The Stanislavski PERSONAL OBJECT

Method
Name: ________________________________

Date: ____________________ Period: ______

Objective
• Assess your progress with your relaxation efforts
• Assess your progress with your ability to concentrate
• Recreate the sensory experience of handling a personal object.

Preparation
The object used should have sentimental value and a marked personal association for you. Jewelry, letters, a
childhood toy, a special gift, a memento of some kind. The object can derive from any time in your past, but
objects that are seven or more years older will be infinitely more effective for this exercise.

You will need some privacy to complete this assignment. First begin by relaxing your body and quieting your
mind through the relaxation techniques we have learned in class. Take as much time as you need.

Your personal object: _________________________________________

As you work with the object, holding it in your hands and exploring it with all five senses, do not seek an
emotional response. If there is emotion—and there usually will be if you’ve selected the right object—let it
happen naturally. Also, let whatever emotion may exist be what it is. You needn’t embellish it.

Slowly explore the object and very thoughtfully record your observations.

Observation Record
Your responses to the prompts below MUST be almost ridiculously specific. Use metaphors and similes to
accurately conjure up the sensation. Be specific about how the sensation physically affects you.

1) Describe the object’s texture, weight, temperature, appearance, shape, color, odor, sound, how it

moves, etc.: ____________________________________________________________________

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2) Describe, if applicable, any emotions or memories that come up from your encounter with the
object. Again, it is extremely important not to force or exaggerate, here. If there is nothing, let there
be nothing; though, consider selecting a different object.) Describe how and where the emotion can
be felt in the body.

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The Exercise
Now, set the fabric aside. Spend at least 10 minutes relaxing in a chair—as you have been taught. Repeat the
process above without the object. You are not doing this exercise in order to learn to pantomime. Work on
reliving each of the specific sensations you recorded above. Do not move on to the next step until you fully
recreate each sensation fully and vividly and specifically.

Work on this several times for roughly ten-minute intervals.

You will be completing this exercise in class, and will be expected to have worked on this significantly at
home. You will be guided through each step, and you will be asked to recreate and describe each sensation.

Due Date: ________________________________

Reflection [To Be Completed After Your In-Class Performance]

Respond to the following prompts sincerely and with specific detail. Keep in mind that sense memory work
is intended to be a continual process. You are not learning your times tables; these are exercises not unlike
sit-ups or yoga. You continue to develop your ability with no end zone in sight. To achieve any kind of
success you must commit yourself to continually working on it.
1) How did you feel working on this exercise?

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2) Which specific sensations gave you the most trouble?

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3) What specific goals do you have for yourself as you continue to work?

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Assessment [for teacher use only]

PREPARATION 5 4 3 2 1
RELAXATION 5 4 3 2 1
CONCENTRATION 5 4 3 2 1
DETAIL OF WORK 5 4 3 2 1
ABILITY TO SUSTAIN 5 4 3 2 1
SELF-EVALUATION 5 4 3 2 1

Total ________ out of 30