How to create a role

I see lots of actors attempt to create a role that is truthful, unique and has their stamp on it but when I ask them what they did, they will say I read the script a couple of times, watched YouTube to see how it was done and learnt my lines.

Whenever I hear the words “I watched YouTube” my body tenses. I’ll explain why in a moment.

Is that really how to create a role?

It’s ONE way, but it’s not the most effective way, so I’ve written today’s blog to help you understand how to create a role that is powerful and 100% YOUR interpretation.

Why watching YouTube makes me tense

It tells me the actor is struggling and doesn’t fully understand either the character or story, doesn’t know what to do or how to create a role effectively. The danger is that they will copy the actor they’ve watched whether intentional or not. Not good – not creative and in effect it’s then not your interpretation. Get out of that habit if you know you have been guilty of it.

It’s better to be a self-sufficient actor – that is true artistry, that is being a true master of your craft.

How to create a role

Firstly you need to understand that your job is to honour the playwright, so every choice you make must come from the script. I always offer this quote of David Mamet’s to my students, “Invent nothing, deny nothing”. It can take a while to get your head around but is very powerful.

1. With every role, the starting point is always to script analyse. Read the script as many times as possible. With each new read there comes a new finding. This is the most effective way to hone your actors antenna (that invisible thing that starts twitching when you find new clues), develop your imagination and improve your confidence with understanding roles.
2. Find all the similarities between yourself and the character. Starting with you helps you identify with the role and connect the dots.
3. Ask yourself “What are the given circumstances?”. These are the circumstances that have been written by the writer that are cemented and can not be changed.
4. Figure out what the behaviour of the character is – the rhythm of the role. What physical action must you take as the character? Remember it’s all in the script. Even if it doesn’t tell you step by step, it will be clear through the dialogue and the circumstances. If you are struggling you can ask yourself “how would I behave if I was the character in those circumstances?” (Stanislavski’s magic if).
5. To get a clear perception of your character figure out what the other characters say about your character.

If you begin to use those 5 steps with every new role you take on, you will find your acting transform. If this is a completely new way of working for you take each step one at a time. You don’t have to be perfect straight away and there’s no rush.

These steps provide you with a strong starting point for creating a believable role you can be proud of.

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Here’s to your success!