Let's Get Physical! Part 2

When we all got ready and gathered up the first thing we got to do was the physical exercise we had in the first session, the one where we had follow our instructor's tempo and rhythm. It went better than the first time, there were less "LATE!"s and "NOISY!"s. This time though, he tried something different. He switched the leaders around so we were following different people at different times! A bit more confusing, there was one part where he said "Calvin and Hobbes leader!" and I didn't know it was me until later, I was still blindly following!! So the exercise really kept me on my toes (literally and figuratively) and warmed up both our minds and our bodies.

Next, we were to come out on our own 3 at a time to perform as a not-so-inanimate object. Things like a falling egg, a crushed paper, a dying flower and and a candle came out. We were not told what to do until we stepped out, so we had to think of something on the spot, which stressed me a bit. The main thing I learnt was that we have to be different in a way and not follow what everyone else is doing. We also have to be confident in our own idea and believe in what we are showing. Also, we had to be aware of our body.

Ah, then we got to play a game! There were two sides and each side had to choose between a troll, a giant, and a wizard. Like rock paper scissors but more actions. The winning side was to drag their opponents into their area, thus converting them. As the group got bigger, it was harder to pass the message and on some occasions the leader would do something and hope the rest would follow. I think we learnt how to work as a team and that we have to make decisions fast. Also the whole game was very fun and our minds had to be very quick in order to win.

For our final exercise, we were to choose 2 out of the 5 elements, using both actions and sounds to mimic their properties. The exercise dealt with our different ideas of how "this" element was to be shown. Most of us were doing different things even though what we were portraying was the same. I felt that as actors, we have to be confident of our own style and also to show our body language, much like in the second exercise.

So far it's been really helpful, although it can be a bit stress at times. I look forward to seeing the bald guy again :)

-Isaac