Viewpoints

1.     What do you like about Viewpoints?

a.     When I originally learned viewpoint methods, we went a lot slower in learning the different exercises. We had an ensemble of 9 people and our teacher split us into groups of 4 and 5. So it was either 4 people up and 5 people down or vise versa. We started by just occupying space. Our teacher, Yeargain, would place us in different parts of the space and ask the group sitting down what stories they saw. Then we would talk about it. Always at the end he would say something like, “I don’t know. I mean, there are no right answers, just the space and the actors.” We were confused for weeks. We moved on to the line with people sitting and standing, the running circle, etc. He was really tough on us. If one person tried to lead, he made us start over. The class was aggravating because it was long and confusing. But what I didn’t know what through those weeks, our ensemble of 9 became rock solid.

b.     The best part of viewpoints is that it builds teamwork. We could close our eyes and do the line with people sitting and standing like clockwork. One person would go down and I swear I could feel the energy of my ensemble. I could feel when it was my time to stand or sit. I come from a really strong ensemble background, so i really think it's a super important element of theatre. Viewpoints is one way to build an ensemble. 

c.     Our last day of class, Yeargain let us do a free viewpoints session, but we had to create 2 circles (one running), a line, 3 clumps, and 4 people had to get on chairs at the same time. We did, and finally it all made sense. I didn’t understand viewpoints or it’s importance in acting until that last day of class. I can’t even explain what happened that day. My entire ensemble all became enlightened at the same time and it was awesome.

2.     Where there any moments that felt particularly alive for you?

a.     For me, our viewpoints session felt rushed. I know we had limited time so I understood. Also, I tried really hard to connect to our whole class and it was exhausting. The small group activities were easier because we had less people. Honestly, I enjoyed watching the other group try to come together than when I got to play. The part where everyone worshiped the mask stood out to me the most because it was when everyone agreed to do the same thing and then let it go gracefully.

3.     Where there times when the activity felt dead and forced? If so why and when?

a.     I felt like we had a lot of leaders when we were playing which isn’t a bad thing. We made a choice that I wasn’t used to, so having to adjust was interesting. I liked playing with one or two people, but my previous viewpoints self wanted everyone to come together. So I found myself feeling forced to get everyone involved, but no one else wanted to make that choice. So I had to go with the majority choice because that’s what my ensemble wanted.