Resources
Foundations
Please select your age range
4 – 12 Years
Resources for Foundations Track Students
Resources to continue learning for young actors and their parents.
Check out these general resources, then scroll down to find more recommendations broken down by monthly topic!
- A Guide to Navigating the Entertainment Industry for Parents of Child Actors: Raising a Child Star aims to empower you and your rising star as you navigate the road to stardom and support your child’s creative passions. It will educate you about how the business works, pitfalls to avoid, and important steps you may miss.Written by Diana Ivelis, mom to three children who are in the entertainment industry and L.A. based youth talent agent, this book outlines the steps you can take to help you and your child as you begin the journey into the entertainment industry.
The Art of Raising an Artist: Oh My Gosh! My Child Wants to be an Actor
Actor and director, Lilia Sixtos has seen thousands of auditions and taught hundreds of artists. By raising her two creative children, she has learned every possible way a creative person’s journey can be helped or hindered by their parents.
***Audio book link.
Acting for Young Actors: the Ultimate Teen Guide
- It begins with the five W’s: WHO am I? WHAT do I want? WHY do I want it? WHERE am I? WHEN does this event take place? Sounds basic – but many young child actors are told simply to “get up there and act.” This book explores each of these questions, using helpful exercises to allow young actors to work through problems of character identity and motivation. With comprehensive chapters on auditioning, rehearsal, and improvisation, plus a primer on how young actors can break into film, theater, and television, Acting for Young Actors is every kid’s ticket to the big time. ***for ages 12-15***
A whimsical podcast discussing child acting experience by former child actors.
Hosted by a casting director and acting coach who works particularly with children.
An uplifting/encouraging podcast about “the arts”
A blog that is moderated by a working child actor’s mom.
A blog for parents of child and preteen actors.
Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Child Actors
An article by Backstage.com
Instagram page for actors
Instagram page for actors
Get tips and inspiration
Instagram page for actors
Class Resources
Ready to dive deeper into your TAS curriculum? These supplemental resources are intended to give you a deeper understanding and more well rounded view of your TAS education. While these are not meant to replace your TAS classes, they are provided to enhance what you are learning in class.
**All resources are from 3rd party sources which are clearly listed. Any questions about the material can be directed to your TAS acting coach. TAS does not endorse the people or products in the articles, and suggest that students use discretion in their studies.
Month 1: Importance of Focusing
Article and Video by Top Hollywood Acting Coach.
8 Ways to Prep Kids for On-Camera Auditions According to an Acting Coach
Article by Backstage.com
An article on active listening tips, by Theatrefolk. Contains exercises for parents to play with their children to build good listening and awareness.
How to Listen in Acting Part 1
(Video: Youtube) Teen Actor Lab. Part 1/3
A video geared towards young people, on the importance of listening.
How to Listen in Acting. Part 2
(Video: Youtube) Teen Actor Lab. Part 2/3
How to Listen in Acting. Part 3
(Video: Youtube) Teen Actor Lab. Part 3/3
(Video: Youtube) GCLearnFree.org
A video showing the importance of body language awareness. Discuss with your student how they can use body language as themselves. How about as a character in a script?
The Coin Game
- Concentration and memorization: Gather a pile of coins. Have a parent or friend create a sequence of coins. (ex. Nickel, penny, penny, dime, penny, Nickel) Ask the student to look at the coins, then cover the coins. Now have the student go to the pile of coins and recreate the sequence. You can make this as challenging as you see fit.
Backwards Game
- Focusing in the moment and concentration: Have your student complete a task that keeps them busy (ex. Making the bed, preparing food, cleaning up toys, etc.) While they are completing the task, ask them to say their alphabet backwards or count down from a random spot.(ex. Your student is playing a video game. Ask them to recite the alphabet backwards from M or count down from 165.) You can make these tasks and numbers/letters as challenging as you like.
