It’s all BS so NONE of it is!

My latest “waltism” usually gets some WTF double takes from students. This new phrase is as much an example of my point. I am equally the victim and benefactor of getting high on my own supply of BS any given day.

It’s all BS so NONE of it is!

In the world of an artist, we constantly do things that disconnect us from reality, as a way of discovering a deeper meaning to reality.

The games we play are ridiculous. And quite often, when working with middle school students and corporate teams alike, we get strange eye rolls and lifted eye brows.

Within our world there are more so called acting techniques and methods than I will ever know of their existance. There is always a new way to teach the same old thing, and once in a while someone stands out with a radial new idea, not that often.

I literally just deleted 5 paragraphs of BS from this blog because of a Facebook Post

WHAT IS LOVE, IN YOUR OWN WORDS?

What an amazing example of my point.

LOVE is a word used to describe an emotion, a state of being. But can any of word truly describe love. Poets have tried for 1000s of years through words, symbolism, metaphor, etc. But do we ever truly describe it. Perhaps. But we inspire feelings, physical and emotional responses through the poetry. We can truly co.prehend but we can at our core recognize it. Except when we confuse it for lust, dependency, infatuation, pain, etc.

Similarly, techique is not acting. Acting is not living.. But we play games, perform exercises, meditate, journal, or serve our world, etc to discover this thing called acting.

We find ways to trigger our emotional life, our creative spirit. But, for me at least, once I get there I feel silly, all the thing I did to get to that heightened, deeper-focused place.

When you see a martial artist perform Tai chi, it looks silly to those that don’t respect the process. But over time that trains the mind, bod and soul to battle. If you are a fan or practiced, you know of many of the numerous techniques – Kung Fu, Karate, Ju Jitsu, all the animal inspired methods of the Panda movies etc. Warriors will swear by their methods. True artists will dis8and draw upon many.

Acting is a martial art. We discover our best selves inside and out by breaking out mind, body and soul down, develop a physical and mental agility and then put ourselves back together again, reconnected to the real world at our best.

Another way to think about it, whe wvee we are not performing, break everything down, look for new ways to better yourself. Train a new skill (speech, stage combat, yoga etc) Read a book, take a class, learn a new song, monologue, dance step etc.

But when it’s time to perform, warm up get focused and be in f he moment. Thinking about the technique when trying to be a character loving in an inaginary world disconnects us from the moment.

I call it BS because that how those who don’t get it write it off. One artists BS is another’s salvation.

BE A SPONGE. Be open to everything.

But catch ourselves getting high on our supply. Because all the things that help us get to where we need to be to nail a performance is BS to oir audience. They don’t care about process. They don’t want to see our choices. They want to see the result of those choices. At hat point we leave the BS behind and JUST DO.

And as for this blog post what a crock of 💩 lol

Stella Adler: Igniting the Actor’s Imagination

Stella Adler, a force in the acting world, challenged the Stanislavski method with her own powerful technique. While both techniques share a focus on creating believable characters, Adler diverged on a key point: emotional recall. Let’s delve into Adler’s approach and how it empowers actors to bring characters to life.

Imagination Takes Center Stage

Adler believed that relying solely on personal memories to evoke emotions limited an actor’s range. Instead, she championed the power of imagination. Her technique emphasizes building a rich inner world for the character, fueled by observation and a deep understanding of the script and its context. Actors hone their observational skills by noticing the details of everyday life – the way someone walks, the texture of fabric, the sounds of a specific environment. This sensory information becomes the raw material for creating vivid mental images that inform the character’s choices and behaviors.

Action & Script Analysis

Adler’s approach is action-oriented. She drilled down into the “what” of a scene – what is the character trying to accomplish in every moment? Actors identify specific actions (persuade, comfort, etc.) to guide their performance.

Another pillar of Adler’s technique is script analysis. She encouraged actors to become detectives of the playwright’s intent. By thoroughly dissecting the script, actors uncover the play’s underlying themes and the character’s motivations. This empowers actors to make strong artistic choices that illuminate the play’s message.

Building the Actor

Adler wasn’t just concerned with creating believable characters; she fostered well-rounded actors. She emphasized the importance of artistic independence, encouraging actors to develop their own viewpoints and bring their unique perspectives to their roles.

