March 28, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Setting The Day Right, One Year At A Time

Guy Camilleri catching a wave at Venice Beach.

8:00 a.m.

By Guy Camilleri

It’s 8:00 am in Venice Beach. I’m sitting on my surfboard (in the ocean), not a swimming pool in my backyard…. keeping it real, Venetians. It’s quiet, meditation-like-quiet. The Santa Monica Mountains are to the north of me, Venice Pier down south. A set of waves approach; I paddle for one and catch it, reading and reacting according to what is being given to me. I use what is being given to me; in place of anticipating what I think might happen. After completing my ride, I paddle back out to the lineup and adhere to the simple instructions commonly found on the back of shampoo bottles; rinse and repeat as needed.

I’m Guy Camilleri, a Venice-based actor and acting coach and surfing is how I set my day right.

Every other week, I’ll be writing to you about the art and craft of acting, writing and directing, right here in my very own column. I currently facilitate an acting class Wednesday evenings at my studio, RAW acting studio, located at the Electric Lodge in Venice. Our studio is a safe, dynamic space and each week individuals are encouraged to dig deeper into their art as an actor, writer and director ensuring that your voice will be heard.

The purpose of this additional piece of writing is to introduce you to my methods, the various artists I meet in my day-to-day, whilst musing on the enigmatic character that is Venice. The very reason I moved to Venice was because I was so inspired by the sheer number of creative people that reside here, and of course, to surf.

One of the things I especially like about Venice is the opportunity to notice. I like to say; “noticing in of itself is an art” and as an actor, teacher and writer there is no shortage of the opportunity to observe on a daily basis in Venice Beach. A by-product of setting my day right is that it gives me clarity of mind, body, and soul and informs me in a myriad of ways to create.

As an actor, relaxation is the key ingredient in order to concentrate. Surfing is the perfect analogy for acting. It requires a relaxed body, focus and the uncanny ability to respond moment to moment to what’s really happening in front of you.

This is what works for me, what sets your day right in 2017?

Guy Camilleri is a Venice-based actor and acting coach. He runs the RAW acting studio and teaches regular classes on Wednesday nights at Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice. For details email guy@rawactingstudio.com. Follow Guy on Instagram @guycamilleri.

 

2-guy-camilleri

Guy Camilleri with his dog Blaze on Venice Beach.

Tags: in Opinion
Related Posts

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...

Venice Shorts: Averill Defeats Tyminski 63%-37% to Become President of Venice Neighborhood Council

April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023

In second bid for top spot, surfer/photographer Brian Averill coasts to an easy win against Venice attorney and outgoing Vice-President...

Column: Install at LAX Tiny Homes From The State Grant

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

By Clark Brown On March 16  Governor Newsom announced in Sacramento, his first stop on his State of the State of...

Venice Shorts: Night & Day – Flower & Lincoln Transformed, Back in Business

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

By Nick Antonicello In what was a Venice eyesore just a few months ago has been transformed into a place...

Opinion: Please Vote for Daffodil Tyminski

March 25, 2023

March 25, 2023

This is Tom Williams, your neighbor at 1011 Main Street.  With the upcoming VNC election this Sunday, I wanted to reach...

Venice Shorts: Popular Local Jim Robb Seeks Vp Slot, Endorses Brian Averill for President of the VNC!

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

By Nick Antonicello  VENICE – In a twist of events longtime Community Officer Jim Robb will now be seeking the...

Venice Shorts: Tabor Family Legacy Amara Hordt Seeks Seat on VNC This Sunday!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Local realtor looks to follow a family legacy of engaged community involvement here in Venice By Nick Antonicello VENICE –...

Venice Shorts: Erica Moore, A Cheerleader For Venice In Her Run For Community Officer!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – Local caterer Erica Moore is making a second run for the Venice Neighborhood Council, but...

Venice Shorts: Running Unopposed, Nico Ruderman’s Deep Dive Into Politics and Government Continues!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – It has been an interesting two years of political action, involvement and advocacy for Nico...

Venice Shorts: “V” for Venice Volunteer

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Media professional, local business owner and Dad, Eric Alan Donaldson is defined by his volunteerism and love of Venice. By...

Deborah Keaton, a Consensus Building Candidate for VNC Community Officer!

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Creative director, global brander and private business owner seeks a general consensus on what’s best for Venice moving forward.  By...