The Moment Before: An Actor's Warm-up Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-moment-before An on-going series of guided acting warm ups. Now mind, body and imagination-based warm-ups are only a click away! Dive into dynamic preparations for class, rehearsal or performance with these 5-15 minute audio guides. These quick yet thorough preparations provide you direct access to an acting, movement or voice coach, helping you launch from The Moment Before to your first moment on stage. © 2025 Department of Theatre - Michigan State University 61dae05c-67b8-57d5-a8d5-8e960035ca78 no Season 1 Trailer: Activating Imagination Season 2 Trailer: Energizing the Body Season 3 Trailer: Exploring Emotions Season 4 Trailer: Discovering Character Season 5 Trailer: Finding Closure Season 6 Trailer: Preparing Special Skills en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:34:16 -0400 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:51:04 -0500 https://img.transistor.fm/s-MMySTRkpLcBU4KfsiXs2VlpYG0hJUOoffF02Pcs7w/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzczNzgvMTYxMjUz/MDYzOC1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.jpg The Moment Before: An Actor's Warm-up Podcast serial Department of Theatre - Michigan State University An on-going series of guided acting warm ups. Now mind, body and imagination-based warm-ups are only a click away! Dive into dynamic preparations for class, rehearsal or performance with these 5-15 minute audio guides. These quick yet thorough preparations provide you direct access to an acting, movement or voice coach, helping you launch from The Moment Before to your first moment on stage. An on-going series of guided acting warm ups. Theatre MSU No No Season 1 Trailer: Activating Imagination 1 1 Season 1 Trailer: Activating Imagination trailer 18e619e7-c54c-4aef-9b29-362ff2f03265 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f73f3804 These episodes are built to Activate the actor’s imagination.  As actors, we often create something from nothing; embodying people, places, objects and ideas on a moment’s notice.  By working fully with our imagination, we have the opportunity to make the invisible visible to our audiences.  The focus of this season is to encourage and revitalize a vibrant “inner eye,” and give you the artistic fuel needed to manifest dynamic imagery for your next class, rehearsal or performance.  It’s time to Activate Imagination.  

]]> These episodes are built to Activate the actor’s imagination.  As actors, we often create something from nothing; embodying people, places, objects and ideas on a moment’s notice.  By working fully with our imagination, we have the opportunity to make the invisible visible to our audiences.  The focus of this season is to encourage and revitalize a vibrant “inner eye,” and give you the artistic fuel needed to manifest dynamic imagery for your next class, rehearsal or performance.  It’s time to Activate Imagination.  

]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:04:00 -0400 Alexis Black Alexis Black 38 An Introduction to episodes in Season 1: Activating Imagination An Introduction to episodes in Season 1: Activating Imagination No Season 2 Trailer: Energizing the Body 2 2 Season 2 Trailer: Energizing the Body trailer d142312c-4ffa-4078-be9e-d03cf2f9eb7d https://share.transistor.fm/s/118d2c26 These episodes are built to energize the actor; invigorating your mind, body and performance work overall.  From more vigorous physical warmups to those based in flexibility and breath, this season has something for everyone.  In every episode, our trained coaches will help you reengage with your body as a vessel for physical storytelling, and prepare your dive into an energized, full-bodied theatrical practice.  It’s time to get up and move with Energizing the Body.  

]]> These episodes are built to energize the actor; invigorating your mind, body and performance work overall.  From more vigorous physical warmups to those based in flexibility and breath, this season has something for everyone.  In every episode, our trained coaches will help you reengage with your body as a vessel for physical storytelling, and prepare your dive into an energized, full-bodied theatrical practice.  It’s time to get up and move with Energizing the Body.  

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:05:00 -0400 Alexis Black Alexis Black 31 An introduction to episodes in Season 2: Energizing the Body An introduction to episodes in Season 2: Energizing the Body No Season 3 Trailer: Exploring Emotions 3 3 Season 3 Trailer: Exploring Emotions trailer 505b6ea7-00ea-4016-ad26-2b4122be3d04 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1c613302 These episodes are built to help an actor Explore tools for manifesting emotion on stage.  Vulnerability, availability, accessibility-- all of these are expectations for a fully realized emotional artistic practice.  However, creating the emotional life of a character can also create a challenge for the performer.  This season gives you tools to build emotional flexibility through imagination, work with sensations, tools for physicalizing the story of an emotion and more.  These episodes will leave an actor more confident to dive into a character’s emotional arc, and leave a performer more vulnerable, available and accessible than they were the moment before.  It’s time to be guided through Exploring Emotions.  

]]> These episodes are built to help an actor Explore tools for manifesting emotion on stage.  Vulnerability, availability, accessibility-- all of these are expectations for a fully realized emotional artistic practice.  However, creating the emotional life of a character can also create a challenge for the performer.  This season gives you tools to build emotional flexibility through imagination, work with sensations, tools for physicalizing the story of an emotion and more.  These episodes will leave an actor more confident to dive into a character’s emotional arc, and leave a performer more vulnerable, available and accessible than they were the moment before.  It’s time to be guided through Exploring Emotions.  

]]> Thu, 03 Sep 2020 18:05:00 -0400 Alexis Black Alexis Black 50 An introduction to episodes in Season 3: Exploring Emotions An introduction to episodes in Season 3: Exploring Emotions No Season 4 Trailer: Discovering Character 4 4 Season 4 Trailer: Discovering Character trailer c5333bda-0388-47ce-8d6e-c54e3bda59b5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6664eb81 These episodes are built to help the actor Discover Characterization.  How do you bring your character off the page and into the artistic space, mentally, physically and dynamically? These episodes focus on multiple skillsets needed to analyze, embody and perform unique transformations.  Through inspiration taken from animal work, Archetypes, elements of nature, and more, we explore multiple vibrant pathways into characterization.  After these episodes, you’ll be on “a role.”  It’s time to jump in to Discovering Character.  

