"The same thing that inspires us in the moment inspires the "action" at hand." Thomas Ardavany
Lesson # 27
“The Ardavany Approach Acting Studios"
Next week we will be focusing on freedom in acting.
What is freedom… in acting? What is sacrificed to allow this phenomenon to occur? This quest sits at the base of any artistic endeavor, and forces the artist to seek for consistency in one’s chosen art, in this case acting.
Consistency is the result of a great many understandings simplified by technique. Any great technique is supported by “the basics”. The basics in The Ardavany Approach would consist of the script, camera and action application. Which can be supported by moments, preparation and action, leading us into action through relationship, stake and intention. These basics support all that is needed from you. You consisting of your body, mind and spirit working through the material, the environment - set, location, and stage.
Once you understand these elements and how it all works together freedom is yours..
The Challenge of Acting
The bases for this lesson is to ground us in right action so we will forever be able to inspire ourselves and never dry up.
Why Act?
This answer may surprise you but it's healthy. That's right acting is good for you when taught and done holistically, meaning taking into account the whole person when proceeding into this work.
Another reason would be the never ending learning curve that accompanies the continual exploration of self and circumstance. At the base of any great teaching the mantra of "Know thy self" echos through it.
Also in this digital age great work is rewarded with shelf life, longevity that can far outlast the actors own life. And with the advent of the hologram stars can go on acting and actively refreshed in our psyches for eons.
And then there is the fame and the fortune... the shell that encapsulates "the work".
A reason to persist.
Ah the journey begins, the lessons accumulate and that fragmentation that was you begins to become whole through countless fails, the light to a brighter future begins to illuminate... but family and friends can't understand the pursuit of what they perceive to be nothing even a waste... time to persist, dig your heels in and put these people on hold for the next three years. Trust me, the first time the see you on the cover of a mag or featured in a show all is forgiven. I have countless stories of actors on the cusp of breaking through with family and friends discouraging them from taking one more step, thenthey succumb, which is tragic, or break through which is gloriously satisfying.
What is in it for you.
A life of stepping into the unknown, aging and never hardening, maturing like a fine whine, a legacy packed with experiences and experimentation, a life of finding the bar and pushing higher, a life of being feared and adored, hated and accepted, a life on the top and the bottom, a life where you could become a living, walking, talking piece of art.
Inspiration.
As a "lead" actor you will be followed by those that you inspire, breathing your life into an entire generation of people through film, television and their mobile, global devices. And you will be inspired by them and the lengths they go to too get a piece of you, to get a direct connect to their favorite idea of themselves, YOU.
What makes you a product? – Defining individuality.
Once the work become consistent and you're competent enough to realize your responsibility to the production and your audience you become a product, a person who has defined himself and can now be used to tell stories only you could tell, writer can now write for you and productions can now trust people are coming to see you. At this point you have defined your Individuality.
The power of an ensemble.
We can grow when one person in our group has a break though. That breakthrough can become contagious in class and on a set. Actors locked into to each other are a powerful creative force capable of extraordinary feats of entertainment, sweeping audiences into other worlds.
FYI
“The Approaches” definition of acting starts with the “the movement of the human spirit”. This idea suggests the transfer of something other then just words. This study starts with what that is.