Q&A for How to Act in a Play

Practice! To memorize lines more effectively, it helps to visualize what's happening when you say them. Imagine what the stage and other actors will look like as you practice your lines.

When you're acting on stage, you have to be aware of the entire audience and making sure that everybody can hear you and see you.

Voices help add depth to a character, and make a play seem more realistic.

Think of something that you find funny and laugh at that. Think about what facial expressions you make when you normally laugh -- for example, a wide smile -- and replicate them when you are faking.

Think of something sad. If that doesn't work, you could try pulling a nose hair out of sight of the audience to make your eyes water.

You simply need experience to overcome stage fright. The more you talk in front of a crowd, the more you'll get used to it, and the fear will fade.

If you forget your line while preforming, improvise until you can remember your lines.

Just remember you are playing a role, and that villain is not real. Give your best performance, and understand people will be entertained by you and that is why they are there.

Rehearse your lines as much as possible, and stay in character around the clock the day before the performance. By showtime, it will feel natural.

You have to incorporate your own experiences into your acting in order to truly feel those emotions, so think about a time in your life when you have been the angriest. Think about how awful it felt and what physical symptoms you might have had (like shaking). Try to channel that memory into your performance.

Watch older movies from the '50s, then try replicating some of the characters' movements, actions, and other oddball characteristics. Also try putting yourself into the situations in the play or musical. Put a personal twist into it and make up a little history or backstory for your character.

Ask the director to give you resources to study the character.

Try watching the film, so you know what their characteristics are. If that doesn't help, try saying your lines like them, whilst watching the film.

Frown, and don't make eye contact with whoever you're talking to. Maybe bury your face in your hands and sigh heavily.

Think of a sad memory from your past, (i.e. The death of a pet, losing something important to you, etc.). This will help a lot.

Act enthusiastic. Hold your head up and project your voice to the crowd. Make exaggerated hand gestures. Pretend everything you're saying is the most important thing in the world. Don't be afraid to act silly, the audience will love it!

It's simple: Put yourself in your character's shoes. Don't act like you're portraying the character. Act like you ARE the character who's telling the story of the play. As this person, you have no need to be nervous, because you're not performing, you're just being yourself. Pretend the audience is not even there.

If there is a restroom in the changing room, change in there. If not, you could wait until people have left.

There isn't really one way, but it's very helpful to pretend like you're confident, even if you don't feel confident. The more you get into it, the easier it will become. Remember that people probably won't notice if you make a tiny mistake.

Act like a spoiled brat, and ask for anything and everything. If someone says "no" or "later," then say, "But I want it NOW!" and just throw a fake tantrum.

Try to get to know them better during rehearsals. If you really have to, pretend that they are someone else when you're saying the words to them.

If your community has a theater or dance studio, you could email the directors. Otherwise, check wanted ads and get involved in every semi-acting gig you can find.

Shere Khan is an angry character so get into it! Think of stuff that make you rage, build it up and you will do weel playing this character.

Remember that the camera is not a person, and it will not judge you when you act. Many people are camera-shy, so don't worry! Try not to focus on staring and thinking about the camera and really focus on your lines. Don't think about the camera; just know the role you are playing and say the lines confidently. Take deep breaths in and out if you need to.

If you're acting as if you're waiting for something, try staring into open space. Many people, when waiting for something, can become very impatient. Stare at random things, tap your feet, sigh occasionally, and cross your arms to make it seem as if you are waiting.