ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by actor, writer and certified Chubbuck Technique coach Eric Geynes to explore what really helps an actor move from “performing” a scene to genuinely living within it.
Eric shares his unusual route into acting after years as a competitive swimmer, the discipline he carried from sport into his training at Drama Centre London, and why the hardest part of acting preparation can sometimes be learning to let all that preparation go.
Together, Lisa and Eric explore the Chubbuck Technique, character psychology, scene objectives, action verbs, movement psychology and the relationship between inside-out and outside-in approaches to performance.
They also discuss how actors can work with emotionally demanding material safely, why emotion should be a result rather than the goal, and the importance of understanding what your character actually wants from the other person in the scene.
Eric shares practical advice for self-tapes and screen work, including:
Finding a clear scene objective
Using playable actions rather than chasing emotion
Creating a strong moment before
Allowing the character to exist beyond the first and last line
Using simple physical “doings” to make a scene feel lived-in
Avoiding anticipation and staying genuinely responsive
Letting accidents and unexpected moments become part of the performance
Knowing when to stop analysing and trust your preparation
The conversation also moves into Laban and Yat Malmgren’s Movement Psychology, performance capture, working without physical sets or props, and how physical choices can sometimes unlock a character from the outside in.
Finally, Eric discusses the idea behind his forthcoming book, The Constant Actor, and what performers can do when they aren’t currently employed as actors. From creative practice and collaboration to training, career development, consistency and looking after your mental health, he offers a practical reminder that being an actor is about far more than your latest credit.
A brilliant episode for actors who love exploring technique - but also need the reminder that eventually, you have to trust the work and let it go.
Find Eric:
Instagram: @ericgeynesCoaching: @ericgeynescoach
Follow Lisa and The Drama Coach on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook at @TheDramaCoach.
Subscribe to The Drama Coach Podcast so you don’t miss the rest of Series 3 - The Performer’s Toolkit.
Intro/Outro Music: Nastelbom - Soft Music 295878 from Pixabay
