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.