Body Gossip On Tour: Acting Tips
-
Avoid shadow movements (any unnecessary actions eg the shifting of weight).
-
Every action must have a reason or purpose.
-
Never turn your back to the audience, be open physically and emotionally.
-
Respect the text. These are real stories which need to be dealt with sensitively and courteously. The author of the script could be in the audience.
- Fully understand what is being said. Question bits of the story you do not understand and make sense of it for yourself.
- Do research to find out more about the story you are telling.
-
Think about scripts on a personal level. Which emotions/ feeling can you relate to even if in a totally different situation.
-
Don’t perform, be yourself. Performing the stories would do a major injustice; it needs to come from the heart. Don’t play someone else but yourself in their set of circumstances.
-
Less is more. The stories are pertinent enough without needing to be overly performed. Avoid gimmicks or overly-stylised movement. Simple story telling is most effective.
-
Make eye contact with the audience so they feel the story is being told to them personally. Make eye contact with as many audience members as possible; do not get fixed on one person. If there are any questions in the text direct them at specific audience members.
-
Ensure even audience members at the back can hear you, including during quiet and emotional phrases.
-
Make sure your face is free of any loose strands of hair.
-
Play the space rather than being rooted to the spot.
| acting_tips.doc |
