One of the most impactful lessons I learned during my time as a theatre student, was to “make my scene partner look good.” Not by making my character smaller or less important, but by focusing my positive and active objectives onto them.
Here is what I mean by objective; Constantin Stanislavski introduced an systematic approach to acting by using inner motives to achieve the goal or need of the character. There is always an overall goal for the entire script that the character is striving to achieve. That creates the character growth and arch. Then within every act, every scene, even down to every beat, (whenever the topic changes in a conversation,) there are always objectives each character possesses. This is what gives the entire story momentum, movement, and life.
By making my scene partner look good meant I needed to choose active verbs that directed my objective onto my scene partner. I was working off of them, their energy, their responses. When we were both centered on one another, in sync with on another, that moment generates momentum that catapulted into the next scene to continue the story.
When I take this lesson into real life I compare it to the relationships in my life whether it be a romantic, platonic, or work relationship. What keeps that emotional tie growing is focusing on the other person. When we make choices that empower, inspire and uplift the individuals around us it gives the relationship’s momentum to progress.
I understand when we extend understanding and trust it’s not always given in return. I also understand when those circumstances happen it’s easy to shut yourself off as a form of self preservation. But when fear is given reign over our lives it impedes our progress. The relationships we have, even with ourselves, suffer.
Anguish, pain, envy, and confusion are inevitable. However when we make an active choice to focus on others, focus on their needs, focus on empathizing with them despite the anguish, pain, envy and confusion, we move forward. Their story becomes our story. That is progressive movement. That is change.
Thank you, Stanislavski.
Sarah Lorna
SARAH LORNA BAILEY 