Body And Movement Class   If you go back and read previous blogs at 800Casting.com regarding voice overs, acting techniques and auditions, one thing may stand out; what the heck do I do with my body? Many actors have experienced tension and performance anxiety to the point where no matter what acting technique they used, their subconscious body movements stifled a performance or audition. Acting classes may not call it “body and movement” but the gist of the class will be to show you how to use your body as a complete instrument. One common body and movement class being taught today is based on the Alexander Technique. In a nutshell, it teaches students to recognize a more intimate relationship with themselves. Students will learn to be free in their breath and voice. In other words, it’s almost an injury prevention technique since you will be trained to breathe and speak correctly, not just talk. For example, look at pro tennis players; they rarely get injured since their technique is pure. On the other hand, club players always complain about knees and tennis elbows, surely caused by lack of technique. Laban Movement Analysis acting classes are mostly geared toward theatrical training. Laban uncovers small nuances in behavior and focuses on small to large gestures with the sole purpose of maximizing specificity of every action.   The Suzuki Method of Acting believes that acting begins and ends with the feet. In addition, exercises will be done to align the body and posture, focusing on the body’s core muscles.   The Williamson Technique is kind of a physical compliment to Meisner’s acting technique classes. This body movement class teaches students to practice flexibility and physical correctness. In other words, create behavior that will align your body to your “in the present” acting experience.   We at 800Casting.com feel that learning body movement is just as indispensable as learning acting technique. Staying in balance is critical to an actor since most of the time, they are being pushed off balance by Casting Directors, scene and script changes, etc. So, keep your head in balance, and remember, wherever the head goes...the body follows.

TALENT30 Apr 2021

Body And Movement Class

If you go back and read previous blogs at 800Casting.com regarding voice
overs, acting techniques and auditions, one thing may stand out; what the
heck do I do with my body?

Many actors have experienced tension and performance anxiety to the point
where no matter what acting technique they used, their subconscious body
movements stifled a performance or audition. Acting classes may not call it
“body and movement” but the gist of the class will be to show you how to
use your body as a complete instrument.

One common body and movement class being taught today is based on the
Alexander Technique. In a nutshell, it teaches students to recognize a more
intimate relationship with themselves. Students will learn to be free in their
breath and voice. In other words, it’s almost an injury prevention technique
since you will be trained to breathe and speak correctly, not just talk. For
example, look at pro tennis players; they rarely get injured since their
technique is pure. On the other hand, club players always complain about
knees and tennis elbows, surely caused by lack of technique.

Laban Movement Analysis acting classes are mostly geared toward
theatrical training. Laban uncovers small nuances in behavior and focuses
on small to large gestures with the sole purpose of maximizing specificity of
every action.

The Suzuki Method of Acting believes that acting begins and ends with the
feet. In addition, exercises will be done to align the body and posture,
focusing on the body’s core muscles.

The Williamson Technique is kind of a physical compliment to Meisner’s
acting technique classes. This body movement class teaches students to
practice flexibility and physical correctness. In other words, create behavior
that will align your body to your “in the present” acting experience.

We at 800Casting.com feel that learning body movement is just as
indispensable as learning acting technique. Staying in balance is critical to
an actor since most of the time, they are being pushed off balance by
Casting Directors, scene and script changes, etc. So, keep your head in
balance, and remember, wherever the head goes...the body follows.