]]> These episodes are built to help the actor Discover Characterization.  How do you bring your character off the page and into the artistic space, mentally, physically and dynamically? These episodes focus on multiple skillsets needed to analyze, embody and perform unique transformations.  Through inspiration taken from animal work, Archetypes, elements of nature, and more, we explore multiple vibrant pathways into characterization.  After these episodes, you’ll be on “a role.”  It’s time to jump in to Discovering Character.  

]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2020 17:59:00 -0400 Alexis Black Alexis Black 39 An introduction to episodes in Season 4: Discovering Character An introduction to episodes in Season 4: Discovering Character No Season 5 Trailer: Finding Closure 5 5 Season 5 Trailer: Finding Closure trailer cb14335f-9f1f-4498-ad3c-cbe45a375a3f https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f092fe0 These episodes are built to help the actor Find Closure.  As performers, it is important to have techniques for not only warming up, but cooling down.  This season will provide pathways to release emotional and mental tension post rehearsal or performance, and help to create metaphorical “bookends” to separate real life from your artistic practice. Overall, these episodes are about guiding the often-overlooked transition from the imaginary world to a healthy, grounded state of self.   It’s time to take time for yourself, and explore Finding Closure.  

 

]]> These episodes are built to help the actor Find Closure.  As performers, it is important to have techniques for not only warming up, but cooling down.  This season will provide pathways to release emotional and mental tension post rehearsal or performance, and help to create metaphorical “bookends” to separate real life from your artistic practice. Overall, these episodes are about guiding the often-overlooked transition from the imaginary world to a healthy, grounded state of self.   It’s time to take time for yourself, and explore Finding Closure.  

 

]]> Sat, 05 Sep 2020 17:58:00 -0400 Alexis Black Alexis Black 38 An introduction to episodes in Season 5: Finding Closure An introduction to episodes in Season 5: Finding Closure No Season 6 Trailer: Preparing Special Skills 6 6 Season 6 Trailer: Preparing Special Skills trailer a87a74f7-209c-4cb7-86d7-aee3f769af66 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1d62c34 These episodes are about Preparing more specific techniques, or Special Skills.  At times, performers may require a particular emphasis during a warm up, and this season will create the opportunity to explore focused topics.  The following warmups will get you ready for concentrated storytelling techniques such as combat or staged intimacy, working with Shakespearean text, cold read auditions and more.  It’s time for Preparing Special Skills.  

]]> These episodes are about Preparing more specific techniques, or Special Skills.  At times, performers may require a particular emphasis during a warm up, and this season will create the opportunity to explore focused topics.  The following warmups will get you ready for concentrated storytelling techniques such as combat or staged intimacy, working with Shakespearean text, cold read auditions and more.  It’s time for Preparing Special Skills.  

]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2020 17:56:00 -0400 Alexis Black Alexis Black 31 An introduction to episodes in Season 6: Preparing Special Skills An introduction to episodes in Season 6: Preparing Special Skills No Activating Imagination; E1: Awakening Playfulness 1 1 Activating Imagination; E1: Awakening Playfulness full 8f176ebd-3df4-465d-9871-93984820222f https://share.transistor.fm/s/fc819c95 Activating Imagination: A sense of playfulness is necessary for being receptive to scene partners, making character discoveries, and inspiring creative choices. This guided visualization warm-up can not only get you focused on the work to be done, but it may also awaken playfulness in your acting.

]]> Activating Imagination: A sense of playfulness is necessary for being receptive to scene partners, making character discoveries, and inspiring creative choices. This guided visualization warm-up can not only get you focused on the work to be done, but it may also awaken playfulness in your acting.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:15:00 -0400 Claire Wilcher Claire Wilcher 323 A guided visualization exercise that will put you in a playful mood. A guided visualization exercise that will put you in a playful mood. No Activating Imagination; E2: Elemental Imagination Journey 1 1 Activating Imagination; E2: Elemental Imagination Journey full 14e67788-550a-4cb8-806c-d4c76be7ec17 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fe976e0 Actors will travel through the various elements of the earth in order to energize their imagination as they follow physical impulses between earth, water, fire and air, ultimately evoking the creative power in their bodies and acting space.

 

You will need ample space to physically explore. 

]]> Actors will travel through the various elements of the earth in order to energize their imagination as they follow physical impulses between earth, water, fire and air, ultimately evoking the creative power in their bodies and acting space.

 

You will need ample space to physically explore. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:16:27 -0400 Cameron Chase Cameron Chase 517 A guided visualization journey to explore personal physicality and awaken full-body creative energy. A guided visualization journey to explore personal physicality and awaken full-body creative energy. No Activating Imagination; E3: Phantom Body 1 1 Activating Imagination; E3: Phantom Body full 36e12109-c865-409e-8b46-3db6939f1213 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6ca41e9 This exercise serves as a practical way of radiating your energy to communicate intent and action by awakening, and then utilizing, an imaginary form or body called your “Phantom Body”. This technique allows you to direct or focus energy, and react to or influence your scene partner without needing to do large physical movements or change blocking in a scene. 

]]> This exercise serves as a practical way of radiating your energy to communicate intent and action by awakening, and then utilizing, an imaginary form or body called your “Phantom Body”. This technique allows you to direct or focus energy, and react to or influence your scene partner without needing to do large physical movements or change blocking in a scene. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:17:23 -0400 Ryan Adolph Ryan Adolph 824 Awaken your ability to radiate and focus energy through imagination. Awaken your ability to radiate and focus energy through imagination. No Activating Imagination; E4: Crossing the Threshold 1 1 Activating Imagination; E4: Crossing the Threshold full a17c919e-80b5-4044-bb37-012d182ec93f https://share.transistor.fm/s/fcb88f8a Through imagination work, quickly access an empowering, creative mental space for class, rehearsal, or performance. Based on the Michael Chekhov exercise, this episode will help you turn your physical space into one full of creative possibilities. 

