Q&A for How to Get Into Character

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  • Question
    How can I get physically into character for a performance?
    Ben Whitehair
    Acting Coach
    Ben Whitehair is a Social Media Expert and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of TSMA Consulting. With over a decade of experience in the social media space, he specializes in leveraging social media for business and building relationships. He also focuses on social media’s impact on the entertainment industry. Ben graduated summa cum laude from The University of Colorado at Boulder with BAs in Theatre and Political Science as well as a Leadership Certificate. In addition to his work as CIO, Ben is a certified business and mindset coach and Executive Vice President of SAG-AFTRA. He is also a successful entrepreneur as the Co-Founder of Working.Actor, the premier business academy and coaching community for actors.
    Acting Coach
    Expert Answer
    I find my wardrobe helps. The shoes and clothes I'm wearing for the character can affect my physicality. If you're wearing tight clothes, you're going to move differently than if you're wearing loose clothes, for example. Another way to practice is to think about how your character walks and moves around and then practice that at home. Are they really intentional? Are they slow? You can also take inspiration from other people's movements that you see out in public.
  • Question
    How can I take these steps further?
    Community Answer
    Have you considered method acting? It is employed by many film actors. You do not break character when you leave stage or set. Some actors find that this helps maintain the proper mindset. Of course, you may not want to do this if your character's behavior will get you into trouble with the law.
  • Question
    Does reading continuously about the character help? I act in movies from books like The Little Mermaid, The Heathcote Saga, The Witch Doll, and Werewolf Girl.
    Community Answer
    Yes! You are on the right track. Make sure you study up for your role. Read the book, watch the movie, watch the musical, etc. Research is key!
  • Question
    How can I make my voice higher?
    Community Answer
    Make sure to warm up your voice first, and get into a higher part of your range. Speak from that point, more in your head voice than your chest voice.
  • Question
    How can I cross-cosplay for a character when I'm a completely different gender from them?
    Community Answer
    You can always make yourself look like a character of a different gender. Just dress and make yourself up as that character.
  • Question
    How can I act like a sadistic, evil jerk?
    Community Answer
    Think of a character in a movie, book, game, etc. that acts like a jerk, or even someone you know, and imitate them. Be annoying and alienate people. Like for example, if someone is having a discussion and sharing their opinion, say something like, "Aw, that's cute" and then laugh.
  • Question
    How would I act as Ciel Phantomhive from Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji?
    Community Answer
    Since he's a royal, act stuck up and cynical. Speak in a low, bored tone, just like he does, and be pessimistic and stuck up about everything. Roll your eyes a lot. Also be very demanding, and if you're with someone acting as Sebastian, make sure to give a lot of orders. Never be polite and don't say "please" or "thank you".
  • Question
    What should I do if I'm trying to use a variety of different characteristics from different characters? For example, if I want my evil character to also be cute, how would I go about that?
    Community Answer
    It depends. You could have them be a yandere type (cute and sweet at first but completely psycho) or you could have them do evil things, but look and sound cutesy.
  • Question
    What do I do if I can't escape my character?
    Community Answer
    Take some deep breaths. Do some deep breathing, and meditate a bit. Mindfulness and healthy acting go hand in hand. Remember certain parts about your life, your experiences and what makes you, you. If the character you're portraying is your polar opposite, keep in mind that the character is totally separate from the actor, even when you're the same person onstage. If you need more help, splash some cold water on your face (protect your mic!) or if you have time before/after a show, catch a nap, anything to refresh your mind. Break a leg!
  • Question
    What personality should I imitate for Megurine Luka? I'm twelve, so nothing sexy please.
    Community Answer
    You should imitate the personality of someone who's quiet and a little bit shy. Imitate being a gentle, caring and smart girl.
  • Question
    I'm cosplaying as a character out of a comic my friend and I made, and she has a thick German accent. How should I pull that off?
    Nova Nuran Sari
    Community Answer
    Watch German movies or videos and try to copy there accent. Practice is key, so make sure you put plenty of time and effort into it.
  • Question
    How can I act like a character that has multiple personalities?
    Community Answer
    It's like having multiple characters that all look the same, try to act like one of the others is in the person's head, and only one shows at a time. But don't always address that there are others, because each personality may be different in the sense that they do or don't things that the other personalities do as separate people.
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