Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just beginning on your journey, there’s always more to learn about the craft of acting. Here are our 10 indispensable acting tips to help you take your acting skills to the next level.
1. Take Acting Classes to Build and Refine Your Craft
Acting classes can provide you with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to practice your skills in a supportive environment. You’ll explore techniques (like Meisner and Stanislavski), develop new skills and get feedback as you go.
From on-camera workshops, Shakespearean training and even online classes, there are tons of options you can explore, so take your time and see which one clicks with you.
Acting classes also help you meet and connect with other actors, which helps to build a network of new friends and inspiration.
2. Audition, Audition, Audition: Turn Every Audition into an Opportunity to Grow
The more you audition, the better you’ll become at it. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t book something right away. Just keep at it and learn from your mistakes.The more you audition, the better you’ll become at it. You’re not going to get every part, far from it, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t book something right away. You’ll learn something from every audition, good ones and bad, so just keep at it and learn from your mistakes.
Treat every audition as a learning experience and a chance to grow and get better. There’s a saying, “You’re not going to book the part, you’re there to make fans in the room.” Meaning, even if you’re not right for that particular role, if the casting director sees something in you and your work, you’ll most likely be called back for something else in the future.
That’s why for each audition you do, treat it as a small stepping stone.
3. Watch and Learn from Other Actors
One of the best ways to learn about acting is to watch other actors. Pay attention to their techniques and choices. What did you like about their performance? What didn’t you like? By analyzing the work of other actors, you can learn a lot.
The performances of others can be a masterclass. Watch things on stage, film and television and pay attention to how those actors deliver their lines, inhabit their roles, and use their body.
Watch the choices they made and ask yourself, ‘why did they do it that way?’ Lots of great actors have admitted that they’ve stolen certain things from their peers.
4. Be Truthful and Authentic
The best acting is believable acting. And to be believable, you need to be truthful. This means connecting with your character’s emotions, intentions, and being able to express them in a way that feels authentic and honest.
Being truthful and authentic is how you connect with your audience. It’s not just about delivering your lines; it’s about finding who your character is and living in that space. What is their backstory, why are they doing what they do? If it’s not in the script, make it up. Any detail you add will help you deliver the best performance you can.
5. Listening is Key
Acting is collaborative and listening is a key part of your performance. It’s important to listen to your fellow actors and pay attention to what they’re saying and how they’re reacting to you. This will help you to create a believable and engaging performance.
When you’re listening, you’re able to give a genuine reaction to your scene partner and not just waiting for your cue. It’s a give and take, back and forth. When you really listen, it can change the way you say your dialogue, the way you react, making your performance feel alive for the audience.
6. Physicality: Use Movement and Expressions to Further Your Character
Acting is not just about speaking lines, it’s also about using your body to express yourself. That’s because your body is one of the best tools you can use as an actor.
Be aware of your posture, your facial expressions, and your movements. Try and use your whole body to convey your character’s emotions. Each one can help you tell the story of your character.
7. Take Risks and Make Bold Choices
The best actors are willing to take risks, and great actors are the ones remembered for doing that. Experiment with big choices during rehearsals or with an acting coach to find what could make your performance unique.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and step outside your comfort zone. Sometimes, those risks that feel the scariest to you are the ones that can create a breakthrough performance.
8. Always Be Prepared
This means you must know your lines, understand your character, and be familiar with the scene, play or script as a whole. When you’re well-prepared, you can focus on your performance and not worry about forgetting your lines or what to do next.
Preparation is the backbone of any performance. Learn your lines, know the entire story, your blocking, everything you can because that allows you to be free and in the moment.
9. Network to Build Relationships and Open Doors
Networking is a great way to meet new people, learn about new opportunities, and get support for your career. Attend industry events, take classes with other actors, and connect with people on social media.
The entertainment industry is as much about relationships as it is about acting talent. You can attend acting workshops, theater groups, and find and follow industry professionals (like casting directors, agents and managers) on social media. Any connection can open doors to opportunities that you might not find or otherwise know about.
10. Most Importantly: Have Fun!
Acting is supposed to be enjoyable. If you’re not having fun, then why bother? It’s going to show in your performance. So, relax, let go, and enjoy the process. Because when you love what you do, that translates into your work.
Now go out there and enjoy your journey.
Need some words of wisdom from Working Actors?
Check out our Acting Quotes Page!
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| Acting Tips for Beginners | Audition Tips |
| Casting Director Tips | Acting Techniques |
| How to Create a Character | Getting into Character |
| How to Memorize Lines | |
