Tics and twitches.

As you’re reading this you may notice that your foot is swinging regularly.

Mine is.

Or that your thumb is rhythmically rubbing your middle finger. These aren’t actually tics or twitches according to definition, but this is the best way to describe them. 

They are recognizable physical behaviours that tend to calm you down. There is a stream of energy coming from this movement in the body. As if a run-off valve is releasing extra energy. 

Calming your mind.

Try to keep your tics and twitches while you’re acting.

Stillness is so important to acting and it may seem contradictory to include these slight movements as assets to good acting. In fact, it completes and compliments your stillness and can be an essential ingredient to you dropping in. 

The movements are pleasing sensory experiences. Your physiology likes it. 

Being still on camera means natural breathing, space in your mind and the inclusion of one of your rhythmical tics.

The fidget spinner toy serves to distract and relieve stress and plays a similar role as your tic and twitch.

The idea is that when you get up to act don’t give up all your - seemingly quirky - personal behaviours. 

See how keeping them helps you.