]]> Through imagination work, quickly access an empowering, creative mental space for class, rehearsal, or performance. Based on the Michael Chekhov exercise, this episode will help you turn your physical space into one full of creative possibilities. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:18:15 -0400 Eloy Gomez Orfila Eloy Gomez Orfila 521 Use your imagination to fully step into a creative state of mind. Use your imagination to fully step into a creative state of mind. No Energizing the Body; E1: Actorcize! 2 2 Energizing the Body; E1: Actorcize! full 7838ed0b-8922-4d77-9d61-3f6f063fd28e https://share.transistor.fm/s/47b4ba61 Actors need to use their unique instrument (the body) to their full advantage, and ready for anything the world may throw at them. This full-bodied warm-up will allow actors to find power and strength through a circuit of exercises.

]]> Actors need to use their unique instrument (the body) to their full advantage, and ready for anything the world may throw at them. This full-bodied warm-up will allow actors to find power and strength through a circuit of exercises.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:20:13 -0400 Darah Donaher Darah Donaher 843 An energetic, full-bodied warm-up. An energetic, full-bodied warm-up. No Energizing the Body; E2: Yoga for the Actor 2 2 Energizing the Body; E2: Yoga for the Actor full fd2d65c8-dd07-45b0-9404-0c6882483557 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c01c1e18 As a form of moving meditation, Yoga for the Actor promotes mindfulness and full-bodied ease in your acting work. Join me in this comprehensive warm-up before your auditions, rehearsals, or even performances! 

]]> As a form of moving meditation, Yoga for the Actor promotes mindfulness and full-bodied ease in your acting work. Join me in this comprehensive warm-up before your auditions, rehearsals, or even performances! 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:20:45 -0400 Abbie Cathcart Abbie Cathcart 938 An energizing yoga flow for the actor. An energizing yoga flow for the actor. No Exploring Emotions; E1: The Three Sisters 3 3 Exploring Emotions; E1: The Three Sisters full cac85440-fb1b-4280-9695-5657b9b9c605 https://share.transistor.fm/s/486cc040 Through imagination work and physical embodiment, we will do an initial exploration and warm up into Chekhov’s technique of The Three Sister Sensations. This can help with emotional preparation and characterization. This exercise is based on the teachings of Michael Chekhov, Lenard Petit, and Lisa Dalton.

]]> Through imagination work and physical embodiment, we will do an initial exploration and warm up into Chekhov’s technique of The Three Sister Sensations. This can help with emotional preparation and characterization. This exercise is based on the teachings of Michael Chekhov, Lenard Petit, and Lisa Dalton.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:22:57 -0400 Eloy Gomez Orfila Eloy Gomez Orfila 662 A warm up of an actor's emotional life through Michael Chekhov’s technique, the "Three Sister Sensations." A warm up of an actor's emotional life through Michael Chekhov’s technique, the "Three Sister Sensations." No Discovering Character; E1: Three Rooms 4 4 Discovering Character; E1: Three Rooms full ee8253b1-4aae-438d-be81-32b18faab7d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c0a36d3 Want to dig deeper into your character’s inner life? Use this imaginative warm-up to explore environments that will enrich your character’s world. This warm-up is designed for pre-performance emotional prep, whether in class, rehearsal, or production.

]]> Want to dig deeper into your character’s inner life? Use this imaginative warm-up to explore environments that will enrich your character’s world. This warm-up is designed for pre-performance emotional prep, whether in class, rehearsal, or production.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:24:44 -0400 Claire Wilcher Claire Wilcher 579 A guided visualization exercise that will breathe inner life into your character. A guided visualization exercise that will breathe inner life into your character. No Discovering Character; E2: Questions of Character 4 4 Discovering Character; E2: Questions of Character full 8e0f9fac-10f8-4781-8c7a-042e627c8dc3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/06ca9c76 People. We’re a jumble of needs, wants, complaints, neuroses and opinions. Part of the fun of being an actor is making specific choices about a character’s background and worldview that may exist outside of the text. On this episode, we’ll go beyond given circumstances, and explore questions that will help awaken your imagination, and bring an arsenal of specific choices with you into rehearsal.

]]> People. We’re a jumble of needs, wants, complaints, neuroses and opinions. Part of the fun of being an actor is making specific choices about a character’s background and worldview that may exist outside of the text. On this episode, we’ll go beyond given circumstances, and explore questions that will help awaken your imagination, and bring an arsenal of specific choices with you into rehearsal.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:25:16 -0400 Kevin Craig Kevin Craig 472 Be guided through a series of questions to help specify your choices about a character’s background and worldview. Be guided through a series of questions to help specify your choices about a character’s background and worldview. No Discovering Character; E3: Stick Ball Veil 4 4 Discovering Character; E3: Stick Ball Veil full 730ba604-0c98-43b7-8d39-dce00d603761 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aec76c6c The Michael Chekhov exercise often called "Stick, Ball, Veil" gives an actor the opportunity to explore physical transformation for a particular character using the self-created version of an object: either a stick, ball, or veil. This exploration will build imagination, inspire physicality, and engage the characters center of energy. It’s recommended that you’ve done some initial work on character, have a line of dialogue chosen, and some space in which you can move about freely. 

]]> The Michael Chekhov exercise often called "Stick, Ball, Veil" gives an actor the opportunity to explore physical transformation for a particular character using the self-created version of an object: either a stick, ball, or veil. This exploration will build imagination, inspire physicality, and engage the characters center of energy. It’s recommended that you’ve done some initial work on character, have a line of dialogue chosen, and some space in which you can move about freely. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:25:47 -0400 Sharon Combs Sharon Combs 594 Explore physical characterization through object and imagination work. Explore physical characterization through object and imagination work. No Discovering Character; E4: Animal Work 4 4 Discovering Character; E4: Animal Work full 370fec76-9994-446c-b65d-e760fbdd9ac7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fafa58fb By exploring animal form and behavior, and extracting the basic qualities and essence of an animal; you can build a character or multiple characters, that are distinct and specific. This tool gives you something practical to follow and encourages you to physically engage your body. It’s not about finding the perfect shape, or form, but about playing, exploring and seeing what you come up with. 

