a markland studio zoom workshop
An actor is the emotional vessel in which a character is born and then lives out the story of the writer. Within the words are meanings the writer intends to express and just as many of which they are unaware. The collaboration between writer and actor is one of mutually respected invention. The writer often finds himself channeling, during which they are merely a typist, delivering words from the ether. As it is so with the actor, who has purpose and intention, but in any given moment may be possessed by something from the beyond. The union of these magical places is what allows an audience to transcend and feel themselves within the story being told.
This class will explore the tangibles of script analysis… the who, where and whys. Focusing on the purpose of the character within the story but also the metaphoric meaning of their journey. You will be offered simple earmarks to recognize intent and motivation which can then be translated into behavior, action and expression. You will also understand the responsibility of the actor to work within the genre and tone of the world as it is written.
We will explore how to find the belief system of the character, from which one can then build edges and context for the character’s choices, behavior, and voice. It is as important to understand what the character hides as much as what they express. And for this to hold truth, it is first necessary to understand what the character believes about themself.
The subtext of scripts is often where the most powerful and meaningful messages hide. So, how does one read what is not in words? The class will give you simple questions to ask that will uncover the language between the lines, giving you a much deeper connection to why and how your character operates on an unconscious level.
The class will require quite a bit of script reading, journaling, scene, and character breakdowns as well as some scene work and directing each other. they do? Our protest must be in our work, elevating our humanity and understanding of self - to not accept what is but attain what could be.
Be prepared to work. Be prepared to play.