Dare to Connect

When you hear the word connection what are the first three words that come to mind? And go.....

For myself....link, relationships, communication.

Connection is defined as relationship where a  person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else.


Then I dare to ask you....as a person how connected are you? And as an actor, how connected are you to the work that you are doing?

In an age where social media has allowed us to connect us to so many people, I feel myself  less and less engaged with what is happening to me in the life in front of me that I have a false sense of connection with people...How many pictures of food have I liked or posted a status in hopes that people will like it?  Then I ask.... when was the last time you picked up the phone and actually talked to the person who liked your latest status update...

As an introverted person, there is some comfort in all these ideas.  However, as I challenge myself to engage with people at dinner parties or at other social events that in the past I would avoid, that through the anxiety of those first uncomfortable moments, I have a deeper sense of connection and happiness.

Therefore, my challenge to you as a person is in this new year disconnect in order to connect.  Find 2 hours a week where both the phone and computer are turned off....don't post, tweet, text, instragram   but actually engage with someone in front of you for that time..Try it ....see how it feels...I will be accepting this challenge as well.

But yes I know what you might be asking...this sounds great but how does this relate to acting?
My response....everything.  If you are more attune to how to connect, your work on stage or on screen will be more grounded.  Acting is also reacting and if you are able to truly connect with the  material and your scene partner..... that is where the magic happens..  I am sure you have seen a performance where an actor is not engaged and is "phoning" it in.

I say turn off that phone in order to avoid "phoning" in those connections in your life and in your artistic work...that's when the true connection will happen.

Three words for 2014

Connect. Collaborate.Create

Connect with the moment in front you.
Collaborate with someone who inspires you
Create the life you dare to dream of.

Cheers

Patty G. McGee