In my acting class this year, which is strictly devoted to the technique, my friends and I learned that often you can get lost in the technical aspects of acting. It takes years and years to build your craft before you really can perform technical aspects habitually. I was reminded today about those technical aspects that, as a young artist, initially frustrated me, but that I also recognize as crucial in their importance. It is good for me to be aware of these elements and always be checking myself.
First off, I was reminded today that we are in a thrust space and have to perform on angles and be aware of the audience all around us. We have to tell the story to everyone -- not just the middle section of the house. The other element I was reminded of was my voice. I often fall into a "performance voice" and I get more in my head instead of my chest. In my role as a leading man, I have to match my speaking voice to my look, and it is a challenge to put my voice into my chest. I have to work at it constantly. I found the voice for Billy Bigelow in Carousel this past winter and I now have to find Marco's voice for Dangerous Beauty. That is just as important as anything else.
It was great to be reminded of both technicalities and that it is all part of the process. - Jason Heymann
(first three photos are moments from today's rehearsal; the final photo reflects zip-up corsets that are actual costume pieces for the show.)
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