The Art of Character Building: Bringing Characters to Life
Introduction
Top Hollywood actors have long recognized the importance of working with acting coaches to enhance their performances. They understand that even the most talented actors can benefit from guidance and support in creating memorable characters. Many of these actors have spoken highly of their acting coaches and the impact they have had on their careers. For example, Meryl Streep, one of the most acclaimed actresses of our time, has credited her acting coach, Stella Adler, for helping her develop her craft and push her boundaries as an actor. Similarly, Leonardo DiCaprio has spoken about the invaluable guidance he received from his acting coach, Jack Waltzer, in creating some of his most iconic roles.
Understanding Character Building
Have you ever wondered how actors bring characters to life on stage or in movies? It’s not just about memorizing lines and hitting marks. It’s about deeply understanding the character and their journey throughout the story.
Character building is the process of diving deep into a character’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It involves exploring their relationships, motivations, and even their physicality. By doing this, actors can create fully-realized, believable characters that audiences can connect with.
Getting to Know Your Character
Before stepping into a character’s shoes, actors need to know them inside and out. It’s like getting to know a new friend! You should know your character as well as you know yourself. This means having memories, anecdotes, and backstories that make the character feel like a real person.
Great acting doesn’t look like acting at all. It should feel natural, like you’re just “being” the character. To achieve this, actors need specialized coaching, commitment, and dedication. That’s where Actorism® comes in.
Performance Design: Becoming Your Character
Performance Design is a training process that helps actors fully embody their characters. It’s about going beyond the surface and delving into the character’s unique traits and mannerisms. By doing this, actors can create memorable and impactful performances that resonate with audiences long after the show is over.
We provide actors with the tools and techniques to bring their characters to life in every scene and situation. Every behavior should be goal-driven, meaning it serves a purpose in the story.
Decoding the Author’s Vision
One of the key aspects of character building is understanding the author’s vision. We dive deep into the character’s subconscious, exploring their desires, history, and motivations. By bringing these hidden dimensions to life, actors can elevate their performances from average to inspirational.
Challenging Yourself as an Actor
Acting is not just about playing it safe. It’s about taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. When actors follow their hearts and dig deep into themselves, that’s when the magic happens.
