The IBCs of Acting
Is there really such a thing? Well, yes of course there is! What is it?
It’s Imagination, Belief, and Commitment. Now let’s break that down.
Here we go.
Imagination: The ability to form pictures in your mind. Creative ideas to form something whether it was experienced or not by the person.
Belief: Deep inner conviction moment to moment you hold to be true.
Commitment: Unwavering dedication to your course of action.
Those things are your I. B. C.’s.
While most people assume they naturally possess these qualities, the truth is that using them effectively in acting is a skill that requires practice and development. When combined, they significantly elevate an actor’s performance and an audience’s experience. The key is the degree to which an actor can master them. Using your I.B.C.’s is a skill that can be honed with practice.
I believe “advanced imagination” is particularly crucial. This involves using your imagination moment-to-moment and sustaining all images throughout a scene. Every actor has imagination, but an advanced imagination allows you to fully create the imaginary circumstances of a scene, which is essential for inhabiting a character. Without a strong imagination, belief and
commitment won’t be as effective. For instance, in today’s world of green screens, an actor’s ability to create a detailed imaginary environment is paramount for a convincing performance.
Cultivating an “advanced imagination” requires practice. Imaginary exercises can help you visualize details and sustain imagery for the duration of a scene, while improvisation is excellent for honing belief and commitment. Ultimately, these skills work together as a powerful stimulus to trigger a character’s thoughts and feelings, helping to establish their point of view.
So, I encourage you to consider: How are your I.B.C.’s? Do you have an “advanced imagination”?
Now is the time to put these vital skills to work!
I hope to see you in class.