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Are Your Acting Habits Affecting Your Performances?
It is easy for emergent actors to be cavalier about or completely unaware of their physical habits and restrictions. An uninformed actor might think she can gamble with her talent or investment in training; assuming that she can summon her most physically creative, expansive and authentic behavior at will. The inexperienced, emergent actor can assume that she needs only to work on her emotional, creative or imaginative components to develop sustainable craft. But really- when we watch an actor on stage or film- what are we watching? We canāt perceive the imagination directly nor do we perceive the emotional life directly. What we perceive is the body; the physical embodiment of these personal and artistic components. If the actorās behavior is cluttered with extraneous physical noise- the performance will be cloudy at best. More importantly, if the internal phenomena of the actor- the breath, alignment, muscular ease, etc- are blocked the actor herself will feel disconnected from her experience and will be unable to fully process her impulses into behavior.
It is very common for actors to have difficulty distinguishing between what is habitual and what is natural. Often when pointing out to an actor who is new to training that she is demonstrating a physical habit that is blocking her, she might say, āWell, thatās just who I am- thatās just me!ā. Itās difficult to imagine that āwho we areā and āour habitsā are not the same. Human beings are creatures of habit- we are hardwired to find and promote habits that help us feel familiar to ourselves and to our surroundings- even if the habits are not healthy or helpful. Most of these habits are subconscious and for the actor-guidance is required to develop awareness and the possibility of making new choices. The actor cannot be āat warā with herself internally or externally.
Therefore it is essential that the actor first become aware and come to terms with his or her physical habits; ambient physical noise, nervous/anxious physical behavior and the psychological or internal phenomena that drive it. Second the actor needs to be guided to a physical practice where that habitual noise is no longer the loudest thing in the actorās body; where new habits can be formed; slowly beginning to support the actors impulses instead of restricting them. Third, that the actor be given the opportunity to develop these new habits into a heightened sense of physical and theatrical artistry, comfort and ease- enabling the actor to realize her vision for herself. This doesnāt happen overnight. Yes- small, significant changes can take place in an actorās body soon after undertaking physical training. These endeavors take patience, constant attention and practice as well as a long-term vision to achieve goals. Developing better physical performance habits requires no less- but the payoff is can be remarkable in an actorās craft and career.
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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. Ā I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
āMaggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.ā
āMaggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.ā
“Maggie Flanigan is uncompromising, her instincts as a teacher are razor sharp. She doesnāt miss a beatā
āMaggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. I want to work with Maggie trained actors. As an actor myself, she is my first source. I do not say this lightly, if you are serious about acting, and willing to work very hard, then go to Maggie.ā
āMaggie helped me find my sense of truth, an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, which allows an actor’s potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.ā
āAfter working for ten years, I did the 2 year program, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor Iāve always dreamed of being. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth and a standard of perfection. I am a better actor because of this studio.ā
āAs an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Maggie allowed me to discover and embrace mine. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions.ā
āMaggie Flanigan has the unique ability to get an actor to the essence of what is true in a moment. She creates a safe and caring environment in which to work.ā
āMaggie Flanigan introduced me to my own spirit and my own sense of Truth. Her passion for teaching and ability to communicate are rare gifts to any actor looking for a technique to set his or her talent free. Maggieās voice has been the one constant guide in my career.ā