Somatic Acting Process ®
Background
Somatic Acting Process® (SAP®) is a new movement-based acting practice emerged from the integration of my processional experience as an actress, theatre-somatic practitioner and researcher. It is part of my ongoing investigations for over a decade and was first formally shaped through a Practice-as-Research PhD at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama while teaching actors in UK-based institutions.
Lineage
SAP® is situated among various modern practices that support embodied experience, awareness, creativity, expression and communication in acting. It offers a contemporary approach to the study of character, text and improvisation originated in Stanislavski’s last rehearsal techniques of physical actions and active analysis while introducing new experiential vocabulary and dynamic and individualised concepts in acting.
My contribution to actor training integrates acting and somatic movement practices, inspired by Body-Mind Centering® (BMC®) and Authentic Movement principles. SAP® further develops the well-established application of somatic approaches in actors' movement education (i.e. Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method), by shaping a somatic process of embodiment as both a learning and creative methodology.
Process
The Somatic process of embodiment in acting underlies all the SAP® studies, which I identify as relational fluid structures. The support of each actor’s expression, creativity and communication towards the embodiment of character and text happens through experiential work on body-systems (such as bones, muscles, organs), the study of human movement development and their integration grounded upon sensorimotor perception, breathing-based processes, active relaxation and imagination.
The somatic process of embodiment in acting also provides actors with a creative methodology for contributing to rehearsals and shaping original pieces, tailored to their present experience, focus and interests. Creative and critical reflection is emphasised as crucial for developing each actor's inner-outer integration, nourishing their unique creativity.
Objectives
SAP® is a fully formulated yet open practice that holds the space for the actors as movers within and witnesses of their own creative processes. My aim as a somatic trainer-witness is to support each actor's individual creativity and expression, viewing acting not as an objective ‘science’ but as a diverse and inclusive process of mind and body, inner and outer, self and other/others dynamics. These dynamics are explored through individual partner studies, guiding actors toward embodying characters and texts, and ultimately, their own creative practice.
Applications
SAP® has been successfully applied within individual and group processes. Please click on the context of your interest.
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