Feeling vs. Emotion

Know the difference? It's key to being a GREAT actor...

Based on some recent conversations with Chloe, here's what I've come to believe:

A feeling is a complex, unpredictable fluid state of being. An emotion is usually an expected reaction that is static and predictable.

Example:

If I sneek up on you and smash your big toe with a hammer, you'll scream. You'll fill with rage--it's predictable.

But if I ask you, "What does disappointment feel like?" "What does gratitude feel like?" "What does love feel like?" "What does betrayal feel like?"

Immediately you will change, your body will begin to bathe itself in the feeling, whatever that feeling means/stirs in YOU. The feeling will mutate and change--it's alive.

Now imagine you're an audience member watching an actor on stage or on screen. What would you rather see? An actor emoting? Or an actor feeling?

I think 'feeling' is vastly more interesting...it draws the audience in...we empathize with the actor and can interpret his feelings and story for ourselves.

All of this ties into the idea that there is no right and wrong on stage if you're being honest with your feelings as the character. If you're committed to the character's journey, allow yourself to feel EVERYTHING...you will be vitalized! And of course at times some things will stir your emotions--that's GREAT! Just try to understand the difference and it will empower you as an actor and a human being.