I am new to community theatre...how do I get in to character?

Question

Hi everyone, I have been cast in my first play. I will be playing a spoilt, 24 year old daddy's girl.

I would like to know if anyone knows of good websites for amateur actors to read and get information from. Or does anyone have some good tips or exercises for getting in to character?

I would appreciate any advice at all, I am 100% new to this and am looking forward to learning as much as I can.

Heidi.

Answer 1

If you want a website, try www.musicaltheatreaudition.com or www.stageagent.com They are the best out there so far.

As far as your character goes, just read the script and imagine what she's like. Why is she like that? What does she gain from her behavior? What does she lose? What is she afraid of? Is she just ignorant? Just ask yourself questions about her and create her with your answers. Then become her as you say the dialogue and in your body language. You got the role so you obviously showed them something in the audition... you have good instincts. Trust them and go for it. If the director doesn't like the direction you're going in with the character he/she will tell you. She sounds like someone who'd be fun to play.

Break a leg!

Answer 2

Best thing to do is just incorporate youself into the character and become comfortable with playing the part. Obviously you are good because you got the role so you know you can do it. Now all you have to do is adjust to the character and work out how you will portray her. =}

Break A Leg!

Answer 3

first step:
read over all of your lines twice.

second step:
memorize your lines section by section

third step:
say your lines out loud

fourth step:
read your lines again but this time really picture the character in your head, what would her face be at this point, is she mad, happy, or sad? Let the characters personality shine out through you.

fifth step:
practice, practice, practice!
the more you practice the more comfortable you get with the role, so the day of the performance you can really blow them away =]

Answer 4

I agree that musicaltheatreaudition and stageagent.com are the best if you want websites, but i have this to add:
to be in character,its really simple,Be your character. From the second you step on the stage to the end,you are not you,you ARE your character.its that simple. as said before, for your character i would think paris hilton.

Answer 5

Just think like Paris Hilton and you've got it. You've just gotta go for it and don't hold back. Let your interpretation of the character shine through and make them believe you ARE the character, not just an actor playing one.

Answer 6

I say keep it simple and don't try to do too much. Otherwise you are apt to look like you are acting. In each scene you are in read it and put into one sentence what is going on. A very simple sentence. Basic reading comprehension. Play that sentence. Good luck and I hope you love it and keep acting.