- Research
- Do not get distracted
- Find some motivation
- Open up your mind
- Do not just think emotionally; make it physical
- Draw from your emotional experiences
The modern acting scene is a little bit different from the ancient scene where all actors had to do was follow a given script and recite it word for word. Nowadays, being a serious actor requires that you connect to a given character and even embody it. You must, therefore, give life to a character in a given script or text.
There’s nothing like getting yourself into character and seeing a different person. It really wears on your vanity.
Elisabeth Moss
The modern-day audience demands a real performance and not a recited story with minimal action. Every word that comes out of your mouth should, therefore, appear authentic and not spouted. In this article, we will look at how you can connect to a character. I hope that you will find this helpful in your quest to claim Hollywood.
- Research
Most actors will not tell you that this field requires a lot of homework and research, which you will need from the onset. Doing your homework before even rehearsals begin gives you a proper understanding of the character. You can never embody a character if you have no sufficient clue of who the character is and what he or he is expected to do. Doing your homework beforehand helps you to easily make decisions about your character when it is time to rehearse. Make sure that you create a backstory for the character that you are supposed to play. Also, build confidence and believe that you are the best because if you were not, you wouldn’t have landed that role. Connecting with a character, therefore, requires a lot. It would be best if you stayed focused even as you do your homework so that you can easily win your audience’s hearts when it is time for action. Remember, nobody wants to listen to a boring recited piece. - Do not get distracted
One of the things that prevent actors from achieving their full potential is distractions. It is challenging to stay focused when distractions are lying around. Therefore, you must get rid of all distractions before you go on stage to perform a given role. Keep in mind that it is possible to err even after conducting extensive research if there are distractions around. Do not, therefore, let other actors derail you and make you lose focus. Also, look out for actors who may want to discourage you as you step into the audition room. You should identify a specific corner before the auditions where you can spend some alone time as you rehearse. It would be best if you protected your output at all costs. You can even request the directors to make specific changes if you fear that you will get distracted in the end. - Find some motivation
We all need motivation in everything we do in life, which also applies to your character. Therefore, identify something that motivates your character and draw from it. This is where you need to divert from the script, which luckily enough is allowed by the modern-day acting techniques. You may choose to stick to the script, but keep in mind that it limits you. Therefore, learn about your character and what motivates him or her and apply it as you act. Remember, this will help you read the mind of your character, giving you an upper hand. - Open up your mind
One thing that you will learn in the acting field is the essence of believing in the subconscious. It would help if you strived to be open to several situations. You will learn with time that creating and playing different scenarios in your mind helps you adapt easily to a character in the subconscious mind. You can, therefore, try and play several situations in your mind and work them out. This will help you imagine your character’s life and how they react in several situations. - Do not just think emotionally; make it physical
You are wondering how you can act physically. We have an answer for you, but first, keep in mind that how you portray yourself physically counts when t comes to acting. This can also save you if your role is more of action than speaking. Therefore, focus on your character’s physical traits if you want to connect to him or her properly. Try and visualize how your partner walks, stands and several gestures that deem fit. Make sure that you also focus on the extent of physical awareness that you are your character is likely to portray. Remember, you also need to connect with the audience the same way you strive to connect with the character. Your audience will be more receptive if your hair, clothes, and posture portray your character. - Draw from your emotional experiences
One of the most successful ways of connecting to your character is by relating similar scenes to your life experiences. It would help if you embodied your character for the perfect presentation. Therefore, try and think of similar situations that relate to the scenes and draw from them. You can try and recollect the feeling of betrayal that you might have undergone at a point in your life if it relates to the character. The same also applies to many situations. Drawing from your prior experiences also allows you to be more natural in your delivery, helping you connect to your audience. Isn’t this what we want? Therefore, get lost in the act and allow yourself to experience all the feelings that your character is possibly feeling. The good thing is that modern acting allows this. However, watch out not to be too absorbed into your acting, or you risk losing your healthy life to the character. Therefore, draw a boundary between your normal life and the life of your character.
Actors Takeaway:
how to connect with a character in acting
There are many ways that you can connect to your character when playing a role. Therefore, if you are a beginner actor that wants to scale heights, this is the perfect article. Remember, acting is quite a diverse field that requires you to practice hard and regularly. Connecting with your character should not, therefore, be a big task.
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