To say to a painter, sculptor, musician or writer that an artist must practice would seem like the mother-hood statement to end all mother-hood statements. To say this to some actors might also be a little insulting – but can it hurt to remind ourselves of the satisfaction that can come from practicing our collaborative art form for it's own sake. Some might say well isn't it all about the "getting the job", "getting the audition", getting the part" – well yes and no.

Yes – I want to work, get paid and be rewarded.

No – I don't want to rely on getting work for my self-worth and value as an artist.

Therefore can an actor as an artist gain deep satisfaction from finding or creating a forum to practice? Yes.  

We set out to do this with the Training Company. We wanted to practice our instrument and craft work, put script classes and camera classes together, create our own work, seek funding together, the list goes on and on. So from the simplest exercise in class to the largest scale production (this is still to happen of course) we have the potential to practice and be fulfilled creatively.  

The basis of the company is that a range of classes is provided by myself as the facilitator and on top of this the actors are encouraged to meet to pursue other activities; anything from a self run workout class to a script reading or even a monologue or scene practice session. The forum and the fraternity are set up to encourage the collaborative artists to collaborate.   And guess what – its working.

Personal discoveries and revelations are also part of the process: here Angela writes in her web-journal of a break-through in class:

Had a discovery tonight that spun me out. I was seeking approval to be able to work with Mel and Michael. I didn't realise or name it until the end of the session when we each spoke during debrief. I now realise that this is all part of the want to seek approval and that need to be okay. I need to find a way to feel satisfied with myself as an actor without needing others to tell me, or without me thinking I am just not good enough. This realisation alone is enough to make me feel amazing, and want to go to class again.  

Angela's post goes right to the heart of the matter for me. It is so vitally important to find satisfaction and fulfilment in the now of what we do - it must be about the practice for any artist - to practice is to breathe - without practice there is no art expressed - the results that come form other people giving us work cannot be relied on to bring us happiness - if this is the case then we are in a constant state of dependence - what we must strive for is the "place of constant readiness" - built on independence and the knowledge that the journey is the destination in the sense that it is the present experience that is the best experience - we are not reliant on others to complete us - rather, it is necessary to practice activities that bring us the greatest fulfilment. One thing is for sure: If we get work from others – great! If we don't get work from others – great! We'll still keep our practice – and be fulfilled.

One member writes:

As a group, we came to the conclusion that we didn't want our classes to be just a routine and place to workout our instrument and muscles – like one would in a gym. But a place where we could push the boundaries, create the new, and commit to finding the 'greatness' within each of us.

And another:

Training company is a weapon in my arms against those things in the way of what I want.  I aim to break down those barriers this year! 

I am empowered by the empowerment of actors, expressing their art as collaborative artists striving with rigor for excellence.

 This is why something like our Training Company is so vital - it is all about practicing and expressing our bliss. And as a benefit supports the theory that – "Work gets Work".

Please visit our site: http://www.studioforactors.com

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