Focus on the Dot
- Building body control and awareness: Give student a focal point (something stationary, like a light switch or a picture on the wall). Have them recite the ABC’s or a nursery rhyme while keeping their focus on the focal point. Parent should sit in a position where they can clearly see the student without blocking the focal point. Any time that the student breaks focus or body control (such as looking away from the focal point, fidgeting, shifting side to side with their feet, moving their shoulders) parent should snap their fingers. This sound is not intended to stop the recitation, rather, it should bring their focus back into awareness and control. Count how many snaps there were in a full recitation and then try again to see if they can get less snaps. Do this exercise a few times daily until student can get through the recitation without any breaks in focus or control.
Month 2: Acting Tools
Why your Facial Expressions Matter
An article by Backstage.com
The Function of Facial Expression
An article by the BBC
Understanding Volume-Using Your Voice
An article by the BBC
(Video: Youtube) **Intense. Not recommended for small children.
Great example of body expression.
Why the Voice is so Important to Actors
(Video: Youtube). Ehow
(Video: Youtube)
Example of children using their facial, body, and vocal expression. Watch how they react to the scene.
Warmups
- When using your acting tools, you want to continuously be using them and strengthen them everyday. This is why we do warmups! Below are different exercises to do to strengthen your voice, face and body:
- Roll your neck forward 3x then backwards 3x
- Shrug shoulders up to ears then back down 3x
- Swing arms in a circle forwards and back 5x each
- Gently massage face in circles to loosen muscles
- Put your hand on your stomach and exhale slowly breathing out “ ha ha ha”. You should feel your stomach pushing out as you say “ha” 5x
- Lip Trills up and down the scale 3x
Tongue Twisters
Tongue twisters help with articulation. Repeat the following phrases as clean and crisp as possible.
I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop. Where she shines, she sits, and where she sits, she shines.
I thought a thought, But the thought I thought wasn’t the thought I thought I thought. If the thought I thought I thought had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have thought so much.
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair, Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy, was he?
Why do you cry, Willy? Why, Willy? Why, why, why?! Why do you cry? Willy, Willy! Willy cry, why you cry, Willy?
Month 3: Commercial Technique
An article by Pamela Wise.
How to Stand Out in a Commercial Audition as a Young Actor
An article by Young Actors Camp
The Similarities and Differences Between Booking a Commercial or a TV Role
An article by Backstage.com
How to Help Young Children Audition Well- Commercials
(Video: Youtube) 3-2-1 Acting Studio
The Most Boring Commercial Ever!
(Video: Youtube) An example of the need for good acting tools
(Video: Youtube) An example of good Facial and body expression
Improvised Commercial
Representation and energy skills: Pick one of your student’s favorite objects like a toy or stuffed animal. Have them tell you everything they love about that toy and try to sell it to you. Because it is a toy they love they will be very enthusiastic talking about it. This same energy should be put into their commercials and whatever they are trying to sell!
How You Say It:
Acting tools technique: In commercials the way you use your acting tools ( face, voice and body) is essential. This exercise teaches your students to use those tools to express different emotions. Write down a variety of emotions and place them in a hat( or you could do this by verbally telling them) Now the student will choose an emotion and say “ Hello, how are you doing today?” in that emotion. They have to be convincing enough so you or anyone else involved can guess what emotion they were trying to portray. You can do this with a variety of emotions.
Month 4: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone
Taking Risks In Your Acting
How Young Actors Can Play Emotional Scenes
An article by Backstage.com
5 Ways to Help Children Identify and Express their Emotions
An article by MindChamps
3 Quick Tips for Playing Strong Emotions
An article by Backstage.com
The Rules of Improv Notes from Class
A guideline to beginning Improv Technique
(Video: Youtube) Same Tag
3 Small children giving an example of emotional range
Showing Emotions: Acting Lessons for Kids
(Video: Youtube) Garden Players Musical Theater
Mirror Emotions:
Expression Awareness: Have students create many different emotions with their acting tools in front of the mirror. While creating these emotions be big, expressive, and use as much of your acting tools (face, body, and voice) as possible. ( Sad, happy, excited, bored, confused, worried, disgusted, angry, etc.)
