Raising the Stakes

Every scene we work on presents us with the unique challenge of creating the emotional life of the character to meet the given circumstance that face us. This is not always an easy task especially when there's a lot at stake.

The first challenge is to be specific and clear about what we face. The next challenge is to make strong choices.

Strong choices ground us in the moment to moment work allowing us to be fully involved in the interaction taking place. With strong choices taking risks and following our impulses become second nature. Moments must be earned. We can't take for granted that what is meant to happen next is just going to happen because that's the way the scene is written.

There are "two scenes" in every scene. One pushes forward the plot. The other tells the story of the characters. Our obligation as actors is telling our story.

With strong choices we take a personal risk with our work that open us up to inner life of the character.

What other choice do we have?

Paolo.