Personal Relationships: Connecting on an Emotional Level with Television Characters

I could not help but notice that while watching certain television series, I could easily apply and relate them to my everyday life. Asking others around me watching these show replied with the same answer. They too were able to identify in one way or another how what they see on television shows can in some form relate to what they are experiencing in life, or have recently experienced. I then was able to come to the conclusion that the television shows that seem to succeed tremendously are the ones that relate their episodes with pop culture, current issues and the society within our nation. This, I thought, could really help in making decisions on what offers to take and what roles to play in the film world. If an actor truly wants to be noticed and recognized, and launch his career, the best route to take would be to choose roles that apply to the popular cultural problems and conflicts of today. I found two great posts from FlowTV that I thought would help prove this point, and I took the time to comment back on both. The first post elaborates on parasocial relationships with reality television, while the second post is based on two new television series and how it directly relates to what Generation Y is going through. Below are the comments I made on each post.

The Lure of American Idol Explained:
Comment:
Your article defines why it is that so many shows get the attention they do, and not just with reality television, but with television series as well. I live with someone who watches the comedic television series of Friends religiously. He would often mention to me how he would find himself almost in the exact emotional state as his favorite character on the show, because to see this person struggle endowed him with pain and remorse as well. This directly relates to what you said to be how “people become so emotionally connected to the “characters” (fictional or real) that they feel like friends or neighbors. As a result, they tune in to their program to “check in” with their “friends” and see what is going on in their lives.” Furthermore, him and I would often begin to talk about which character is our favorite and why. We both found that we chose our favorite according to how we can relate to them on a personal level, or as you termed it, a “parasocial relationship.” I am heavily involved with theatre and film and have never come across this term before, and it really does explain a lot as to why certain shows capture such a heaping amount of attention. The article has also contributed to how I will choose the roles I play in the future. It would appear to be the wisest decision to play a character that society can relate to, or has related to in the past, since they, as an audience, want to emotionally connect to the person behind the camera or on the stage.

A Tale of Two Slackers
Comment:
Your article mainly talks about how Chuck relates to NBC directly. But on a different level, I do believe that Chuck can also relate to the Generation Y as a whole. In one instance you explained that “the audience knows that Chuck’s failure to grow up is a result of his past heartbreak and not his capabilities or even his desires. He longs for meaning.” This is what everyone longs for, and because of this, the audience wants to connect with Chuck and see if he can obtain this super-objective in his life. Many young people today are beginning to rebel, slack off, and find different ways to live their lives outside of the work force. The articles also states “Sean Spencer, the titular character, is happy embracing a life that involves avoidance of any hint of adult responsibility.” Perhaps this is why many people are viewing shows such as Psych and Chuck. I myself am interested in television shows that display characters that I can directly relate to in my everyday life. If not that, than I find myself watching shows that display people living experiences and dealing with problems that I have dealt with in the past. Even though these shows are very fictional, and do not happen in life as we see them on the screen, the actions and decisions that the characters make can help open our eyes and help the audience become aware of different moral and ethical decisions. What can keep entertainment businesses such as NBC and USA on their feet is providing shows that have characters that the audience can connect to on an emotional level due to the similarity of both the audiences and characters daily lives and daily struggles.

Genuine: What All Performers Must Be

Joe Hacker, my Performance for Camera professor at the University of Southern California gave a lecture this week on the pay off of being genuine. Throughout my entire life as an actress, I have often wondered what it is about certain actors that make them stand out and rise above everyone else in the entertainment industry. Why is it that whenever someone mentions the word “actor”, there is a select few that immediately pop into mind? Most of all, how on earth can an aspiring actor reach that peak level? These questions were answered with that one simple word: Genuine.

When describing what it means to be genuine, Hacker says “to be genuine is to be remembered.” When auditioning, the director does not want to see an actor trying to be someone he/she is not, “they want to see the person in real time doing real things.” It all comes down to truth. When the director asks the auditioner how they are today, it is never a good idea to say “good.” They hear that two hundred times a day, every day. They’ll forget that audition in a second. But rather, “communicate [the] emotional relationship to whatever [is being said],” and this can easily be done by actively communicating the emotional points of view expressed through the tone of voice and body language.

