Committing 100% to Your Choice

I am trying to get in the habit of blogging about acting regularily.  I have not been at it since August and am almost ashamed of myself.

Last night in acting class we were talking about how difficult it is to commit 100 percent to your character and your choices.  It is especially hard if you don't have a director or coach. It is not only beginning actors that feel internally that they have "gone over the edge" only to have a director or coach ask for more.  Two years ago I almost argued with someone who was coaching me to give more and more, but I trusted him, and when I finally got there it felt so good that I knew it was right.

Why is it so hard?  Actors who are trained or in training know the dangers of OVERACTING.  The dreaded feeling that you are "hamming it up" or "chewing the scenery."  What is the first response to feeling that you are overacting?  Pull back your character!  When I coach or direct and I tell an actor to take it up a notch or two, they have to put their trust in me because they cannot see what they are doing.  They can't really even see it if it is filmed, it is best to have someone directing you if you are a director/actor. When you are vulnerable, putting your faith in another person can be hard.  No one wants to make a fool of themselves in front of others.

Once you have gotten to know your character and know what your character wants, it is time to decide the best way to get what you want.  Many actors do great up to this point. 

Next is the DELIVERY!  You must deliver your character with urgency, energy, commitment, intensity, and focus.  If you don't, the character will come across vague and vagueness kills good performance.

Frequently, when I tell actors to "take it up a notch", they will just get louder.  It is a common misconception that loudness equals intensity. That is not necessarily the case.  As you are rehearsing, take each line and make it mean something.  Know how you are feeling and what you want.  Then act upon the information.  Put 100 percent into that action and make sure that you are 100 percent in communication with your other actors. Don't be afraid to take it over the edge and let your director or coach pull you back.  Actors who are afraid of going to far rarely do.

On stage, nothing is more fun and rewarding than fully committing to your character.  Have fun!