3 Useful Acting Exercises for Understanding Your Script & Character

3 Useful Acting Exercises for Understanding Your Script & Character

During a recent rehearsal for The Wedding Singer, one of my actors asked for some exercises to help them really understand their character and make them REAL. Of course, I was happy to help!

Acting is much more than just memorizing your lines. You really need to live, breathe, and understand your character. So read on for three exercises to help you get to that point — along with lots of links to give you even more ideas!

* * * * *

Script AnalysisBreaking down the script into smaller pieces and really figuring out what’s going on

You’ll want to read through your script many times, making lots of notes about what’s going on in the scene, what words you’re saying, what your character says about him/herself and others, and what other characters say about your character!

* * * * *

What Does My Character Want?

Your character should always want something… otherwise, why are they there?!
(Note – the following links are from writing websites, but can definitely be adapted for actors!)

* * * * *

VerbingExploring the script/lines through action words (e.g. I bully, I praise, I push, I entice)

Go through each scene and line. What does your character want in the entire scene? What are they trying to achieve? Then write out a specific, strong verb (action word) that describes what you’re trying to do. For example, your character might say “Why are you doing that?” Are they questioning, blaming, inquiring, accusing? Always keep your overall goal in mind!

* * * * *

BonusExtra things to think about!

  • What does my character want? What’s their goal?
  • Why do I break into song at this particular moment? What’s the theme/mood/tone of the song?
  • Create a characters sketch – write down adjectives to describe your character and their personality

Do you have any exercises that are great for analyzing your character and getting into your role?
Share on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below!

Want to read more fun stuff like this?
Click here to get updates from me and
exclusive surprises, straight to your inbox!

2 thoughts on “3 Useful Acting Exercises for Understanding Your Script & Character

Leave a Reply


WordPress.com Logo


Google photo


Twitter picture


Facebook photo


Connecting to %s