]]> By exploring animal form and behavior, and extracting the basic qualities and essence of an animal; you can build a character or multiple characters, that are distinct and specific. This tool gives you something practical to follow and encourages you to physically engage your body. It’s not about finding the perfect shape, or form, but about playing, exploring and seeing what you come up with. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:26:30 -0400 Ryan Adolph Ryan Adolph 514 Explore animal movement as an entry point into physical characterization. Explore animal movement as an entry point into physical characterization. No Discovering Character; E5: Working with Elements 4 4 Discovering Character; E5: Working with Elements full 5c5b4947-f0a1-42a3-891e-82d0b4834612 https://share.transistor.fm/s/98cebe46 For this exercise all that is needed is your body and imagination. We will be exploring working with qualities of elements to build specific character choices. It is helpful to have a character in mind here, but not necessary. 

]]> For this exercise all that is needed is your body and imagination. We will be exploring working with qualities of elements to build specific character choices. It is helpful to have a character in mind here, but not necessary. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:27:15 -0400 Kevin Craig Kevin Craig 488 A guided visualization utilizing the elements of water, air, fire and earth to find physical characterization choices. A guided visualization utilizing the elements of water, air, fire and earth to find physical characterization choices. No Exploring Emotions; E2: Character Exploration through Sound & Music 3 3 Exploring Emotions; E2: Character Exploration through Sound & Music full 2b2ec0c3-71f8-47a0-8293-aa3cf7e47d42 https://share.transistor.fm/s/33c41e93 Music and sound can be wonderful entry points to character. Have you ever heard a song that instantly put you in a good mood? Has a sound ever made you feel like you were going to crawl out of your skin? Music and sound have the power to affect your mood, change your energy level, establish your environment, and impact your inner tempo. In this exercise, explore how to use music and sound as tools for creating emotional, physical, and psychological life for the characters we inhabit. This exercise can be used for character building or for emotional exploration. It’s great for rehearsal, scene work, and audition prep.

]]> Music and sound can be wonderful entry points to character. Have you ever heard a song that instantly put you in a good mood? Has a sound ever made you feel like you were going to crawl out of your skin? Music and sound have the power to affect your mood, change your energy level, establish your environment, and impact your inner tempo. In this exercise, explore how to use music and sound as tools for creating emotional, physical, and psychological life for the characters we inhabit. This exercise can be used for character building or for emotional exploration. It’s great for rehearsal, scene work, and audition prep.

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:28:00 -0400 Abbie Cathcart Abbie Cathcart 514 Use music and sound to explore your character’s emotional life. Use music and sound to explore your character’s emotional life. No Discovering Character; E6: Playing with Archetypes 4 4 Discovering Character; E6: Playing with Archetypes full c2a89d6f-fa69-4e93-baaa-ee58622a8757 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d978c055 In this exercise, we’ll be exploring three familiar Archetypes, to play with physical transformation and gesture. These larger than life characters create an instinctual response in us that inspires our choices as actors. All you need for this exercise is a small amount of space, a warmed-up body, and your imagination. 

]]> In this exercise, we’ll be exploring three familiar Archetypes, to play with physical transformation and gesture. These larger than life characters create an instinctual response in us that inspires our choices as actors. All you need for this exercise is a small amount of space, a warmed-up body, and your imagination. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:28:05 -0400 Sharon Combs Sharon Combs 690 Explore the concept of Archetypes to play with physical transformation. Explore the concept of Archetypes to play with physical transformation. No Finding Closure; E1: Mindfulness 5 5 Finding Closure; E1: Mindfulness full 93412cb1-73e8-4b1a-a637-f5d9d0a32637 https://share.transistor.fm/s/abf9867b This podcast will give you a way to step out of whatever it is you have just experienced in order to continue through your day or night. You will work towards being fully present to what’s happening, what you’re doing, and the space you are in through breathing and awareness. 

]]> This podcast will give you a way to step out of whatever it is you have just experienced in order to continue through your day or night. You will work towards being fully present to what’s happening, what you’re doing, and the space you are in through breathing and awareness. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:29:00 -0400 Darah Donaher Darah Donaher 358 Use mindfulness and meditation techniques coming back to you and your body after spending time being another. Use mindfulness and meditation techniques coming back to you and your body after spending time being another. No Finding Closure; E2: Finding Creative Closure 5 5 Finding Closure; E2: Finding Creative Closure full a368d24c-432d-4a85-9301-6bba0ee08fbc https://share.transistor.fm/s/5527257a Guided visualization for closure after a show, rehearsal, or audition. 

]]> Guided visualization for closure after a show, rehearsal, or audition. 

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:30:06 -0400 Abbie Cathcart Abbie Cathcart 310 A guided visualization to find closure after rehearsal, class or performance. A guided visualization to find closure after rehearsal, class or performance. No Preparing Special Skills; E1: Prepping for Staged Intimacy 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E1: Prepping for Staged Intimacy full 0365ae15-bbdd-4476-8634-e6a0e243065b https://share.transistor.fm/s/be090578 This preparation will help the whole body warm up for emotional and physical storytelling.  No matter the level of intimacy to be explored, this imaginative solo warm-up will prepare the actor through breath and body awareness.

]]> This preparation will help the whole body warm up for emotional and physical storytelling.  No matter the level of intimacy to be explored, this imaginative solo warm-up will prepare the actor through breath and body awareness.

