It’s easy to disregard acting as a profession that doesn’t require a lot of skill. In fact, it’s fairly common to hear people complain about the large amounts of money that Hollywood actors make for the “easy” work that they do every day.
The fact of the matter, however, is that acting takes a lot of work, memorisation, and concentration, and many directors are well-known for providing extremely gruelling acting sets that push their actors to the limit.
Acting, whether it’s in a big budget, Hollywood film, or at the local theatre, means putting in hard work and dedication, and learning how to not just learn the lines of the script, but to know which emotions to convey during the delivery of those lines. For those that are starting acting for the first time, these general tips can prove helpful.
1. Acting Classes
An acting class is the best place to start for those wanting to break into the scene. These basic classes can give potential actors an idea of what to expect when preparing for a role, as well as emotion control, technique, and learning how to best make use of the many different tools available to actors.
Even just playing online blackjack against opponents can teach some finer skills, such as keeping a straight face.
2. Read The Whole Script
In fact, it’s advised to read the entire script as many times as possible. The script is the cornerstone of who the character is and what their intentions are in the play.
If there are few details provided in the script about the character being played, it’s best to create a backstory for that character, which will give them added depth, allowing for a greater range of emotion and control.
3. Dedication
Like with any craft, dedication is vitally important, and acting is no different. It requires countless hours of practice – even if it’s just an hour a day to start with. Not only does it help when it comes to voice projection, but it also builds confidence and skill.
Finding other actors in the area is another strong way of developing skill, especially if some of those actors are more seasoned.
4. Fine-Tuning Your Instrument
When it comes to acting, the body is the instrument that all actors need to learn to fully utilise if they want to find success. This means learning and enhancing a number of skills to better the chances of not just landing a successful audition, but to work effectively once you have acquired the role.
Such skills as voice work, body language, and even practical skills like on stage combat, dancing, and juggling can be important to learn before getting on the stage.
5. Stress Management
Being an actor can be stressful, especially if you’re preparing for a particularly difficult role. Stress can burn anyone out quickly if not managed properly, and it’s important to try keep stress levels as low as possible.
Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and going our regularly with friends or loved ones are all good for lowering stress.