This is what makes an actor famous and remembered for years passed their death. These actors have owned their mistakes and have shared their true inner feelings with the camera, which has allowed the audience to see the actor and character for who they really are. A prime example would be the worldly known Ian McKellen, as shown to the right. At the age of 68, he still owns the camera by his genuine graces. OneNews just released an article based on Mckellen’s unforgettable appearance to the camera and how it has raked in an extremely large sum of money within the business. The article stated that “playing Gandalf [from Lord of the Rings] made McKellen, one of the English-speaking world's leading actors, an international box office star.” Ever since this debut, he has been asked back repeatedly by a countless number of directors around the globe begging his presence in their plays and films. McKellen later quoted in the article that “I became more of an actor because I could play before the cameras…it made for a big change in my life.” He has been asked back to play the role as Gandalf for the future making of The Hobbit, once he wraps up his world tour performance of King Lear at the end of this month.

Tom Hanks, as displayed on the left,is yet another actor that is constantly brought up upon discussing acting. His presence is clearly unforgettable and the way he transforms himself before the camera makes him all the more real and genuine. Age does not slow this man’s career down at all. All Headline News announced that he will be reoccurring in the Da Vinci Code’s prequel titled Angels and Demons, which “is set to begin filming in the beginning of 2008 for a December release.”

Of course there are a number of actors that undoubtedly appear in conversation when it comes to fine acting as Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman, and Dustin Hoffman are only a few. In order for an actor to be within that list of memorable names, he/she must first know how to audition. Upon auditioning, the main goal is to be remembered, and the only way to do this is to be genuine, and this comes by recognizing what is going on inside of the mind and sharing it with the camera. As Michael Caine, another world know actor once said, “the more you share with [the camera], the more it will take care of you.” This is what lead Ian McKellen and Tom Hanks to their success.

Drama Therapy: Displaying the Power of Theatre

It is becoming noticeably popular for drama to be used to clear the mind and release tensions and suppressed issues not only in America, but also around the world. Acting out frustrations and problems has appeared to work for many people whether they are already involved in the theatre realm, or have never really lifted the curtain to explore the sphere of this art. This technique is termed Drama Therapy and it enables “participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis” as described by the National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT). There are several different forms that drama therapy can take on (as shown on the chart, in order to release frustrations and issues. With drama therapy being such a broad term, it allows participants to choose how they want to present and express their problem. Because of the effective results from around the world, the attention of theatre will rise once again. Theatre can not only entertain the audience, but also change lives.

In Russia for example, Muscovites use the theatre as way of dealing with their frustration by acting out a story of a certain problem they are dealing with, and it is a group effort, which connects people and allows everyone to empathize with others and their problem. This appears to help them cope with their crisis knowing that they are not alone in the dilemma. The Playback theatre in Moscow offers this form of therapy to anyone interested as Russia Today stated that “they tell a story about their life, choose actors to play the various roles, then sit back and watch as their story is recreated on stage.” This spontaneous improvisation releases tension and allows acceptance of what they are dealing with in their lives.

This method may sound surprising for some, however entering into the world of theatre is literally a way of entering into a new world. In order to act as a character on stage, one must be able to empty oneself of all personal problems. This will allow the actor to discover the body and mind of the character he or she is to play. With this, theatre is, in a sense, a meditation, and many different methods of meditation are used worldwide to help relieve current issues and problems people face in their lives. So why not use the passion of theatre in the personal life rather than just the professional? The Drama for Life Research is a prime example of intertwining the professional realm of acting with the personal. Its goals for the future, as described by allAfrica.com, are to use theatre as a way to reach out to communities across Africa and “supports existing organizations devoted to HIV/AIDS education through drama and theatre.” With Africa’s strong background of theatre, the Drama for Life Research’s meta-objective is to help “restore theatre as a central component to quality living”, as displayed to the left. Theatre used to be a tremendous empowering force within everyday life in Africa, but due to globalization as well as many current issues the people face today, the mythical and ritual representation of theatre has somewhat diminished. By way of personalizing theatre on AIDS and HIV victims, and bringing awareness of these issues through the power of theatre, lives and cultures may be made stronger.

