In this edition of Studio Practices, our new conversations series, we explore the art of presence with Federico Moro, an actor and coach. Drawing from psychophysical actor training and somatic methods, Federico shares insights on cultivating authenticity, the importance of embodiment, and how true presence influences both self-understanding and connection with others.
-You trained originally as an actor. At what point did the focus shift from performing to working with presence itself?
-I like that you called it presence. I would have called it authenticity, but they are two sides of the same coin: to be so present and truthful to who you are at any given moment. As a trained actor and writer, I’ve always wanted to be a vehicle for people to feel into new perspectives that might help their personal growth. I realised coaching them into finding this authenticity or presence was a more direct way to help them on their path to self-actualisation.
-You draw on methods like Linklater, Laban, and psychophysical actor training. What do these approaches have in common for you, and where do they fail?
-Every tool, just like work tools, is designed for a specific reason. In these cases, I believe they are all different ways to get you out of your head and into your body — developing your creative instincts and intuition, and to drop more easily into a state of flow. This is the state elite athletes and performers seek, one of total enjoyment, focus, and awareness all at once.
-Many people come to voice work wanting clarity or confidence. In your experience, what usually gets in the way before technique even becomes relevant?
-Limiting beliefs. Thinking that we’re not good at something, or that people aren’t interested in what we have to say. Or, or, or. We all have different ones. Mine was that I didn’t think I had anything worthy or intelligent enough to say. The truth is, we all share this human existence, so there’ll always be someone who recognises and can learn from your particular experience. You have to find your audience and forget about people who don’t resonate with you. It’s not personal; it’s just a matter of compatibility.
-Which ideas, people, or works have most influenced the way you think?
-Oh, so many. In terms of psychophysical acting lineage, I’m most influenced by Konstantin Stanislavski and Mikhail Chekhov. I’m also deepening my study of Jungian psychology, particularly his work on archetypes and the collective unconscious. Italian novelist and philosopher Luigi Pirandello is also up there: much of his work explores the idea of multiple selves emerging in different contexts and relationships — and whether there is such a thing as a self at all.
-What do you hope people leave with after working with you — not in terms of skills gained, but in how they relate to themselves afterwards?
-What a beautiful question. I hope that they leave with more love and respect for themselves and what they bring to the world; that they recognise a little bit more of the immense power they have.
Studio Practices is an ongoing series of community events at Pure Light Photography Studio.
In March, Federico will lead a workshop on voice, embodiment, and presence — spaces are limited, join now via Eventbright.
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Interested in hosting your own practice, workshop, or creative session in our space? Please reach out to us to explore any possibilities.
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