You must believe that you are the role. You must assume you are the character. Start immediately to build the character with the words “I am” and “I want.” This helps us find ourselves in the role. If we jump with both feet into the character, we are halfway there. “I am Blanche . . .” “I am Stanley . . .” “I am Treplev . . .” “I am Bette Davis . . .”
No matter what character you are playing, start speaking the character through the words “I” not “him” or “her,” because when you do, you take ownership of the role and the character and you become merged as one. In improv, they teach to say “yes” to everything. I like this. It’s a good idea to bond instantly with the character. I’ve seen many great actors give up because they create a gulf between themselves and the character. “I’m not like that!” or “I would never do that!” instead of assuming since the writer intended the character to do it, it is right.
1 person likes this
Before I started working on set, I had no desire to act. Every once in a while though a performance would get me interested. As I write more, I become more interested. When I read posts like this, I get inspired to try.
3 people like this
James Drago you should try it. I tell writers to act and actors to write.
1 person likes this
Thanks Stephen Foster. I often hear people saying all writers should take acting classes. I'd like to do it just for that reason. I also may because I might have to scratch an itch!
2 people like this
Absolutely. Stanislavski and Lee Strasberg. “method” always works.
1 person likes this
Aelita Chantal Archbold I'm not about "method" or gurus. I believe each character requires a different set of tools. Method might work and might not if you don't have a lot of "prep" time
1 person likes this
James Drago try it. even one small scene study class.
You have me convinced Stephen Foster! Adding to my list of goals to explore this year.
2 people like this
This is very much like Meisner. Behaving truthfully in the imaginary circumstance.
1 person likes this
Jeffrey Patton I beg, borrow and steal what WORKS for my character.
1 person likes this
Stephen Foster. That is also very much what Sandy believed. He often spoke about his way isn't the only way and to do what works.
1 person likes this
Jeffrey Patton I love his approach, but don't like the idol worship some give him coz you don't do it that way. same with Uta, Stella, Lee Strasberg.....
1 person likes this
This is interesting for us novices. Hope you will keep discussing.
1 person likes this
James Drago it's called "adopting" the character
Thank you for explaining Stephen Foster
1 person likes this
I enjoy your content by the way.
1 person likes this
James Drago thank you. I'm a hard-working, hard-headed artist.
1 person likes this
The hard working is obvious!
3 people like this
Very true Stephen! That is what I've done my whole career. Literally, I have been given a costume & told "put this on & say these lines, nevermind make it up. Just be like this guy" & God willing, I've pulled it off, with lots of shaking & laughing. Like you said grab that emotion, heh.
2 people like this
Rob Bane I tell actors all the time, "don't think, just do!"
1 person likes this
You are so right! I got into modeling and acting at the age of 53, knowing no one. Following that advice I booked consistently for three years until I had to make a real living.
yes, it does happen. I won 4 awards recently and I still have a day job, but I'm more dedicated now to pitching constantly