"Getting Into Character"

[buffyactsing]

Posted: 11/26/05 at 4:26pm

I'm playing a role right now that I'm having trouble with. In the first scene I am in, my character is singing a sort of story to another and it's very emotional. While of course I could make the choice NOT to cry, I don't think it works as well as the character is very emotionally expressive and lets all her feelings out without censor.

I can cry when the situation arises from a scene, but the fact that this instance involves a memory, and not simply what is going on in the present is what I think I'm having trouble with. I have created the memory, but I'm wondering if it's not vivid enough yet.

Does anyone have any advice about how to become more focused for the scene? Or with creating character memories? Any exercises or whatnot? Help would be much appreciated.

[TheatreDiva612]

Posted: 11/26/05 at 11:15pm

What is the memory? Show? etc... Also, just really put yourself into the character and see how you would react in the same given circumstance. Just make sure it feels natural and not like you are forcing yourself to cry, or whatever that emotion may be.

[hot_brdwy_diva]

Posted: 11/27/05 at 2:01am

I think "trying to fight back tears" is a better choice than crying. There's more of a struggle. But you said she lets out all her feelings without censor... so whatever you think is best.

I would definately try what theatreDiva612 said. Or try to create a similar scenario in your own life and use that.
(example: When my bf is really late coming home the scenario that he might be in a car accident and dead plays in my mind and I cry. He always has to take a long time to calm me down when he does come home! lol )

[buffyactsing]

Posted: 11/27/05 at 2:27am

The show is Passion. I'm playing Fosca. Thank you guys for your help. I'm been working on it. My problem is that I'm using the reference to Fosca's baby from the novel, but alas I have never had a baby so am having trouble really connecting as the death of a child is much different than that of a pet or teacher (the only two kinds of death I have really experienced). Of course it isn't in the show, but it's something I feel as though effected her even more than the fiasco with Ludovic. I must keep working on it, but I appreciate your advice.

[JayKid]

Posted: 11/27/05 at 4:13am

Well you have the right idea thnking of things in your own life and relating them to the experience.

Basically it seems the situation in the scene is

Grieving over someone you've lost who is very important to you

Now, I think the importance of the person matters more than the death, you could even just try to think about something bad that has happened to someone very important to you. So I'd say talking the death to a lesser level is more important than taking the important person to a lesser level. Since I think you'd care more say about a close famly member becoming paralyzed than one of your teachers dying.

If that doesn't work you could always just think about what you think you'd feel if your parent died, since I think just the fact alone that you don't know what it is like to have a child at all makes it hard. The next closest thing might be a parent, sibling, etc...

So try that and see if it can help.

Overall though, I definetly think relating your own experiences to the characters help the most.

So GL, and hope I could help