Self-Observation and the Actor

Self-Observation and the Actor

by Mario A. Campanaro

Let’s discuss the importance of self-observation and how it directly relates to the work of the actor. By allowing ourselves to be the subject of study and examination, we gain the incredible first-hand opportunity to see that everything we do—physically, psychologically, and emotionally—has something behind it. There is always a destination, always a motivation, always an intention, and always something we want to achieve. There is always a "why." There is always a "how." There is always something to overcome. And there is always a response to something as it pertains to our wants, needs, and relationships to people, places, and things.

As I always say in my classes, whatever you know in life—based on where you are and the circumstances you find yourself in—the character will also know, based on where they are and the circumstances they find themselves in. So, it’s a great opportunity to break down this aspect of the craft and explore it moment to moment in your own life. By doing so, you’ll make it second nature when it comes to breaking down your work as an actor.

You will always know:

Where you are coming from, how you got there, and why you were there.

Where you are right now, what you want in the present, and what you’re going to do to get what you want.

Where you are going (even if you're lost, you still have a sense of where you want to end up), why you're going there, and what you want when you get there.

This process of exploration tunes us into our own sense of self. It brings to light all those aspects of life that we struggle with. Triggers will show up. Responses to relationships and situations will begin to have "reason"—whatever they may be, there will be a cause behind them. And you will start to notice that many of the obstacles you face in your work actually mirror the same obstacles you encounter in your everyday life. Why wouldn't they? We are revealing life through our work, and who we are is the instrument that allows us to do so.

The more we practice self-observation, the more we allow ourselves to face aspects of who we are, and to understand what may be stifling us, blocking us, or closing us off—and why. Where there is awareness, there is limitless opportunity for growth and expansion. It brings us into a more intimate relationship with who we are, which in turn allows us to be more intimately connected and present in our work.

170. The Power of Your Work in a Troubling World

With all the recent tragic events happening in our world, we had an emotionally charged week at the studio. These horrific events raise so many difficult questions: What does it all mean? Why does it happen? When will it change? Will it ever get better? Does it get better? When will we learn? When will we wake up? What am I doing? What can I do? Does it even matter?

Well, it does matter. And you matter. And it will get better. It does get better.

I hope this lecture serves as a reminder that you matter. I hope it inspires you to know that your work matters. As actors, as artists, as co-creators, we each have a calling and a mission that can shift some of the darkest realities and consciousness humanity still faces. We have the potential to create a better today and tomorrow… but only if we take on that role responsibly—with commitment, accountability, respect, compassion, awareness, insight, and pure intent.

Never forget that you—your voice, your instrument, your actions, and your work—are infinitely more powerful than you may realize. Never underestimate that your individual creative power has the potential to uplift and even heal those you may never meet in this lifetime. Like a pebble being gently tossed into a vast pond, your ripple effect will reach all those it is meant to reach.

Stay the course.

Stay an integral part of the process.

Stay intent.

Stay awake.

Stay in that creative, transformative light.

You can move mountains…

I know you can…

And we will.

Copyright © 2025 Mario A. Campanaro, All rights reserved."