Friday, 27 September 2013
Character Creation Exercises: Researching Character/Play, Historical, Cultural, Social and Political Finding, Given Circumstances
It's very important to research the character that you're playing and also the play that you're in so that you get a full understanding of what you're required to do in the play and be able to portray your character in the right way. For example, in 'The Witness', one of the characters Alex was saved from the genocide happening in Rwanda but her mother died because of the genocide. In order to understand how the character's feelings are towards all of this, you would need to do research on the Rwandan genocide in detail to fully grasp Alex's emotions. ~Look at some eye-witness reports or stories based on the Rwandan genocide too. I believe that this is very usual because once you understand the emotional background of a character, you'll be able to empathize for them and put yourself in their shoes.
One way to research your character is by looking at their physicality, status, energy, the given circumstances, objectives and their voice. By doing all of this, you will be able to develop your character in enough detail to act it out well enough for it to not only be believable to you but to the audience aswell. Try to imagine how their physicality would be. Would they portray a relaxed physicality? Tired? Energetic? Be creative! Think about it and portray it through your character. We already know the given circumstances of Alex is that she is in London with her father because she dropped out of King's College. She would have still been in Rwanda if there wasn't any genocide because there would be no other reason for her adopted father Joseph to have taken her. How do you think she would feel towards all of this? Apply the given circumstances when acting out your character in order to make it more realistic.
A way you could research the play is find out all the different locations the characters have been in. For example, Alex was apart of the Rwandan genocide but was lucky to escape. Like I have said previously, research the Rwandan genocide in order to get a full understanding of how devastating the circumstances were. Alex is now in London in Joseph in April 2011. Research what was going on around that time in London! By doing this, you will be able to apply it to your portrayal of the character. For example, during April, it's the season of spring. This means that the weather is quite humid and may rain quite a bit and it might not be that hot. Because we know this, we will have an understanding of what the characters in the play might wear and be able to design a suitable costume for them that suits the weather.
Find the historical, cultural, social and political background of the play. Predominantly, 'The Witness' is set in London so find out the historal content of London! Is it a MEDC country? If so, that means maybe economical circumstances might not be as bad as it is in Alex's hometown Rwanda. A way to find out cultural aspects would see where people that are living in London might have immigrated from to come here. We know that London is very multi-cultural so Alex shouldn't have any problem living in London. In London, would the rich mix with what they consider to be the poor? Find out! See if there are places in London where only rich people can stay, if there are places the rich may be segregated from the poor. Look into the political side of London. Is there a lot of strikes happening? Are there raises in taxes? All these facts could be so crucial to develop your characters because their emotions they have could be influenced by all the current circumstances they're living in.
I think that all of this is very important and is vital in order to act out the character you are playing because once you understand the fundimentals of not only the characters within the play but the circumstances around them, it'll make it much more easier to bring your character to life. You could just be lazy and learn the script your given and just act it out on the day of the performance. A good actor/actress would spend not only rehearsal time but their own time to make sure they fulfil the purposes of their character and bring them to life.
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
SKILLS AUDIT 1 (The World Of Acting)
What have I learnt about the world of acting today?
I've learnt that acting really isn't really that hard! It's just about not pretending to play your role but feeling it and developing it. I've learnt that it is crucial to analyse your role step by step in order to portray it in the right way. I'm still developing as an actress; I still need help and guidance! In order for me to improve, I need to be able to perform my role up to scratch in order to truly develop a connection with my audience and act my role to the best of my ability.
Also, I've learnt that many actors and actresses have to go through different processes when given a role to play. Like I have said previously, when given a role, you need to analyse it in depth and detail. For example, I am playing an 18-year-old girl from Rwanda who is adopted by a man during the Rwandan genocide. In order to play my role well, I would have to do research on the Rwandan genocide so that I am able to understand my character more and relate to her.
It's a tough competition to be an actress. So many people in this world want to make it big, be on TV, star in different plays and etc. Sadly, it doesn't just happen like that. You need to WORK for it! In order for me to pursue what I want to do in the future, I need to work hard, stay focused and never give up when things get tough.
