The Actor Ignites: An Introduction to Priming

A brief look at Priming.

Hi Actor,

For me, an acting career can be simplified into two overarching actions. Both of them are of equal importance. The First is 'Priming'. The Second is 'Practice'. The first is what we will be looking at today.

So what is Priming?

• Priming is an umbrella term for anything that sets you up to do something at a high quality

• It creates a pathway forward within our mind.

• It is the intentional neural etching of our brain that allows us to operate effectively

• It helps with motivation.

• It ignites & inspires us.

• It gives us a blueprint within our mind.

In short. It is largely the preparation done before our Practice. The work we do before we step onto the stage. This work is often fun. Exciting. It keeps us coming back, day in, day out. We show up with intention and work directly because we have a clear idea of where we are going and what we are aiming for. Below are some examples of ways you can ignite yourself through your own priming process.

Priming - Motivation

• Connect your identity to highly successful actors

  • Watch them closely:

    • If you're currently working on improving your audition game, go and watch the actors you admire audition. What are they doing differently to you? Can you see where you could improve?

• Watch a TV series, a film or go out and watch live theatre - look for the stuff that inspires you

• Listen to podcasts and interviews

• Read books

Priming - Setting up a Pathway to Practice

• Break everything you do down into it's parts. Everything.

• Know the difference between the hard skills and the soft skills required of the actor.

  • Know how to practice the different types of skills

• Setting up and committing to a plan of practice

• Research for a role.

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A note on priming and practice: The Distinction

Priming generally comes before practice to assist with its effectiveness. Sometimes your practice involves priming and sometimes your priming involves practice. This distinction is dependant on the goal your aiming for too. At this stage, don't get caught up in which is what, just make sure you're doing both in some capacity. One way to look at this distinction is: Priming generally is the use of the "Mind's Eye". Practice is the act of "doing".

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If you're feeling a lack of motivation, spend time watching something that you know will inspire you. If a scene you're working on lacks intention and ignition, spend time on exercises you know will connect you to that.

This way of framing my work is inspired by The Talent Code and The Little Book Of Talent by Daniel Coyle.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated? Do you read books? Do you listen to podcasts? Leave a list of your own 3 recommendations below. Talk soon.

Lachlan is an Australian Actor who has been working within the industry nearing a decade. He’s worked in Film & Theatre.

© Lachlan Stuart 2024