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Right now, I am inspired by the ability to create art in ways that I have never been fully exposed to before. In both Performance as a Collaborative Practice as well as Technical Theatre, I am analyzing art from a new lens. I believe that learning the overall workings of the theatre will not only give me more skills in my repertoire, but also will improve my overall artistic expression.

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I am inspired by film. Recently, my friends and I have been doing movie nights where we watch films we have not seen before. I began to be inspired by this type of art due to its versatility and rawness that it brings to the entertainment industry. As I have watched, I look at the actors and find individuals that inspire me to improve my acting. When each movie ends, I can see its impact on myself and those around me, which immediately demonstrates the importance of performing arts.

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I chose this photo because it portrays all the inner workings of how much it takes to put on a show, which fascinates me and inspires me to learn more.

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This article sums up why I am inspired by theatre’s impact on the world.

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At Acting Studio Chicago, we appreciate and love all forms of acting, whether it's for film or television, commercial acting or voice over work. But we especially love the theatre and we believe that theatre is still important. Acting for the stage is an all encompassing process that involves a great deal of collaboration from many different people. We at ASC believe that the art, process and effects of live performance are incredibly important in the current world of social media, digital technology and screens. Being fully present with a group of tangible, living, breathing people is important to the art of acting and for the human spirit.

1. Theatre helps us to see a different perspective from our own. We're shown humanity, psychology, motivations, conflict and resolution. We as the audience get to witness the trajectory of persons other than ourselves. As artists, we put ourselves into emotional and intellectual situations that may never arise in our personal lives. Theatre promotes us to give power to truth, to take risks and to advocate for new and diverse voices.

2. Theatre reminds us that we are not alone. Not only are we sharing space and an experience with the artists who are performing, we are sharing the experience with fellow audience members. Movies and television don't have the same intimacy or sense of participation. Sharing an experience with live actors and live audience members is not only valuable, it's necessary for human connection.

3. Theatre is immediate, evolving and always different. Although the script may be the same every night, the performance is unique, each and every time it happens. No two performances are ever the same. In this way, everyone involved has a distinct and unique experience that can never be replicated.

4. Live theatre helps to promote social discourse, dialogue and potential social change. Theatre is a cultural phenomenon that demands that society examines itself in the mirror. We can study societal problems and attempt to find solutions. Coming together as a community to listen to opposing points of view is necessary.

5. Theatre promotes education and literacy. Studies have shown that students who participate in theatre do better in school.

Here's what some of our amazing instructors have to say on why Theatre Is Still Important.

"It's like a sporting event of the heart - where you're gathered in a space, often shoulder to shoulder, breathing the same air, experiencing the same sensory input, and letting your thoughts and emotions go on an unpredictable ride together."
~ Janelle Snow
"The theater is the only space where people will let you lock the door, sit in the dark together with strangers and listen to stories that illuminate who we are as a people. It's where we work out our ever changing definition of humanity, where we eek out empathy, hope and love."
"The human to human connection between artists and audience where it's always morphing - anything can happen and that's exciting!~ Linda Gillum

"Since reading fiction engenders empathy, how many times must this empathic growth multiply when experiencing it with 50 to 500 of your fellow humans? It has been proven that live theatre audience members' heartbeats are synchronized, so I can think of no more powerful way to experience life's joys, sorrows, and foibles. And from an actor's perspective, there is no more rewarding gift than feeling those hearts beat, while eliciting laughter or gasps, sighs or sobs. There is no better high." ~ Adrianne Cury

"Live Theatre is important because there is nothing like it. Period. Whether we are 'holding a mirror up to nature' or as I've recently heard told that our audiences' hearts beat together as one, live theatre is essential to us as human beings in this world." ~ Christina Gorman

