Acting 101/ for dummies?

[werefox]

Hi, I was wondering if its someone there that can teach me how to become a better actor.:learn:

I don't know much about acting before a camera, but I do know alot about role play and Larp.:fcross:

Any helpers? I don't have the means to take classes in this subject.

[google550]

I'm not exactly accomplished, but I've gotten through a few auditions, so here's my advice.

Really break down the character. Break them down into little bits, know they're next move before they would. I'm currently working on a project where the main character's mother is a nasty piece of work. As the director, I sat down with my actress and established who that character really was. It was never written in the script, but we determined that she was bitter from a divorce and afraid to enter her son's room because of a fear to "see what her son has become."

This is the kind of depth you need to develop with a character. As for the subtleties of acting for the camera, I find behaving naturally and speaking clearly are the best things you can do for yourself.

Listen to the director, and be UNINHIBITED. I've auditioned people with absolutely NO personality or enthusiasm. Give it your all. Know your limits, but audition for WHATEVER role.

If you have a reel, maybe I can personalize some advise, but that's it for now. Good luck.

[Black Dawn Productions]

Be aware of overacting and forced movements. Every time you step it should be motivated in one way or another corresponding with the dialogue or set interaction. Many actors/actresses also tend to end every sentance with their voice picking up. In other words, it almost sounds like everything is a question. Keeping your voice in control is important.

[anomalie]

Always know where the character is coming from (physically, emotionally), and what their intentions are. If you're supposed to walk in from shopping and see a body on the floor, don't just walk in with the intent to see the body on the floor. Walk in to put the groceries away - that way when you see the body, your reaction will seem more genuine.

Also, the camera knows when you aren't thinking about anything. The character and the actor will always have a focus.

Another thing for film is eyelines. It's hard to explain this without examples... but it's effective when your eyes are visible so they audience can read them. Find when it's the right time to focus on your scene partner or a prop. For some emotional scenes, it really draws the audience in when you focus your eyeline on a place that is close to the camera lens - not at it, but just beside and beyond it. I'm not sure if that made sense, I wish I had a video example... err. PM me if you need more clarification?

Also: warm up! Warm up your voice, your body, even your facial muscles. Have exercises to help open your voice and stretch your body so you have more range in each. It also helps with focus on the character/story and put the rest of your day on the back burner.

(PS - I am a theatre school graduate, so I might have other useful tips if you have specific questions. Possibly!)

[kwano]

well, for mock trial and theater at school, i always like to write down a short brief history of my character before hand. That way, i can use the fake history to know where my character is coming from.

Also, as said before and by my teacher, when acting in front of a camera, you must always be in character because the camera picks up on almost every facial emotion.

That's the difference between stage acting and on-screen acting, stage actors must over exaggerate some emotions so the audience can see it while screen actors can make subtle facial expressions to convey emotions.

[Pure Milk Genius Productions]

If you're into role playing then that's great. Just do the same thing, become that character. Just play pretend and ignore the camera and just have fun with it.

[chainedflesh]

There has been a lot of good advise in this thread.

I would like to add that your character needs to have strong goals. Your character has a goal that he wants to achieve with another character. Also change tactics to try to attain that goal. Be agressive (not always belligerent... just pursue the goal relentlessly) in attaining that goal, and try to avoid mixing emotions in your portrayal.

[Ronster]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHfz7_YjRww

Watch these.
Loads of great info!

[werefox]

Thank's all, keep it coming. This got to be useful for other's than mee too! :fcross:

[sanftner2003]

Know your motivation and if possible, think of a past for the character. And act as you would if it was really u.