Getting to Zero: Embodying the Pause (Ep. 1)

Welcome to the first episode of 'The Edge of the Stage podcast: Life Lessons from Performance Training.' Hosts Berit Elizabeth and Matthew Ellenwood introduce the concept of 'Zero,' a state of focused readiness critical for both performers and professionals.

Learn practical techniques for achieving Zero, hear the science behind it, and explore the emotional intelligence framework that makes it possible. Matthew demonstrates how to access this state quickly through breath and eye exercises, while Berit links it to professional and personal settings. This episode also delves into the significance of Zero in performance training and its distinction from the term 'neutral.' Join us to unlock the art of the full body pause and navigate intense emotions with composure and confidence.

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LINKS and Show Notes

📁 Establishing a Baseline handout - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOwLz4bLsxyeahOoFKtMn-QReKfZbbvQ/view?usp=drive_link

0️⃣ Challenging Actor's Neutrality - https://www.onstageblog.com/industry/2021/4/26/challenging-actors-neutrality

🎭 Normalizing Non-Neutral: Towards an Inclusive Acting Pedagogy - https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/9989ba04-2e11-4922-9996-88618b9197b7/content

❤️ Resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia is related to emotion reactivity to social-evaluative stress https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032722011065

🫁 Breath of Life: The Respiratory Vagal Stimulation Model of Contemplative Activity - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00397/full

👁️‍🗨️ Vision and Breathing May Be the Secrets to Surviving 2020 - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/vision-and-breathing-may-be-the-secrets-to-surviving-2020/

👁️ Study reveals how breathing regulates pupil size and vision - https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250221/Study-reveals-how-breathing-regulates-pupil-size-and-vision.aspx

🟪 Schechner's Rasaboxes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFPupoTR91o

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Concept of Zero

02:08 Defining Zero in Artistic and Professional Contexts

06:19 The Importance of Training for Zero

07:28 Understanding Zero vs. Neutral

10:17 Assessing Your State Before Reaching Zero

12:59 Practical Applications and Challenges of Zero

19:02 Real-Life Scenarios and the Need for Zero

21:38 Baseline State Exercise

21:57 Assessing Your Environment and Social Context

22:42 Body Awareness and Energy Levels

23:25 Mental Focus and Curiosity

24:08 Summarizing the Baseline

25:10 Introduction to Zero State Components

25:22 Breathing Techniques for Zero State

27:41 Eye Techniques for Zero State

30:50 Scientific Insights on Emotional Regulation

38:00 Rasaboxes and Shanta: Performance Techniques

43:32 Conclusion and Next Steps