Notes that Advanced drama took in class: CHARACTERIZATION • There are two steps to characterization. First, you must understand the personality of your character and then you must project that character in a way that makes your character a “real” person for the audience. The challenge for many new actors is how to project a convincing character. • The cliché is that you must like a character to play him or her honestly. STUDYING THE PLAY • Before you can understand and interpret a role you must study the play carefully. • Often, the entire script is read at the first rehearsal to allow the cast as a whole to understand the author’s purpose and the director’s vision for the production. • Pay attention to not only your parts, but also lines spoken about your character. • Notice what your character DOES and if they change during the play. • Pay attention to subtext, the things that are implied and not spoken. • Note the changes in the play (mood, location, pacing, etc) and how your character responds. • Look up any references that are unfamiliar and words you do not know the meaning or pronunciation of and write them down. BUILDING YOUR PART • The first stage of building a part is what the director tells you about his or her view of the play, it’s characters, their relationships, it’s theme, and style. • The second stage of building a character is what the actor develops as you study a play and rehearse. As you settle into the role, you can grow the character physically, intellectually, and emotionally. • It is a bad idea to watch a movie or stage production (including YouTube clips) of a play that you are preparing. If you do, you are likely to copy another actor’s mannerisms/interpretation rather than developing your own. COMMON ONSTAGE MOVEMENTS • Certain movements (like entering, exiting, standing, sitting, and crossing) are so common that all actors must master them so they look natural on stage. • Entrances should be prepared for by checking props and making sure you are in place early for your cue. • Exits should be made with a purpose, consider where your character is going when they leave the stage. • Crosses are usually made in a slight arch so the actor can stay open to the audience. It is important for directors to plan countercrosses so the stage stays balanced. DO’S DONT’S • Open a door using the hand closest to the hinges. • Enter with your upstage foot first so that your body is turned out. • Cross downstage of furniture and standing characters. • Cross upstage of seated characters. • Gesture with your upstage hand. • Move forward with your upstage foot first. • Turn towards the audience. • Sit with your knees and feet together. • Stay in character until you are far from the sight of the audience. • Block an exit while waiting to make an enterance. • Move during important lines. • Cover your face with your hand or a prop. • Cross your knees or sit with your legs spread wide unless your character would. • Grab the arm of a chair to push yourself up. • Distract other actors backstage. GOOD ARTISTS BORROW, GREAT ARTISTS STEAL • Begin by choosing a person you know that is similar to the character you will be portraying as your primary source. • Study and “steal” this person’s posture, movements, habits, and voice inflections. In many situations, you will choose more than one primary source and combine their characteristics. • The books you read and research you gather are your secondary sources. They are helpful, but a good actor relies on experience and real life more than book work. SIXTEEN POINTS TO CHARACTERIZATION 1. INTERNALIZING When actors internalize a character, they develop a deep personal understanding of what the character is really like. These internal characteristics include: background, life experience, personality, intelligence, education, personal interests, occupation, and health (emotional and physical). This is achieved when the actor has already studied the play and knows how the character thinks and feels. You will know you have achieved this when you can respond in character to any situation.
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 04:07:57 +0000
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