ACTORS!!! What do you do to make yourself more believable, when playing a part?

Answer 1

I generally write a biography of the character, with details about the relationships he has with the other characters in the play. This gives me a background. Another thing I do is to listen to the other actors, rather than just wait for my cue.

Answer 2

I note a certain sense of urgency in your question. I hope it's not because you need an answer for a play you're in or for a role you have to interpret. Because if that's the case, you're starting off on the wrong foot.

Coming to yahoo.answers to ask questions about how to improve your acting skill is not something a serious actor would do. If you're doing a survey, that's a different story.

Get into a good class with a good teacher that has a solid, proven method.

Have a look at last week's issue of Backstage East. There is a fantastic article about all the different creators of the methods we study today.

Here on this link are then some thoughts about choosing the right school for you: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_classes.html

If you are in or near New York, here is a summer acting program that is excellent! There's even an audio for you to listen to. I have no gain whether you go there or not, but this is where I study.
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/summer_acting_classes.html

I'm not going to answer your question, because you can't take what I say or what anyone else says and just apply it. You have to know how to do it. To learn how to do it, you need a professional to show you. That's what acting teachers are for.

Hope this helps,

Tony
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com

Answer 3

I am not a professional actress, but I've been in the theater world for some time now. I have acted in some plays and I know what it takes to be more believable.
A good interpretation takes a lot of time to achieve. First of all, you've got to read the script very carefully, to get the general idea about the play. Then, read it again and focus on the characters, especially on yours. Try to find out what your character is like, what kind of personality he has... and then, think of a real person that you know that is a little like your character. Think of how that real person behaves in real life and try to add some of his/hers typical gestures and try to imitate them.
During the rehearsal you can really create your character. Try talking with the director when you're not sure about something related to your character.
Anyway, do not exaggerate with the mimicry on the stage. It makes you look funny....
Well, good luck!

Answer 4

That depends, but almost 100% of the time, to make myself convincing, I become my character, I think about the situation and put myself in it so that I can feel what my character is feeling, and better understand the dynamics of the situation. For example, if you have to cry in a scene, try putting yourself in the situation that the character is in, if the character is being broken up with, you are being broken up with, etc. It really helps you be more convincing. Also, study your character, not just the lines, read into what they say, how they would feel and how they react to things, the more you get to know your character, the more convincing you can be. Another thing, if your doing a scene in which the mood is happy and you have to portray that emotion, think of a time in your life that you were truly happy, or if its a sad scene, think of the darkest time in your life, where you felt the worst you ever have.

Answer 5

Try to believe that you ARE the character you are playing, not someone else acting, but the actual character. If you belive it, so will the audience! Good Luck!

Answer 6

I like method acting, you actually become the character. You think to yourself what would I, the character, do in a certain situation. and then let it come to you. Try to really imagine your self as the character, move how they would move, feel what they would feel.

Answer 7

it is easiest to think about your character's situation and think about how you would feel in that situation. Try to think of something similar if you can so that some real emotion does shine through making you more believable. Hoope this helps.

Answer 8

If I believe it, you'll believe it. Live the character, day and night, until you don't need to think about what the character would do, it just comes naturally.

Answer 9

I like to express truly the inner & outer qualities of a charecter in accordence with the dialogues, monologues & reactions.

Answer 10

Might I suggest looking at these fundamental learning styles. By becoming familiar with them, you might have a better insight into foundational characterization:
http://www.ldrc.ca/projects/miinventory/miinventory.php?eightstyles=1