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:30:26 -0400 Claire Wilcher Claire Wilcher 636 An imaginative warm-up that will prepare the actor for intimate work through breath and body awareness. An imaginative warm-up that will prepare the actor for intimate work through breath and body awareness. No Preparing Special Skills; E2: Stage Combat Preparation 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E2: Stage Combat Preparation full 7a407432-2550-47ba-8304-e0efe65c64d3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fb5c390f This is a stage combat focused warm-up, working on precision, core engagement, and body flow to prepare you for any physically demanding show or rehearsal.

]]> This is a stage combat focused warm-up, working on precision, core engagement, and body flow to prepare you for any physically demanding show or rehearsal.

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:31:11 -0400 Eloy Gomez Eloy Gomez 1211 A full-bodied warm up designed to prepare the actor for staged violence. A full-bodied warm up designed to prepare the actor for staged violence. No Activating Imagination; E5: Improv! 1 1 Activating Imagination; E5: Improv! full 73297c15-2bab-4ba2-920d-988b5a307e2c https://share.transistor.fm/s/7feffc8a Say YES to stretching creative muscles with an improv warm up that creates characters and encourages risk-taking and spontaneity.

]]> Say YES to stretching creative muscles with an improv warm up that creates characters and encourages risk-taking and spontaneity.

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:34:12 -0400 Department of Theatre - Michigan State University Department of Theatre - Michigan State University 524 Warm up your ability to work with spontaneity in class or rehearsal. Warm up your ability to work with spontaneity in class or rehearsal. No Energizing the Body; E3: Kabuki Flow 2 2 Energizing the Body; E3: Kabuki Flow full 829de138-dd7c-45ad-b3d2-165035df8fc4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c8ace55 This kabuki inspired sequence provides a full-bodied physical warmup, that will wake up your muscles, engage your breath, and focus your mind.

]]> This kabuki inspired sequence provides a full-bodied physical warmup, that will wake up your muscles, engage your breath, and focus your mind.

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:50:07 -0400 Sharon Combs Sharon Combs 991 A full-bodied warm up inspired by Kabuki Theatre techniques. A full-bodied warm up inspired by Kabuki Theatre techniques. No Exploring Emotions; E3: Opening Up Emotions through the Hips and Chest 3 3 Exploring Emotions; E3: Opening Up Emotions through the Hips and Chest full 4d7478ed-7d8b-433b-a135-182ab2262e20 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0516708d During this exercise you will explore opening up or unlocking different places in your body where we as humans hold a lot of tension: Our hips and our Chest. As human beings it can be scary to be vulnerable, but this podcast will give actors physical tools to allow ourselves to be more open.  Music: Garden Music by Kevin MacLeod.

]]> During this exercise you will explore opening up or unlocking different places in your body where we as humans hold a lot of tension: Our hips and our Chest. As human beings it can be scary to be vulnerable, but this podcast will give actors physical tools to allow ourselves to be more open.  Music: Garden Music by Kevin MacLeod.

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:55:29 -0400 Darah Donaher Darah Donaher 1108 Unlock tension and your emotional life by utilizing targeted stretches and breath. Unlock tension and your emotional life by utilizing targeted stretches and breath. No Exploring Emotions; E4: Putting on Puppets 3 3 Exploring Emotions; E4: Putting on Puppets full 8d64b8f0-d0ad-43e5-9d79-4c2e71015b81 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6b06a9d An exploration of transferring the puppet’s physical expression of emotion into our own bodies in order to establish new characters working from the outside in. For this podcast, you will need space to move about and a free-standing mirror. 

]]> An exploration of transferring the puppet’s physical expression of emotion into our own bodies in order to establish new characters working from the outside in. For this podcast, you will need space to move about and a free-standing mirror. 

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:56:00 -0400 Department of Theatre - Michigan State University Department of Theatre - Michigan State University 690 Explore your emotional life through the lens of physical storytelling techniques studied by puppeteers. Explore your emotional life through the lens of physical storytelling techniques studied by puppeteers. No Finding Closure; E3: Awakening From the Dreaming 5 5 Finding Closure; E3: Awakening From the Dreaming full f1e9d320-fab0-413d-a544-836f3081e7e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1d22aa5 A mental exercise that helps transition the actor from character back to self using Laban’s States of Mind as a guidepost. 

For this episode, you will need a place to relax, reflect and de-role. 

]]> A mental exercise that helps transition the actor from character back to self using Laban’s States of Mind as a guidepost. 

For this episode, you will need a place to relax, reflect and de-role. 

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:57:38 -0400 Cameron Chase Cameron Chase 628 A mental exercise to guide an actor from character to self. A mental exercise to guide an actor from character to self. No Preparing Special Skills; E3: Prepping for Cold Read Auditions 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E3: Prepping for Cold Read Auditions full 39f29ac9-1a7a-4e46-9e48-ba14a639800a https://share.transistor.fm/s/b71e7867 Cold read auditions will leave you expected to make bold choices on a moment's notice.  Use this podcast to gain tools to find an entry point into new material.  

]]> Cold read auditions will leave you expected to make bold choices on a moment's notice.  Use this podcast to gain tools to find an entry point into new material.  

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:02:00 -0400 Ryan Adolph Ryan Adolph 732 Practice making fast, bold choices when given new material at auditions. Practice making fast, bold choices when given new material at auditions. No Preparing Special Skills; E4: Singer Warm Ups 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E4: Singer Warm Ups full 6901b016-f36a-48e4-b0a6-e6a8feb957e6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b88831c0 The exercises in this podcast span a wide enough range for all voice types. 

]]> The exercises in this podcast span a wide enough range for all voice types. 

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:03:28 -0400 Cameron Chase Cameron Chase 856 A practical vocal warm up for singers with piano accompaniment. A practical vocal warm up for singers with piano accompaniment. No Preparing Special Skills; E5: Preparing Voice and Body for Shakespeare 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E5: Preparing Voice and Body for Shakespeare full 3085b23c-59f4-4e88-aef8-19d39734ae0d https://share.transistor.fm/s/832a987d This simple but effective warmup will cover all the basics for performing classical text effectively. This warmup will help you unlock your resonance centers and engage your full body for a powerful performance. 


