Unit
One - Introduction to Drama
Module 2: Actor's Tools
Lesson 6- Imaging and Relaxation
Introduction:
An actor needs to be able to
give up control, focus and imagine. The purpose of this lesson
is to introduce the actor to these skills.
Activities:
Warm-up:
View the
picture below and discuss it with a partner. Brainstorm the
things it reminds you of or stories you can imagine that relate
to it.
Activity
1 - Releasing control through relaxation:
•Choose a partner
•A lies down on the mat, hands at sides, head aligned
with the body, and the small of his or her back pressed against
the mat.
•The legs are the first portion of the body the partnership
works on. B sits beside A and lifts As leg
slightly. B rotates A's leg at the ankle and encourages
it to relax. When the ankle is totally relaxed and A is
no-longer anticipating the movements, the pair moves on to the
knee. B bends A's leg at the knee, then lifts and
lowers it, until A is able to relax the leg at the knee.
•The process is repeated at the hip when the knee is relaxed.
The entire leg should now be able to raise and lower or rotate
under B's control.
•Repeated on the other leg, and then with the arms (at the
wrist, elbow and shoulder).
•Some people will find releasing control very difficult.
Continue attempting release. It success is achieved, B
will feel a sudden weight that indicates A's muscles are
no longer controlling the limb.
•The head is the last area of the body that a release is
performed with. Discuss safety in handling the head as a class
before beginning. B sits near the top of A's head
and places his or her fingertips under A's neck. B's
thumbs are placed on the outside of A's head to provide
support and prevent quick or unintended movement of the head.
B slowly draws his or her hands up towards the top of the
head until the entire head is held. Then B slowly lifts
A's head and rotates it slightly.
• All tipping and rotation of the head should be done slowly.
B should stop immediately if A complains, and should
not "bounce" A's head.
• The head will feel very heavy if successful release is
obtained.
• A and B should now switch positions and repeat
the process.
• As a class, discuss who was successful and who was not.
Then speculate why people in general might succeed or need more
practice.
Activity
2 - Guided Imaginary Journey: focusing the mind
•As a group, define the process of imaging and brainstorm
reasons why an actor might need to be able to clear his or her
mind and relax. Record your ideas and a definition of imaging.
•You should lay down on mats and follow the imaging as
it is read to you.
•You should be laying on your backs, with your hands at
sides, and your heads aligned with your bodies.
•The teacher reads the relaxation script to the class in
about 10-15 min, or plays the audio recording. Following the
exercise, the group debriefs through talking circle.
