Prepared for the Challenge

"Theoretically, the actor ought to be more sound in mind and body than other people, since he learns to understand the psychological problems of human beings when putting his own passions, his loves, fears, and rages to work in the service of the characters he plays. He will learn to face himself, to hide nothing from himself- and to do so takes an insatiable curiosity about the human condition"

I couldn't have said it better myself. And I didn't have to because Uta said it for me and way before I ever could.

And so the challenge begins. As the summer is at its highest point, I am beginning to prepare my thoughts and ideas for the school year to come. Every year I try and find a way to recharge my educational batteries. A true teacher never stops learning so I try to keep discovering and exploring... being the type of teacher who develops a sense of the ever changing world; as a high school theatre teacher that's important. And so this blog was born...

I am going to revisit the teachings and wisdom of one of my favorite acting teachers: Uta Hagen, a woman who was considered one of the most truthful actresses of her day.

Truthful: it's a word that, on so many levels, is taken for granted. But when it comes to acting "truth" is something unusually connected to fiction. In learning to accept truths, we as actors and people of theatre better understand what we wish to do everyday. And so the journey begins as does my time with Uta.

I will read, I will comment, I will live and experience. I plan to spend time learning more about the craft I love to teach in order to give a little more to my students. I also plan to give a little more to myself. Hopefully, this challenge leads me to discover more about acting, and more about myself.

And so here we go... Chapter 1...