Behind the Scenes at The Actors’ Hub Lab: A Night of Storytelling and Shakespeare
This past Friday, The Actors’ Hub witnessed an extraordinary evening of performances that showcased the incredible depth of talent and dedication within our community. The Lab brought together GAP 1s, 2s, 3s, Incubators, and alumni, creating a vibrant tapestry of storytelling, exploration, and theatrical mastery. It was an unforgettable night that reminded us all why we are so passionate about the craft of acting.
The final act of the evening was a masterful exploration of Shakespeare’s history plays, brought to life by the GAP 2s, 3s, Incubators, and alumni. Among the alumni were actors currently working on our upcoming regional tour of “The Blind Eye Trilogy”. Their presence added an extra layer of depth and experience to the performances.
Never have I seen such accomplished interpretations of Shakespeare. The voices filled the theatre with clarity and resonance, and the understanding of the text and circumstances was nothing short of extraordinary. Shakespeare’s works are often considered challenging, yet these actors brought them to life with an ease and precision that belied their years. The audience was transported to the world of the Bard, experiencing the drama, politics, and humanity of his plays in a way that felt fresh and immediate.
The evening ended on a high note, leaving the audience in awe of the talent and hard work that had been on display. It was a powerful reminder that some of the best theatre in Perth can be found right here, in the hands of our rising stars.
How Aspiring Actors Can Achieve This Level of Connection
The performances we witnessed on Friday were a culmination of dedication, discipline, and a deep connection to the craft. For aspiring actors who wish to achieve the same level of richness and connection in their work, here are three key practices to focus on:
1. Dive Deep into the World of Your Character
To truly embody a character, you must immerse yourself in their world. Research the time, place, politics, and socio-economic conditions of the period. Understand the historical and cultural context that shapes their worldview. And understand the circumstances that shape your character’s actions and decisions. Go beyond the script—explore the art, music, and fashion of the time to fully grasp the essence of the world your character inhabits. Let these elements inform your character’s behaviour, choices, and mannerisms. This level of immersion will bring authenticity and depth to your performance.
2. Work Slowly and Precisely
Connection to the text is paramount. Connection comes from attention to detail. Take the time to work through your lines slowly and with intention, ensuring you are deeply connected to every word. Speak every word clearly, each with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Precision in your delivery allows you to communicate the nuances of your character’s emotions and thoughts. This meticulous approach will not only deepen your connection to the material but also enhance the audience’s experience. It’s this meticulous work that transforms a good performance into a great one.
3. Populate Your Script with Relationships
A rich performance is one that feels alive and interconnected. Your script is more than just words on a page—it’s a living, breathing world. Build relationships with every person, place, object, and event mentioned in the text. Understand how these elements affect your character and integrate them into your performance. Ask yourself: What does your character feel about these relationships? How do they shape your character’s journey? By creating these relationships, you add layers of complexity and richness to your performance, making it more engaging for the audience. This process creates a rich tapestry of connections that brings depth to your character and makes your performance resonate with authenticity. When the audience can feel these connections, they become fully immersed in the story.
The Power of Deep, Connected Performances
At The Actors’ Hub, we believe in the power of theatre to inspire, connect, and transform. Friday’s Lab was a reminder of why we do what we do—to create performances that move audiences, challenge perceptions, and celebrate the human experience.
Theatre has the unique ability to transport audiences, to make them feel and think deeply. As actors, our responsibility is to bring fully realised, deeply connected performances to the stage. When we do this, we not only captivate our audiences but also inspire them to return, to continue supporting the art form we love.
The Lab on Friday was a shining example of what is possible when actors commit to their craft with passion and discipline. It was a celebration of storytelling, bravery, and artistic excellence. For those who aspire to reach these heights, remember: dive deep, work with precision, and build rich, interconnected worlds. The rewards—for both you and your audience—are immeasurable.
As we look forward to the upcoming regional tour of “The Blind Eye Trilogy” and more Labs to come, we are excited to continue nurturing the next generation of talent. The best theatre in Perth isn’t just a performance—it’s a journey, and we invite you to be part of it.
Let’s bring the richness of storytelling to every stage and every audience. Because when we do, theatre becomes more than an art form—it becomes a shared experience that stays with us long after the curtain falls.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your acting journey, contact us at info@actorshubperth.com.au or visit The Actors’ Hub to learn more about how we can support your path to greatness.