Acting Techniques for Everyday Life: Look and Feel Self-Confident in Difficult, Real-Life Situations
Anyone who has ever endured an attack of nerves before participating in events such as a job interview, an important social function, or any form of public speaking will benefit from many of the strategies outlined in this self-help manual. A professional actress and teacher, Robbins shares a variety of acting techniques that performers use to relax themselves emotionally, mentally and spiritually. While not everyone will want to adopt the vocal exercises, which seem more specific to actors, other suggestions, including muscle warm-ups, meditation and sensory visualization, are useful for reducing stress. Drawing on the experiences of colleagues and students, Robbins explains how adopting the movements of an animal like a gorilla, as Marlon Brando did in preparation for his role in A Streetcar Named Desire, is a tool that liberates body movement. Although the author's organization of material is somewhat haphazard, there are many practical ideas for taking the tension out of stressful situations by preparing in advance. Her own favorite preparation ritual is "the inner walnut." A walnut, representing the heart, houses a personal symbol appropriate to the situation. For example, when Robbins wants to be amusing, she uses an image of Bugs Bunny as her symbol. Someone apprehensive about speaking in public may hold the image of a beloved friend in the walnut. In all, this book offers a creative slant on relaxation and preparation techniques.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.