- Using lines as an excuse
- “When I know the lines I’ll be able to perform the scene better” - this is an excuse to cover up many things, mainly inhibitions, the fear of trying something or not knowing what to do because you haven’t read the scene/script enough. As Lee Strasberg (The Method guru) once said, learning lines is about memory and acting has nothing to do with memory. My advice is to play and experiment with the scene. You can only do this by reading it and making justified choices. Find a suitable way of training your memory to learn lines effectively because that’s not the job of your acting coach.
- Not reading the script enough - AKA lazy acting. Some actors go through the script, but only to learn their lines. You need to know the full story, not just the story of the scene your character appears in or only the story of your character. To get the full picture you must read the entire script (more than once). Depending on your character and the size of your role this may not be possible because casting isn’t allowed to send you the full script, but if they can this is the best scenario of course.
Here are some things to think about when reading the full script: Why does your character choose those specific words? What do they really mean? What is really going on? What has led them to where they are now? In the early stages of character development you’re like a detective; you have to piece the full picture together to be able to connect to the character, then you have to figure out what the motive behind the character’s behavior is so you can make clear choices in each scene you appear in.
- Forcing emotions/trying too hard - this is usually done to impress, and there is logic in that, but acting should feel effortless. When you try too hard or try to force something, it looks fake, feels strange and just doesn’t make the thing you’re trying to make happen appear. The same happens with emotions. Find inner purpose for what your character is going through and demonstrate through gestures and expressions.
#actor #tv #film #script #casting
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More gold from Tammy Hunt! With respect to "trying to impress", I once read that expressing anger through shouting when the story doesn't necessarily call for it is less challenging than expressing that anger in other ways. Expressing anger can be as unique as we are as an individual and motivated by a unique inner purpose.
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Great advice and insight, Tammy Hunt. "Here are some things to think about when reading the full script: Why does your character choose those specific words?..." reminds me of what Anthony Mackie said. He said when he gets a role, he likes to know a certain number of things about the character. I think five things.
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Great post Tammy Hunt
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That's so true, Leonardo Ramirez! As Tammy mentioned, you have to find inner purpose. Not everyone yells when angry or in every situation where they're angry. Some people shut down, some cry, and there are many different ways to lash out or show that kind of emotion. So you should be making choices as an actor that feel right to the scene and the character that you're portraying.
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Thank you for sharing these great tips Tammy. In acting class, doing scenes from plays, I was taught to read the entire play first, as many times other characters provide information about your character that may not be in any scenes you're in. I was told to look at a script as "the most important moments in the characters' lives." Which goes to your point about motivation. What is your character's overall objective, what does your character want from the other characters in this scene?
"Acting should feel effortless." I agree. When you know your lines, have created your backstory and are fully present and connected to the other actors, you will feel the emotions. "Acting is living truthfully in imaginary circumstances."
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This is invaluable advice Tammy Hunt! Every actor should read this!
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The last point about emotions is spot-on Tammy Hunt !
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Yes you're right - actors stop using lines as an excuse. Acting is not about the lines anyway.