Episode #3
Movement for Screen Actors with Pat Garrett
Movement is not just for dancers. It is one of the most powerful tools an actor has. In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast , I’m joined by movement practitioner, actor and highly experienced teacher Pat Garrett to explore the role physicality plays in creating truthful, believable characters. Pat has taught movement for actors across drama schools and colleges and has worked within repertory theatre, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She also spent more than ten years as a senior examiner for Trinity College London, assessing professional diplomas in Drama, Dance and Musical Theatre — so it is fair to say, she has seen a lot! Together, we discuss why an actor’s physical choices matter, how movement can reveal character before a word is spoken, and why performers should develop greater awareness of what their bodies are communicating. This is not about choreography, complicated routines or learning how to dance. It is about using the body with purpose — and adding movement to your own Performer’s Toolkit . Why movement is an essential acting tool The difference between simply moving and making purposeful physical choices How posture, pace, gesture and tension communicate character What an actor’s body can reveal before they speak Why movement work is not just for dancers or musical theatre performers How physical choices can support emotional truth The importance of observing how real people move Developing greater physical awareness as an actor How movement training can help performers avoid repetitive character choices Using the body to create more specific, confident and believable performances Your body is already telling the audience a story. The question is whether you are making those physical choices consciously — or allowing habit, nerves and your own everyday movement patterns to make them for you. Movement does not need to be big or theatrical. Sometimes the smallest adjustment in posture, rhythm, focus or physical tension can completely transform a character. Choose a character or scene you are currently working on and explore: Where does the character hold tension? What part of their body leads them into the room? How much physical space do they take up? Do they move quickly, slowly, directly or hesitantly? What changes physically when their circumstances change? Try the scene again after making one clear physical choice and notice what it unlocks. Pat Garrett is an actor, movement practitioner and experienced teacher who has taught movement for actors in colleges and drama schools. Her career includes work in repertory theatres, at the National Theatre and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Pat was also a senior examiner for Trinity College London for more than ten years, examining professional diplomas in Drama, Dance and Musical Theatre. “Movement isn’t just for dancers.” Movement for actors, physical storytelling, actor training, character physicality, body language, movement practitioner, performance techniques, acting exercises, screen acting, theatre training, The Performer’s Toolkit In this episode, we explore:Key takeawayA tool to tryAbout Pat GarrettEpisode quoteKeywords
