Lucid Body: A Guide for the Physical Actor

by Fay Simpson

The Lucid Body reveals how each body holds the possibility of every human condition. With Fay Simpson’s help, actors can better analyze character, hear their inner bodies, dissect the self into layers of consciousness, and more. Engage your mind and your body in order to develop your characters fully. The Lucid Body technique breaks up stagnant movement patterns and expands your emotional and physical range. Through energy analysis, this program shows how to use physical training to create characters from all walks of life—however cruel, desolate, or neurotic those characters may be. Rooted in the exploration of the seven chakra energy centers, chapters This book offers you a way of thinking and a set of tools that can lead you through a process of self-examination that will help you release old physical and emotional habits in the hope of expanding your acting potential.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre, Audiobook, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2008

Reviews

[maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

neeeeeed to be in a lucid body classs stat

[Kumari de Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The target audience is actors. I read it initially because I would like to be able to read my own poetry without sounding so wooden. I often wished I could get an actor to read my work at open mic because I'm such an abysmal reader. Yet I wrote with so much passion! This book is an easy read, with exercises at the end of each chapter designed to help you understand the concept of fluid/lucid/embodied acting.

I think the author did pretty good explaining what she meant but I found when I got to the end and all 7 chakras were functioning simultaneously, some blocked, some balanced I was overwhelmed. Most of the book focuses on One chakra at a time. Or two or three. I wish she had included a little more on what a blocked or balanced looks like in addition to the exploded and imploded. Basically I understood what she meant, but I still felt unprepared at the end to pull it all together into a fully fleshed character (with shadow) like Lady MacBeth.

But then again, I'm not a professional actor, I'm not even amateur. Perhaps the exercises in the book are easier to execute if you have taken a few drama classes. I would recommend this book to aspiring writers as well as actors because it truly explains the fundamentals of building a character. Also for anyone curious about the skill of acting. Lastly, you might enjoy doing the exercises in this book just for the fun of feeling more at home in your body. I suppose we all act from time to time in our daily lives. This book is not for learning how to "fake" act, i.e. it's not for pretending you like something you don't. But it is for uncovering when you inadvertently act, discovering when you have not been true to yourself.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, this book has changed my acting career. This is a must read for actors because it shows you how you see the world, how your characters see the world and how to connect the two. It incorporates exercises that everybody can do at home. I can't wait to reread this book and get even more out it!

[mengwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good darling very good

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este livro é uma viagem à descoberta de si mesmo e recomendo-o a toda a gente: aspirante a actor ou não! É de leitura muito fácil e interessante e oferece imensa clareza e lucidez acerca de nós mesmos e também dos outros. É um daqueles livros que muda vidas! Primeiro porque nos ajuda a ter uma imagem clara de nós mesmos e ao mesmo tempo de como é possível mudar essa imagem.
Já é um dos meus favoritos. Tenho a certeza que vou voltar a ele várias vezes, é um companheiro para a vida!

[J Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and learned from the author herself while I was in college. This is not only an essential guide for actors looking to strengthen and broaden their skills, but also for those wanting to learn how to take charge of their bodies and chakras. It reads like Fay is talking to you and it is mind/body altering; the best publication of its kind.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed me as an actor and as a person. I think this should be required read for anyone pursuing acting. I intend on re-reading this book regularly. 5 stars

[Brandon Hadwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s difficult to put into words what I feel about this book/ technique. Using the exercises simply does not compare to a lucid body class however this book is an incredible reference point when using the technique. If your the actor who’s always struggled to transform. If your the actor who’s body never catches up. If your the actor wants to create characters with layers. If your the actor that wants to affect they’re audience, this book is for you. It’s the most incredible technique in acting I’ve ever used/ witnessed and once used I simple can’t get enough of it. This technique now informs a HUGE part of my process and I couldn’t go without it. From the bottom of my heart I am incredibly grateful for what Fay Simpson has gifted to me with this technique!!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packaged as a practicum on chakras in relationship to the body for actors, but in actuality and more importantly, a self-therapy workbook on understanding oneself and how to unlock past traumas, fears, shadows, archetypes held deep within one's body - with the ultimate message and goal of deep self-understanding, awareness, empathy for yourself and others. The author alludes to the fact that the practice is meant for anyone and will help everyone unlock and better understand themselves. I will be revisiting this book periodically and will continue to take notes. A great guide with strong exercises that prompt consideration, reflection, quietude, stillness, and self-love. Follow this with other practices will help you unlock your body and your soul.

[Ally A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by an acting teacher a couple years ago, (we bonded over our interest in chakras and spirituality). And I finally read it, and in perfect timing too. It has some valuable tools to connect the chakra system to whichever character you’re playing. You might even do some healing for yourself while you’re at it :) If you are already pretty familiar with how the chakra system works and what each chakra relates to, the first half of the book might be a little tedious, but it’s still a worthwhile read. I definitely had some a-ha moments thought this book.

[Aili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to buy this book so I can read it over and over.

[Melaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really awesome and informative. Great for actors who are also yogis and interested in energy.

[Max Parmelee · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is CRUCIAL in the journey of an actor. of details the chakras in exploded and imploded states, and describes how they apply to the identity of an actor.
I constantly reference this book.

[Ryan Hans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got those chakras in LINE.

[Toby Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person should read this book. Every actor must read this book.

[Ayush Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an aspiring actor, but I learned so much about expressing myself through this book.

[Lauren VonEschen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the main books from an acting class that I always return to!

[Zarathustra Goertzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting body on chakra systems and being "clear" for acting :)

[Lauren LoGiudice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ... is everything for my practice of creating characters. The exercises are clear and you can use them to guide yourself in creating characters. Of course, at some point you will need to work with a Lucid Body teacher to go to the next level, but this book is a great first step or can fill in the gaps as you take the first step in studying Lucid Body.

[Maureen Mcbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studied this book in my Movement Theatre class and HAD to buy my own copy. The Lucid Body has become a bible for my character development. But don't worry if your not an actor it's still a fantastic book to own because it is so enlightening about your own body and it's personality

[Fstdb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for Improv and For becoming more embodied. Specific exercises. Using chakras for embodiment.

[Heather Kernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about being present in your body and how to act human

[Amit Bolakani · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and unique approach to acting based on body chakras. Quick read.