The Fourth Exercise: Moment to Moment
Uta Hagen Exercises
Purpose:
The purpose of this exercise is to help the actor address one of the most difficult technical problems: how to repeat selected actions at every performance from moment to moment, as if for the first time. It is achieved by a suspension of knowledge of what is to come, by "forgetting" everything except what is needed at the moment with the profound innocence that is part of an actor's soul.
Presentation:
Select specific circumstances for a two- to three-minute event, during which you will search for -- and eventually find -- and object that you have mislaid or believe to be lost.
Keep in mind:
• The final presentation of this exercise should truly test your ability to direct your full attention to one need at a time. Make yourself believe in the existence of each new moment.
• Be sure that the missing object has meaning to you, so that your stakes remain high while looking for it.