- Using lines as an excuse
- “When I know the lines I’ll be able to perform the scene better” - this is an excuse to cover up many things, mainly inhibitions, the fear of trying something or not knowing what to do because you haven’t read the scene/script enough. As Lee Strasberg (The Method guru) once said, learning lines is about memory and acting has nothing to do with memory. My advice is to play and experiment with the scene. You can only do this by reading it and making justified choices. Find a suitable way of training your memory to learn lines effectively because that’s not the job of your acting coach.
- Not reading the script enough - AKA lazy acting. Some actors go through the script, but only to learn their lines. You need to know the FULL story, not just the story of the scene your character appears in or only the story of your character. To get the full picture you must read the FULL script (more than once). Here are some things to think about when reading the FULL script: Why does your character choose those specific words? What do they really mean? What is really going on? What has lead them to where they are now? In the early stages of character development you’re like a detective; you have to piece the full picture together to be able to connect to the character, then you have to figure out what the motive behind the character’s behavior is so you can make clear choices in each scene you appear in.
- Forcing emotions/trying too hard - this is usually done to impress, and there is logic in that, but acting should feel effortless. When you try too hard or try to force something, it looks fake, feels strange and just doesn’t make the thing you’re trying to make happen appear. The same happens with emotions. Find inner purpose for what your character is going through and demonstrating through gestures and expressions.
#actor #tv #film #video #script #writer #drama #manager #agent #casting #director #success #hollywood
1 person likes this
I totally agree with you, Tammy. Thanks for reminding!
2 people like this
Interesting post Tammy, it's not the lines that are important or the way you say them, it's creating the inner self of the character.
1 person likes this
Very cool I agree with most of this post. Thanks for sharing!
1 person likes this
Trouble is that actors can easily have cliche ideas of what a line means, and if we combine obvious actors with obvious writers we get - what? - oh yes, modern theatre. Stoppard has to be stopped. I'm never normally unkind about anyone, but he needs new help. J.
2 people like this
I love this - don't use lines as an excuse - Absolutely!!! Thanks for saying.