ME Literacy Project
I am making the argument that we should be using modern-day acting tools and techniques to teach all people how to use their minds and emotions more effectively. I can support this position by presenting scientific work done across the United States of America in small pockets that has produced data, which concurs with what I am saying.
According to our world's best mind scientists, the human brain is the most powerful supercomputer known to humankind. I am presenting that we should be using acting tools and techniques as a base operating system for that supercomputer, like MS Windows, or Linux Redhat. These tools and techniques will allow the common person an easier way to interface with their mind and emotions more effectively.
Over the last little more than a century, acting has changed. It evolved with a gentleman named Konstantin Stanislavski. It is no longer about pretending or representing, it is about being, becoming. Becoming a different human being, mentally and emotionally. Consider the marble actors use to create their work. The human mind and emotions. Stanislavski and the masters who came after him all created the “chisels, scrapers, hammers” and other tools needed to do this.
Here is the rub, we as human beings don't have a mind and emotions for entertainment and one for real life. Ipso Facto, these tools and techniques can be used by anyone to grow and develop themselves as a human being in any direction they choose.
These tools and techniques teach actors how to use REAL emotions in imaginary circumstances. How to build and use a REAL working mindset to live truthfully on the stage... Well the question becomes, why are we working so much harder to build imaginary people then real people? Why aren't we giving these emotion regulation tools to elementary school kids before they get hit by the emotional tribulation of adolescence?
As for how to think about the moment we are in. The Stanislavski System is seven questions that dissect the moment. Their purpose is to ground the actors character in the moment. Well, in life, these questions can ground our own personal character in the moment.
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Who am I? The moment in relation to you.
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Where am I? The moment in relation to the environment.
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When is it? The moment in relation to time.
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What do I want? The moment in relation to purpose.
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Why do I want it? The moment in relation to desire.
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How do I get it? The moment in relation to action.
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What's in my way? The moment in relation to obstacles.
This is giving a real answer to the platitude that kids are given. “Make good choices'” “Think before you act.” “Don't be stupid.” I heard them all growing up but it took Stanislavski for me to understand how to make choices in the moment in a calculated way. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are multiple techniques.
This will also help kids with their insecurities. In the acting world insecurities are called stage-fright. That happens because actors don't know their lines, don't know their beats, don't know their blocking, it's because they don't know. When people start using these tools and techniques on their own insecurities and start answering questions, those insecurities will disappear.
This is a short list of the soft skills that are learned either directly through the actor's work or as a byproduct of doing the work: Presence. Situational awareness. Initiative. Grit. Projection. Wit. Breeziness. Motivation. Emotional Regulation. Empathy. Critical Thinking. Teamwork. Public Speaking. Problem Solving. Creativity. Listening. Independence. Mindfulness. Preparation. Organization. Goal Orientation. Interpersonal skills. Communication. The list goes on. These aren't just acting skills, these are life skills that I fail to see so many taught in such a confined arena.
The world doesn't realize it yet but this is an untapped gold mine of potential. When we gave the world written literacy through language, it changed the world. When we gave the world numerical literacy through mathematics, it changed the world. Why wouldn't it change the world by giving it mental and emotional literacy through the tools and techniques of the actor and improviser? At the end of the day, that is what I am talking about, two new forms of literacy for mankind that has been completely overlooked because who looks to the theater kids for world-changing knowledge.... The short answer is, it doesn't matter because the knowledge is there.