Learning from a Master

While Adler didn’t leave behind a published book outlining her technique, her teachings live on through the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York and Los Angeles. Many renowned actors, including Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro, honed their craft under Adler’s tutelage.

Is Adler Right for You?

If you’re an actor seeking a technique that emphasizes imagination, observation, and a deep connection to the text, then the Stella Adler technique might be a perfect fit. It encourages actors to become not just performers, but interpreters of the human condition.

In the Wings: Mastering the Moment Before Your Entrance

The spotlight beckons. The audience waits with bated breath. But before you step onto the stage and steal the show, there’s a crucial, often overlooked moment – the one right before your entrance. This brief period, according to the teachings of Constantin Stanislavski and his influential protégés, is a vital opportunity to prime yourself for peak performance.

Stanislavski’s Inner Life

Stanislavski, the revolutionary acting teacher, believed in the power of the actor’s “inner life.” For him, the moments before an entrance were a sacred space to cultivate your character’s emotional state and intentions. He advocated for a series of techniques to achieve this:

  • Emotional Recall: Tap into past experiences that evoke the emotions your character might be feeling. Did you experience a similar moment of nervousness, excitement, or anger? Recalling the physical sensations associated with those emotions can imbue your performance with authenticity. OR (as per Meisner) totally use imagination to “get there”
  • The Given Circumstances: Review the specific details of the play – the time of day, the characters you’ve just encountered, your character’s recent actions. Understanding the context helps you step seamlessly into your character’s mindset when you enter.
  • Physical Adjustments: Are you tense or slouched? Stanislavski emphasized the mind-body connection. Adjust your posture and take a few deep breaths to mirror your character’s physical state.

Building on the Foundation

Stanislavski’s students further refined these ideas. Here’s what some of his prominent protégés added:

  • Sense Memory (Sanford Meisner): Imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that your character might be experiencing just before their entrance. This sensory detail can ground you in the moment and spark authentic reactions.
  • The Beat (Stella Adler): Adler believed in the importance of the “beat,” the silent pause or action that precedes your character’s spoken words. Use the moment before your entrance to establish this beat, building anticipation and focusing your energy.
  • Alignment with Scene (Harold Clurman): Clurman emphasized the importance of aligning your emotional state with the overall mood of the scene. Is the atmosphere tense or playful? Understanding the scene’s energy allows you to seamlessly integrate into it upon your entrance.

Making the Most of the Moment

These techniques can be employed in a pre-show ritual:

  • Find a Quiet Space: Briefly isolate yourself backstage to focus on your character’s inner life.
  • Repeat Your Mantras: Silently rehearse your character’s objectives and motivations.
  • Body Adjustments: Use physical adjustments to embody your character’s emotional state.
  • Sensory Immersion: Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the scene.

By mastering the moment before your entrance, you transform the wings from a waiting area into a launchpad. You’ll step onto the stage not just as yourself, but as a fully formed character, ready to captivate the audience. So, the next time you hear your cue, remember – the magic starts before the spotlight hits.

Finding Focus: Exploring the Power of Public Solitude in Acting

The stage lights are blinding, the audience a sea of expectant faces. In this electrifying atmosphere, actors must create a world of their own, embodying characters and emotions with complete conviction. But how do they achieve this level of focus while surrounded by so much external stimuli? The answer lies in a seemingly paradoxical concept: public solitude.

Pioneered by the legendary Russian acting teacher Constantin Stanislavski and further developed by his protégé Sanford Meisner, public solitude is a technique that empowers actors to cultivate a state of intense inner concentration even in the most public settings. It’s about creating a mental space where external distractions fade away, allowing actors to fully inhabit the world of the play and connect with their characters on a profound level.

The Stanislavskian Roots

Stanislavski, dissatisfied with the artificial and melodramatic acting styles of his time, sought a more realistic and truthful approach. He emphasized the importance of the actor’s inner life, urging them to draw on their own emotions and experiences to bring authenticity to their performances. Public solitude was a key tool in achieving this.

