Character Acting

For acting, it is crucial that the character being played connects with the audience. As a person takes their normal life, reads a film or stage script, and then transforms into the person written about, that is character acting. The bottom line is that everything the character tells the actor is what must be performed and portrayed.

When character acting, that means you become the person but to do that, you must learn that character's mind, actions, education, history, societal background, feelings, emotions, and so on. One of the problems we see in Hollywood is that fans confuse actors with characters. They see people on the big screen portraying a "character" and assume the actor lives the same life. In reality, actors and characters are seldom similar.

Typically, character acting is something each actor chooses. In other words, top actors will read scripts and then decide if they would be the best character actor for that part. Now, when first starting out in the film and stage industries, you will probably take roles that you do not necessarily want just to get your foot in the door.

While this might be necessary in some cases, you still need to choose your characters well. After all, a great actor can take ANY character and bring that person to life but as a person who is new to this line of work it might not work that way. Therefore, you need choose as wisely as possible and give 100% all the time.

For character acting, you look first to the script. Each will include a description of the character so you know who that person is and how the role would be portrayed. You can also read about the setting, the era, the season, etc. As you read the script, you will find more information to see if your interest and ability match.

Another important aspect of character acting is the movement. You will have the responsibility to ensure the audience connects with that person. That means your speech, facial expression, dress, and body language must work. That character will have habits, tics, and special movements that must not just be learned but also refined. Overlooking the small traits of the character is what makes for a good film or stage production.

Character acting is exciting. You might portray someone who is a fictional character or you might become someone from the past or present. Either way, you have to literally, transform yourself into that person. Acting workshops help you accomplish this by teaching you methods and techniques.

Finally, the most important thing for actors is to get to know the character. They need to become best friends, confidants, daily partners. You need to understand the character inside and out; know what makes that person tick. With that, you can become the character and become and exceptional actor.