" Acting is about understanding perspectives—every monologue, every scene asks,
"What do you want?" it has to matter to you as a person so that it matters when you embody a character.There is no way you are going to reach your goal if you don't believe in the imaginary circumstances that you created.
Many of my clients are the sons and daughters of people who are very important in this city (New York). Some are trying to find their place in the world, some want to be the most confident person in the room, while others are in search of happiness or love. When they come to me, I tell them, ‘I cannot teach you how to be the subject of desire, power, or love, but through this craft, you'll find that all those possibilities live within you’- Paris Parker
Blame NDAs! Because we can’t disclose his client lists. However, we can certainly give you a glimpse of the process. For some, confidence is the goal. For others who have something to prove, confidence is only just the beginning. They want to embody the ultimate main character; the boss, the leader, the alpha, the provider, the successor, the saviour, the trendsetter, the closer, the legend, the non-gender conforming god on earth capable of the impossible. Who better to teach the the art of embodiment better than an acting coach. His clients had this to say about him.
"Exceptional coach, extremely attentive to everything. I’m grateful that I met Mr Parker for my endeavour as someone who is an introvert."
"What I enjoyed the most of Paris is that he is able to tailor his lesson plans and is very flexible when it comes to scheduling and helping out with last minute classes. I have a very busy schedule but Paris has always been able to make it work with me. You can tell he’s an actor who is very passionate of his craft and enjoys teaching others."
"Very informative and has wonderful tips! He goes above and beyond."
In this enlightening dialogue with Paris Parker, we explore a unique intersection between acting techniques and executive challenges. Drawing from his personal background as a professional actor who’s booked on streaming platform shows, and his upbringing as the son of an executive, Paris shares deep insights into how he uses the craft most dear to him as a transformative tool for executives in the New York City area and beyond.
The Urban Executive: How do you see the connection between acting and the challenges that executives face?
Paris: I am also the son of a successful businesswoman, grew up with the weight of a legacy on my shoulders, so in a way I understand what they go through. That's why I'm able to make connections with them in a way they understand. It's that feeling of not knowing if you are ever going to fit the role expected of you.
It's strange because many are second-generation immigrants, caught between their parents' perfect visions and New York's societal expectations, feeling out of place in both worlds. ‘I’m not enough’ is a phrase I’ve heard myself and others say before. We don’t fully fit into one box or the other. In my classes, I emphasize that the issue is not them. There is nothing wrong with them but their perspective on the matter.
Acting is about understanding perspectives—every monologue, every scene asks,
"What do you want?" it has to matter to you as a person so that it matters when you embody a character. You really must wonder within your own life as much as the character’s; how do your own worldly desires relate to your character’s? Dive deep into your life, shamelessly, fearlessly, to believe the imaginary circumstances. There is no way you are going to reach your goal if you don't believe in the imaginary circumstances that you created.
For an exercise in class, I might set them in a scene where they have to confront their father who hurt them or a teacher who bullied them for not speaking up, or not speaking English. It's profound, unlocking old wounds that were not completely healed is cathartic. You'd be surprised how many older businessmen break down during these sessions. We often start with a simple prompt like, "Tell me about a time you felt sad, or tell me about time someone made you feel safe." It's not just about acting; it's about creating a safe space for them to embrace their humanity.
The Urban Executive: Can you describe some acting exercises that you use with coaching executives?
Paris Parker: Substitution is one of them, sometimes it's really hard to put yourself in the shoes of say King Henry from the film The King; he has a great speech right before heading into battle. How do you perform this battle chant in the middle of Central Park when you know everyone will stare at you–yet you have to stay in character? That is not a position anyone wants to be in (laughs). As humans we have this innate fear of public judgment.
Some of my exercises relate to Uta Hagen’s substitution technique. It means to superimpose the actor’s own life, friends, family, and their own versions of their ‘kingdoms’ into the character’s life. Remember this, the character cannot exist without you. It’s such a great thing for my clients to hit that eureka moment. Then they are able to project at the top of their lungs ‘fill that space! Make it tissue! Make it mass!’. ‘Make it England!’; they send the words across the park when a month ago their speaking voice was merely a whisper too hard to hear. Yes, everyone will be staring if you perform a hearty passionate monologue in the middle of Central Park but the fundamentals I teach, allow my students to block the outer world and focus on what really matters. What matters? That’s between the actor and himself.