By training actors to build an imaginary wall around themselves onstage, Stanislavski aimed to eliminate distractions from the audience, set design, or fellow actors. This allowed actors to delve into their characters’ psychology, focusing on their internal objectives and motivations.

Meisner’s Refinement

Sanford Meisner, a protégé of Stanislavski who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, took the concept of public solitude a step further. He introduced the idea of “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This meant not just focusing on one’s own emotions, but actively responding to the imaginary world of the play and the actions of fellow actors.

Meisner’s approach emphasized the importance of sense memory – using past sensory experiences to inform an actor’s performance in the present. By employing public solitude, actors could create a safe space to explore these memories and authentically react to the imaginary stimuli of the play.

The Benefits of Public Solitude

The ability to achieve public solitude equips actors with a multitude of benefits:

  • Heightened Concentration: By shutting out distractions, actors can fully immerse themselves in the play, improving their focus and memory recall.
  • Emotional Authenticity: Public solitude allows actors to access their inner well of emotions, leading to more believable and nuanced performances.
  • Stronger Connections: By responding truthfully to imaginary circumstances, actors can build stronger connections with their fellow actors, creating a more natural and believable stage dynamic.

Mastering Public Solitude

While the concept might seem simple, achieving public solitude requires dedication and practice. Actors can hone this skill through exercises that focus on:

  • Sensory Awareness: Heightening awareness of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches, both on and offstage.
  • Emotional Recall: Recalling past emotional experiences and using them to inform their performance.
  • Focus Techniques: Practicing meditation or mindfulness exercises to improve concentration and block out distractions.

Public solitude is not about becoming aloof or self-absorbed onstage. It’s about creating a powerful internal focus that allows actors to truly connect with their characters and the world of the play. By mastering this technique, actors can deliver performances that are not only technically sound but also emotionally resonant and deeply affecting.

Unveiling the Inner Life: The Enduring Legacy of Constantin Stanislavski

Constantin Stanislavski, a name synonymous with transformative acting, wasn’t always a champion of emotional realism. In fact, his journey to creating the renowned Stanislavski technique began with frustration. Disillusioned by the theatricality of his time, Stanislavski sought a deeper truth in performance. This quest led him to develop a revolutionary approach that continues to influence actors and audiences alike.

Stanislavski’s exploration involved delving into the “art of experiencing” as opposed to mere “representation.” He believed that actors should not simply project emotions but truly embody them. This meant building a comprehensive understanding of the character’s motivations, desires, and inner life.

Key elements of his system include:

  • The Magic If: Asking “what if” to place oneself in the character’s specific situation, prompting genuine reactions.
  • Given Circumstances: Recognizing the context, relationships, and history that shape a character’s world.
  • Units and Objectives: Breaking down scenes into smaller units and defining the character’s objective in each moment.
  • Emotional Memory: Drawing upon personal experiences to authentically portray emotions.

Stanislavski’s impact on American theater and film is undeniable. Actors like Marlon Brando, Stella Adler, and Robert De Niro all studied his methods, adapting them and fostering a generation of naturalists who brought depth and complexity to their roles.

The legacy of Stanislavski extends beyond individual actors. His emphasis on character development and truthful portrayal has shaped the landscape of American theater and film. Playwrights and directors now prioritize creating well-rounded characters with intricate inner lives, enriching the storytelling experience for both performers and audiences.

Even today, the Stanislavski technique remains a cornerstone of acting training. Its principles, constantly evolving and interpreted, continue to inspire actors to dig deep, find the truth within, and captivate audiences with their transformative performances.

Viola Spolin: The Mother of Improv and the Seeds of Modern Comedy

Every few months I meet someone in Improv that has never heard of Viola. I think this is the third time I threw together an article on the subject. We don’t need to know all the names to perform Improv, but folks should be at least be conversational. But if you are trying to work in Improv and you have not read “Improvisation for the Theater: A Handbook of Teaching and Directing Techniques”, I mean, WTG?

Viola Spolin Improvisation for the Theater A Handbook of Teaching and Directing Techniques

The world of improv comedy, with its quick wit and collaborative energy, owes a massive debt to one pioneering woman: Viola Spolin. Often referred to as the “mother of improv,” Spolin’s revolutionary “Theater Games” paved the way for modern sketch and improv comedy as we know it.

