The Art of Listening is the foundation of The Art of NOT Acting. Truly listening as an actor requires being open, receptive, and spontaneous, while embracing a state of not knowing. It demands being fully present, because real listening can only happen in the moment.
We often think of listening as simply hearing, but it is much more than that. Listening involves all of our senses and extends beyond sound. Here, I use the word “listening” to mean receiving impressions. These impressions, which come through our senses, affect us and play on the only acting instrument we have: ourselves.
"We often think of listening as simply hearing, but it is much more than that. Listening involves all of our senses and extends beyond sound."
We listen with our eyes by observing behavior, both obvious and subtle. The more nuance we notice in our scene partner’s behavior, the more fun it becomes to respond. Our sense of touch can also deeply affect us as actors, whether it’s the feel of a prop imbued with personal meaning, or the physical touch of a fellow actor in a scene. Through our imagination, we are touched internally by images that arise. These images can evoke powerful emotions and transport us to places we could never have planned.
"The more nuance we notice in our scene partner’s behavior, the more fun it becomes to respond."
As an actor, truth is your compass. Only through listening can you respond truthfully and authentically to what is happening in the moment. Constantin Stanislavski, the great Russian acting teacher, proclaimed, “Truth in art is truth in circumstances.” I would add that truth in art is also truth in listening and genuinely responding within those circumstances.
Mastering The Art of Listening will elevate you to the realm where true greatness in acting resides. In fact, show me a great actor, and I’ll show you a great listener. Did you hear that?
Are you ready to uncover the power of authentic listening? Whether you’re based in Los Angeles for in-person scene study or joining online from anywhere in the world, my classes are designed to help actors master this transformative skill. Reach out to learn more. Let’s take your acting to the next level, one moment at a time.
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