Acting Exercise - Releasing Tension Through Body Shaking

I have found that if my entire body is warmed up, I give a dramatically improved performance on the stage or in front of a camera. Preparing for an audition, or a performance, requires more than character development, scene study and memorization. You are responsible for ensuring your entire body is relaxed and ready for the physical and emotional demands you will soon face.

Throughout my years of working as a professional actor, I have development numerous acting exercises designed to help relieve tension and anxiety within actors.

One of the most effective means of pulling your mind into the "here-and-now," while simultaneously stretching and prepping the body is to perform localized shaking. While this may seem silly to some, after you've tried it, you will understand the importance of the following moves.

Step 1:

Sit in a comfortable chair. Keep your back straight, and your feet firmly planted on the floor. Place your left palm on your upper thigh, and take your right hand in front of your body. Vigorously shake your right hand for 10 seconds, moving into your right forearm and lastly shaking your right upper arm and shoulder. Repeat with your left hand/arm.

Step 2:

Grab the sides of your chair with your hands for balance, and take your right leg out in front of you. Vigorously shake your right ankle for 10 seconds, moving into lower leg and finally shake your upper leg for 10 seconds - this can be quite awkward, so don't be embarrassed. Repeat on your left leg.

Step 3:

Stand up, and move the chair out of the way - make sure you are far apart from any other people or objects. Close your eyes, and perform a full-body shake for 15 seconds. Try and shake every part of your body in a controlled manner at the same time.