Spolin’s journey began not on stage, but in a Chicago settlement house. Working with children, she developed a series of playful exercises to spark creativity and communication. These exercises, later known as Theater Games, focused on building trust, listening actively, and responding spontaneously.

Spolin’s son, Paul Sills, carried the torch, implementing her games in his own acting classes. In the mid-1950s, Sills co-founded The Compass Players in Chicago, a groundbreaking ensemble that experimented with improvisational theatre. Spolin herself played a crucial role, teaching workshops and refining her games for the stage.

The Compass Players, later known as The Second City, became a breeding ground for comedic talent. Improvisation, once a tool for exploration, blossomed into a hilarious and captivating performance style. Actors like Elaine May, Alan Arkin, and Gilda Radner honed their skills under Spolin’s guidance, laying the foundation for future generations of comedy stars.

Spolin’s legacy extends far beyond The Second City. Her book, “Improvisation for the Theater,” published in 1963, became the bible of improv, a comprehensive guide to her philosophy and exercises. The book’s impact transcended the world of performance, influencing fields like education, business, and even therapy.

Today, the influence of Spolin’s work is undeniable. From the witty repartee of late-night talk shows to the hilarious sketches of Saturday Night Live, the spirit of improv thrives. Spolin’s legacy lives on in the laughter, creativity, and spontaneous joy that continue to define modern comedy.

So, the next time you witness the magic of improv on stage or screen, remember the name Viola Spolin, the woman whose playful exercises and unwavering belief in human creativity helped sow the seeds of laughter that continue to bloom today.

Fighting the up hill battle, getting work as an actor.

One of my missions in life is to get actors out of the survival job world. We all learn, you need a survival job, and then go pursue the dream. We need to flip the script. We need to better respect the business of show.

I did the restaurant grind, and later the promotional work grind. Then throughout 2002 I stumbled into the comedy world. By 2005 I was able to quit survival. My day job became Improv comedy.

While other actors are complaining about nepotism, competition, lack of work and having to be on social media, I was creating work for myself. This work not only paid the bills, being in Times Square everyday and the comedy clubs every night, I got a call from MTV, and soon after Late Nite with David Letterman. 

Being on Letterman caught the attention of a producer I had met doing a random promotional job a few years before in SOHO. By catching his attention, I mean I text Ken Keller from the green room of the Ed Sullivan theater, I’ll be on Letterman tonight! A few weeks later I was on set for NICKs The Naked Brothers Band, directed by Polly Draper, working with Nat and Alex Wolff, meeting musical genius, Michael Wolff, former music producer for Arsenio Hall.

AND Suddenly I was Walt Frasier from MTV and Letterman and NICK. Suddenly selling tickets to my live comedy shows became easier. Soon after I was I was approached to meet a friend of a friend, and a month later, I was on set of my first SAG commercial, after meeting my manager Jaime Baker.

My point is not to say LOOK AT ME, AREN’T I GREAT!?!?!

My point is, no one gets anywhere giving a rats butt about all the hurdles, the absolute blockades in front of us. They exist. Dwelling on what you can’t do gets you no where. Focusing on what you can do right this second to make tomorrow better gets you there, one step at a time.

I spent nearly 10 years in restaurants, in between regional theater and non union tours that paid squat. I spent a small fortune on voice lessons pursuing opera. I had dreams. I had even more misconceptions. I had negative vibes, seeing agents and casting directors as gate keepers holding me back.

It did not happen over night, but the more I just focused on creating an having fun, work found me. The hustle did not feel like work. Creating postcards and mailing every New York casting director in town was fun. I made a game out of handing out flyers in Time Square.

In every class/workshop I teach I start with my #1 rule, HAVE FUN, but never at another’s expense. If you are not having fun YOU are doing it wrong. Keep it simple.

