Unfortunately many do not understand that continued training for actors is essential. Worse, it's the very industry itself that doesnt seem to understand the need for this. People who are behind the camera should realise that the projects that they spend so much time creating cannot be "the best it can be" without understanding the importance of good "real" performances. The difference between a good film and a great one is based on whether or not the director can communicate and understand the people infront of the camera!

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Re-training does not necessarily have to equate to 'formal education'. But stagnation is not a pretty place to be as Labrug said. Doing a short course or a workshop may open our eyes up to a new perspective on an already attained skill, and make that skill feel brand new! But there is a lot to be gained from re-learning: meeting new people and networking; discovering more about your abilities; and presenting ourselves with a challenge to keep us motivated. Just be aware that if something doesn't make you as happy as it used to, you may need to look at it in a new light - relearn what it was that made you fall in love with it in the first place then push yourself that little bit extra.

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A combination of This site; articles; workshops; and my recent experiences have helped me express that last post, but it's great that we have forums to get things off of our chest. Believe me, I'm still learning... I don't believe it will ever stop.

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The best time I ever had was when I did a one year "polish" course in London. We had to do EVERYTHING. Singing, dancing, stage combat, etc etc.

I enjoyed everything except the stage combat. I can dance but am just clumsy when it comes to having to get it together coordination wise for any form of stage fighting. I was miserable and hated it. The teacher (known as Gorgeous Gordon, because he was) despaired. The delight of my life was, in the final term, when I finally managed a forward roll. Sad isn't it? I've had this weird thing about not being upside down all my life, hence, hate tumbling, gymnastics, etc. GG told me to think of it as flying, so I did, and ... tah dah! Next thing he said was, grab a sword, pretend you're a musketeer. Great result! Turns out I'm a demon with an epee (how do you spell that?), not so good with a cutlass in spite of talk of pirates but exremely terrifying with a broad sword. Hurrah for Lancelot.

I guess the point of this rambling is that yes, you never stop learning. To deny yourself the chance to see what else you can do is sad. I discovered a confidence and skill I never knew I had. Still very bad at tumbling but can do a kidney kick you wouldn't believe. Yay!

Rapunzel

"Papa, where is Mama? They tell me she has gone away, where is she?"

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I recently heard a colleague mention something about a course in NYC called Circle in the Square... does anyone know anything about it, or know someone who has done the course that could share their experiences?

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