Having the ability to create and transform into a complex and well-developed character is one of the most important skills an actor can have. The ability to do this widens your casting possibilities astronomically. Some actors have even made their careers entirely off of their impressive ability to appear as someone completely different, showcasing their…
Approaching Shakespeare can be a daunting and challenging task for any actor. But it’s an important skill to have. There are a lot of Shakespeare productions put on every year and, if you’re applying to drama school, chances are you will have to perform one for your audition. Understanding Shakespearean language and writing style is…
Understanding character development meaning is crucial for actors. Character development is a vital aspect of acting that involves comprehending your character’s past experiences, beliefs, and motivations. By engaging in this process of developing characters, you can bring depth and authenticity to your portrayal that might not have been possible otherwise. Not only does character development…
Concentration for actors is one of the most, if not the most, important skills to develop. If you are able to develop your concentration, then your acting skills will develop alongside it. It can be worth thinking about concentration as the container for every other acting skill in your toolkit, including method acting, the Meisner…
The physical neutral state is one of the most crucial elements for character acting and building a character. ‘Neutral’ is the state in which an actor is physically most ready to work. By achieving neutral for actors, we rid ourselves of any personal physical habits which may inhibit full movement or affect the physicality of…
Emotional connection is one of the key elements of acting, as taught by renowned acting teachers like Uta Hagen. Sometimes people reduce acting down to only this, and that is not the case. It’s only one of the elements of acting, and certainly not the most important one. However, it is useful to have a…
The inner monologue for actors, also known as internal monologue, inner dialogue, or interior monologue, can be one of the most important tools you can use in order to be in character and connect with their circumstances while you perform. In this guide, I’ll explain what the inner monologue is, how it can be useful,…
Strasberg’s sense memory is a great way for actors to become more connected to their emotions. Sense memory was an exercise created by Lee Strasberg, the creator of The Method, in order to help actors connect more fully to their emotions. While it is a highly debated acting technique, I feel it can be a…
Mastering Michael Chekhov’s Psychological Gesture: A Guide to Character Development If you’re an actor or a theatre enthusiast, you may have heard of the Michael Chekhov technique, particularly his concept of the Psychological Gesture. This acting technique was developed by the renowned Chekhov actor and director Michael Chekhov, who believed that an actor should not…