 Rule of Improv

August 17, 2016 Acting Classes

Learn More About Improv Acting

Rules! Rules! Rules! Why are there so many rules in life? Eat your veggies, stop kicking your brother, and when it comes to improv always say “yes.” Wait…what??? Actually, that last one I happen to agree with. I repeat: When it comes to improv, always say “yes,” and don’t deny. Better yet, say “yes and…” As with the rule don’t poke a hungry bear with a pointy stick, some rules are there to protect
you.

In improv, saying yes is your friend, your BFF, your soul mate. Why is that? Let’s break it down.
First, we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room: Improv is not real. SHHHHHH! I know, shocking.

No Child Left Behind

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August 17, 2016 Acting Classes

What About The Children Left Behind

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 may (or may not) have been good in theory, but the execution has left many students lacking in imagination, critical thinking skills and frankly, common sense. Why? Because for the most part many teachers are solely “teaching to a test” (sometimes very ineffectively) and students are all being taught the same way even though studies show people learn differently and one size does not fit all.

“Trying to achieve this standard, furthermore, results in teachers focusing solely on material that will be on the state’s standardized test, making school about passing a specific test, rather than about learning as a goal in itself.” http://www.opposingviews.com/i/pros-and-cons-of-no-child-left- behind

Listening Exercises For Actors

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August 13, 2016 Uncategorized

Listening Exercise Scenes

As an acting teacher at Gary Spatz’s The Playground, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many children over the years. And the thing that I’ve noticed most often with children’s classes are that they think that memorizing is acting.

They believe that if they say their lines perfectly and in order, they’re acting. And for some children this is a great first step. But it’s also important to make the transition to being in the moment, being believable and really communicating. Easier said than done.

A simple way to get in the moment while acting is to focus all of your attention on your scene partner. The truth is that the scene is not about you. It’s always about the other person. You want something from them and you must check in with them at every moment to see if you’re getting it. Simply reciting lines in order doesn’t make an interesting scene.