]]> This simple but effective warmup will cover all the basics for performing classical text effectively. This warmup will help you unlock your resonance centers and engage your full body for a powerful performance. 


]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:06:01 -0400 Kevin Craig Kevin Craig 563 Get your mind, body, voice, and spirit ready to perform Shakespeare. Get your mind, body, voice, and spirit ready to perform Shakespeare. No Finding Closure; E4: Crossing Out of Character 5 5 Finding Closure; E4: Crossing Out of Character full 2cb5ccee-17ed-4349-bda8-36f6572d5468 https://share.transistor.fm/s/54c36652 A practical means for an artist or performer to transition out of a character role, especially an emotionally taxing one. 

]]> A practical means for an artist or performer to transition out of a character role, especially an emotionally taxing one. 

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:33:31 -0400 Ryan Adolph Ryan Adolph 554 A guided visualization to lead you into a grounded state of self after a performance. A guided visualization to lead you into a grounded state of self after a performance. No Energizing the Body; E4: Releasing Tension and Grounding Yourself 2 2 Energizing the Body; E4: Releasing Tension and Grounding Yourself full 18d6775f-f108-4487-bdd0-4f3c3df12979 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2b2c852 Prepare yourself for performance or rehearsal by challenging your perfectionist brain and promoting self-care and kindness. 

]]> Prepare yourself for performance or rehearsal by challenging your perfectionist brain and promoting self-care and kindness. 

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:34:44 -0400 Eloy Gomez Eloy Gomez 906 A mental, emotional, and physical warm-up through imagination work. A mental, emotional, and physical warm-up through imagination work. No Preparing Special Skills; E6: Freshening-up an old Monologue with Mask Work 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E6: Freshening-up an old Monologue with Mask Work full 3c6a83b0-7257-4dea-a827-2a198e3d28bb https://share.transistor.fm/s/ccd20b68 By exploring mask work, you can revisit "old" text with a new eye.  Using mask images to ignite and inspire fresh ideas to add layers and complexity to your monologue.  Learn to play and trust your instincts with this new exercise.  

]]> By exploring mask work, you can revisit "old" text with a new eye.  Using mask images to ignite and inspire fresh ideas to add layers and complexity to your monologue.  Learn to play and trust your instincts with this new exercise.  

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:39:41 -0400 Ryan Adolph Ryan Adolph 862 Revisit a monologue you have explored previously to add new life and texture. Revisit a monologue you have explored previously to add new life and texture. No Energizing the Body; E5: Energizing the Voice-Body Connection 2 2 Energizing the Body; E5: Energizing the Voice-Body Connection full 875d10b4-09f3-4ea4-80cf-2e6f1a049446 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4b8cf410 In our day-to-day lives, we probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the texture of words, or the resonance of the sounds we make. In our acting work, however, these are important tools for transformation into characters from every walk of life. Play this episode whenever you’re looking for a low pressure exercise geared to invigorate your vocal and physical choices. This is great as a warmup before rehearsals.


]]> In our day-to-day lives, we probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the texture of words, or the resonance of the sounds we make. In our acting work, however, these are important tools for transformation into characters from every walk of life. Play this episode whenever you’re looking for a low pressure exercise geared to invigorate your vocal and physical choices. This is great as a warmup before rehearsals.


]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:41:52 -0400 Abbie Cathcart Abbie Cathcart 878 Explore your vocal and physical potential through an exploration of sounds. Explore your vocal and physical potential through an exploration of sounds. No Activating Imagination; E6: Imagination Pizza 1 1 Activating Imagination; E6: Imagination Pizza full 625a68af-09bc-4a70-b9da-aa06483134b1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/220fe9b8 This podcast is meant for you to explore, motivate, and challenge your imagination! As actors, one of our biggest assets is creating places, circumstances, objects, that do not exist with us in the moment. Specifically in improvisation, there is a lot of object work, and this exercise is going to explore how you can mime objects, food, and space that is familiar to you. Let’s get started. 

]]> This podcast is meant for you to explore, motivate, and challenge your imagination! As actors, one of our biggest assets is creating places, circumstances, objects, that do not exist with us in the moment. Specifically in improvisation, there is a lot of object work, and this exercise is going to explore how you can mime objects, food, and space that is familiar to you. Let’s get started. 

]]> Sun, 21 Feb 2021 13:24:55 -0500 Darah Donaher Darah Donaher 722 Warm up imagination and play in an imaginary kitchen. Warm up imagination and play in an imaginary kitchen. No Finding Closure; E5: De-Roling 5 5 Finding Closure; E5: De-Roling full 15175ac5-cca6-4c8f-92b5-5a2f123ae467 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf1f700b Through breath work, body scanning and guided imagery, this episode will help you release your character post-performance. 

]]> Through breath work, body scanning and guided imagery, this episode will help you release your character post-performance. 

]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:53:56 -0500 Oscar Quiroz Rodriguez Oscar Quiroz Rodriguez 879 Through breath work, body scanning and guided imagery, this episode will help you release your character post-performance. 

]]> No Activating Imagination; E7: Imagination and Wizardry 1 1 Activating Imagination; E7: Imagination and Wizardry full 70e5bac2-5de2-4833-906e-e6808c82c11e https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b609495 This guided visualization is a magical way to warm up your body and mind for classroom or performance.  Listeners will be led first on a journey through their own senses, then a journey through a spell-binding world. This exercise encourages playfulness, creativity and commitment to imagery as a tool to enliven one's performance.

]]> This guided visualization is a magical way to warm up your body and mind for classroom or performance.  Listeners will be led first on a journey through their own senses, then a journey through a spell-binding world. This exercise encourages playfulness, creativity and commitment to imagery as a tool to enliven one's performance.