"Theatre is a shared experience. Audience and performers agree to suspend their disbelief and journey somewhere together. It is a temporary kind of community and we don't have enough of that in everyday life."~ Allison Latta
"Live theatre is truly the greatest sustenance for the human spirit and perhaps for our collective spirit as humans on this crazy planet. Where else can 20, 50, 500 or more people sit together, breath the same air and share a one-time-only experience. Where else can we pull people up out of their seats, shake them up a bit and then plop them back down to reflect and discuss. Live performance (theatre, dance, music) acts upon its audiences in palpable, tangible ways building empathy and nurturing compassion. WE NEED THIS!!!!"~Kirsten Fitzgerald If you're interested in taking acting classes with any of these incredible instructors, click here and take a look around!
"When we see live theatre, there's always the possibility something could go terribly wrong on stage. It usually doesn't but the the threat is there. This keeps the audience on their toes and therefore adds a level of immediacy that you just can't get in any other medium."~ Coburn Goss

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5 Reasons Why Theatre Is Still Important | Acting Studio Chicago

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At Acting Studio Chicago, we appreciate and love all forms of acting, whether it's for film or television, commercial acting or voice over work. But we especially love the theatre and we believe that theatre is still important. Acting for the stage is an all encompassing process that involves a great deal of collaboration from many different people.

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One of my aspirations is to act in film and tv while feeling confident in my abilities. While I love acting, I know that I do not give myself a fair chance to succeed due to doubts in my mind. I hope to feel sure of myself as I navigate the entertainment industry.

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While acting has been my main focus, I hope to be involved in the behind the scenes aspect of both theatre and film. The main reason why I chose to audition for the BA program instead of the BFA one is because of the flexibility to explore all different areas of the performing arts. I will utilize this flexibility to double major in film as well as take behind the scenes classes in order to expand my knowledge and be a well rounded artistic citizen.

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I chose this picture because I hope to book many different types of jobs and find myself involved in different types of artistic creation. 

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One of my goals is to remember that aspirations and passions may change, and I should take a step back and focus on what I want. 

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One of the most important lessons I have learned is the importance of practicing kindness, and I hope to bring this forward in my art as well as my general life. Whenever I meet someone, I strive to be as kind and accepting as I can in order to create a positive relationship. This is beneficial to creating art because then those involved feel comfortable being vulnerable, which can drastically improve the creation. I will continue bringing kindness to every situation while encouraging others to do so as well.

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Largely due to my religious background, community is a major aspect of my life. Therefore, I try to bring a community feel into many other places, such as within casts. I hope that as I move forward into my professional career, I will bring a sense of community into each project. Although we may only work with one another on a professional level, there is a different feeling when one acknowledges the importance of community.

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I will make mental health a priority and journaling is a beneficial way to do that.

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What do Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Frederick Douglass all have in common? Each of these famous figures kept a journal or diary to record their experiences, thoughts, or feelings. Kahlo and da Vinci even used illustrations to express emotions and sketch out ideas.

From scientific geniuses to thoughtful artists - and everyone in between - keeping a journal can be a beneficial practice. In fact, journaling can help you:

1. Achieve goals
When you use your journal to write down your goals, you can keep better track of your intentions. This will help you stay accountable and serve as a reminder of what you need to do to accomplish them. Be sure to get specific.

2. Track progress and growth
If you make journaling a regular habit, you can see how much progress or growth you've made by revisiting previous entries.
3. Gain self-confidence
Seeing your progress can also give you a serious confidence boost. You can feel proud looking back at the challenges you faced and seeing how far you've come.

4. Improve writing and communication skills
Writing, like anything, improves with practice. When you journal every day, you're practicing the art of writing. And if you use a journal to express your thoughts and ideas, it'll help improve your overall communication skills.
5. Reduce stress and anxiety
Sometimes negative thoughts and emotions can run on a loop in our heads. This can be stressful when you're dealing with a challenging situation - it can even make your present situation feel worse. But if you stop and put your emotions down on paper, it can help you release negative thoughts from your mind. As you write, you may even come up with a solution you hadn't thought of before.
6. Find inspiration
Leonardo da Vinci drew some incredible invention ideas in his journals. Like him, you can also use your journaling time to brainstorm or let your imagination run wild. The inspiration that may pop up while you're writing or sketching might even surprise you.

