4 Things You Didn't Know About Acting

Insights from Lorne Cardinal

The world of acting is vast and varied, offering an array of techniques, emotions, and experiences. In an enlightening conversation on the Bigger Than Me Podcast, Lorne Cardinal shed light on some lesser-known aspects of the craft. Here are five intriguing takeaways from the discussion:

1. Finding Your Path Isn't Always Direct

Many think that those who end up in the world of acting have had a burning passion since childhood. However, Lorne’s entry was more incidental. Before discovering acting, his skills were confined to being a darkroom technician, photographer, tree planter, and rugby player.

It was during his 20s that destiny led him to an unexpected turning point. Enrolling in an acting class at Caribou College, now Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, Lorne encountered the transformative power of the stage for the first time. That initial experience, standing under the spotlight, feeling the audience's energy, and bringing characters to life, ignited a fervor in him that was previously unknown. This newfound passion was not just a passing phase; it was a profound realization of his calling, and it would guide the trajectory of his future. The stage didn’t just offer Lorne a career, it provided him with a purpose, a passion that would define the rest of his life.

2. The Craft Goes Beyond Merely Acting

To many, acting might appear as simply memorizing and reciting lines. However, Lorne passionately underscores that there's so much more beneath the surface. It's about immersing oneself into the psyche of a character, grasping their innermost desires, apprehensions, and motivations. This depth allows the actor to present a character that's not just believable but feels real and palpable to the audience.

In Lorne's journey, the significance of technique became glaringly apparent when he lost his voice early in his career. He hadn't yet mastered the intricacies of breath control and strategic body movement. Acting, as Lorne illuminates, isn't just vocal. It's a holistic performance where one's entire body becomes a communicative tool, conveying stories and emotions to the audience, even in the absence of spoken words.

3. Different Training Methods Offer Unique Perspectives

The Pachinko Clown Method, as experienced by Lorne Cardinal, is a profound and deeply intuitive approach to acting. Rooted in indigenous philosophy of color, it deviates from many Western acting techniques, focusing instead on a spiritual and emotional connection to the performance. Where conventional methods might ask actors to connect with a character's motivations or backstory, the Pachinko Clown Method urges actors to allow their emotions and spirits to become their guiding forces. This taps into a raw, unfiltered energy that brings about authentic and deeply moving performances. For Lorne, this method wasn't just about acting; it was a journey into self-discovery and a way to channel ancestral energies and narratives onto the stage.

On the other hand, Lorne's training at the University of Alberta’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting program introduced him to the structured and disciplined world of classical theater techniques. Rooted in a rich history of drama, these methods emphasize script analysis, character development, voice modulation, and physicality. Techniques often trace back to the legacies of legendary theater practitioners like Stanislavski, Meisner, or Brecht. In this world, the actor is akin to a craftsman, carefully honing their skills, understanding the nuances of the script, and delivering performances that are both technically sound and emotionally resonant. While this approach may seem more formulaic compared to the fluidity of the Pachinko Clown Method, it provides actors with a robust toolkit to tackle a diverse range of roles and theatrical genres.

These contrasting experiences in Lorne Cardinal's training highlight the immense diversity that exists in the realm of acting methodologies. While the Pachinko Clown Method immerses actors in a world of intuition, spirituality, and emotional spontaneity, the classical techniques from the University of Alberta ground performers in meticulous analysis and technical precision. Neither method is superior to the other; instead, they offer different lenses through which an actor can interpret and portray their roles. For many actors, understanding and experiencing a range of techniques can be instrumental in developing versatility and depth in their craft. Lorne's journey, seamlessly weaving between these contrasting styles, showcases the richness and complexity of the world of acting.

4. The Power of Connection is Key

For actors, stepping onto the stage or in front of the camera isn't just a job – it's a calling. There's an unparalleled rush they feel when their performance mesmerizes an audience. Lorne elucidates this by describing moments when the palpable tension of a scene causes an entire audience to hold its collective breath, hanging onto every word and gesture. This feeling, where a performer and the audience become one in shared emotion and experience, is intoxicating. It's that deep, magical connection, where performances transcend mere acting and become genuine, heartfelt moments of truth, that actors ardently seek and continuously chase after.

Lorne Cardinal's personal journey in the world of acting provides a vivid illustration of the art's complexities and nuances. His story not only highlights the exhilarating highs but also underscores the commitment, passion, and ceaseless dedication necessary to truly master the craft.