The Actor's Instrument

The Actor's Instrument

by Mario A. Campanaro

"We all hear that the actor’s body is their instrument. It’s true. The body is a mutable organism, capable not only of physical transformation, but of allowing that transformation to influence psychology, emotion, point of view, energy, and behavior. But in order to transform truthfully, we first have to know our own bodies. We have to understand what our neutrality is, because it is from that place of neutrality that we begin to explore how shifts in physicality affect our physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and behavioral life.

As actors, it is crucial for us to explore the many different physicalities that live within us so we remain flexible and capable of transforming in service of any demand of the text. I often say, “You don’t know what you can do until you safely explore and do it.” The human form is capable of embodying many different characters and, therefore, serving many different stories.

At the same time, this work must always be done consciously and with control. By controlled, I mean the actor remains in command of their instrument at all times, never pushing themselves into harm or pain. The work should be sustainable for the duration of the process, while honoring and protecting the health and integrity of the human body.

What we place on the body must, first and foremost, serve the text and the spine of the character. It cannot be arbitrary, vague, or decorative, but must be intentional, precise, and rooted in the given circumstances of the story. Nothing belongs on the body unless it reveals who this person is within their world: their history, socioeconomic background, past and present, level of education, profession, and the rhythms of their daily life. Just as importantly, it must reveal their internal landscape.

What we wear is never separate from the character; it is an extension of identity. It reflects where they are, why they are there, and how they move through the world, revealing both how they see themselves and how they want to be seen."

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