Performance Training Journal: 8/5/2015

Performance Training Journal: 8/5/2015

Activities:

Meditative Technique, Joint Training, Esoteric Studies, Self-awareness.Vocal Training, Vocal Conditioning, Emotional Channeling.

Results of meditative Technique:

During my studies this summer, I noticed that one of the important training tools for most actors was some form of meditative technique. During some high-stress life events, I spent some effort focusing on performing more, and deeper meditative technique. I quickly noticed that the deeper sense of physical relaxation, made me more comfortable in social situations less anxious, and happier. It also freed up mental energy from worry which allows it to be redirected towards perception, and technique building. 

Results of Joint Training:

for quite some time i have been aware of some joint issues, particularly with the joint of my left big toe as well as a recent pull of my left shoulder. I therefore recently resolved to train my joints actively to strengthen them. I noted that active training of each of these joints overall strengthened my endurance and capacity to uses them. My posture has also increased quite a bit. One of my training sessions involved alternating on and off sitting in Seiza (known as the hero pose in yoga) for hours. After that I noted a new 'spring in my step'. Overall I'm senseing that the smartest thing i an do overall for my body's health right now is to spam joint training as a regular part of my training.

Esoteric studies: 

In general i often find myself learning new things in unexpected places, such as reading magazines in areas where i do not normally, reverse-engineering techniques from tv, as well as trying new and silly things in multiple environments. While this self directed learning may not make sense to others it seems to be my primary learning mechanism, i should spam it.

Self-awareness:

As a result of my meditative and physical training i am much more emotionally aware of my personal strengths , tenancies and weaknesses. This allows me to tailor my activities to play to my strengths. it also ennobles me to trust in my own strength to greater degrees.

Vocal Training.

For quite some time, i've been practicing teh scales, some singing and a hymn in spanish. I also spam whistling training. i've noticed that this has improved my breath control, my overall sense of confidence, and is helping me to train past my sense of stage fright as i learn to look people in the eyes as i sing, i recall how my primary stage fright symptom was a tenancy to not look others in the eyes.

Vocal conditioning.

One of tmy esoteric studies brought me to understand that vocal conditioning is a base prerequisite to high-level musical and acting performance. I've begun some  tongue, and jaw stretches. Also i noted that my spamming putting a book on my head while walking (sometimes for miles) vastly improved my vocal capability.

Emotional Channeling.

I noted in my improv dance class whene we went between 4 emotional 'zones' that i could quickly (as in instantly) shift between very different emotions. I recognized the value for this in my acting trainnig and started using that in my acting class. Needless to say I am, and shall continue practicing that technique to improve my acting performance.

Further things to train.

Make a set of monologues that channel my primary personas of combativeness, playfulness, and cerebal logician modes. among others.

Practice more 'improv storytelling'