Cracking the Code: Why Actors Should Pay Attention to Their Knees, Back, and Breath through Crack Acting

Headshot of Daniel Hirsh

By Anthony Lopez-Rizzo

In the world of acting, physicality plays a pivotal role in creating authentic and captivating performances. Actor and creator Daniel Hirsh (@hirshnoc) is revealing critical yet often overlooked physical elements in his viral TikTok series “Cracking Acting.” This innovative series, dubbed “#crackting,” breaks down key techniques actors can use to elevate their craft by improving body awareness and movement.

No fluff. No unnecessary jargon. Just actionable tips that actors can apply immediately to become more grounded, expressive, and true to their character on stage or screen.

Why is this important for actors and creators? Let’s explore why paying attention to your knees, back, and breath can unlock the next level of performance.

1. Why Knees Matter in Crack Acting

In the first video of the series, Hirsh tackles the often-overlooked area of the body: the knees. Stiff knees lead to stiff movement, cutting off the fluidity needed to portray emotion authentically. Locked knees restrict the natural flow of energy throughout the body, often causing actors to perform from the neck up rather than embodying their character fully.

Unlocking the knees and allowing for more flexibility in the lower body enables actors to move with greater freedom and authenticity. This simple adjustment can drastically improve physical expression and make a performance feel more organic.

Why it matters: Body awareness starts with the knees. Loosening up the knees allows actors to react naturally and connect more deeply with the character.

2. Breath Control Is Key for Authentic Performance

Next, Hirsh dives into an essential aspect of acting—breath control. Breath is not just a tool for relaxation; it is integral to the emotional depth of a performance. Hirsh categorizes breath into three types:

• Chest breathing (shallow, tense),

• Stomach breathing (calming, grounding),

• Back breathing (expansive, supportive).

By learning how to control these types of breath, actors can adjust their emotional state and vocal presence. A shallow breath can communicate tension or fear, while a deep, back-centered breath can project calm, confidence, or strength.

Why it matters: Breath is the foundation of emotional expression. Actors who master breath control can convey complex emotions with greater clarity and impact.

3. The Back: The Unsung Hero of Performance

In part three of the series, Hirsh shifts focus to the back, an area often overlooked in physical training. Many actors focus primarily on the front of their bodies—face, hands, and chest—while the back, especially the spine and shoulder blades, plays a critical role in overall presence.

A strong, activated back supports better posture, balance, and overall confidence. It creates a sturdy foundation that enhances how an actor moves and holds themselves on stage or screen.

Why it matters: Posture is critical for conveying authority and emotional weight. Strengthening the back supports not only physical presence but also deeper emotional engagement with the character.

4. Revisiting the Knees—Because They Are That Important

In a follow-up video, Hirsh revisits the knees, emphasizing their central role in communication. He explains that knees are not just about support but also act as indicators of energy, readiness, and mood. Stiff knees communicate tension, while relaxed knees show an actor’s willingness to respond to the situation around them.

Why it matters: The best performances are reactive, and relaxed knees allow for an actor to engage instinctively with their environment. Active knees contribute to authentic, responsive acting.

The Big Picture: Why Body Awareness Is Key to Great Acting

Hirsh’s “Cracking Acting” series emphasizes the importance of physical awareness in acting. Rather than focusing solely on memorizing lines or emotional recall, Hirsh encourages actors to pay attention to how their body moves, breathes, and reacts.

Physicality shapes how a character is perceived and felt by an audience. The body communicates emotions before the words do, and when actors align their breath, posture, and movement, the result is a more powerful and authentic performance.

Why it matters: Great acting begins with great physicality. When the body is in sync with the mind and emotions, the performance transcends.

Why Should You Care About Physical Performance in Acting

At Pitchcraft Media, we believe in the power of storytelling through authentic performance. We recognize the critical role that body awareness, movement, and breath play in creating compelling narratives. Whether you're an actor, public speaker, or content creator, mastering these physical elements is essential for engaging and impactful communication.

Actors who pay attention to the details of their physical presence are more likely to create memorable performances that resonate with their audience. From the knees to the breath to the back, every detail matters in conveying emotion and authenticity.

All it takes is a message, a story, and a little bit of PitchCraft.💫 Follow Daniel Hirsh on TikTok @hirshnoc for more acting tips and insights into improving your physical performance.

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