But Africa is not the only venue. ExpressIndia.com recently published an article informing readers that a hospital in India released a play to cancer patients and relatives in hope to “relieve them of depression.” The method behind this is animated by “how gaining knowledge of the disease and available treatment can be of immense help.” This goes to show that the theatre has tremendous life changing powers and can be used in more way than just pure entertainment. Theatre can bring awareness, solve daily problems, and hopefully change lives.

Rather than repressing a dilemma or quandary, the message of drama therapy is to act it out. Even though drama therapy may not completely omit stress factors for everyone, surrounding oneself with a group of people living with the similar dilemmas can have positive effects. Knowing that a patient is not alone and has the opportunity to not only talk about problems, but also watch the struggle acted out on stage relieves lonesome feelings and brings people together. It is great to know that one's own passion has turned out to be one that has the power of healing. The NADT states that drama therapy allows “participants [to] expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened.” On another level, one can use this art to bring attention to current issues within the United States such as gay rights, drug abuse, and abstinence. As drama therapy becomes increasingly popular, the assumption is that it must be correspondingly effective, and if so bring positive results back onto the professional side.

Ageless: Battling Against the Undefeatable

Performers who possess the undying passion to live out their undying dream in the entertainment business have been told time and time again that their time is now. The world of film is a prime example of an industry that hunts for striving actors in their prime, and this so-called “prime” age in film is considered to range from a mere sixteen to twenty-four years old. It is during these few years that thirsty actors have their shot at making it big. Even celebrities such as Demi Moore, who have been icons within the industry, find themselves somewhat forced out of the business due to their age and declining appearance because, primarily, those who are enthralled with entertainment world are the younger-aged teenagers.

Time Online just released an article based on the seemingly ageless actress Michelle Pfeiffer, who is playing the lead in an upcoming film based on the “metaphor for the grotesque mutilation taking place in society.” Going on fifty, she still embodies the qualities of a younger woman, as shown in the image on the left, and a starving actor cannot help but wonder what her secret is. Most of us automatically assume the “secret” is likely to be surgery, just as the considerably older, yet younger looking actress Demi Moore has proceeded to do multiple times. However, Pfeiffer’s case is quite the opposite. She strongly opposes the easy way out as she claims that “there’s a lot that you can do surgically…to make yourself look younger, yes-but not necessarily better.” She in fact pities those who are always constantly looking for different ways to make themselves look better, and whose habits become something like an “anorexic disease." As the power of media continues to increase in order to effect its audience, the fear of aging has continued to grow as well.

Lindsay Lohan, for example is fit for this “disease” Pfeiffer speaks of, as she was just released from “her third trip to rehab since January” due to her problem witj drugs, alcohol, and overall body abuse, claims Signsonsandiego.com. Her acting career has come to a crash because of these quick-fix supplements and habits that have consumed her and have downgraded her once beautiful body. She has clearly aged in appearance from her ongoing troubles, as shown in the image below, and because of her career-threatening choices, no one wants her in their productions.

Pfeiffer is fascinated by the body’s decline, and told Time Online that she “doesn’t do much to preserve.” Rather than turning to plastic surgery, what she admits to doing is “[eating] well and go at it hard core at the gym. But that’s it.” What wonderful, yet demanding news to come from a woman who is aging so graceful. This is all performers who truly plan on remaining active in this business need to do! There really is no need to buy one’s way out from aging, just exercise and healthy eating, which is certainly demanding, but also life changing and a strong necessity for performers. The key points that Pfeiffer makes from the article are truly spectacular, and should be taken into consideration: “I’ve defied the obsession with looks in this industry and not allowed it to shape me…I try to live in the present…I’ve spent most of my life not thinking about my looks and it has served me really well.” This advice is something we should take as gold, for it is this advice alone that is timeless and could lead to years of success beyond the “prime” years the industry is so keen on.

