Tips on Bettering yourself in theatre and characterization?

Question

I have been in theatre for 2 years now and i love it
its the only thing i feel that is for me
but im trying to better myself in my acting and performing but i need some help
becuase everytime i perform in a class or play i always feel i can do so much more with myself and my charater
i guess i just need to practice doing different things from what i normally do
also i have a hard time trying to fully understand my charcacter i always feel i only do an ok job but i know i have the potientioal for so much more then to just settle
so any advice?

Answer 1

Ok, here's my advice. It's not very orthodox, but it works for me. First, I think it's important to, the first time you do a read-through or rehearsal, experience it as something new. That is, don't do too much homework beforehand. This will, of course, only work if there's a lot of rehearsal time planned, or at least time between the first rehearsal and the performance. In school, this shouldn't be a problem. But so much context can only really be experienced when the other characters are actually there, and you can hear them saying what they say, and read their faces, and just live it rather than acting it.

When you're acting, remember that only what's actually on the page is of any importance. That is, if you need to know something, it's in there. If it's not important enough for the writer to put it to paper, then it's up to you. The character only is, and only can be, the character as written. Coming up with a backstory is great and all, but it can just as often hurt as help. After that first, blind read-though, read the play, over and over again if necessary, until you feel the way your character feels. My recommendation is not to ask yourself "Why is my character acting this way/saying this in this situation?" but rather "What kind of person would respond to this situation in that way?"

Finally, when you're actually on stage, enjoy it, live it, be it, and stop thinking about it. Not only will it be easier on you, but it will improve your performance.

Answer 2

First off, stop thinking so much about it! That doesn't mean that you don't research your character, but, once you've really done your homework, RELAX. Let it settle. Digest it so that it becomes second nature to you.
The best actors become the character when they're performing, so that the audience doesn't think, "Oh, there's Helen Mirren playing Queen Elizabeth", but, rather, they get caught up in the story and portrayal.
See as much quality acting as you can whether its (live) theater, films, television, DVD rentals. And talk to a trusted prof about your doubts; maybe s/he can give you some exercises or advice to lose your self-consciousness.
In any case, persevere and don't lose your passion! Anything worth having is worth working for! Good luck!

Answer 3

Imagine everything that happened to that character up until the moment he/she steps onto that stage. Really know who you're trying to be, and don't be afraid to expand on what you already know about that person.