Are You Having a Character Block?
We have all faced a script that we just don’t connect with and the audition isn’t far away. It might be that you haven’t experienced the situation the character is in and you can’t use any of your past experiences to sympathise with the character. Your reaction would be to panic because you feel like you won’t give a convincing portrayal of the character and then the casting director or agent will know that you didn’t give 100% of your effort into the role because you didn’t know what you were doing.
Step Back and Breathe!
In this situation you need to take a step back and breathe. Don’t worry, you will find that connection to the character you were looking for, even if it does take time. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you and don’t give up on your character; they need you as much as you need them.
Acting Tips To Come Back With a Fresh Mind
When coming back to the script you need to address your character block with a fresh and open mind. You need to ask yourself, what have I missed in the script? – a key moment, thought change or strap line. They are sometimes very subtle and we all miss them from time to time. You need to allow yourself to get into the reality of the scene and let yourself become vulnerable to the situation your character is in as this will make you more open to the scene.
Try Role Swap
If you are really stuck with a character, why not try role swap. Ask a friend or another actor to swap roles with you. By another person playing your part may allow you to notice something about other interpretations of your character. They may show different sides of the character and reveal a thought change or aspect about the character that you missed. There is always a reason for why characters do and react the way that they do and by swapping roles may help you realise that you may have been reading the scene the wrong way and realise the true meaning behind the lines.
At the end of the day, even the most established actors have experienced character blocks but they persevered and took time to find the character in the scene and, in some cases, this made their performances stronger. You will realise what the scene means and you will find that connection to the character, no matter how long it takes.
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