Q&A for How to Act Out an Emotional Scene

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How do you make an emotional scene?

Jim Jarrett
Acting Teacher
Jim Jarrett is an Acting Teacher and the Founder of The Meisner Technique Studio based in San Francisco, California. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in teaching The Meisner Technique and is Sanford Meisner's last teaching protégé. Over the years, Jim has established schools in Los Angeles, California, Hawaii, and Sun Valley, Idaho. He also travels the world annually as a guest teacher at universities, performing art schools, and theater companies throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. His flagship school is located in the heart of the Presidio in San Francisco, California.

Jim Jarrett

Acting Teacher

Expert Answer

Become the character within the scene to the point that you're so present, you're not thinking about anything else like the audience or the camera. Nothing believable between two actors can ever happen unless they're both present and truly working off of each other's performances.

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Question

How can I improve my acting skills when I know what emotion needs to be portrayed, but it comes out as monotone?

Community Answer

If you're having a problem being convincing or emoting, you could take a class, ask a colleague for help or follow the advice in this article.

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Question

How can I improve my acting skills?

Community Answer

Try taking an acting class or getting involved with a local community theater.

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Question

What can be important in a phone conversation scene?

Community Answer

It is hard to determine without more details, but every scene is important, even if it is not an intense, emotional scene. Take it seriously and try to find depth in what you are saying.

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Question

Do I have to get naked in some scenes?

Community Answer

Depending on the production and acting environment, then it's possible that you will be asked to do nude scenes at some point.

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Question

I want to become an actor. I am 16 years of age but I don't know how to study further?

Community Answer

Just try your best. Pretend like you are actually doing it. If you are trying to act sad, really push it.

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How can I convince my parents to let me be an actor?

Community Answer

There are some great tips in wikiHow to Tell Your Parents You Want to Act .

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Question

How do I become professional actress, even though I don't live in big city?

Community Answer

Look for community theaters or opportunities for acting at your school. This will give you some experience. Once you hit college, look for a school that gives acting degrees/groups. If you want a career in acting, you will probably eventually have to move to a big city.

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