Early on I adopted the phrase, 90% of what we do is learning to get out of our own way. There is craft and technique, but the biggest thing holding most artists back is their own brain. We are focused on all the negatives. Instead:

  • Treat every audition as an artistic experience, a chance to act, create, tell a story.
  • Always be looking for new ways to develop self – speech, singing, stage combat, martial artists, dance, new language, new skills, learn guitar, piano, drums, new accent etc etc etc. We need to constantly train our minds and souls
  • Get out there, physically
  • Put yourself out there via social media
  • “Artists” hate this reductive approach, but the end of the day, out job is to create content and figure ways to monetize it.
  • Do a deep dive into ROI

In my experience,

  • Those that spend too much time in survival jobs end of quitting the biz
  • Those that focus too much on the art, spend a lot of time teaching.
  • Those that spend too much time on the biz, become producers, casting directors, and agents
  • Those that find a balance between SHOW and BIZ work all the time.

Now all that sounds like a lot of BS that does you no good. Sadly most did not make it this far. Most that did will probably quit the biz in the next 6 months. You’ll go get certified in real estate or other pursuit. No jusgement. It wasn’t meant to be.

I’ve known so many talented folks in 30+ years of college and professional theater, TV etc. The ones not working rarely quit due to lack of talent. There wasn’t a lack of work, they just never figured out how to get it. Most schools and classes are populated by many of these artists thay never figured out the BIZ so are horrible sources on how to get work.

Walt Frasier has 25+ years of professional credits in comedy, Theater and music. He got his big break in TV performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and most recently on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Frasier has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains (Filmed in Puerto Rico), Netflix’s Lilyhammer (filmed in Norway) and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band. In addition to 1000s of live performances around the world, Frasier has also appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, webisodes and reality TV shows.

STAGE 101 Public Speaking Tips

Every time you get on stage, think of these tips before speaking.

Sundays 12pm, Improv 101/Jam Session

Face Audience

When in doubt, making eye contact and playing to the audience is the plan. Play downstage (towards audience) center. Never stay upstage too long. Never leave stage / staging area. Never face away from the audience. On camera (Online Presentation) Have your eyes just above the midpoint, showing the top of your shoulders and leaving just a little bit of space above the hair line.

Smile

You will play a range of emotions as an actor and comic. BUT when in doubt share your biggest grin. People smile when you smile. Laugh when you laugh. OK I think I am quoting an old song now, but serious it works. Remember our #1 Rule: HAVE FUN!!!!

Breathe

Before speaking, take a big breath. You need air to project. Breath = character, text, emotion, movement. Breathe in your inner monologue/subtext – emotion, intent, true meaning of the words, etc. Breathe in confidence. Fill your body and mind with the power of oxygen. Breathe down into your toes!!!

Project

When you are new to live performance, chances are what you think is normal will not be heard in the first row. You may feel like you are screaming. Send your voice and physical presence to the back of the theater. An acting teacher once told me, “Imagine you are 20 feet tall.” Imagine you are making eye contact and speaking intimately to someone in the back row. I like to imagine a balcony even in small theaters. UP AND OUT!!!

Listen

Whether acting, singing, dancing or performing comedy, listening to your surroundings becomes most important to the overall performance. An artist is hyper aware of fellow artists on stage and the audience. The best performances of any kind have the artist listening and responding in real time. Whether scripted or improvised, your characters are experiencing life without a script.

Focus

From the time you arrive at the theater for performance/rehearsal/class focus on the task at hand is extremely important. Take a moment of quiet time to sort out your own life. Prepare yourself to discover and rediscover your character (s) and material. Relax your breath. Stretch out your body. Do a few tongue twisters. Warm up your voice. Journal your thoughts. Be ready to rock!!!

As you grow as an artist you will break these rules often and on purpose, but always return to center!

Register now next class session starting Jan 27/28, and get 3 weeks for free!

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December 2023 Team Building for Microsoft Sales team

12pm Sundays IMPROV 101 / Comedy Jam

The New York Improv Theater is a one stop edutainment center for corporate team building, office / holiday parties and more. Our comedy shows and workshops deliver high impact results. Clients include Google, Fever-Tree, Estee Lauder, Mercedes Benz, META /Facebook, TikTok, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Twitter, Roblox, Rimowa, EI Digital, Accenture, Datadog HQ, Milbank, BING/Microsoft, Band of America – Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Johnson & Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Coach, UBS, BDO, AMEX, Master Card, Macy’s, 360i, IBM, GM, Kraft, UNILEAVER, HBO, Prudential, Convene, Conference Board and many more…

January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 3, 10, 17. CLICK HERE to register and join us early for Classes January 7, 14, 21

Comedy 4 Teens

Improv Theater and Stand Up Comedy classes by New York Improv Theater brings out our best selves. We combine the skills, intertwining valuable training in creativity, critical thinking, public speaking, listening, focus, self confidence, self awareness and more. We use the same games to train corporate groups in team building, leadership, sales and service skills.

