An actor that is not present is one that moves without intention, has a shifting focus and a blurred sense of time. This results from a mind that is either racing ahead or caught in a past moment, instead of remaining in a continuous series of present moments. An actor lacking presence is revealed through a loss of control, a poor sense of self, and the sensation of not being fully grounded.

On the other hand, an actor that is both present and has presence, reacts in a responsive manner with intentional movements, remains in the moment, resonates an energetic stillness, and possesses a tangible confidence that encompasses and emanates from their entire being.

Needless to say, the development of presence should be considered an essential component of any actor’s training regimen.

Based on my Presence Formula of P = a + d + e (where P = Presence; a = awareness; d = discipline; and e = energy), the exercises in the workshop are designed to increase awareness, improve discipline, and enhance energy, all essential elements in the development of presence.

The workshop is open to actors, other performers, or anyone with an interest in Butoh.  No preparation is required as all exercises are done without the use of vocalisation or scripts.

Areas covered in the workshop include how to:

• Be present and have presence
• Turn your presence on and off
• Dial your presence energy up and down
• Improve concentrated focus
• Develop 360-degree awareness
• Embed sensations into your ‘bodymind’
• Improvise within a structured pattern
• Connect movements into one flowing action to remain continuously present
• Resonate with energy during moments of action and stillness
• Adapt your rehearsal space to optimize your presence experience
• Embody the presence of props and other objects

The 1-Day Butoh Workshop with Dwayne Lawler will increase your sensory, physical, and spatial awareness, enhance psycho-physical discipline, and develop your capacity to distribute, manipulate, and project energy, making you confident that next time you are in an audition studio or performance environment, you are able to ‘be present’ and ‘have presence’.

LOCATION: Sydney Acting Studio – 11 Cope St, Redfern NSW 2016

DATE: Sunday, December 8, 2024

TIME: 10am to 4pm

COST: $199.00 (EARLY BIRD till November 30th: $149.00)

BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com/CWSNA

Follow us @butohforactors or contact info@butoh.com.au