I've learnt that acting really isn't really that hard! It's just about not pretending to play your role but feeling it and developing it. I've learnt that it is crucial to analyse your role step by step in order to portray it in the right way. I'm still developing as an actress; I still need help and guidance! In order for me to improve, I need to be able to perform my role up to scratch in order to truly develop a connection with my audience and act my role to the best of my ability.
Also, I've learnt that many actors and actresses have to go through different processes when given a role to play. Like I have said previously, when given a role, you need to analyse it in depth and detail. For example, I am playing an 18-year-old girl from Rwanda who is adopted by a man during the Rwandan genocide. In order to play my role well, I would have to do research on the Rwandan genocide so that I am able to understand my character more and relate to her.
It's a tough competition to be an actress. So many people in this world want to make it big, be on TV, star in different plays and etc. Sadly, it doesn't just happen like that. You need to WORK for it! In order for me to pursue what I want to do in the future, I need to work hard, stay focused and never give up when things get tough.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
What Is Good Acting? What Is Bad Acting?
WHAT IS GOOD ACTING?
I believe that good acting is when you can take on a role and try to relate it to yourself and your own experiences. By doing this, you will be able to create a connection with your character which will make your performance more realistic and believable. Also, I believe good acting is when you let yourself go and allow the character you are playing to take control over you. You shouldn't dictate how the character is supposed to be played just to satisfy what you want, you need to let the character dictate you as if the character is a real person.
Furthermore, you have to be open to different things and things you have never experienced in order to develop as a performer. By doing this, you will be able to take on various different roles which will make your acting more diverse.
Good acting is not only taking on a role and then performing it to others, it's believing your role and being able to connect to the audience. Some people in the audience might be able to relate to your character that you play! For example, Les Miserables I think is a very moving piece of theatre that tells real life events which can be very touching to it's audience.
Stanislavski was an actor but also a director. He was almost like " The King of Acting ". He created a formula for acting which many actors and actresses could learn from today.
Most importantly, good acting comes from the body, not the mind. Don't overthink your role too much. Yes, develop it - analyse every aspect of your character! However, when acting, let your body tell the character's story, not your mind.
WHAT IS BAD ACTING?
I believe bad acting is when you are not confident in not only yourself but also the character you are playing. It's when you adjust the features of the character to suit what you want instead of putting your heart and soul into your character and being open minded.
When you forget to learn your lines, act cowardly or behave as if you're not open to new things, it doesn't only affect you as a performer but also the people you might be working with. When performing a piece of theatre with a group of people, you all need to rely on each other to make the play a success. By not doing what you are suppose to do to make your play outstanding, you are letting down everyone else.
Do NOT disrespect the people you are working with. Find out their boundaries because they might not have the same boundaries as you. Don't just think about yourself, think about others too. Without trust between the people you act with, you won't be able to grow as a performer socially.
Not being open to criticism is bad acting. Also, when you keep on repeating the same mistakes your director might have informed you on. Re-hear-all, not repeat-all.
SKILLS AUDIT
I believe that I am very open minded to new things, confident in my speech and like to explore and develop different characters. However, back in my old school, I was mainly given male roles when it came to acting because of my height. I went to an all girls school called La Retraite where if they needed to cast people for male roles, they'd automatically ask the tall girls. Who am I to oblige? I loved acting! I didn't care what role I was given as long as I got to perform! Although, I feel that now I need to focus more on female roles to develop more as an actress.
When acting, I need to remember to articulate my words and say my lines at a slower pase as I tend to talk fast in real life. I need to learn my lines accurately and cold, and be more sagacious! I also need to improve in my flexibility in order to be able to stretch properly during a warm up.
Not a single actor/actress starts off perfect. I know this. It takes time, effort and practice to grow and progress into a wonderful performer! One actor I really admire is Johnny Depp. His acting is so versatile and different because he has played so many different roles! He can be comical yet serious, hilarious yet pensive! This is why I truly adore Johnny Depp's acting skills. I hope to one day become an actress like him!