With Pfeiffer’s natural way of aging gracefully, one cannot help but use her as a role model and hope for the best to look as stunning as she does at her age. There are multiple ways to naturally treat and pamper the skin in order to create that timeless look. One of these include eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish, as they provide the essential fatty acids and vitamins in order to decrease skin deficiencies and promote “new cell generation, provide anti-oxidant protection against pollutants, and help to build new collagen as we age,” claims Michele Campbell, a resident in naturopathic medicine at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. There are of course many other ways to improve and stabilize skin health, such as drinking six to eight ounces of water a day, getting enough rest (approximately eight hours), and not smoking. Following these guidelines will allow the body to transport all needed nutrients and thereby rejuvenate. Of course the only way to reach this timeless appearance is to start now, just as it is important to grab a hold of fame and success now.

Coffee Vs. Green Tea: The Beverage That Improves Overall Performance

The theatre world is tremendously competitive and highly active. Within the film industry, call-time and working on set can range anywhere from 3am to 12pm, and actors can be called in later as well. As fun as acting is, it is a highly active job and can wear a person down quite rapidly. So what do we turn to? Coffee. The instant caffeine booster that wakes the crew up within a matter of minutes. This world is extremely fast paced, and as the workdays tend to get longer, workers wear out faster and turn to coffee on a constant basis to keep them alive and awake. However, this highly addictive drink has been sending people to the hospital on a constant basis because of the overdosing of caffeine. This actually happened to a close friend recently who is actively involved with theatre, and nearly died. Her recovery was ferocious as the doctor ordered her to quite caffeine cold turkey. This resulted in intense headaches, tantrums, anxiety attacks, and lack of concentration. After this incident occurred, it was high time to search for an alternative to coffee in order to save the rest of the hardworking entertainment industry.

It was long ago that coffee was initially encouraged to drink in the coffee houses of Mecca as caffeine was then seen as a health benefit. With this in mind, it’s rapid popularity swept across the globe and became apart of the Arab culture as well. It was not until 1615 that Venetian traders brought it to Europe, where it became the fastest growing market in the world. However, one cannot help but question whether such a good tasting, beneficial beverage has a hidden catch.

An abundant amount of articles have been hitting the newspaper stands and consuming the web on the health risks of coffee. For example, the Coffee Science Information Center announced a discovery that claims that a total of “two studies have confirmed that high doses of caffeine promote anxiety.” More importantly, this research program also strongly urges athletes and physically active people “to abstain from consuming [coffee]. It is assumed that caffeine, which is a mild diuretic, will exaggerate the dehydration and electrolyte loss caused by exercise and lead to impaired athletic performance or health” because of the electrolyte imbalance it produces. With acting being considered a highly active both mentally and physically, this information should be taken to heart.

With the world’s fast paced, high energy levels, it appears almost impossible to give up coffee or caffeine altogether. Green tea however, appears to be an excellent alternative to coffee. It has lower caffeine levels, but highly effect health benefits, and with catching the common cold, flu, or fever being such a community within the performing arts, green tea can actually put those sicknesses to a halt. In on recent study, researcher Lisa Marshall of the Daily News Transcript found that green tea has “the ability to fend off cancer, reverse heart disease, and promote mental clarity, to name a few.” Tea has been around for centuries from all parts of the world, including the most popular tea consuming countries China and Japan, as shown above, and it is because developing a complete and full state of well being that tea is, and has been so centered among these cultures. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s, claims Marshall, that research in the United States became centralized for finding the health benefits of this green tea.
With such high interest in this new phenomenon, it has been found that green tea “contains an amino acid called theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier reducing stress and possibly promoting better cognitive function,” states Marshall. Along with this rather exciting information, green tea can also help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. John Foxe, a professor of neuroscience studies the effects of tea on the brain and found that "within 20 minutes of drinking a cup of tea, there was an impact on the brain's alpha waves," which are lowered due to the theanine content within tea increasing levels of concentration.

