getting into act -1 the actor's wall/ layers in actor

always ask for an actor's brief from the director.

age, height, stature, habits, geographical belongings form the first layer
family background, marital /relational status and situation forms the other
the overall problematic, motivation for the character to be in the story and do the things he/ she does form the third layer
the story forms the fifth layer
scene forms the sixth( look for the act and break it down into small sets, find reasoning to move from one act to another) look for stance and mood of the scene.
composition of the action - are all guys high pitched, is the overall scene balanced, is it giving you the reaction it is supposed to give.
Movements form the seventh layer, the movement of muscles required to execute the scene , emotions behind these movements....overall body movement in stage from one location to another.
Voice projection forms the eight layer...tone, pitch, accent and clarity
Dialogues form the ninth and the last layer.

create a wall with all these details( use post its) observe actual people, take snaps/ recordings, live with them if possible to empathize  with them and understand the characters in detail. dont give in to generalization and study surrounding/ supporting situations and environments. have videos if any....and then build up the act. make this wall visual and easy to refer. can also have a playlist of the songs for the character to help you get into one.

rhythm with breath- movement

as a group start inhaling and exhaling together while sitting . work on the beats variate it 1 bps, 2 bps (1/2), 4  bps(1/4), 8 bps (1/8), 16 bps (1/16) and 32 bps(1/32). you can also use a percussion instrument such as some kind of drum to time the movements together. once this is mastered, plan rhythm patterns  and physical formations. execute formations with breathing rhythm as the background music.

bring complexities with rhythm patterns on one layer and formations on another. try playing with assymetry in formation. create firm memory of moves and movements.

muscle tension and relaxation

Either wrap a wet fabric around or use a sandbed. lie down on the ground with your back facing the surface and your belly up. look at the impression you have made on the ground . the areas not touching the ground have tensed muscle(also account for body's curvilinear surface, some parts will never touch the ground). keep working on relaxing the tense muscles so that they can refresh you faster and get you ready for the act soon.

repeat with belly facing the ground.

lie down again with back facing the ground. start concentrating on your tows and chanalize body energy there. can u feel muscles warming up, can you contract and expand them using tension and relaxation....keep moving up and getting sensitive about your entire body muscle group, in the process learn to isolate them and flex only a fixed set of muscle groups for one movement.