Changing Intensity of Inner Action

Exercise Advanced 30 min 2–6

Description

This exercise focuses on gradually intensifying emotions. Students explore a set emotional journey, where they start at one emotional level and escalate to a stronger level, or cycle back to the original emotion.

For example, emotions might transition from irritation to anger to rage or from affection to love to adoration. The instructor provides side coaching to help guide the emotional shifts.

Setup Requirements

Space for performance, no additional materials needed.

Point of Concentration

Changing the emotion from one level to the next.

Side Coaching

Encourage students to fully embody each emotion before transitioning.
Monitor the pace of emotional change and adjust as needed.
Use prompts to help students explore deeper emotional levels.

Points of Observation

Watch how well students transition between emotions.
Note the dynamics of group interactions and support.
Identify if students are physically expressing their inner actions.

Evaluation

Did the students effectively convey inner emotional shifts?
Were the emotions clear and distinct?
Did coaching help deepen their performance?

Examples

Example scenario: Where - a camp scene; Who - a group of teen-age girls; What - they think their counselor has deserted them. Inner action progression: loss to sadness to grief.

Emotion sequence: self-pity to affection to love to grief.