Acting Technique: The Relaxation Warm-up

Acting training isn't all about learning lines and how to move around on the stage. One of the most vital acting techniques is preparing the body and mind before you set foot on the stage or in front of the camera.

The first part of any warm-up exercise is relaxation. This may seem counterintuitive, as you will want to have lots of energy to perform. What the relaxation exercise does is turn your body and mind into a blank slate, ridding you of...you, for lack of a better term. You want to remove all thoughts and tensions in order to rebuild a new person who will then take on the role he or she has been assigned.

Try this; Lie down in a quiet area, arms at your side, palms facing upward. Take several long deep breaths. With each inhale, imagine you are breathing in pure energy. With each exhale, push out all toxicity and negative thoughts. Allow every muscle in your body to unclench and relax. do this for five minutes, then slowly revive yourself by wiggling fingers and toes before you slowly sit up.