One approach to acting on cue is to stay in character during rehearsals and performances. Some actors, however, take this approach too far making it difficult to work with them or to direct them. So I’d like to suggest that you consider getting yourself to a place I’ll call the “character zone”.
While I use the word “place”, this is really a state of mind and a state being. The mind state is one that is closer to the emotional and intellectual life of your character. The state of being is the physicality and drive of your character. In other words, you are thinking and moving like the character so that when it is time to rehearse or perform, you aren’t starting from your own physicality or mindset. You aren’t starting from scratch. So if your character is a quiet self-involved person, you aren’t in the rehearsal hall being your usual outgoing self. You are more reserved, moving closer and closer to the character.
In this zone, you are focused on creating the character that fits the story. Even while something else is going on, you never leave this place completely and it enables you to be ready to work at a moment’s notice. More important, keeping your mind working on the character is going to help you come up with new and interesting moments when you start to work and it will help you to live in the moment and respond in character.
So, instead of sitting around texting as you wait to rehearse or chatting with another actor as you wait for your cue, get into the character zone. It will make your performances richer, more textured, and more interesting for you and the audience. You will also be amazed at some of the intense and interesting character choices you will make when you work from that place.
Eric Barr. All rights reserved
