Creativity – Commitment
photo by D Sharon Pruitt
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When directing a play or teaching character work, I have many exercises dedicated to giving the actor the opportunity to live inside the world of the play. We start these exercises at the beginning but I’ve noticed it’s difficult for some actors to fully commit early on. They tend to hold back in rehearsal, allowing themselves to walk through the scene rather than truly explore it. Most of the time it turns out to be a combination of self protection (the fear of looking silly, unhinged, vulnerable, sloppy, etc.) and the fear of the unknown (what do I do? what will my partner do? how does this turn out?… etc.)
In writing this posting, I see some irony in the fact that I’ve recently had a hard time committing to writing anything for this blog. I find I have really high expectations for myself and others when working on a project where others are involved and others will be viewing it later. But when I have the flexibility of a project with no real deadlines, I have a hard time keeping on top of it. It’s very hard for me to be my own task-master when it’s a solo project.
My goal for my actors, my students and myself is to fully commit to whatever moment you are engaged in. I believe that’s the best and quickest way to see what’s working and what’s not. It also honors your true needs in the moment which promotes personal growth (not just in their art form). I wonder if my obstacles are the same as my students even though the situation is different? I find momentum and strength committing within a group, while others might find that freedom alone. But it boils down to this… Why do anything if you don’t commit to it, care about it and want it to succeed or grow?
SELF OBSERVATIONS
1. How can you tell if you’re fully committed to an action, idea or moment?
2. What are some clues that you’re not committed?
3. What is easy for you to commit to and why?