UC San Diego

ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS

To Achieve the Incredible

by

Gerard Joseph

Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance (Acting)

University of California, San Diego, 2014

Professor Kyle Donnelly, Chair

I came to this school with a different understanding of `acting' then the one I leave with. I began with an ideal; a flawed ideal on how to achieve an incredible goal. I still believe the goal to be worthy, but was stuck in an unsuccessful methodology. It was a concept that led me to squeezing every drop out of a limited reservoir in attempting to capture a fleeting understanding.

What I have accomplished here can be described as the digging of a deeper well. Through time spent in voice, singing, movement, acting technique, and self-exploration I now have an instrument much more capable of expression - a much larger body of water to draw from.

Perhaps as important, I have acquired an ease of delivery. I now see the process of realizing this vision will not be through the squeezing and forcing of every sinew to serve your turn, but rather through releasing into what I can best describe as an open state of readiness and connection. I believe this understanding will relieve me of the oft-stifling pressure of achievement and bring me closer to, and more capable of sustaining my original ideal.

I have trained with specialists in many genre's and leave UCSD with a keener sense of self and the rigor of artistry.

I have learned to embrace and have confidence in the artist I am and my unique ability to create.

I have gained a deep appreciation and wonder for the human connection and the synergy of talent.