ow often do you really ensure that one moment is finished before moving on to the next one? We have all been guilty of jumping the gun. We get consumed with our evening plans before our work day is complete. We go to dinner and our mouths are watering for chocolate mousse dessert before the salad is even served (try ordering dessert first- its a treat). You want to break up with your significant other but you start dating someone before the relationship is really over...(just don't do that)....If you have ever really relished the true joy of the car ride before you get to the party then you know what I'm talking about. Its not always as pleasant as cruising at 140 to the sweet sounds of Brittany Spears with the wind blowing through your hair. But to really experience and live in every moment is to be present during the sour spots- it only makes the good ones sweeter.
This is what I want to see in your acting. You must live and breath life fully into every single moment, never missing a beat. Never anticipating what will come next- because you never really know. Never take one moment for granted because every moment is truly a gift. An actor living in the present moment is the one we are compelled to watch, not just because you're in frame, because we are connected to you. That also means enjoying the process when learning your craft. Too often I see actors frustrated with not being a great actor after 2 months of study! 2 months! Becoming a great actor takes 20 years. So the sooner you start enjoying the process, the quicker 20 years will go. Who knows, it may only feel like 19 and a half:) Live- really live fully in every moment because there is a truth that is bigger than you. Bigger than your insecurities, your ego and your problems. The truth is neither negative nor positive, it just is.
Happy Old Year's night to you.
Robyn Kay runs The Robyn Kay Studio for actors in Toronto, Canada teaching acting classes rooted in the Meisner technique. If you are interested in taking classes email [email protected] or call 416-312-9188