The Art of Authenticity: Acting Techniques for Real Life Applications

Holly Yates, a seasoned therapist in North Carolina  since 2004, specializes in helping adults and couples navigate  depression, anxiety, and life transitions. With a background in acting,  she brings unique insights into authenticity and real-life applications.  Holly focuses on Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and Acceptance  and Commitment Therapy (ACT). As a Certified FAP Trainer and founding  facilitator of the ACT Peer Intervision Network, she has presented  workshops globally, including at ACBS Conferences. She co-authored "The  Inner Critic Workbook" and a chapter on FAP and Couples Therapy. Holly  serves on the Board of Directors for ACL Global Project, and here is a  link to her delightful member spotlight interview: https://acl-global-project.mn.co/posts/activity-hub-member-spotlight-holly-yates

 The Art of Authenticity: Acting Techniques for Real-Life Applications 

Sounds  like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? The reason these skills were created is  so the actor can “behave truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” As  Sanford Meisner said, "Acting is not talking, it’s living off the other  fella'." Every little moment has a meaning all its own. Meisner was a  preeminent acting teacher who shaped and taught some of the greatest  actors, and his technique lives on. This class focuses on his technique  because of the parallels between his method and Behavioral Theory. ACL  was born out of behavioral principles, with a primary focus on  authenticity and genuine connection.

Authenticity and genuine  connection are vital for relationships that are rich and meaningful.  Being authentic happens in the present moment and relies on  moment-to-moment interaction. In a world constantly asking us to be  better and focus on who we want to be rather than who we are, driven  largely by social media and comparison, it’s no surprise that we often  feel disconnected from ourselves and others. Relationships are hard to  form this way.

There are ways to connect with our authentic selves  to foster meaningful relationships. The ACL Global Project provides one  such connection, and there are other ways as well. One of those ways is  through techniques that actors use to bring genuineness to the  characters they portray and the relationships they create in plays,  films, or TV shows. In this class, we will explore techniques that bring  us closer to our sense of compassion, a common sense of humanity, and  present-moment interaction. We will practice awareness, courage, and  love through theater exercises and games, bringing a sense of play to  our connection and honoring our vulnerability. It’s the difference  between watching a production and becoming part of the experience. The  same with authenticity—it’s experiencing connection from the inside out.  Come and play, and be the leading actor in your life.