“Keep walking, and don’t look at the ground. Focus on the horizon. Listen for new sounds. Be aware of the birds.”
On one of our first rehearsals, a director I worked with took us on a hike through the forest. The play was about birds, so observing them for research made sense, but the thing that stuck out for me was “focus on the horizon.” This was something she would say often through the rehearsal process, ensuring our eyes were alert and welcoming, creating an open line of communication between our emotions and the audience’s.
A walk through the woods can go a long way. Becoming aware of the world around you, taking in the newness, and focusing on the horizon: all are exercises that can improve your performance as an actor, and as a creative in general.
Focus on the horizon and observe the new.
luke brown 