SELF-ASSESSMENT: P1
At first, I thought I deserved a M1 for my first theatre lesson at the Brit School. However, I came to realise that I need to first be familiar with the basics of theatre before I can get a merit! I'm still developing as a young actress; I'm still getting familiar with different theatrical terminology and doing things in theatre I have never done before! I know I won't get things straight away without a few hiccups here and there. Truthfully, I need guidance. I need the guidance and support from the great theatre teachers that Brit School have! That's why I'm here. That's why I am here at The Brit School - to develop in acting! Yes I believe my first theatre lesson went well and I worked really hard. However, I know there is still always room for improvement and I do need help to gain a strong M1 and D1! Because of this, I have given myself a P1 to begin with. Like I said: there is always room for improvement.
- Lara Grace Arogundade
I believe that good acting is when you can take on a role and try to relate it to yourself and your own experiences. By doing this, you will be able to create a connection with your character which will make your performance more realistic and believable. Also, I believe good acting is when you let yourself go and allow the character you are playing to take control over you. You shouldn't dictate how the character is supposed to be played just to satisfy what you want, you need to let the character dictate you as if the character is a real person.
Furthermore, you have to be open to different things and things you have never experienced in order to develop as a performer. By doing this, you will be able to take on various different roles which will make your acting more diverse.
Good acting is not only taking on a role and then performing it to others, it's believing your role and being able to connect to the audience. Some people in the audience might be able to relate to your character that you play! For example, Les Miserables I think is a very moving piece of theatre that tells real life events which can be very touching to it's audience.
Stanislavski was an actor but also a director. He was almost like " The King of Acting ". He created a formula for acting which many actors and actresses could learn from today.
Most importantly, good acting comes from the body, not the mind. Don't overthink your role too much. Yes, develop it - analyse every aspect of your character! However, when acting, let your body tell the character's story, not your mind.
WHAT IS BAD ACTING?
I believe bad acting is when you are not confident in not only yourself but also the character you are playing. It's when you adjust the features of the character to suit what you want instead of putting your heart and soul into your character and being open minded.
When you forget to learn your lines, act cowardly or behave as if you're not open to new things, it doesn't only affect you as a performer but also the people you might be working with. When performing a piece of theatre with a group of people, you all need to rely on each other to make the play a success. By not doing what you are suppose to do to make your play outstanding, you are letting down everyone else.
Do NOT disrespect the people you are working with. Find out their boundaries because they might not have the same boundaries as you. Don't just think about yourself, think about others too. Without trust between the people you act with, you won't be able to grow as a performer socially.
Not being open to criticism is bad acting. Also, when you keep on repeating the same mistakes your director might have informed you on. Re-hear-all, not repeat-all.
SKILLS AUDIT
I believe that I am very open minded to new things, confident in my speech and like to explore and develop different characters. However, back in my old school, I was mainly given male roles when it came to acting because of my height. I went to an all girls school called La Retraite where if they needed to cast people for male roles, they'd automatically ask the tall girls. Who am I to oblige? I loved acting! I didn't care what role I was given as long as I got to perform! Although, I feel that now I need to focus more on female roles to develop more as an actress.
When acting, I need to remember to articulate my words and say my lines at a slower pase as I tend to talk fast in real life. I need to learn my lines accurately and cold, and be more sagacious! I also need to improve in my flexibility in order to be able to stretch properly during a warm up.
Not a single actor/actress starts off perfect. I know this. It takes time, effort and practice to grow and progress into a wonderful performer! One actor I really admire is Johnny Depp. His acting is so versatile and different because he has played so many different roles! He can be comical yet serious, hilarious yet pensive! This is why I truly adore Johnny Depp's acting skills. I hope to one day become an actress like him!
SELF-ASSESSMENT: P1
At first, I thought I deserved a M1 for my first theatre lesson at the Brit School. However, I came to realise that I need to first be familiar with the basics of theatre before I can get a merit! I'm still developing as a young actress; I'm still getting familiar with different theatrical terminology and doing things in theatre I have never done before! I know I won't get things straight away without a few hiccups here and there. Truthfully, I need guidance. I need the guidance and support from the great theatre teachers that Brit School have! That's why I'm here. That's why I am here at The Brit School - to develop in acting! Yes I believe my first theatre lesson went well and I worked really hard. However, I know there is still always room for improvement and I do need help to gain a strong M1 and D1! Because of this, I have given myself a P1 to begin with. Like I said: there is always room for improvement.
- Lara Grace Arogundade
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