Designed for Life

It has been a week already into the show. Three shows, with two more weeks left, and I my having the time of my life. I have loosened up as a person, and a performer, and it has affected me in such an incredible way. Last year, Closer put me into some very confrontational situations […]

Acting has Taught Me – Another’s Shoes

View this post on Instagram #Acting #actinghastaughtme #lifelessons #anothersshoes A post shared by Jeff Watkins (@_labrug_aus_) on Feb 10, 2016 at 9:58am PST You’ve heard the saying, don’t judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Truth be told, we don’t get a lot of opportunity to do that, do we? And […]

The call of Nature

Following on from my most recent blog of a few days ago, I am reminded of a project I did back in my university days. My final year thesis was an investigation into the feasibility of teaching a subject on Creative Reasoning within scientific studies, and one of the points I discussed which was the […]

Taking the next step

It has been a month since my last blog. Things have been turning a corner with a lot happening. It has made it very hard for me to focus my thoughts on a blog post. So here I am now, trying to formulate my thoughts in to something that I can write about. I have […]

A new approach

In developing character, I am constantly trying new things, even small things, to help me establish myself as my character. As a director, I get to see how other actors benefit (or not) by these same techniques. Unsurprisingly, I learn a lot about my process when working with other actors in this way. I also […]

About the Why

What is the most profound and fundamental question that can be asked of anyone and anything? I would put my money on “Why?” This question is most probably both the simplest, and yet most complex question ever asked. It is both a request to know more, and a demand to delve deeper. I am sure […]

Method or Madness

I have always believed in the philosophy that there is more than one way to skin a cat. Not that I would ever skin a cat mind you, not really. There is always more than one way to do a thing, which is a concept that can be applied to all things in life. As […]

Emotional Engagement

In days long gone now, I was a member of a Youth Theatre group, operating in association with a community theatre company. It was this group that really helped me get over my bad-tasting, childhood experiences of theatre. Working with like minded people and learning basic theatrical techniques was the first step. There was one […]

Learning Lines

In a private conversation, I was recently asked an interesting question; what is the best way to learn your lines? It is not something I really think much about these days. After many years of plays and filming, I have sort of had a technique evolve organically. I took bits and pieces from all over […]

Realism – Portraying with conviction

Debs_Dwelling @labrug How to make a character so convincing your audience believes you are going through what you are portraying? 😉 25/02/2014 7:26 pm This is a hard one to answer. Ultimately, it is a very personal choice as to how far an actor is prepared to go in portraying your character. You see, when […]