" Hi Richard,

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading the article you wrote on "the Pursuit of Truth... being Bold and Believable", I feel it had such relevance to me as an actor, especially considering in the past I have often felt that my performances are dull because I've spent too much time worrying about being 'natural' and 'truthful'. I could really relate to the line "the actor whose focus is prioritized on being truthful is inevitably working on how the character feels about the events that are unfolding". This certainly rang true for me, as did the disadvantages of this approach that you wrote about. In the past I have definitely been guilty of this (using the 'truth meter') and during any scene where I have taken that approach, I have definitely not made listening the priority and end up feeling like a bit of a fraud. For me, in my experience, I've had that fear of being 'bold' (although countless other acting coaches of mine have always said, "Be bold in your choices") and I end up playing safe, worrying that I'm being "too big" or "overacting". And your right, this fear has held me back from ever taking risks and even completely abandoning my gut instinct. When I think of Hollywood actors who I consider 'big and bold', like Jim Carrey for instance, during his performances, I still 100% believe him and often will be waiting with anticipation for what he'll do next.

I'm so glad you wrote this article! I feel it's so appropriate and it's something I think about all the time as an actor and have always wondered how to incorporate risk taking and being bold into my scenes. You've just described the process beautifully and I realize more and more just how much fear has held me back and destroyed a lot of great moments in my previous work. This article is now hanging on my bedroom wall :)

I also want to take this opportunity to let you know how much I am enjoying the classes. I really love learning The Rehearsal Room process because I respond much better to a programme that is simple. I don't walk into class with that feeling in the pit of my stomach that only comes from putting too much pressure on myself to 'get it right', (which is a nice change for me). I think you are a wonderful teacher and incredibly insightful and that goes for all the articles you have written.

See you Wednesday night

Cheers,

- Genevieve Brock, August 10

G’day Rich!
Just got back from a few days in Sydney and also got engaged! I also won a Green card in the lottery can you believe? (Hence the trip to Sydney for the interview with the Consulate)

I always find that I take a lot away from every Master class term as it's a great environment to practice with other skilled actors. I like the Rehearsal Room methods as they give me solid and specific tasks to focus on and explore definite paths for generating effective performances, no matter what the script.

Thanks for your kind words too Richard, very much appreciated. I'm feeling more and more that I'm getting an element of (dare I say it) control over what I'm doing. I think the thing that I keep (re)discovering lately is to put faith in my own presence, which I think isn't too bad when I'm relaxed and drop my centre of gravity, and not feel that I have to give something extra in a performance.

Anyway Rich, thanks again and hopefully see you soon!!

- John King, July 09

" I came back from Tuesday night on a high and really feeling like I learned something. What I found, was that there are so many things to remember as an actor but if it can be distilled into a purpose (fight for control/challenge/test) - not only does the performance become real but it actually helps with nerves, because you become so focused."

- Susan Strafford, January 07

"I just wanted to let you know that last night was fantastic! I have participated in various actor training programs, and I found our session last night to be very unique.

I appreciate the simplicity of the process we're using. It helps me identify the story in a scene so quickly. The character's need becomes very clear, changes are easier to make, and the results we produced in just a few hours were remarkable. (If I do say so myself!) I especially enjoyed working in a small group. We were able to thoroughly explore issues as they arose - and you stepped in to steer us in the right direction when needed. I am really looking forward to the rest of the term. Should be really interesting!"

- Jennifer Sheahan, January '07

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