Strasberg Sense Memory through Animal Observation as Applied to Shakespeare
workshop and presentation by Sheila Gordon

       Within the American derivations of the Stanislavsky system, the Strasberg work in sense memory is one of the most effective tools for discovering the potential for psycho-physical transformation.

       Sense memory when applied to animal observation is the process of reorienting the actor’s senses and psycho-physical behavior in accordance to a specific animal he or she observes.

       Through observation of how a specific animal bears its weight, breathes, moves through space, experiences sight, smell, hearing, taste, tactile sensations, the actor then begins to live in his own body and voice on a visceral, responsive level.

       Animal sensory creation not only implements a psycho-physical response but allows the actor to re-pattern neuro-muscularly and vocally thereby freeing action follow through. 

       The participatory workshop would focus on developing Shakespearean characters in this method.

       The workshop can be taught in three sessions. Session one focuses on pure sensory creation and movement of the animal. Session two is incorporating sensorial creation into given circumstances of the character. Session three is incorporating the language and the text of Shakespeare.

THEATRE METHODS 03