The Official Newsletter Of The New Collective LA Acting Studio
Thoughts On Process: Working From A Sensation
Working Beyond The Lines
There are several techniques in the craft of acting that can help you move beyond the confines of the lines, and make your work feel more authentic. One of these is script analysis and working with actions (see previous post: Sending An Action). Another essential tool is the ability to work from a sensation.
The Power Of Sensation
In acting, sensation refers to the physical feelings or perceptions we experience when something interacts with our body. While the term "sense memory" is often associated with emotional recall, it actually goes deeper. The true practice of sense memory involves fully surrendering to your five senses and allowing them to guide your performance. This approach can provide actors with a powerful anchor, helping them bring variety, depth, and nuance to their work.
When actors get too focused on their lines, they can become trapped in worrying about how to say them, constantly repeating them but never quite feeling satisfied. This often happens because the actor hasn't connected with the truth of the moment. And this is where sensation becomes crucial. Finding a truth in the moment and working from a sensation go hand in hand.
Transformation Through Sensation
Working from a sensation can profoundly transform the actor. I first encountered this concept as a young actor in a film class. The instructor asked me to perform my monologue again, but this time, I was to imagine I had a raging toothache. The goal was to let the physical sensation of the toothache guide my performance. When I watched the playback, I couldn’t stop laughing—not because it was funny, but because I didn’t look like myself. I looked like a character.
I understood then that the instructor wasn't suggesting I simply imagine a toothache for every role, but rather demonstrating the power of working from a sensation. The actor’s job is to make sensory choices that support the character’s reality and circumstances.
Examples
Some examples of how to work with sensory choices are:
The Element of Place: Imagine yourself in a specific location. Use your five senses to fully experience the place. Let your body relax into it. This can help you focus and release tension, creating more natural, grounded behavior.
The Fourth Wall: Imagine something or someone on the fourth wall—whether it’s a person, an object, or a location. This can help you get out of your head, clear away self-consciousness, and add depth to your inner life.
Animal Work - incorporate the essence of an animal’s behavior into your character. Using your sensory imagination, animal work can help you to create unconventional behavior and transform.
Moving Beyond Line Readings
If you find yourself stuck in repetitive line readings, working with other aspects of your craft—like place, the fourth wall or animal work—can unlock new dimensions in your performance. These techniques can free you from the confines of the text and help you discover a world of possibilities within your character.