The Urban Executive: What is an acting challenge that you usually run into when working with executives?
I run into a problem with older clients, mostly the older gentlemen. They haven’t had a safety net to explore being vulnerable, some don’t even feel safe within themselves. Maybe it’s a condition of loneliness. For the substitution exercise I’ve instructed some of them in the past to replace the person they are speaking to with a much younger version of themselves. When they are struggling to break that wall between pretending and acting, I say, ‘Forget made-up character. Pretend you’re saying those words to 7-year-old you’. Then their eyes come to life. The hands go still. The eyes are focused. The mouth moves before words come out. And shortly after, there are tears running down their faces. They apologize but I remind them it’s a safe space. I say ‘stay in the moment, live it, breathe it, and then let it go’. That is acting.
What my clients learn with time is that their vulnerability is not something they have to tuck away. Where do feelings live in corporate America? Are feelings and memories a topic of discussion superseded by index funds and dessert at a business meeting? At home? Acting is a tool that unlocks a person’s capabilities because if you do it right, you’re carving out to find what you’re really made out of. Being vulnerable with ourselves is the first step towards finding out who we are and what we can be.
The Urban Executive: In what ways do you think acting techniques can help executives become effective leaders?
Paris Parker: You have to ask yourself so many questions to reach a good performance. When you watch an Oscar winning performance, you go “wow they were amazing. How do they do that?!”. Those clips you see, are from performers who made deep discoveries about themselves while exploring their character’s lives. The whole set could fall apart and they'd still be in character. The only way to get yourself there is by delving within and caring. If you’re an executive willing to dig like an actor, transform themselves like an actor, and care about others like an actor, then you’re also in great shape as an executive. Ask yourself what makes me a good fit for my role? What am I scared of? What are my flaws? The answers are all there for you to access—in the script, in your imagination, down memory lane.
The Urban Executive: How can mastering body language and nonverbal communication through acting benefit executives?
Paris Parker: Observational skills are crucial in acting. You constantly evaluate how different people—like a zookeeper versus someone in the Financial District—express themselves through subtle cues, from blinking to overall posture. Before getting into monologue or scene work, I assign meditation exercises that enhance body awareness. One exercise for example helps you identify where you hold tension in the body and teaches you how to be deliberate about the tension. Where you hold tension in your body might be different to the character you will play, or the person you seek to be in a conference room.
Understanding body language transforms how you present yourself. For instance, embodying a king means walking with a certain gravitas, which might feel awkward initially because it's unfamiliar. This awareness allows you to adapt your demeanour to different contexts effectively. It’s not just about being authoritative like Don Draper; sometimes, success requires showing a more personable side, depending on your audience.
In essence, mastering these nuances allows you to shift seamlessly between different aspects of your personality, making you more adaptable and resonant in diverse situations. It’s about embracing and leveraging all parts of yourself, even the ones you're uncomfortable with. Once you appreciate these aspects, you gain a deeper confidence that isn’t just performative—it becomes an integral part of who you are.
The Urban Executive: What you find most rewarding about coaching executives using your expertise?
Paris Parker: Witnessing that "eureka" moment when everything clicks for them. It's when they fully embrace the techniques we've worked on, and suddenly, they see themselves differently—not just as leaders but as influential, charismatic individuals who can navigate any room with confidence. These breakthroughs are not just about improving their professional skills but also about personal transformation.
The Urban Executive: What do you think is the biggest misconception about the application of acting techniques in business?
Paris Parker: The biggest misconception is that these techniques are only about pretending or being inauthentic. Or the other, that they are only suited for the artistic inclined. In reality, acting methods are about deeper self-awareness and understanding human behaviour, which are crucial in any leadership role. These techniques help executives discover genuine aspects of themselves that they might not have been aware of and learn how to bring these traits forward in a professional context.
The Urban Executive: Finally, what advice would you give to executives hesitant about incorporating acting techniques into their professional development?
Paris Parker: My advice is to keep an open mind and try it out. My largest clientele are executives and up and coming actors, and trust me when I say both groups are getting great benefits from classes with me. Acting techniques can unlock parts of your personality that can transform your approach to life in general. These tools are not just about accessing a great performance; they are about understanding and connecting with people —something essential for every leader. It’s a harmonious connection between our own self and the rest of the world. Give it a chance, especially if you think it’s not for you, let the results speak for themselves.
Comments