SUBTEXT Subtext means the character`s sub-conscious thoughts and feelings about the text, and is provided by the actor. We know that people dont always say what they are thinking--and what they are really thinking has a huge affect on how the lines are delivered. The actors subtext is effected by not only his/her own lines, but also by other characters lines as well. There is a big difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is the passive action of sound entering your ear. Listening, on the other hand, is the active action of allowing the sounds your ears hear to enter your brain and be processed into information and ideas. We often hear someone talk yet not listen to them. I believe that when you are hearing someone talk, you are not really listening to them--you are listening to the little voice inside of your head that is making comment on what the other person is saying: That guy doesnt know what hes talking about! or oh, wow, yeah, that makes much more sense than what I was believing before! This process is similar to that which is used when someone communicates through the use of an interpreter. You can hear the voice of the foreigner talking, but youre listening to the voice of the translator. Your little voice (subtext) is taking many things into consideration: Your own prejudices, beliefs, attitudes, and values, and your perception of the speakers beliefs, attitudes, and values--which determines how much credibility you believe the speaker to have. The more credibility you believe the speaker to have, the more likely you are to accept what they say as true. The same holds true when you are speaking. That little voice also makes comment on what you are saying: Oh, that was a stupid thing to say, or listen to them laugh, I must be telling this joke well!, or I really think her hair looks awful, but I dont want to hurt her feelings. Your brain is always working, constantly thinking, continually making comments about everything you experience. The use of subtext is one of the most valuable tools an actor has. Subtext should not be confused with motivation. Motivation is the reason you are saying the lines of text or the desired effect you want from the text--for instance, trying to get someone to change their mind about something. Subtext is that little voice keeping you true to your motivation. If your motivation is clear enough and your subtext is consistent you will always be in character--which reduces the chance of your forgetting your lines and increases your ability to ad-lib when necessary.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:19:39 +0000
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