How to Practice Acting as a Teenager
Hi Kass, asking this question puts you on the right track. Those of us who love to act spend our whole lives practicing and never get tired of it! We see the world around us and want to share and understand what we see, leading us to imitate experiences and feelings. Humans and animals, from the moment we are born, have the innate ability to act, but as we grow older, some of us might lose touch with this skill while others, like yourself, want to continue honing it. The key lies in the word ‘play’. We are ‘players’ and ‘actors’ in ‘plays’ and get paid to ‘play’. Keeping the word ‘playing’ in mind can make your practice easier and more successful.
To become a ‘professional’ actor, one must perfect the art of convincingly making others believe the scenarios they are portraying are real. Acting, in its essence, brings joy and is a deeply internal experience. When practicing, avoid mirrors or fixating on how you sound; instead, aim to get as close as possible to the real experience without actually doing it. This is what makes acting magical and entertaining for the audience. Avoid looking like you are performing, as it’s like looking in a mirror; stay out of your own way and let the magic happen naturally. All the soldiers from a play’s final battle can rise and take a bow, to which the audience cheers and claps!
Starting Your Acting Journey
We can't write a comprehensive book here, but here are some tips to get you started:
Interiorize Your Character: Let whatever emotions or actions your character feels or does come from deep within you. For instance, if you are playing a love-struck character, let the love come from deep down, and your audience will also feel that emotion. Read the Wise Words: William Shakespeare advised actors to 'hold the mirror up to nature.' This means you must find the essence of the character and bring it to life. Read 'An Actor Prepares' by Konstantin Stanislavsky for more guidance. Stanislavsky’s methods help you understand how to act from the inside out, making your portrayal more convincing. Tune Your Musical Instrument: Your body is your primary instrument. Learn to control and tune your body and voice. Practice acting! Join the theatre club at school, a community theatre, or put on a play for your family and friends. I recall a time when, using my Uncle Henry's chicken coup stoop as a stage, I put on a play that was a roaring success!Conclusion
In summary, practicing acting as a teenager can be a rewarding journey. Focus on playing, interiorizing your character, and tuning your instrument. With persistence and dedication, you can turn your passion into a fulfilling career. Happy acting!