The Journal of Experimental Psychology published research that shows how writing your thoughts down can reduce intrusive thoughts about negative events and improve working memory.* Even the simple act of writing something down lets your brain know you want to remember it. That's why note-taking is such an effective practice when learning something new.
Explore the many different types of journaling
Ready to start but not sure how? Here are a few different types of journaling options to consider:

Stream of consciousness: Write down your thoughts as they happen. The words and thoughts don't need to make sense, you're simply capturing your thoughts in action.

Dream journal: Take note of your dreams each night as a way of getting in touch with your subconscious. Remember to make your journal entries right when you wake up.

Food journal: Make a note of what you've eaten each day. This will help you be more mindful about the foods you choose to eat. If you're struggling with a healthy weight-loss journey, documenting what you ate can offer insight into areas you may need to change.

Fitness journal: Keep track of your workouts so you can stay committed to an active lifestyle. The best part of keeping this type of journal is seeing the progress you made over time.

Gratitude journal: Before going to sleep, make a list of everything you were thankful for that day, week, or month.

Sketch journal: Express your feelings, thoughts, and ideas through illustrations, doodles, or sketches.

Day's events journal: Keep track of your experiences throughout the day. Whether it's making note of a funny conversation or describing a new recipe you enjoyed.

To-do list: Instead of keeping a running tally of to-do items in your head, write them down. You can cross things off as you complete them and get a great sense of accomplishment.

No matter which type of journal you decide to keep, remember there is no right or wrong approach. It's all up to you. The simple act of taking the time to get in touch with your mind, body, and spirit is what's truly important.

* "Expressive writing can increase working memory capacity," Journal of Experimental Psychology, September 2001.

TOPICS CORONAVIRUS & COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellness self-care Stress Management

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Why everyone should keep a journal - 7 surprising benefits - Thrive

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What do Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Frederick Douglass all have in common? Each of these famous figures kept a journal or diary to record their experiences, thoughts, or feelings. Kahlo and da Vinci even used illustrations to express emotions and sketch out ideas.

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I will continue meditate to get in touch with my artistic self as well as my overall inner mind.

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Personally, I think that performing arts requires empathy to perform as well as teaches empathy to the viewers. Empathy is extremely important, as it is linked to selflessness and respect. My emphasis on empathy has helped me understand characters and be able to get in others’ minds. I hope that my art will instill more empathy in each individual that experiences it.

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Another important value that I hope to practice as well as experience is respect. Respect is highly important in an artistic setting because each individual must feel comfortable expressing themselves. Even if there is a power imbalance, such as executive producer versus an ensemble member, each person should view the other as an equal and respect what they bring to the table. By practicing respect, the end product will be more meaningful and cohesive.

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Towards the end, she discusses focusing on her own values, which is important to remember as I begin to enter the difficult industry.

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Is Performing Art Worth the Struggle? | Vie Boheme | TEDxMinneapolisSalon

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This saying is something that I will carry with me to make sure I stay true to my values and do not surrender them for the sake of success. 

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Collaboration is important due to the fact that everyone brings something different to the table. Every artist has a different background, which shapes the way they view artistic expression. This varying perspective is important for creation and can create a more impactful performance. It allows for a more well rounded narrative that represents many different people.

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My experience with collaboration is in large part due to my involvement in community theatre. Although Phoenix has many different community theaters around the city, each one is interconnected through shared actors and a support system for one another. Because community theatre is not usually well funded, these theaters must work together in order to promote each other’s work. Additionally, the community of actors among all the establishments support each other and work to create the most effective art possible.

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This image demonstrates both the shared and different perspectives each person can bring to a collaborative setting.

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This image demonstrates the connection that the entertainment industry has and why collaboration is so common and important. 