The Acting Series: Creating Your Warm Up with Intention

One of my creative classmates inspired this video by giving me feedback that actors are given tons of in-class warm-up exercises, but when it comes to executing them on our own we feel a little lost. Often the exercises that we are taught throughout our training belong to the instructor or artist. It makes sense that they don’t translate to our everyday acting technique because the exercises were not tailored to us!!! Once I started to use my own warm-up, it became less tedious; I grew to like warming up.

My warm-up changes depending on my energy level and target areas. I always begin with a short body scan or meditation. For this warm-up, I wanted to work on my spine, breath, and glutes. I felt anxious which is why I chose a self-soothing ending pose.

When you have no idea how to start, rip up a piece of paper into smaller pieces with words such as “arms” “core” “back” “squat” “breathe” “standing” “reclined” and any other words within your movement vocabulary. Pick 3 pieces of paper and see where it leads you. Hold each pose or exercise for at least 3 breaths and customize as you see fit. You are always welcome to use this video as your warm-up.

Below is a list of featured poses which you can add to your movement vocabulary. This is just a template. Always make it your own.

Featured Poses:

• Sufi Rolls

• Bear Pose

• Seated Side Body Stretch 

• Malasana (Garland Pose)

• Sukhasana (Easy Seated Pose)