January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 2, 9, 16. CLICK HERE to register and join us early for Classes January 6, 13, 20

Comedy 4 Kids 8-12

Saturdays 10am, give your child the gift of laughter and valuable life skills. Simply playing Improv games in a safe fun space develops self confidence, self awareness, listening, focus, public speaking,creative writing, critical thinking and more. Every EIGHT WEEK session includes warm-up, technique building and performance Improv comedy games. We also include a stand up comedy section, turning personal stories of experience and observation into original comedy routines. A must for every aspiring performer, we use these same games to teach corporate groups team, leadership, sales and service.

January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 2, 9, 16. CLICK HERE to register and join us early for Classes January 6, 13, 20

Shakespeare’s Enduring Legacy: The Globe Theater and Modern Theater & Acting

William Shakespeare, often referred to as the “Bard of Avon,” is a name that resonates through the corridors of time. His timeless plays, sonnets, and contributions to the world of theater continue to captivate audiences around the globe. One of the most remarkable aspects of Shakespeare’s legacy is his influence on modern theater and acting, which can be attributed in large part to the iconic Globe Theater.

The Globe Theater: A Beacon of Innovation

Shakespeare’s association with the Globe Theater was transformative. Built in 1599 on the south bank of the River Thames in London, the Globe became the primary venue for Shakespeare’s plays. Its unique design, with an open-air stage surrounded by three tiers of seating, created an intimate connection between actors and audience members that remains a hallmark of modern theater.

  1. Theater Architecture: The Globe’s circular design and lack of a traditional proscenium arch made every seat in the house a front-row experience. This innovation challenged playwrights and actors to engage with the audience on a more personal level, a concept that modern theaters still embrace.
  2. Natural Lighting: The absence of artificial lighting in the Globe Theater meant that performances took place during daylight hours. This limitation forced actors to understand and master the nuances of natural light, a skill that carries over into today’s theater productions.

Shakespearean Language: The Cornerstone of Modern Acting

Shakespeare’s language is a cornerstone of modern acting and performance. His eloquent prose and poetry challenged actors to convey complex emotions and ideas, fostering a level of depth and complexity that remains relevant today.

  1. Verse and Prose: Shakespeare’s works are replete with both verse and prose. This duality allowed actors to explore various rhythms and tones, providing them with a rich palette to express character depth.
  2. Complex Characters: Shakespeare’s characters are some of the most well-developed in the history of theater. Actors who tackle these roles must grapple with intricate motivations, inner conflicts, and character arcs, setting a high bar for contemporary performers.

Shakespearean Influence on Modern Theater

Shakespeare’s impact on modern theater is immeasurable. His themes, characters, and narrative structures continue to inspire playwrights, directors, and actors worldwide.

  1. Adaptations and Reimaginings: Countless adaptations and reimaginings of Shakespeare’s works exist, from modernized settings to contemporary retellings. Films like Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” and theater productions like “Hamilton” owe a debt to Shakespeare’s enduring appeal.
  2. Acting Techniques: Acting techniques developed in Shakespeare’s era, such as iambic pentameter and the use of rhetorical devices, still influence actor training today. The ability to convey complex emotions and engage audiences emotionally remains paramount in contemporary theater.

William Shakespeare’s legacy extends far beyond the Elizabethan era in which he lived. His connection to the Globe Theater and the enduring influence of his language on modern theater and acting underscore his status as a cultural icon. The Globe Theater, with its innovative design and emphasis on actor-audience interaction, set the stage for contemporary theaters to build upon. Shakespeare’s works continue to be performed, adapted, and celebrated worldwide, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the timeless relevance of the human experience.