OUR ACTING ADVICE
Actors in acting classes can choose to be comfortable and conform to the expectations of the class or they can choose to challenge themselves and risk choices that are surprising, personal and revealing.
Many actors usually follow the same uninspiring path of preparation. They make lackluster choices based on what the script or class dictates. For example, if the character is sad, the actor acts sad with nothing personal added.
Acting choices must provoke you.
In every scene and every audition you have to present a personal character story that challenges you. Risky choices include arbitrary choices. These are choices that are born out of instinct, impulse and urge. These are also personal choices.
Strong personal character choices are fueled by what you really feel and think. Actors often ignore their own personal thoughts or feelings, thinking that they are too personal and inappropriate for a character, when in fact, being personal and open is essential.
For example, instead of hiding the fact that you are going through some sadness in your life, include that sadness in the scene whether it’s a drama or comedy. You might discover by including your real sadness in a comedy scene it got even more laughs.
Assigning an objective or a prior history to a character may not be enough to make an impact in an audition or a scene in a workshop. To make any character come alive, your passion, your intensity and arbitrary choices are key to an unforgettable performance.
To electrify a character and a performance start thinking about challenging choices. These can include surprising moments, unanticipated emotional reactions, arbitrary impulses and your own personal point of view.
Being adventurous makes a good actor. Find a new way to look at a character or a scene. Discover new ways to see things. Seek out new viewpoints by doing what others don’t see. All of these actions set you apart.
Don’t shy away from your capricious personal thoughts, quirks and ideas.
One way to stoke up your intensity every time before you perform is to add something unexpected in the scene. When you become impassioned in every scene or audition, your unique individual qualities appear.
When you dig into personal truths or arbitrary choices you may feel a rush of energy, emotion or nerves and avoid them, thinking they are inappropriate. But these urges are your talent giving you a sign. These gut instincts are part of your unique talent.
Start finding those choices that rouse you. Take a risk and walk on the wild side by allowing what turns you on to turn on your characters. Find the juice that really propels you and take command of your acting.