What are we actually doing?

Everyone who comes to our studio to audit a class receives the “Grand Tour” where we show them around, make sure they’re properly introduced, and feeling comfortable before we get started. At the end of this rather brief sojourn, we always ask if there are any questions or concerns, and one day, this bright and quite delightful individual- who is now a beloved member one of our classes- asked: “Do any stars come here?”

An interesting question that caused me to pause; not because I was searching my brain for celebrities in our studios’ history, (there are a handful…that we’ve never, ever mentioned) but because the question intrigued me…or I should say, the possible reasons for the question intrigued me.

Now, after 26 years of flailing field research, for me the answer is an easy one, but certainly not a short one. But in that moment, I could really appreciate the inquiry, and was curious about this person’s perspective, such as it was at the time.

Do any Stars come here…

What is a Star?

What is an Acting Class..?

Artistry and Industry are two very different things. Do they interact? Absolutely. All the time. But they are utterly distinctive disciplines. In this case, we’ll use Acting Class as our comparable study:

In the Artistry column, Acting is an art-form. In Acting class, we are committed to a deep understanding of a character’s history, wants and needs, and a full understanding of this moment; we employ curiosity and empathy, and our movements and actions are motivated by information and emotions. Basically, we live truthfully under imaginary circumstances.

In the Industry column, star-making is a business. Scripts for films, television shows and commercials are largely (not always) organized with the objective of viewership and ad-sales as priority. Methods and strategies are employed to maximize engagement, influence, and encourage purchase of membership and related products. So in a sense, the movements and actions of Artists under these circumstances are often, motivated by a corporate interest, strategy or an algorithm…which is not acting by definition.

But again, do they interact? Yes, all the time. Are they related? Sort of. But it can be quite exciting to learn that the beautiful and revelatory craft of Acting itself, does not equate to being an industry star.

Some of the greatest, most spellbinding actors I have ever witnessed, are not involved in the film and television or related media industry.

Some of the most powerful moments of my artistic and human existence took place in a crummy little room on Welch Street, by selfless individuals who don’t have an Agent.

Some of my greatest personal lessons and growth have come as result of my work in Acting Class; and yet, some of my most negative and regressive messaging has come from my work in the film and television industry.

To live truthfully in a near un-manageable moment, having selflessly researched a characters past, empathized with their plight, and courageously embodied their wants and needs with a hopeful eye to their future, and to do so in a room among one’s peers, with and open heart, curiosity and a rapid heartbeat, and to be committed to oneself and one’s scene partner, and to actually see the world that exists in the story,  totally connected and focussed on what truly matters…oh my God! UGH!.. the heroics of this magical and mysterious thing!

But am I hoping to curb favour for one over the other? No, certainly not!

Well…maybe I’m a little biased. But in all transparency, I did do an audition for a Hallmark movie yesterday, and I gave it my all!

The point is really about perspective, and having a healthy understanding of this work, so we don’t mix the two disciplines and use the results as a measuring stick for our self-worth and personal pedigree.

Also, the point can be about following our genuine gut and not second-guessing ourselves and our decisions…and being able to identify when our choices, actions and movements are being influenced by industry rather than by our innate instinct…and working toward trusting the latter.

Imagine the complexity of bringing Art to an Audition. I mean, that’s a whole other Blog post!

I digress. Back on track.

“The person you are is a thousand times more interesting than the greatest actor you could ever hope to be.” Bottom line. No debate. Period. Mic drop.

So the answer to the question- you remember the question, don’t you?

“Do any stars come here..?”

Answer:

Yes. Absolutely. They all are.

And having learned from this experience, I think a good question for me to ask is:

What am I actually “doing” in Acting Class?

Or maybe even…

To be, or not to be?

That is the question.