]]> Thu, 09 Nov 2023 13:05:04 -0500 Jacob Squire Jacob Squire 993 This guided visualization is a magical way to warm up your body and mind for classroom or performance.  Listeners will be led first on a journey through their own senses, then a journey through a spell-binding world. This exercise encourages playfulness, creativity and commitment to imagery as a tool to enliven one's performance.

]]> No Activating Imagination; E8: River Journey 1 1 Activating Imagination; E8: River Journey full cc070869-c07c-4a24-a496-c0f8c26322df https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7256c21 Journey within through a guided meditation practice to awaken imagination, senses, and self. This warmup is inspired by the practice of Ritual Poetic Drama.

]]> Journey within through a guided meditation practice to awaken imagination, senses, and self. This warmup is inspired by the practice of Ritual Poetic Drama.

]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:41:01 -0500 Ural Grant Ural Grant 500 Journey within through a guided meditation practice to awaken imagination, senses, and self. This warmup is inspired by the practice of Ritual Poetic Drama.

]]> No Finding Closure; E6: Stepping out of Character through Senses 5 5 Finding Closure; E6: Stepping out of Character through Senses full a3e29c22-b722-4b51-9eab-4da5b08331a4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ade05c7 Take time with the senses to release a character after rehearsal or performance. This episode will use sights, sounds and textures from the imagination and the real space around you to release the world of the character and return to your own.  

]]> Take time with the senses to release a character after rehearsal or performance. This episode will use sights, sounds and textures from the imagination and the real space around you to release the world of the character and return to your own.  

]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:45:20 -0500 Stefon Funderburke Stefon Funderburke 433 Take time with the senses to release a character after rehearsal or performance. This episode will use sights, sounds and textures from the imagination and the real space around you to release the world of the character and return to your own.  

]]> No Preparing Special Skills; E7: Preparing for Drag Performance 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E7: Preparing for Drag Performance full 5fd02930-dcab-48eb-8b50-df9644061eec https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e58d76a Drag performance is an artform that requires preparation of both body and mind. This episode will release tension and increase energetic engagement and dynamic expression for those transforming into their new, fabulous selves! 

]]> Drag performance is an artform that requires preparation of both body and mind. This episode will release tension and increase energetic engagement and dynamic expression for those transforming into their new, fabulous selves! 

]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:45:55 -0500 Stefon Funderburke Stefon Funderburke 1203 Drag performance is an artform that requires preparation of both body and mind. This episode will release tension and increase energetic engagement and dynamic expression for those transforming into their new, fabulous selves! 

]]> No Discovering Character; E7: The Circus 4 4 Discovering Character; E7: The Circus full 38f20e4b-c484-4229-aa0b-61a23f894f54 https://share.transistor.fm/s/775a0e70 Head to an imaginary "big top" tent to explore different elements of dynamic characterization through a guided embodiment exercise.  

]]> Head to an imaginary "big top" tent to explore different elements of dynamic characterization through a guided embodiment exercise.  

]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:11:19 -0500 Jacob Squire Jacob Squire 1051 Head to an imaginary "big top" tent to explore different elements of dynamic characterization through a guided embodiment exercise.  

]]> No Energizing the Body; E5: Awakening the Spirit with Soul Work 2 2 Energizing the Body; E5: Awakening the Spirit with Soul Work full fb069c2e-d26d-4f92-86c3-cf2a3005abc7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e063ef65 Explore movement, empathy and intentions by connecting to your ancestral roots. This practice stems from enslaved African ancestors; it places strong emphasis on artists bringing their cultural backgrounds to the work, showing up with intention and advocating for a full range of one’s humanity. 

]]> Explore movement, empathy and intentions by connecting to your ancestral roots. This practice stems from enslaved African ancestors; it places strong emphasis on artists bringing their cultural backgrounds to the work, showing up with intention and advocating for a full range of one’s humanity. 

]]> Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:37:59 -0500 Ural Grant Ural Grant 675 Explore movement, empathy and intentions by connecting to your ancestral roots. This practice stems from enslaved African ancestors; it places strong emphasis on artists bringing their cultural backgrounds to the work, showing up with intention and advocating for a full range of one’s humanity. 

]]> No Discovering Character; E8: Expansion and Contraction for Inner and Outer Life 4 4 Discovering Character; E8: Expansion and Contraction for Inner and Outer Life full a27179c3-b653-405e-8654-3c64959b2d5f https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d0a7d25 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:42:42 -0500 Kim Seabright Martin Kim Seabright Martin 687 No Exploring Emotions; E5: Playing Big Emotions through Psychological Gesture 3 3 Exploring Emotions; E5: Playing Big Emotions through Psychological Gesture full ae06b69e-df2c-406c-8384-fcc16e225dc1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6dc9bb25 Discover skills to tell the story of a large emotional life through full-bodied gestures and breath.  Based on Michael Chekhov's Psychological Gestures.  

]]> Discover skills to tell the story of a large emotional life through full-bodied gestures and breath.  Based on Michael Chekhov's Psychological Gestures.  

]]> Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:49:34 -0500 Kim Seabright Martin Kim Seabright Martin 738 Discover skills to tell the story of a large emotional life through full-bodied gestures and breath.  Based on Michael Chekhov's Psychological Gestures.  

]]> No Finding Closure; E7: Celebrating the Life and Death of your Character 5 5 Finding Closure; E7: Celebrating the Life and Death of your Character full b94c13d6-86c0-4080-9dcd-2a3e866eb5df https://share.transistor.fm/s/15e50b23 Follow a guided, imaginative journey through 3 possible points in your character's life, and find ways to let go of your character in a healthy manner.  

]]> Follow a guided, imaginative journey through 3 possible points in your character's life, and find ways to let go of your character in a healthy manner.  

