The following content has been automatically translated by close 
By Expert Author: Michael Russell Platinum Expert Author | Article Abstract Word Count: 557 words | Views: 397 view(s)
Every actor knows how important the concept of relaxation is. It is essential that this is the first place an actor start. Relaxation for the actor consists of both the physical and the mental. Being relaxed allows the creativity of both the mind and the body to flow with out interruption or constraint. It is something that should not only be done before every show, but before every practice also.

Relaxation cannot be a forced thing. In must be induced. There are many was to self induce relaxation. First physically you can perform some simple stretches. Start by rolling your head and neck in a circle from shoulder to shoulder. Then roll your shoulders. Next stretch you hands out in front of you and extend your fingers. Now reach your hands way above your head as far as you can. Next slowly lower yourself at the waist until your hands touch your toes (or as close as you can come). Then slowly stand and just shake out your body. Bounce on your toes from side to side. Jump up and down a little. The idea is to get your body loose and your blood flowing.

Now we move on to mental relaxation. This is really just a matter of putting out of your mind your day to day life, so that you and fully concentrate on acting and the situation your character is in. The physical exercises should start to relax you mentally. To help this; while you are doing your physical exercise try thinking of relaxing music in your head. If thought of your day or problems you are having try to creep in, just turn the music up.

A great way to relax mentally is to just look around the room. Look at the colors on the walls. Study the changes in them. Look at the molding and how it blends the room together. Check for cracks in the ceiling or count the holes in the tiles. Look at the other actors around you. How many are there? Do any of them wear glasses? How many do not have their natural hair color? Put them in order form oldest to youngest, tallest to shortest, etc.

Don't ever confuse relaxing with just not thinking. Relaxing is far more than that. Relaxation should not close your mind, but open it to the world around you. Relax with your eyes open, fully awake and attentive. Just free your mind.

When a total state of relaxation is achieved the actor can truly become one with the character. The point is to see the character onstage and not the person or actor. You mind opens to the world that is the play. Once all of you is gone only your character will be seen.

It may take some time to truly master the art of relaxation. Once you do, you will see incredible growth and progress. Relaxation is not the end for the actor. It is only the beginning. All great actors know how to achieve a state of total relaxation.
Michael Russell

About the Author/Author Bio

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acting

Article Source: http://www.ja.articlesphere.com/Article/Relaxation-for-the-Actor/19290

Article Tags: acting

Article Submitted: 2006-04-05 | This Article has been viewed 397 times.
Related Videos

 

Related Articles

 
 

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Acting" article category.

People interested in the above article "Relaxation for the Actor" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Child Acting Career Tips

How can you help your child's acting career? Here are five things you can do to help them succeed. This article includes information on how to choose good kids acting classes and how to take children headshots that get your child auditions. It also outlines a few dos and don'ts for parents who want to help their kid pursue their dream of acting.

Audition Monologues: How to Choose Monologues that Work

Choosing the right audition monologues can make all the difference. Monologues are such an important actor tool when it comes to getting work, especially when you're starting out and attending a lot of open calls, where monologues rule. Usually, actors are asked for a dramatic monologue, a comedic monologue, or both. But what makes a good comedic or dramatic monologue?

An Introduction to NYC's Acting Schools

Now being a peace loving writer, I certainly shan't argue about which one of those is true and which one isn't. But if you're a thespian in search for good acting schools, then you certainly won't care about that. But you'd naturally care about the list that I'm about to provide below...

Understanding Stanislavski Through Acting Exercises

Stanislavski's acting technique has inspired all the major acting methods developed in America in the twentieth century, yet a lot of beginning actors still find it difficult to understand. For a quick look at the basics of the "Stanislavski system", here are four of Stanislavski's acting principles, each illustrated by a simple acting exercise.

Voice Over Auditions: Five Tips to get Voice Over Jobs

Voice over auditions can give aspiring voice artists access to the growing number of lucrative voice over jobs that are available in today's world. Whether you're an actor trying to break into voice overs or exclusively interested in voice acting, these tips should help you approach voice over auditions with confidence and some tools to help you get the job.

Acting Techniques - How to Find the Right Acting Method for You

There are so many acting techniques out there. How do you know which acting technique is right for you? Below are some quick pointers to make sense of it all and to help actors choose an acting class based on the type of acting training they want. This article covers the Stanislavski System, Method Acting, the Meisner acting technique, Stella Adler and lesser known acting methods.

Pilot Season Acting Tips

Pilot season is the four month period between January and April when networks cast and produce dozens of demo TV episodes. Some of these pilot episodes will get the green light and grow into new TV shows that traditionally air in the fall. This is also the time when actors from all over the country come to Los Angeles in the hopes of launching their career by landing a major role in a TV pilot. Below are some tips to help actors make the most out of pilot season and decide when is the right time to move to Los Angeles.
 
Article Directory Home All Categories Arts And Entertainment Acting
 
 

Can't find what you're looking for? Try Google Search!
 
Copyright © 2005 - by Larry Lim, Singapore - Article Search Engine Directory at ArticleSphere.com™
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. All Trademarks and Servicemarks are the property of the respective owners.