As a first-time Labber, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the lab. I had watched the videos on YouTube and read about the approach on your website, but living it is a whole different experience. I wanted to go in with an open mind and fully trust the process – which, according to my friend Georgios Mantzakos, is the only way to do it anyway.

From the first day, I really enjoyed the playfulness and radical approach of the physical lab, to use your body as a vessel and indulge in presence. Even though all the moves and moans and grunts felt a little weird in the beginning, it was great to have more experienced Labbers lead by example and give myself permission to also fully give into this madness – and I mean this in the most positive way 😃

It felt like a safe space from the get go, and I really REALLY liked that we didn’t introduce ourselves with our full biography but just names, as my imposter syndrome always kicks in immediately when in a new group – “Everyone here is better than me” is how I always feel at any acting class. But at the Lab, it became clear early on that it’s all about people, their bodies right now. Not their past experiences or future. You. Us. Now. Nothing more.

What I enjoyed most were the moments of playing and acting, both in groups and individually. While it took me a moment to understand and rid myself of the need to give a performance or to entertain, actually just experimenting and “going for it” was such a kick and release at the same time. Most of the time, I felt truly free.

At the same time, I really enjoyed the reflection moments in the group where we discussed and tried to put into words what we’re experiencing; this helped me understand better what exactly I was supposed to be experiencing; because this I struggled with the most, this search and longing for experiencing something in some way, without really understand what it is I am looking for. If you know what I mean.

Now, I think I can finally describe it better for myself: it’s sort of a release and complete surrender to what is happening at any given moment when acting. The moment before and the moment after don’t exist, you just have to trust that you know your lines, let those lines flow through you, while staying open with your body and emotions and mind to be able to act and react to what you are given from your scene partner (or the story you’re telling).

I had my first acting class again last week with my usual ensemble, and I felt so much more at peace and present in the little improv scenes that we did. I was able to tune out the little voice in my head that wants to anticipate and prepare an acting / improvisation moment, and instead was able to really listen, feel and react in the moment. To act truthfully under this imaginary circumstance (bless you, Meisner). I hope I can keep it up.

I already mentioned on WhatsApp, that my singing has also improved; and I think the reason is that I feel less rushed and less intimidated by more difficult passages in a song. I am staying with myself in the moment, tasting the notes and lyrics that I sing right now, instead of my thoughts already thinking ten notes ahead.

Nevertheless, there was one thing I missed during the week, which was more 1on1 time with the teacher. While I enjoy group settings, and I love to watch and learn from others, I gained most from the individual interaction with Yorgos during the course. I had the feeling that these moments unlocked something greater for me, and I wished there was more time for this kind of exploration.

Also, I would have loved to perform a scene with someone else instead of only working on monologues. The exercise we did for and with Yoshi was a very welcome change of pace, as acting with someone else felt like a fresh breeze of inspiration.