I am writing from Florida to share all my joy and thanks.
First of all, thank you for the wonderful parting gift that you gave me
before I left NYC. I asked you, partly kidding, to teach me to "act" in a single
Wednesday night class. You gave me so much that night! So many ideas, a
renewed awareness of listening...deeper listening, and an enriched understanding of
approaching my work openly and bravely. Trusting more in my breath and my
body to fulfill the demands of my work. A lesson in courage. Thank you!!!
Please send my love to Wednesday night. I realize the last class is the
day after tomorrow. Please tell them that I am having a wonderful experience
here, performing in a play that I really like, and that speaks to me on many
levels. We opened last Friday to a gloriously enthusiastic crowd. The cast, crew
and theater are exceptional, and I am looking forward to a wonderful run.
I have incorporated your teaching into my rehearsal process here. It has
been so helpful and enlightening. First of all, THE WORK WORKS!!! I have been
keeping a rehearsal journal. What a fantastic tool! By acknowledging all that
I feel in each rehearsal, and giving it to the character, I was able to trust
myself at a level that feels like a breakthrough to me!
Breath awareness, with a commitment to release energy and seek joy, has
been the basis of my rehearsal process. It is and will be the basis of my
performance journey, as well. My understanding continues to deepen.
Also, the exercises in class where we "see" people have proved to be so
important. I have found it amazing to discover what happens when I am really
seeing people and all that is around me. I have incorporated the warm ups, and
have been experimenting with the use of nonsense syllables as part of the warm
up. I have found it helpful.
I want you to know that I have taken so much from our time together. I
feel that facets of your work that may have eluded me on some level are coming
into focus. I applaud you and thank you deeply for your wisdom and guidance.
All my love,
Tim Burke