We all know that a good performance is a carefully connected dance of need driven actions. But sometimes, it can be hard not to refer back to our favorites time and time again. When you need a little something to spark the imagination, this slim little volume of action words will do the trick. It helps you find the perfect description for every beat so that your performance remains dynamic and unpredictable. Why just “tempt” when you could allure, attract, bribe, cajole, coax, entice, induce, influence, lure, seduce… Why “stop” when you could curb, block, confound, constrict, constrain, control, dampen, delay, discourage, encumber, fetter, gag, hamper, handicap, halt, hinder, hold, impede, inhibit, moderate, muzzle, obstruct, oppress, quieten, repress, restrain, silence, stifle, still, subdue, suppress, throttle, trammel…
You can see how each word subtly influences the way you would enact your performance. As an exercise during rehearsal, try using at least three variations of each word then pick the opposite word and try three variations of that. For example, antonyms for “Oppress” are: aid, assist, comfort, help, make happy, please, soothe, benefit, calm, compliment, delight, encourage, give in, inspirit, let go, praise, release, yield, surrender, boost, and gladden. Often when you try the opposite of what you think your action should be, you’ll end up with something that’s unpredictable and layered.
Our art is made up of words and actions. The more you have in your toolbox, the more varied you’ll be.
Go ahead and give it a try.