Director Mark Travis discusses his experience kibitzing on some acting workshops.
I have been directing actors for more than 40 years in theater, film and television. And now, ironically, I teach directors all over the world how to direct actors. I use the Travis Technique, a revolutionary technique that I developed over the past 40 years. And even though I have dedicated a majority of my professional career to the art and craft of directing I have spent very little time actually teaching acting. In fact, I don't really consider myself an acting coach or teacher -– I'm a director. But recently it has become clear to me that I need to learn a lot more about how actors are trained if I am going to be more effective both as a teacher and as a director. I'm on a quest. I'm searching for that acting teacher that feels compatible with my style of directing. At first I thought this would be easy — that all I would have to do is identify the masters of the craft, sit in on one of their classes and be prepared to be awed. And, of course, I can read their books. Most of the acting gurus have written books. It seems to be a prerequisite. In fact, the other night we auditors were chastised for not having read this particular guru's book! Hmmm. Not unlike the hero on the Hero's Journey I've discovered that I've entered a dark forest full of obstacles, pretenders, fantasies and delusions. Shape-shifters flit from tree to tree. It's a maze that would challenge any self-respecting Minotaur. The Wrap | Read the Full Article
I have been directing actors for more than 40 years in theater, film and television. And now, ironically, I teach directors all over the world how to direct actors. I use the Travis Technique, a revolutionary technique that I developed over the past 40 years.
And even though I have dedicated a majority of my professional career to the art and craft of directing I have spent very little time actually teaching acting. In fact, I don't really consider myself an acting coach or teacher -– I'm a director. But recently it has become clear to me that I need to learn a lot more about how actors are trained if I am going to be more effective both as a teacher and as a director.
I'm on a quest. I'm searching for that acting teacher that feels compatible with my style of directing. At first I thought this would be easy — that all I would have to do is identify the masters of the craft, sit in on one of their classes and be prepared to be awed. And, of course, I can read their books.
Most of the acting gurus have written books. It seems to be a prerequisite. In fact, the other night we auditors were chastised for not having read this particular guru's book! Hmmm.
Not unlike the hero on the Hero's Journey I've discovered that I've entered a dark forest full of obstacles, pretenders, fantasies and delusions. Shape-shifters flit from tree to tree. It's a maze that would challenge any self-respecting Minotaur.
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