How can an actor stop laughing whilst doing a performance?

Question

I can stop laughing when doing a performance, and even if i do a straight face it really doesn't show the facial expressions i'm really supposed to do. Can anyone help me?

Answer 1

I used to have this problem because I was embarrassed and shy. I felt like I would be useless and I was nervous, because of this I was always giggling, especially if one of my partners were in a particularly funny mood.

But what I used to do was pretend there was only me in the room, or practice on my own for a little while. Sometimes that didnt work, and I had to take a deep breath, and remember I wasn't being me, I was somebody else. Was that person supposed to laugh at this moment in time? No they weren't, so I focused on being that person instead of me.

I know it might not be that easy, so maybe you could ask your drama teacher/superviser etc to give you a hand and see what they suggest?

I must be honest, I still have giggle urges. For example, I recently played the part of Juliet in a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet (We were a mixture of chavs and gangsters lol) and my co-star played his part extremely well, so well in fact, I was giggling with the audience and fought to keep a straight face, especially when I had to slap the poor guy.

So all I can really say is keep practicing, and maybe you'll get bored with laughing and realise there's nothing ot laugh at or feel embarrassed about. After all, others in your group will probably feel the same.

Hope I could help.

Answer 2

Although I am not an actor, there are still many times when it is important to keep a straight or serious face. Everyone has had things in their life that have made them upset, such as a funeral of a friend or thinking about an ex. That's what I think about when I need to put on a straight face or not laugh.

Answer 3

We frequently finally end up guffawing. We both have arthritis so with the cracking of joints and the uncomplicated 'ouch', plus attempting to be fairly mushy without making it project no longer a possibility; it does have a tendency to provide us suits of the giggles. As my late mum used to assert: 'God loves a trier'. We actually save attempting!!!!!

Answer 4

it depends how your scene is blocked. if you can have a hand in your pocket then you should pinch your leg really hard.
hands out of pockets then make fists with your toes inside your shoes (bit of a die hard trick that one). then theres always the old favourite of method acting. it might seem harsh but if your laughing when you shouldnt be then your not acting very well.

Answer 5

I've found that not making direct eye contact can work--not always a good choice depending on your acting partner, but focusing on someone''s eyebrows or nose always helped me when I got the giggles.

Answer 6

Try the Joey Tribbiani method: cut a hole in your trouser pocket and just start pinching.

Answer 7

Think of something sad - a pet or favorite relative's death ought to do the trick.

Answer 8

Think of your parents having sex together.
Enough to make me cry!

Answer 9

to smell an onion

Answer 10

they rehearse by looking in a mirror............