uta hagen – Peter Rasmussen Blog

Acting Books:

Self-Development Books:

The Inner Game of Tennis: The classic guide to the mental side of peak performance

Podcasts:

Some of these recommendations are a bit lighter and more entertaining but still informative for actors – we can’t always be serious!

David Tennant Does a Podcast – Terrific interviews with some amazing people (not always actors). I’m always listening for tips and tricks that come up to make my work better. There are loads here.

Off Camera with Sam Jones. I’ve recently discovered this one. Amazing conversations with wonderful artists. You get a strong feeling of what made them who they are and what they bring creatively to the world. Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass are my favourite interviews so far.

Dead Eyes – Still amazing, still life-changing. When I recommend it I get a text a week later thanking me.

Shrink the Box –
Ever wondered why Tony Soprano’s therapist stuck with him? Why Fleabag is obsessed with sex or why Walter White is always in his underpants?
‘Shrink the Box’ is where actor comedian Ben Bailey Smith and psychotherapist Sasha Bates put their favourite fictional characters such as Shiv from Succession, Omar from the Wire and Ross from Friends on the couch to analyse why their behaviour causes them so much drama. Sasha and Ben explore why these characters make certain decisions, what would happen if they made different ones and what we can learn from their mistakes. The perfect combination of psychology, self-help and the best TV since the birth of the box-set.

Mastering the Craft: Why Uta Hagen Technique is Essential for all Actors

mel mel on May 5, 2024

Uta Hagen, renowned actress and acting teacher, left an indelible mark on the world of acting with her groundbreaking approach to the craft. Her technique, outlined in the seminal book “A Challenge for the Actor,” has become a cornerstone of actor training worldwide.

Studio Founder Peter Rasmussen is widely regarded as Australia’s foremost expert in Uta Hagen Technique. Uta Hagen Technique taught directly by Peter Rasmussen is available both Online and in-person in our Brisbane Studio.

Here’s why every actor should consider studying this powerful Acting method:

Emotional Truth and Authenticity

The Uta Hagen Technique focuses on accessing the emotional truth of a character and the scene. Through exercises like “Substitution” and “Private Moment,” actors learn to draw from their own experiences to create authentic, nuanced performances. This emphasis on emotional honesty allows actors to connect deeply with their characters and engage audiences on a profound level.

Living Truthfully in Imaginary Circumstances

Hagen believed that actors should approach their roles as if the circumstances of the scene were real. By fully immersing themselves in the world of the play and the motivations of their characters, actors learn to react truthfully and spontaneously in the moment. This creates performances that feel alive, vibrant, and grounded in reality.

Character Development and Transformation

The Uta Hagen Technique provides actors with a systematic approach to character development. Through exercises like “Objective” and “Obstacle,” actors learn to understand their characters’ desires, motivations, and conflicts. This deep exploration allows actors to make bold, dynamic choices and fully embody their characters’ journeys.

Flexibility and Adaptability

One of the key principles of the Uta Hagen Technique is the concept of “the given circumstances.” Actors learn to adapt to any situation or scenario, whether on stage or in front of the camera. This flexibility allows actors to thrive in a variety of roles and genres, from classic drama to contemporary comedy.

Empowerment and Mastery

Mastering the Uta Hagen Technique empowers actors to take control of their performances and unleash their full potential. By honing their skills in script analysis, character development, and emotional expression, actors gain the confidence to tackle any role with skill and precision.

At Peter Rasmussen Acting Studio, we believe that the Uta Hagen Technique is not just a method of acting, but a philosophy of life. It teaches actors to embrace vulnerability, embrace the unknown, and embrace the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your acting journey, mastering the Uta Hagen Technique will set you on the path to success.

So why wait? Join us at Peter Rasmussen Acting Studio and discover the magic of Uta Hagen Technique for yourself. Check out Uta Hagen Technique (Brisbane) and Uta Hagen At Home (Online) – Your journey to mastery starts here.