A Life Hack - Acting “As If”

My dad used to say, “Just be happy!”  It used to frustrate the hell out of me because in my young mind I thought no one could possibly know the depths of my feels at 22, let alone 32. So in reply I’d tell him, “Dad, how could you possibly understand?” Act as if I’m happy? Oh, please.

But my dad was right about the simplification of just being happy. This idea is from the Grand PopPop of Modern Age Theatre, the training of Konstantin Stanislavski. Stanislavski believed that by using “The Magic If" technique, actors could access a heightened sense of reality and create performances that were more emotionally truthful and engaging for the audience. It allows actors to explore different possibilities and choices, enabling them to fully inhabit the world of the character and bring it to life on stage or screen. 

While working with the Master Bill Esper, I got to play with “The Magic As If?” Of course it’s Magic because when you really let your imagination go and just allow—fully stepping, dropping, falling in—letting go can truly transport you to a different place in your imagination. So much so that you can change the chemistry in your body. 

It's fascinating to observe this kind of realism onstage; when one is truly acting, the body doesn't know it's “acting.” 

Your blood pressure can rise. 

Your face can blush.

Your hands may tremble.

I once thought, “Is this what Dad was talking about?” I decided I would try it out—take it into my everyday life—to try and have the best possible outcome for my day. 

Like Dad said. It’s “AS IF” I’m brave enough to stand up to that bully.  

It's “AS IF'' I'm Bet Midler'' and I don't care who is watching. 

Or I’m going to stand up and give this speech “AS IF” I’m delivering my Tony acceptance speech!

Or maybe it's something as simple “AS IF” I’m as happy as a child on Christmas morning.

It’s “AS IF” I’m reunited with the one I love....

It’s “AS IF” I won the Lottery!

Then all you have to do is sit with it all. Walk around in it. Jump in it! Even as I practice my yoga and from the mat I think, it’s “AS IF” I’m on a retreat in Aruba! (A little wish.)

Did that make you smile? See. That changed something inside you, just for a moment. My dad would say, “That's chemistry, baby!” And he’s right.

Act “AS IF” and you will become.

Miss you dad.  

Mel Stevens 1937-2015