Kapamilya stars learn Chubbuck technique

MANILA, Philippines — Collaboration and learning are themes one could identify from Ivana Chubbuck’s recent media call. She had given those present a sneak peek into her masterclass. Yes, Ivana is in town for a masterclass with select Kapamilya stars tomorrow,  Oct. 6, and Oct. 7 at the Dolphy Theater. The participants are expected to discover their power in becoming better performers and winners in life.

As an acting coach, she incorporates concepts from such disciplines as pyschology (behavioral science) and cultural anthropology to lay the ground for actors in exploring their roles. This is perhaps a way of contextualizing and constructing the being and the truth of every character. Ivana works with actors through a system (technique), which is based on science (the social sciences).

“We have to understand what’s going on there,” she shared an experience working with actors on the set of Vikings, whose narrative is set in the ninth century, “what’s the culture — it was created based on the weather conditions, the agriculture. They (the people) couldn’t read or write, (we need to understand) how they communicated.” So by understanding the behavior of people then (from communication, relationships to their migration), Ivana and her actors get a thick description of culture and the milieu, where the actors’ characters would be situated for an authentic portrayal. She would help actors to thresh out and understand circumstances that are related, let’s say, to geography and weather that have led to the creation of religion and gods. Her work doesn’t fail to enthrall the artist in Ivana.

“I find my job really fascinating because I learn so much,” said she, who has gained insights about human beings through collaborating with actors, “we’re very complicated yet we’re very simple. What’s interesting is this, our needs are simple, how we go after them, our needs, is what makes us complicated and interesting.” She added that people have the same primal needs, “We all need to be loved, we all need to have family. Everybody seems to have the same fears, the same insecurities.” As much as her actors learn from her, Ivana also learns from this creative process. She expects actors to do their homework and be on the same page with her.

“I’m not directing. I’m not the director. I’m just giving information that creates such (a) strong, rich foundation,” she added. “Actors, directors and writers tell stories together... We’re not separating ourselves. We’re doing this as a team… We are doing this because you promote me thinking, you provoke my thought. I provoke your thought.” This piques one’s interest to ask questions “like what about this?, what about that?” and suddenly, actors have bigger ideas for them to take. Whatever pieces of information that come out from that conversation are in the hands of actors.

To understand the Ivana Chubbuck technique is to experience it. Attending the two-day masterclass are Aljur and Vin Abrenica, Nash Aguas, Leila Alcasid, Christian Bables, Jameson Blake, Loren Burgos, Manuel Calilung, Mica Javier, Diego Loyzaga, Elmo Magalona, Joseph Marco, Bela Padilla, Enzo Pineda, JC Santos and Myrtle Sarrosa.

Based on the videos of participants shown during the presscon, one can say that these talents are all excited and feel blessed. They will learn the 12 steps Ivana has documented in her volume titled The Power of the Actor. New information, however, is added and incorporated every time she conducts a masterclass.

An actor, according to Ivana, should work hard, take risks and not play it safe. That’s why learning is primal (essential) in an actor’s work.

(For details on becoming an observer at the masterclass, visit https://www.facebook.com/starmagicworkshops, call 415-2272 local 5243, 5244 and 5142 or e-mail [email protected].)