The 6 Rules of Acting According to Elias: Rule 3 - Being Present

Welcome back to our blog series on the 6 Rules of Acting according to Elias! Today, we're exploring the third rule: Being Present.

In acting, being present is a fundamental skill that allows actors to fully engage with their characters, scene partners, and the audience. It's about being in the moment, reacting truthfully, and letting go of distractions and preconceived notions.

Why Being Present Matters

1. Authentic Reactions: Being present means responding genuinely to what's happening around you. This leads to more authentic interactions and reactions, making your performance more believable and engaging.

2. Connection with Scene Partners: Presence fosters a deeper connection with your scene partners. It allows for spontaneous and truthful interactions, creating a more dynamic and compelling performance.

3. Engaging the Audience: When you're fully present, you draw the audience into the world of the play or film. Your focus and energy make the story come alive, captivating and holding the audience's attention.

4. Enhanced Performance: Being present helps you stay focused and adaptable. It allows you to handle unexpected changes or mistakes with grace, maintaining the integrity of your performance.

Examples of Acting Teachers Who Emphasize Being Present

1. Sanford Meisner:

• Meisner's technique is centered around the idea of living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. His famous repetition exercise trains actors to focus entirely on their scene partner, fostering genuine and spontaneous reactions.

1. Uta Hagen:

• Hagen emphasized the importance of being in the moment. Her exercises encouraged actors to fully engage with their surroundings and scene partners, enhancing the realism and emotional truth of their performances.

1. Stella Adler:

• Adler believed that actors should be fully present and connected to the world of the play. She encouraged actors to immerse themselves in their characters' environments and relationships, allowing for more authentic and powerful performances.

How to Cultivate Being Present

1. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness exercises such as meditation or breathing techniques to improve your ability to stay present and focused.

2. Repetition Exercises: Practice Meisner's repetition exercises with a partner to enhance your ability to respond truthfully and spontaneously.

3. Scene Work: Focus on your scene partner and the immediate environment during rehearsals. Avoid planning your reactions; instead, let them arise naturally in response to what's happening in the moment.

4. Physical Awareness: Stay aware of your body and surroundings. Use physical exercises to ground yourself and stay connected to the present moment.

Conclusion

Being present is a crucial skill for any actor. It allows you to connect deeply with your character, your scene partners, and your audience, resulting in a more compelling and truthful performance.

By practicing mindfulness and staying focused on the present moment, you can enhance your ability to live authentically under imaginary circumstances.

I hope you enjoyed the 3 rules of acting according to Elias, to find out the rest please join us for a 6-week workshop that helps you delve into your acting technique, explore your authentic voice, and leave with a 30-sec reel and 2 headshots that showcase you iconically.

You can register or stop by 4023 Bardstown Rd Louisville KY 40218 in Hikes Lane on Monday, July 29th at 7 pm - 9 pm

For more insights and to join our upcoming acting workshops, visit www.directedbyelias.com/acting Happy acting! 🎭