On top of all the mental benefits green tea has on the human mind, there are also several findings of physical benefits. To name one, the fluoride levels in green teas “are generally comparable to those recommended for the prevention of dental caries (cavities)” states Jane Higdon, a PHD at Oregon State University. She also found that green tea could help reduce reception of kidney stones. The favorite physical finding to many is the result of higher metabolism, which can lead to weight loss with the correct diet. On top of this, drinking this tasty tea also takes care of water consumption without the added calories or sugar. There are still several research studies being conducted, leading to even more reasons to drink green tea. However, even though green tea contains much lower levels of caffeine compared to green tea, as shown on the chart to the right, highly active people should still be cautious of their caffeine consumption. So how much should be consumed to get just the right effect of all the benefits? Marshall found that “people should drink between three and six cups per day” in order to get the maximized “bang”.

Next time the urge for caffeine and energy consumes the body, grab a cup of green tea to rejuvenate and energize both the body and mind. The performance world is upbeat, competitive, and demanding, and it is essential to be on top of the game at all times. Since coffee can actually lead to a trip to the hospital, ruining the career and body, why not switch? After all, the exchange of coffee for tea may actually save a life or two.

Venturing Out: Bring in the Missing Links

I took the liberty to scope out for some artist advice within the blogsphere, and found myself lingering among the martial arts. As a student performer, it has been required and strongly suggested by all my professors to get involved with martial arts. I never knew why until I began taking classes. Ever since then, I have been able to become completely aware of my body and have overcome practically every obstacle I put my mind to, and I must say that I have the martial arts to thank. I found some martial art based articles that clarify how to apply this art both to the sport itself as well as in a performance aspect. The first site I found is called AikiThoughts and is primarily based on the discoveries the author has made in the life of a martial artist. The article titled The Equation discusses how being aware of one’s body can help accomplish or defeat the obstacle or opponent. The other article I read is from the Aikido Journal (as shown to the left), and discusses being in tune with the body by way of getting into the “zone”. But what really sparked my interest was how the given tips from both articles can be applied both in daily life, and in the life of a performer. After reading these articles, I commented on each one to further explain how martial arts can help on a day-today basis, as well as in the performance world.

“The equation”
Comment:
While reading your article, I could not help but notice how your equation can have a strong influence on how we view our lives everyday. I believe that practice in the martial arts is a tremendous way to build confidence, which can lead accomplishing whatever goal we put our minds to. Aikido, or any martial art for that matter, requires the performer, or “X”, as you stated, to enter into a realm of complete body awareness. With this, one is able to reach “victory”, but only with the addition (or the +) of a challenge/challenger. With this, would you be implying that it is necessary for us to be challenged in order for us to benefit a victory? You mention that victory is “the best outcome possible for a given situation”, and I am curious to know if you are suggesting that one can be victorious even if one’s goal is not obtained.

To further implore upon your article, how does one reach that state of becoming in tune with the body, and how long does it take on average to reach this state? I am involved with theatre and am constantly advised to get in touch with what is going in both mind and body. Does this often naturally occur with the constant practice of the martial art?

“Martial Arts and the Zone”
Comment:
In response to your article, it appears to me that getting in the zone is achieved by thinking on simpler terms, and not getting into our head so much. Digger deeper, I believe that following instinct can behold wonderful effects as well. I am a theatre major at USC and have been advised by all my professors to follow instinct and not to think so much. Can this also be defined as getting into the zone?

All my life I have been told to work hard, or as you stated “try harder”. I do believe that trying harder or working harder can cause interference and can actually limit us if not using the correct tactics. But at other times, I have succeeded by really putting my mind to accomplishing what I want. I have done some martial arts and simply trying harder has worked for me. I tried harder by going to more practices and studying the art at home. Yes, it did add a little bit of extra stress here and there, but in the end I succeeded. In interest of getting into the zone, I do believe that it does ease the mind and allows us to become more aware of ourselves, which is important as a performing artist, but I also believe that working hard also segue into success, both in martial and in everyday life.

