The Stanislavski MIRROR

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 looking in the mirror and completing a task (shaving, applying makeup,
etc.).

Preparation
You will need some privacy in your bathroom or bedroom 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. Then look at yourself in the mirror. Slowly proceed to engage in some sort of
daily activity, such as shaving, applying makeup, washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc. Do not rush
through this activity—nor the time you spend looking at yourself before beginning the activity. Carefully
observe all the sensations that accompany this task.

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

1) Look at yourself in the mirror.

2) Describe the shape, size and other visual features of your head: _____________________________

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3) Describe the shape, size and other visual features of your neck: _____________________________

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4) Describe the shape, size, color(s) and other visual features of your hair: _______________________

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5) Describe your hairline: ____________________________________________________________

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6) Describe the shape, size and other visual features of your face: _____________________________

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7) Describe any facial blemishes: ______________________________________________________

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8) Describe your forehead: ___________________________________________________________

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9) Describe your eyebrows: __________________________________________________________

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10) Describe your eyes: ______________________________________________________________

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11) Describe your nose: ______________________________________________________________

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12) Describe your mouth: _____________________________________________________________

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13) Describe your chin: ______________________________________________________________

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14) Describe your cheeks: _____________________________________________________________

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15) Describe your jawline: ____________________________________________________________

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16) Assemble the materials for your activity (makeup kit, shaving kit, etc.).

17) List each object being used in the activity (including water if applicable): ______________________

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18) Describe in excessive detail the physical sensations of each object:

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19) Complete you activity.

20) Describe in excessive detail the physical sensations of engaging in the activity: __________________

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The Exercise
Now, go to another location. Spend at least 10 minutes relaxing in a chair—as you have been taught. Repeat
the process above without the mirror, sink, and hygiene materials. 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