]]> Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:58:53 -0500 Mona Eldahshoury Mona Eldahshoury 738 Follow a guided, imaginative journey through 3 possible points in your character's life, and find ways to let go of your character in a healthy manner.  

]]> No Activating Imagination; E9: Design your Non-Human Superhero 1 1 Activating Imagination; E9: Design your Non-Human Superhero full a9183581-5841-4431-996f-a422013022f9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/76d7c0f4 Whether you're looking to get creative with a current character, or take a creative break by becoming an imaginative super-hero, this episode is for you.  

]]> Whether you're looking to get creative with a current character, or take a creative break by becoming an imaginative super-hero, this episode is for you.  

]]> Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:06:09 -0500 Mona Eldahshoury Mona Eldahshoury 702 Whether you're looking to get creative with a current character, or take a creative break by becoming an imaginative super-hero, this episode is for you.  

]]> No Preparing Special Skills; E8: Emotional and Boundary preparation for Intimacy Choreography 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E8: Emotional and Boundary preparation for Intimacy Choreography full 659c7c00-5e33-471f-806a-7c475e6aa40e https://share.transistor.fm/s/b40ed75b Explore the emotional and boundary preparations required for intimacy choreography.  Actors are led to protect their mental well-being while authentically portraying characters engaged in intense and intimate scenes, and guided to mark their boundaries through imaginary exploration.  

]]> Explore the emotional and boundary preparations required for intimacy choreography.  Actors are led to protect their mental well-being while authentically portraying characters engaged in intense and intimate scenes, and guided to mark their boundaries through imaginary exploration.  

]]> Fri, 15 Dec 2023 12:14:12 -0500 Katherine Clemons Katherine Clemons 644 Explore the emotional and boundary preparations required for intimacy choreography.  Actors are led to protect their mental well-being while authentically portraying characters engaged in intense and intimate scenes, and guided to mark their boundaries through imaginary exploration.  

]]> No Energizing the Body; E6: Supercharge your Body through Effort Actions 2 2 Energizing the Body; E6: Supercharge your Body through Effort Actions full 2389c574-82a8-4c88-ad0b-7f602f3bbfb1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d40e724c A dynamic exploration of Laban's Eight Effort Actions, employing principles that integrate weight and time into invigorating activities.  This episode will awaken senses, stretch imagination and leave listeners feeling rejuvenated, offering an innovative way to activate the body by embracing the power of movement.  

]]> A dynamic exploration of Laban's Eight Effort Actions, employing principles that integrate weight and time into invigorating activities.  This episode will awaken senses, stretch imagination and leave listeners feeling rejuvenated, offering an innovative way to activate the body by embracing the power of movement.  

]]> Fri, 15 Dec 2023 12:18:59 -0500 Katherine Clemons Katherine Clemons 880 A dynamic exploration of Laban's Eight Effort Actions, employing principles that integrate weight and time into invigorating activities.  This episode will awaken senses, stretch imagination and leave listeners feeling rejuvenated, offering an innovative way to activate the body by embracing the power of movement.  

]]> No Activating Imagination; E10: Object Imagination Time! 1 1 Activating Imagination; E10: Object Imagination Time! full 850017da-d877-4de6-b2ac-23182583f63e https://share.transistor.fm/s/d7fb0aec Ignite your sense of play and creativity by using your imagination to transform nearby objects.  

]]> Ignite your sense of play and creativity by using your imagination to transform nearby objects.  

]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:48:11 -0500 Christopher Eastland Christopher Eastland 839 Ignite your sense of play and creativity by using your imagination to transform nearby objects.  

]]> No Preparing Special Skills; E9: Igniting Heightened Text 6 6 Preparing Special Skills; E9: Igniting Heightened Text full 1884b7bc-7023-4102-ad59-a80f3b2458d0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5fc652bd This episode will help those exploring heightened text to activate their bodies using Psychological Gesture from Michael Chekhov. Text used will be the English translation of Mexican 17th century playwright, Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz.

]]> This episode will help those exploring heightened text to activate their bodies using Psychological Gesture from Michael Chekhov. Text used will be the English translation of Mexican 17th century playwright, Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz.

]]> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:29:46 -0500 Oscar Omar Rodriguez Quiroz Oscar Omar Rodriguez Quiroz 481 This episode will help those exploring heightened text to activate their bodies using Psychological Gesture from Michael Chekhov. Text used will be the English translation of Mexican 17th century playwright, Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz.

]]> No Energizing the Body; E7: Releasing Neck and Jaw Tension 2 2 Energizing the Body; E7: Releasing Neck and Jaw Tension full 6d9c5eb8-2d68-45f9-965e-5ddb69c5a3f8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f58f5497 Feel more relaxed, open and vocally ready for rehearsal or performance through exercises that create release in the neck and jaw.  

]]> Feel more relaxed, open and vocally ready for rehearsal or performance through exercises that create release in the neck and jaw.  

]]> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:33:45 -0500 Oscar Omar Rodriguez Quiroz Oscar Omar Rodriguez Quiroz 402 Feel more relaxed, open and vocally ready for rehearsal or performance through exercises that create release in the neck and jaw.  

]]> No Exploring Emotions; E6: Clowning around with Emotions 3 3 Exploring Emotions; E6: Clowning around with Emotions full 27390963-1883-444a-a5f7-61a9ea2be3bc https://share.transistor.fm/s/9230f10a Work with larger-than-life Clown exercises to find connection to your emotional life in performance.  Inspired by exercises created by Christopher Bayes and Michelle Matlock.

]]> Work with larger-than-life Clown exercises to find connection to your emotional life in performance.  Inspired by exercises created by Christopher Bayes and Michelle Matlock.

]]> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:39:36 -0500 Christopher Eastland Christopher Eastland 839 Work with larger-than-life Clown exercises to find connection to your emotional life in performance.  Inspired by exercises created by Christopher Bayes and Michelle Matlock.

]]> No