As a beginner actor or LAMDA student, you might find that the craft of acting is somewhat shrouded in mystery. How do great actors make a scene seem so real, and how do they evoke such a powerful response in audiences?
All great actors use age-old stagecraft skills to create a truthful reality for an audience. Here are some tips for beginner actors which we share with all of our students starting their LAMDA journey with us.
Before you begin, breathe
When you enter a space as a character, you must bring into the space a sense of where you’ve come from. Therefore, before you begin a scene, or before you come onstage, breathe and think about where you’ve come from and where you’re going. There’s no need to demonstrate your thoughts to the audience, just take a moment and trust that the sense of where you’ve been and where you’re going will be imbued in your performance.
Find the Thoughts
Most new actors tend to ‘push’ their words when performing their pieces. Rather than racing ahead from one line to the next, slow down and try finding the thoughts before you speak them.
Play the Relationship
Always play the distinct relationship between you and the other characters in your scene. Even if you’re performing a piece on your own, bring those distinct relationships into your performance and play the piece as if those people were really there.
Looking at the Floor Kills Energy
Many new actors tend to look at the floor when performing their pieces. However, you’re there to share the story with the audience and they’ll discover so much more if you give them access to your eyes.
Make the Words Personal
Make the character’s words your own by placing yourself in their shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. Make their argument your own by personalising everything and everyone they’re speaking about. If your character is speaking to their sister, imagine delivering the piece to your real-life sister.
When new actors put these tips into practice, they make a huge difference in creating a truthful reality for an audience.
Are you or your child looking to gain important lifelong skills through studying acting? Get in touch or call +44 (0)20 8064 0549.
