Acting tips?

Question

Do you have any acting tips that could help me to become a much better actor? I know its about putting yourself into someone else's position and all that, but what about other stuff? like improvising and projecting?

there is no script. its more like make it up as you go along. haha, pretty hard.

Answer 1

Some pretty good tips have already been listed, so I'll just expand on them a bit.

Projecting: Deep breaths. Breathe from your stomach, not from your chest. Try not to raise your shoulders and chest up and down while breathing, but expand naturally from your stomach. Then speak loudly, this is what is meant by talking from your diaphragm. Also use lots of diction. 'P,' 't,' 'k,' 'g,' 'b,' 'd,' sounds need to be ennunciated greatly. My teacher has said that if your spitting on the front row, than the back row can certainly hear those sounds clearly. Imagine what the audience would hear if you said 'ask' but did not ennunciate the 'k' enough.

It's not just about putting yourself into that character's position, you need to become that character so to speak. Your the author and it's your job to create a realistic character. You have the ability to flesh that character out into anything you wish for it to be. Is it goth? Preppy? Does it like chocolate or vegtables better? All of this is YOUR choice.

Improv: Say the first response that pops into your head. It doesn't matter if it completely fits, chances are the audience will get a laugh out of it. In the words of the great Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn: "Feel, don't think. Use your instincts." (Sorry if you don't like Star Wars, it's my favorite movie, and great advice).

Taking classes and practicing does help, but it sounds to mean that your already in a drama class and your just trying to become better.

Though you may be taking a class, B. D Mac has some great advice. ALWAYS respect the techies. We work as hard (if not harder) than the actors, and rarely recieve even half as much recognition. Try having a show without someone to build the set, run the lights, run the sounds, keep track of the props, make the costumes, keep track of a script, hold the mike tape, hold the duct tape, carry safety pins, carry a sharpie, and generally keep everyone (except their own) sanity in check. It's not going to work, even pantomimed shows need sound and lighting, and usually costumes as well. Plus some form of backdrop. Most techies care as much about the show as the actors and wouldn't want to mess up the show completely, but small things here and there backstage could prove a problem. I personally wouldn't do anything to an actor if they made me mad, but some other techs . . . probable. Okay that's enough of my 'respect us techs' rant for today.

Best of luck!!!

Answer 2

theatregurl has generally good info. You become a much better actor by doing lots of acting. Improvisation is a waste of time, since plays and films are scripted and the scripts have everything you need to know about the character and situation if they are well written. Projecting is often a matter of speaking clearly and distinctly, not too fast, and without letting your support for your voice fail. There are personality habits and traits that also make people much better actors. Write to me at [e-mail] for more info.

Answer 3

If you want to learn technique, take a class. It's much more involved than just getting a few "tips" on a forum. It's not about "putting yourself in someone else's position", it's about creating a character and everything that's involved in that within the envirornment of the given circumstances of the script as well as things like interplay, motivation, subtext, etc. You need a teacher who know's what they're doing and who can give you feedback on practicum assignments and material... You can also supplement your technique classes with instrument classes like voice, movement and improv.

In a nutshell: Take a class. Actually, take about 5.

Answer 4

Projecting is very important. A mic will not cover a wishy washy voice. Make sure you know your script inside and out, and...... this may be more important than anything, always treat the backstage techs costumers etc... with respect. They can make a good actor look and sound bad if you act the Diva! In the alternate they can cover for you if you are having a bad night too.

Answer 5

A realistic performance is more than just reading the lines. YOu have to feel what the character is saying. Actors call this "Motivation". What 'motivates' the character to say this? What motivates this bad guy to do these bad things? In addition, learn all you can about your character and imagine what he would be like in both thought, deed and "body language." Is he the type to stand tall and walk quickly and decisively? Or an old man who walks with a cane, placing the cane carefully with each step so as not to fall? These are things which actors call "business". Sometimes they are part of the 'dressing' of a scene, but many can be part of your characterization. Each piece of "business" you can add to your character gives him depth without actually speaking. At the same time you don't want to tie your character up into bits which drag the character down. This is how your performance can be more "real".

Answer 6

gain some experience and then once that is done..get your own headshot...get an agent..and then your all set...the acting agent will help you get into auditons

Answer 7

Just practice, practice, and practice some more.