Chapter 147: Improvisation

Anson had his own stereotypes about acting classes, but this trial class kept breaking them and refreshing his understanding. He didn't excel at every game, sometimes making mistakes, feeling awkward, or being lost. It was so different from his past life, more challenging than any performance or photoshoot he had done so far.

But! Anson was completely enjoying himself.

Of course, it wasn't all games. There were also some basic acting exercises, but since it was a beginner class, they were relatively simple.

The teacher asked the students to prepare a performance, like an audition, choosing their own material. It could be solo or group, with no limitations on the number of people, theme, or style. Everything was open.

After the performance, other students would share the emotions they felt - not judging the performance itself, but simply describing the joy, anger, anxiety, happiness, unease, or fear they experienced. Then, the performer would explain what they intended to convey and what they gained from the feedback.

Finally, the teacher would provide guidance based on the effect the student wanted to achieve.

Sometimes it was script analysis, sometimes an analysis of the emotional arc of the entire scene, and sometimes specific performance points for demonstration and adjustment.

The guidance wasn't done privately but involved everyone. Occasionally, the teacher would even invite other students to join the performance.

Ultimately, acting is an art that requires practice and exploration. Theoretical study alone can't make a great actor.

"Acting is like this, there's no right answer."

"The same scene or line might be sad in your eyes but liberating in someone else's. Different actors' different understandings give the character different charms. That's the essence of acting."

"So, there are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand eyes. Not just for the audience, but for the actors too. Every actor is unique."

"You shouldn't and don't need to pursue a correct answer. Acting has no correct answer. You should ask your own understanding, your own feelings, and interpret it in your own way."

"Of course, before you become Jack Lemmon or Jack Nicholson or any other Jack, you don't have the right to express your own voice. But at least you can portray the character according to the director's requirements, which requires you to understand both yourself and the character."

"That's what we're doing now."

Laughter erupted. The atmosphere was relaxed.

Even though it was a beginner class, the teacher constantly emphasized his views and conveyed his energy, establishing a core principle.

The students couldn't fully grasp such a level or height yet. Some were confused, understanding but not fully believing.

However, this energy was crucial. It shaped the actors' personalities from the foundation, and the positive atmosphere in the classroom was palpable.

In the blink of an eye, 90 minutes had passed. The two-hour class was nearing its end. Once again, they were drenched in sweat. Who would have thought acting class was such a physical activity, requiring considerable exertion.

"Today, for the final part of the class, a five-minute mini-play."

The teacher, also covered in sweat, had tied his long hair into a bun. His cheeks were flushed, but his eyes were bright and full of passion.

Some might wonder why such a talented acting teacher hadn't become an actor himself.

There were many possibilities.

Maybe he was indeed talented but never got his break. Maybe he performed well in private but got nervous on camera. Maybe he simply wasn't suited for performing in front of the camera, the feeling was different.

Maybe he excelled at theoretical discussions but his actual performance was another story. There were countless people pretending to be professionals with their theories. A good acting teacher wasn't necessarily a good actor.

Or maybe he was an actor, still chasing his dream, teaching to make ends meet while constantly auditioning and waiting for his chance. 

The possibilities were endless; Hollywood was never short of such people. But the light in this teacher's eyes didn't lie - it was sincere, warm, and passionate.

It was clear that he genuinely loved acting and wanted to see more great performances. There was no jealousy, only contentment at the students' excellence. He wholeheartedly shared everything he knew.

His smile shone brightly in his eyes.

"Now, let's put aside the scripts, all the frameworks you know, and feel the characters and emotions with your hearts. We're going to do some improvisation exercises."

Buzz.

Buzz buzz buzz.

No one spoke, but a subtle stir spread. All the students sat cross-legged against the wall, leaving the center of the practice room empty. But the heat from their eyes, heartbeats, and breaths filled the entire space.

The teacher laughed.

"What, are you scared?"

Laughter erupted.

Indeed, for the beginner class, they were still in the imitation stage. The sudden shift to improvisation, abandoning scripts or references, was a level of difficulty they couldn't imagine.

"Don't be nervous."

"Even professional actors, let alone the advanced class, can't always deliver convincing performances in improvisation. It requires inspiration, spark, and the right state."

"Some actors have been performing their whole lives and still can't improvise. But that's okay. Not being able to improvise doesn't stop them from being great actors, and it won't hinder you either. You might never need improvisation, especially on a film set."

"So."

"We're doing improvisation not to test your acting skills, but as an experience."

"Remember what I said? Feel the emotions, the energy, the state, both your own and your partner's. The quality of the improvisation doesn't matter, even if it's a mess. The important thing is to experience it."

The teacher looked around, giving the students an encouraging nod.

"Next, I'll randomly give you a scenario, including two characters. Then you'll freely develop it, keeping the performance going no matter what."

"So, any volunteers?"

Everyone: ...

They looked at each other.

Even though today's exercises had been about breaking down barriers and shame, the thought of being thrust into the spotlight, unprepared, to perform with no knowledge of the character, plot, or their partner's reactions, relying entirely on improvisation and testing their spontaneity and adaptability, made their hearts clench.

This...

Was terrifying!

The teacher scanned the room, a helpless smile on his face. "Guys, there's no need to be nervous. This is just our class, not a real performance or audition. You should look at it from a different angle. If this were an audition opportunity..."

"Oh, great, wonderful! Someone has volunteered!"

The teacher led the applause, revealing his slightly uneven teeth. He was about to ask the student's name when another student also raised their hand and stood up. His smile deepened.

"Perfect! So, our two actors are about to take the stage. How about it, are you ready?"

Third update.