The Official Newsletter Of The New Collective LA Acting Studio
Presence
What Is Presence?
In acting, presence is also referred to as star quality. It is something every actor strives for - - and, to be clear, it has nothing to do with how you look. Presence is achieved through a combination of elements: relaxation, emotional depth, and an air of mystery. Luckily, these are not just things you need to be born with. Through the process of developing your craft, every actor can achieve this quality in their work.
Self Awareness
Self awareness is not the same thing as self consciousness (excessively aware of being observed by others). It is about the actor’s full knowledge of themselves as complete, three dimensional human beings. Achieving this is a highly personal journey. The more an actor learns about themselves, the more they can offer to their craft. When building a character, actors must be willing and able to understand the vulnerability of their character, and the fact that this vulnerability lives inside at all times. The vulnerability (also referred to as the need) is not an emotion - - it is a sensation that must be felt. An actor who connects with this need will enhance their presence on stage.
Privacy
As I've mentioned before, an actor’s ability to create a sense of privacy in their work is crucial. Achieving privacy not only strengthens an actor’s presence but also adds an element of mystery to the work. Instead of explicitly telling the audience how to feel, true privacy invites the audience into the character’s inner world. For most actors, letting go of the need to show is one of the most difficult things to achieve. The path to a deeper presence on stage and screen is about surrendering. Open yourself, trust yourself, know that you are enough and the power of your presence will thrive.