Get Educated: Continuous Learning Takes on Dramatic Changes in Career and World

Who ever said that once college has come and gone, learning should vanish as well? Shakira, a well-known dancer and singer, has taken it upon herself to put her career on hold for a summer in order to take a course at UCLA for “her own enlightenment and enjoyment,” said her Western Civilization professor, Robert Cleve. This news may appear to be quite astonishing, especially since she is already viewed as highly successful. However, for performers it is essential to
continuously educate the mind and stay on track with worldly news on a daily basis. The performing arts is a representation of life itself, and to remain ignorant of culture, history, and the world today, the career as an artist can only go so far. Becoming well-rounded and versatile will increase the likelihood of success, because people scout for those who work hard and have an extensive repertoire of talents under their belt.

Dating back to the mid 1800’s, famous performers such as Benoit Constant Coquelin gives the very same advice. Throughout his career, he studied this art immensely and wrote a number of essays about this subject. In his essay titled The Dual Personality of the Actor, he states that “The dramatic art is…the art of humanity, and this is what makes a play of the highest pleasure…” He too believes that “Art is…not identification, but representation.” If actors are to imitate life, they need to absorb themselves in it. Drawing from historical and successful actors such as Coquelin goes to show just how crucial it is in be an observer in everyday life. It is a method that has worked for centuries and is taught to those who aspire to be elite performers.

One might wonder just how to do get involved with the world and become an avid observer of life. There is, after all, and unlimited amount of activities and studies to inquire in ones archive, and where does one begin? Extracting guidance from yet another historic master of theatre is a man by the name of David Garrick who strongly advices to get in touch with nature. In his essay titled An Essay on Acting, he mentions that “the only way to arrive at great excellency…is to let nature herself sit to the artist: would a player perform equally excellent in his profession, let him be introduced into the world…” It is of high importance to dive into life by allowing nature sink into personal life. Understanding nature is equivalent to understanding the world. If an actor relies on the power of nature rather than the power of oneself, representation of life can be accomplished on stage, on camera, or on a canvas, but only with great study and practice. By no means can this goal be reached over night.

The world famous Konstantin Stanislovskii, as shown in the image to the left, gave great advice on how to begin to allow nature seep into one’s life. Within his writings, he mentions that all masters of art should write, and keep a daily journal of every performance seen, little gestures people made on the street, etc. On top of this, he advised his students, from experience, to read voraciously, whether it be newspapers, novels, anything in print. Stanislovskii urged his students to visit museums daily, as well as concerts and art exhibits. In short, it is imperative to “develop your experience of the world and your ability to empathize with others through a broad liberal education.” With this in mind, recall certain moods from memory, and begin to take into consideration how the body is reacting and feeling in these certain moods. Once this is established, the actor will have a better grasp of how to represent that action or feeling on stage.

Becoming aware of the world within and around the actor will not only launch personal improvement, but can also make the world a better place to live. Performing can be a very selfish career, especially with constant self improvements and practices. However, with constantly surrounding oneself with current events, it is becoming increasingly common for actors to reach out to certain organizations that are designed to shape the world into a healthier, safer planet. Brad Pitt, to name one, has teamed up with an organization called Global Green in the hope of rebuilding destroyed houses from Hurricane Katrina. Pitt has taken it upon himself in understanding the high costs of energy use in homes, and with this knowledge he has been able to build low cost, energy efficient homes along the Ward, and is offering the homes to the families who lost theirs at that location, as shown in the image above. He is now highly aware of the damages the city caused, and he is extremely focused on providing families with a better, sturdier home compared to the shelters the government has temporarily provided.

Observing and taking initiative on life and what it has to offer will only provide greater opportunities for career advancement, and once performers dapple around with activities and education, nothing but improvement on self as well as inspiration to better the world will come about.