7 levels of tension

This is an exercise that actors sometimes use to warm themselves up. Could it be something that you do to get you into different spaces?

The first task is be exhausted. Here there’s no tension at all: you’re like a jellyfish, your limbs are flopping, you’re too tired to do anything. How might you act this out?

Now switch to being laid-back. You’re unbelievably relaxed and chilled.

Next up, you’re going to perform whatever it is to be normal. Nothing you do is more or less than being in neutral.

Now we are going to ramp up the tension a little bit by being alert and curious. You are, for the first time, interested in what’s going on around you. How is this going to play out? What are you noticing?

Something is going on that’s creating suspense. It’s your job to find out what it is. Where is the threat, the ticking timebomb, the mystery in the room?

You have now reached a passionate state. Whatever you suspected has now become a reality. Your movements are that much quicker and wilder.

And finally, we have reached the moment of maximum tension, when we come to the tragic act. You are so stressed out; can you bear it any longer? The threat is going to happen, you are helpless to avoid it. Boom!!!!!

And breathe. And reflect.