Sensory Classes in New York

In May 2023, DAL organised its first sensory classes for professional actors in New York City taught by its founder Victoria Nilsson.

The objective of these classes was to train the actor's concentration and relaxation as well as sensitise their instrument through sensory exercises.

The heads and tails of the coin of acting are relaxation and concentration.

The purpose of relaxation is not just to relax, but to achieve complete command of one's physical faculties. Meanwhile concentration enables an actor to have complete control of their imaginary faculties.

Classes always started with relaxation. Then the participants were guided through a 'Sense Memory' exercise. This entails that they had to employ their five senses to try to re-create objects, places, people, and more from their memory, making these non-present elements as present as possible. This trains the actor’s ability to maintain concentration as well as strengthening and stimulating their imagination, sense of belief, and personal involvement with what they are working on.