Justin Lehmann Studio

In this clip, Alan Rickman talks about two essential qualities for actors: listening and openness.

Listening sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly difficult. We get caught in our heads, anticipate what’s coming next, and become preoccupied with ourselves.

And without openness, we can’t truly listen. We can’t be affected by another person or allow the moment to change us.

The Repetition Exercise was designed to develop exactly these qualities. It helps actors move beyond self-consciousness, become more present, and develop the ability to listen and respond truthfully from moment to moment.

Our next 5 Week Repetition Program begins Sunday 28 June.

Applications now open. Link in bio.

Skateboarding taught me that if you want to grow and get better, you have to learn how to fall.

The way to success is through repeated failure.🎯

Daniel Day-Lewis, one of the greatest actors of our time, on the importance of listening.

It’s a skill I often find has not been deeply trained in the actor.

He also mentions Robert Duvall, who of course trained with Sanford Meisner.

The Meisner Technique places openness, honesty, and listening at the centre of the work.