Acting Techniques – Achieving Muscular Relaxation Without Emotional Dormancy

Throughout my work as an actor, I have learned many tips and tricks to help expand my scope as a performer. Although many of these tidbits of information have helped me create realistic and sincere characters, one of the most important tips any actor must adhere to is obtaining true muscular relaxation.

Think about it – you are on stage, or in front of a camera, and you’re required to portray a character who is in a completely relaxed state. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, the answer should be yes; however, the majority of actors tense up the moment they must perform, which makes delivering a relaxed and natural character almost impossible.

As an actor, you must engage in full-body training, and true muscular relaxation must be the cornerstone of this training. Don’t get me wrong, muscular relaxation does not mean muscular dormancy. When this state of being is truly met, you will experience a heightened state of alertness, which enhances your ability to react, listen and deliver dialogue. As you are relaxed, you become more confident, and with an increase of confidence you can make character choices and risks you otherwise would store away in the recesses of your mind.

According to the great actor teacher Stanislavski, this state of being is known as “blissful relaxation.” Visualize this form of muscular relaxation as being a cat looking at a mouse. His entire body is at such a state of “relaxation” that he is able to react at a moment’s notice, and all tension that would inhibit muscular reaction is inhibited.

In order to reach this “blissful relaxation” you must dedicate yourself to calming your nerves and becoming highly aware of your entire body. Take a moment, close your eyes, and actually feel your body. Feel the way your clothes rest against your back, the way your pants hug your thighs, the warmth of your shoes and the expansion of your chest while you breathe. This increase in awareness elevates you to true relaxation. It ensures you avoid being bogged down in a fog of worries, doubt, depression and anxiety.

When working on a script, take time to fully relax your body while simultaneously prepping your muscular system for the task at hand. Imagine yourself as a cat, watching its prey, and with full confidence you can attach your prey (script). It will take time to master the art of relaxation without engaging in emotional dormancy; however, once mastered, you will experience a level of confidence, assurance and ability that was otherwise out of your reach.