sanford meisner on acting Archives - Biz Books https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/tag/sanford-meisner-on-acting Wed, 02 Jan 2019 02:28:24 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 The Biz Interview: Pippa Johnstone of The Rainmaker https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-pippa-johnstone-of-the-rainmaker Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:56:15 +0000 http://novacurrent.com/bizbooks/?p=658 Pippa Johnstone is the lead in Pacific Theatre’s production of The Rainmaker.

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]]> Pippa Johnstone is the lead in Pacific Theatre’s production of The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash. In advance of its opening today, we spoke with Pippa about her role and the various projects she has going on at the moment.

What was were the elements that drew you to be part of this production?

First and foremost, I just love the story. I am always drawn to stories about family, heartbreak and hope, and this story has a l all three. The story really hits home for me, it’s a real lesson in learning to love and believe in yourself, and about how beauty comes from how you see yourself. I think most people I know can relate to that on some level. Not to mention the creative team we have assembled is an absolute dream! I feel so lucky getting to work with some of my favourite artists in Vancouver on this beautiful play.

Can you share some of your creative process in preparing for the role from the initial planning of the production all the way through to opening night?

Creating this show has been a real treat. Working with Ron, our director, I have felt a huge amount of freedom to explore so far, and build trust within the cast. We’ve spent a good deal of time focusing on the heart of the story, the heartbreak and hope of the characters and exploring the desperation that comes from living in a dry season when your livelihood depends on rain. Even though we don’t live in the Dust Bowl in the Great Depression, the themes are all relatable in their own ways, and we can all get behind hoping for a better future beyond the horizon.

Are there any books or specific authors that have been influential to you so far in your creative journey?

In general, I have a few key acting books I like to keep around. I studied Meisner technique in New York before I went to UBC, so I’m a big fan of Sanford Meisner On Acting, and currently I’m reading (and totally inspired by) The Open Door by Peter Brook.

What were the biggest challenges for you as an actor in preparing for this production and how did you deal with them?

Maybe the biggest challenge is just allowing a story that feels very personal out. This play hits home for me, and I know many others in the cast, and opening yourself up to telling something true and secret about yourself feels very revealing and very rewarding. It has been a pleasure to explore, and I’m so looking forward to sharing it.

What can you share about any future projects that are in development?

Right after The Rainmaker, I’ll be in a completely different type of project, with Trainspotting as a part of Rumble Theatre’s Tremors Festival playing at the Russian Hall November 12-15th!

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The Rainmaker opens October 10th at Pacific Theatre and goes until November 1st, 2014. For tickets and information, please visit PacificTheatre.org.

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]]> The Biz Interview: Lori Triolo – Actor in “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-lori-triolo-actor-in-danny-and-the-deep-blue-sea Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:20:38 +0000 http://novacurrent.com/bizbooks/?p=281 Lori Triolo is a fixture in Vancouver’s film, television and theatre scene. A shining light for her guidance of local talent, she’s now getting the opportunity to share some of her many performance gifts as one of two leads in Pacific Theatre’s new production of...

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]]> Lori Triolo is a fixture in Vancouver’s film, television and theatre scene. A shining light for her guidance of local talent, she’s now getting the opportunity to share some of her many performance gifts as one of two leads in Pacific Theatre’s new production of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea by John Patrick Shanley. Lori talked to us about her experience in preparing for the role and what it all means to her.

What was were the elements that drew you to be part of this production?

I am an enormous fan of John Patrick Shanley. I have been mounting productions of his plays for 20 years and I had NEVER worked on the character of Roberta. After Jason (Goode) and Aleks (Paunovic) approached me to be a part of this production we sat down to read the play together. It became clear that we needed to put this sucker up. I thought it was a gift I was being given. Not only to explore “Roberta” but to work with two talented men that I barely knew. They both have enormous hearts were so committed to telling this story that I would have been crazy not to participate. I also have always wanted to work at Pacific Theatre and thought this was the perfect introduction to their world.

Can you share some of your creative process in preparing for the role from the initial planning of the production all the way through to opening night?

For 10 years, Larry Moss hammered into my head that our job as actors was to teach the world how to be more human. That we must be willing to expose ourselves and ultimately pay a price for the work we do. That is something I understand to my core. I grew up in NY and had a theatre in The Bronx where this play takes place. I KNOW “Roberta’s”. Most of the prep came in the form of script analysis. Connecting all the dots. I love doing this kind of detective work. I have trained with many incredible teachers over the last 25 years. I always bring my practice with Sanford Meisner into rehearsals. Being in the moment, listening, staying present, always having an opinion. I also do very strong intention work.

Are there any books or specific authors that have been influential to you so far in your creative journey?

Of course I LOVE Sanford Meisner on Acting. I read it when I was 18 and decided to go study with Meisner the next year. I knew this technique was really right for me. I think it’s good for everybody. I can’t imagine any actor starting their career without this very simple and vital work. Meisner is magical and I believe the technique can change the world.

The Fervent Years by Harold Clurman had an enormous influence on me as well. I always wanted to be around in 1930 when The Group Theatre was born. I think I would’ve fit right in.

While preparing for this role I read Adler on Ibsen, Strindberg and Chekhov. Might sound like a strange choice but I love to be reminded of where we came from and what was important during the dawn of modern theatre. Nothing really changes.

I try to read a play a day (or at least a week) and I am a big fan of Biographies. My most recent read was Drama by John Lithgow who is a hero of mine. Seeing him on Broadway in M. Butterfly changed my life at 17 yrs of age.

What were the biggest challenges for you as an actor in preparing for this production and how did you deal with them?

I think my biggest challenge was/is finding the physical stamina to bring “Roberta” to life every rehearsal and now throughout the run of the show. The play is highly emotional and physical. Aleks and I really give everything we’ve got to these two broken/beautiful characters which can leave me pretty depleted…so, I try to take care of myself and get a lot of rest. BUT, it’s the price I pay to do what I love and tell the right story to help people find/remember their own humanity. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am blessed.

Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is now on at Pacific Theatre. Visit PacificTheatre.org for details.

For more of Lori, check out her recent appearance on Urban Rush with Danny and the Deep Blue Sea co-star Aleks Paunovic.

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