What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need Quiz
Q&A for How to Act in a Play
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QuestionHow do I get into acting with no experience?Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.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.
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QuestionHow is stage acting different from screen acting?Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.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.
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QuestionWhy are voices so important while performing in a play?Community AnswerVoices help add depth to a character, and make a play seem more realistic.
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QuestionHow can I fake laugh?Community AnswerThink 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.
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QuestionHow can I make myself cry?Community AnswerThink 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.
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QuestionHow do I get over nerves talking to the people in the play?Community AnswerYou 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.
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QuestionWhat do I do if I forget my line while performing?LucyCommunity AnswerIf you forget your line while preforming, improvise until you can remember your lines.
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QuestionI'm playing a villain, but I'm just too nice. How can I get into the evil character without hurting anyone?Community AnswerJust 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.
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QuestionHow do I prepare for a role?Community AnswerRehearse your lines as much as possible, and stay in character around the clock the day before the performance. By showtime, it will feel natural.
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QuestionHow can I make myself seem angry?Community AnswerYou 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.
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QuestionHow do I act like a detective from the '50s?Community AnswerWatch 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.
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QuestionWhat if I don't know who the character is?Community AnswerAsk the director to give you resources to study the character.
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QuestionHow would I play as a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz?Holly DounsonCommunity AnswerTry 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.
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QuestionWhat do I do to look sad without crying?Community AnswerFrown, and don't make eye contact with whoever you're talking to. Maybe bury your face in your hands and sigh heavily.
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QuestionHow do I act sad when my character is sad?Community AnswerThink 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.
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QuestionHow could I show that my character is loud through body language and facial expressions?Community AnswerAct 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!
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QuestionHow do I overcome my wailing, frenzied fear of performing? I love acting, and I work hard at it. I have a lead role in the play, but I am so nervous.Community AnswerIt'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.
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QuestionWhat if I get scared changing in front of people in the changing room?Community AnswerIf there is a restroom in the changing room, change in there. If not, you could wait until people have left.
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QuestionHow do I get rid of a phobia when acting?Community AnswerThere 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.
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QuestionHow do I act like Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka?AwesomeZCommunity AnswerAct 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.
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QuestionHow do you act in love with someone you do not know?aisling macquarrieCommunity AnswerTry 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.
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QuestionHow do I find places to act for plays?Community AnswerIf 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.
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QuestionI am playing as Shere Khan what can I do?Sage HallockCommunity AnswerShere 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.
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QuestionI do fine acting in a group with, like, other people onstage, but I get really nervous when I am alone in front of the camera. What should I do?Iris8989Community AnswerRemember 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.
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QuestionHow can I act like I'm waiting?Iris8989Community AnswerIf 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.
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