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a relaxed state of awareness that takes in everything around you
People tend to pay attention to what’s right in front of them. As an inter-actor it’s also useful to be aware of what’s happening all around you. When you’re aware of what’s happening in your peripheral vision, you’re using soft focus. You can also employ soft focus by tuning in to the subtle sounds that surround you. Soft focus keeps you aware of what people are doing and how they’re responding without needing to look directly at them.
Topics
visualizing a skill for success before playing
Before a race, some Olympic swimmers stand by the pool with their eyes closed. They appear to be doing nothing, but inside their minds, they’re visualizing the race they’re about to swim, picturing themselves doing it perfectly. This is how they prep to do their best.
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shifting focus back and forth between players
When playing a scene, focus shifts between players. One has focus, then another. This is give and take.
Exercises
The president stands in the middle, with a bodyguard on either side, one in front and another behind. The bodyguard in front faces the president, all others face the same direction as the president. The president marches rhythmically, and all bodyguards do the same. As the president marches forward or backward, the bodyguards maintain their relative positions. When the president makes 90- and 180-degree turns, the bodyguards face the same direction, with the exception of bodyguard who is now in front, who faces the president. The president marches around with the bodyguards holding tight formation. Rotate players through so each has the opportunity to be president.
Exercises
Two players stand opposite each other and maintain eye contact. Player A tells a story. Player B periodically holds up a hand to either side showing one to five fingers. Without looking at the hand, Player A says the number of fingers showing, then continues with the story.
Exercises
Catcher stands behind Faller, with hands a few inches from Faller’s shoulders. Faller asks, "Ready?" Catcher responds, "Ready." Then Faller falls backward, keeping the body straight. Catcher catches Faller, then sets Faller back up to center. Catcher moves hands back a few more inches and the process is repeated. Continue falling farther each time, until either player feels the limit of safety has been reached. Then trade roles.
Exercises
Player A stands facing the group, holding an imaginary giant sword. Player A can make six different moves with the sword and the group has six corresponding moves to avoid the sword.
Exercises
Paired players face each other. One is the leader, the other the follower. The follower reflects the moves of the leader. After a while, they switch who leads and who follows.
Exercises
Place your closed fist in your lap with the back of the fist facing down. Focus on your fist and uncurl it as slowly as possible until it is fully open Repeat with the other hand.
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