The way into being present in a scene is through the individual moment. The moment is the actor’s greatest life-saver. Much like life, if you are in the present moment – all things are available to you and there is nothing to fear. One of the most significant differences between improv and scene study is that — in scene study we prepare for the moment. How you behave in the moment is different than how I would behave in the moment; due to our life-histories, experiences, points-of-view, and opinions. In scene study, we create the back story of a person in service to being. A character doesn’t necessitate a different accent or walk (although, sometimes it does!), but it does demand that you leap into the imagination of a person that is not you. In improv, we often just operate from the moment without any depth of values. It can be the difference between a snapshot from a disposable camera and the richness of a professional photo. We create the values of where to bring light, and what remains in shadow. We create what is focused on, and what is in the background. We decide whether to use color, or allow for black and white. When a character is created out of our fertile imaginations, we bring the magic of art to it. When we create out of our imaginations, we invite Spirit’s assistance. We end up with the gravitas of artistry and leave the pettiness of our mundane lives in the dust. Remember, the reason that we don’t have a camera crew following us around all day is that most of us would need an editor, make-up, hair and lights. And, for most of us, our lives are just not as interesting as our imaginations would allow.
Jeffrey Marcus Acting Class 