**FINDING CHARACTER CLUES IN AN AUDITION** One of the rights of passage in this business is experiencing the thrill and panic of receiving a script in the afternoon for an audition the next day. It is even worse when very little has been revealed about the project and the casting director sends just a few pages of sides. When this happens to you, dont panic; instead, become a super sleuth. Have a parent or friend work with you to look into your lines for clues on making the most interesting choices possible. Super sleuths (detectives) play this game by finding two or more ways to interpret every clue found in each category listed below. It is a fun game and an important part of approaching all your material. Here are some tips to tackling scenes: Read everything in the scene. Stage directions, for example, provide an important context clue to where the scene occurs, the location, time of day - in addition also consider all other notes on the script, even ones crossed out, for other insights into your character. Character is what character does. Examine what the characters do and say for clues. Do you get the feeling the characters know each other well, are they long time friends, new friends, co-workers, in charge or taking directions from a superior, by how they talk to each other in the scene. Remember to also focus on what the characters are doing, not just on what they are saying in the scene to get a better sense of how they know each other. Describe the characters using verbs. The information you are collecting will help you form an understanding of your character. What is the character doing to get what she/he wants? Could they be flirting, playing, or taunting . .or maybe just as easily be manipulating, intimidating, or trying to impress for example. You will notice that the verbs can be put together in many interesting and different ways. There are no wrong answers. Or right answers, for that matter. You can see, even from a limited dialogue, that there are many ways an actor can approach material. Dont try to incorporate every possibility. It is critical to examine your clues, make a concrete decision of how you think it is best to play your character, and go for it. If this is a pilot episode for a television series, create options by letting the detective in you anticipate what will happen with their relationship in a future episode. There are boring choices, however so avoid the obvious and trite ways of playing your character. Opt instead for interesting and unusual ones. It is almost always a better way to make a character honest and believable. Have fun playing detective with all your scripts and you will surely expose the mystery in every character you play. Master your craft, empower yourself, enjoy the journey! Thanks, Denise Simon, New York-based acting coach and career consultant who has been involved in the entertainment industry for more than 25 years.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 15:55:14 +0000
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