Have a little........patience

 Have a little           patience. 


At the end of my script analysis group class ‘Mine For The Meaning’, I invite every student to share whatever resonated the most with them about working in that way. Recently, one of the students, Katy, explained how valuable it was to spend the time (2.5 hours on one scene!!!) to go through the script with a fine tooth comb looking for all the information the writer has included in there and how difficult it can be to actually be patient enough to do that on a regular basis. BUT, by patiently DOING that work, it actually saves you a lot of time in the long run because you have a much better chance at having a familiar shorthand with what you’re saying and doing as the character. 


Katy shared this and I threw the ‘fridge magnet’ quote on it at the end:


“You must practice patience to expedite the process”


This is true in our work beyond just script analysis too. One of the main things that gets in the way of progres is the frustration around not progressing sooner. That frustration can result in a ‘gripping’ or ‘controlling’ in your work which is ultimately always going to hold you back. 


Allow yourself to be in PROCESS and just keep patiently working on the job at hand; be it speaking with your full voice, or following physical impulses in the scene, or not deflecting when there’s conflict etc. If you ALLOW yourself to do the work as opposed to JUDGING the fact that the work needs to be done, your growth will happen at a much quicker rate. 


This ‘aha’ moment wouldn't have been articulated had it not been for the group environment of class and people sharing their discoveries and ideas. I say it a lot and I'll continue saying it forever - “Collaboration Is Key!” I learn a lot from being in the room with my students and it’s one of the main ways I continue to develop my own skills as an actor and teacher. Collaboration is the heartbeat of Mark Evans Studios and I appreciate and admire everyone in this community.


Keep up the great work everyone,


Mark


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