Emotional Quadrants:
Emotional Agility: Mark out four quadrants on the ground. You could do this with chalk outside, or any type of divider like a jump rope, chair, etc. to play inside. Determine an emotion for each square ( Happy, Sad, tired, Shy). Have your student walk in a circle around the squares while music plays. Once the music stops, the student must begin to act out the emotion of the quadrant they are in.
Month 5: Improv
An article by City Academy
An article by Improv Encyclopedia
Benefits of Teaching Children Improv
An article by Improv Therapy Group
(Video: Youtube) The Second City
**A lesson for kids, by kids, on what is improv and why they love it!
All Improvised Moments in Harry Potter
(Video: Youtube) Charmsclassed
**Watch how real improvised moments led to authentic reactions in big films
(Video: Youtube) Vik Datta
**Watch how the professional improv actors are able to incorporate creativity and characterization to use the suggestions of the guest participants
5 Things: This exercise will help your student to think fast on their feet. Ask them a question (such as, What are your favorite songs? What is your favorite food? What’s your favorite Television show? etc.) and have them respond as quickly as possible with 5 answers. (ex. What is your favorite food? Quickly: Noodles, cereal, chicken, Pasta, and Pizza)
Phone Call: Have your student pick someone either in their real life or a fictional character. They can then pretend they are having a phone call with that person. What would you say to that person? How do you think they’ll respond to what you have to say?
Month 6: Audition Techniques
Interview and more!
Foundation Seminar Terms and Definitions
Common Phrases used in class and the industry
5 Audition Tips for Young Performers
An article by Improv Encyclopedia
Audition Tips for Children (And their Parents!)
An article by Broadway World
An article by Margie Haber Studios
DOs and DONTs of Online Auditions for Kids
An article by Kids Casting Academy
Notes from class
How Actors Enter and Exit Auditions
(Video: Youtube) 3-2-1 Studios
Audition acting lessons for kids
How to Prepare for Your Kid’s First Audition
(Video: Youtube) KidsCasting
Interview Practice: In order to get your student comfortable with answering questions during an interview, ask them questions at home. To make the most of this exercise, make sure they answer using the Because Rule. For example, if you ask “What do you want to do this weekend?” they should never give a one word or a one phrase answer, but they should back up their answer with an explanation using vivid detail: “This weekend I would like to go to the park and play on the playground. There has been a lot of rain lately, and I think playing outside would feel great”.
Some questions could be: What’s your favorite holiday? What is your favorite song? What do you want to be when you grow up? What is your favorite fairytale/story? etc…
Warmups: Warming up before walking into the room or filming an audition is very helpful to perform to the best of one’s abilities.
Here are a few warmups your student can do before an audition:
- Small face (squeeze all muscles to scrunch face)
- Big face (expand and stretch face out so everything is very wide)
- Stretch muscles such as arms and legs
- 10 Jumping jacks
- Gentle neck rolls
- Tongue Twisters in a big strong voice
Month 7: Listening and Reacting
And Showcase Commercial Writing Resources
The Power of Listening and Reacting: Actors, Listen Up!
An article and video by Kids Top Hollywood Acting Coach
3 Reasons Why Listening Is the Most Important Part of Acting
An article by Backstage.com
Notes from Class
(Video: Youtube) Drama Kids Albany
Volkswagen-Darth Vader 2011 Super Bowl Commercial
(Video: Youtube) Darth Vader Commercial
**Commercial showcasing young actor using nonverbal body expression
Funny Compilation of Commercials Starring Children Actors
(Video: Youtube) Eureka Yess
Reacting – Great Kids Acting Warm-up Game!
Article and Video Acting Lesson by Kids Top Hollywood Acting Coach
Reactions Exercise:
Start out by calling out some basic emotions for your student to practice showcasing through facial expression. (Such as: Happy, Sad, Scared, Excited, Angry).
Then move on to making a statement. Your student should listen to the statement and quickly show how they feel about what you’ve said. The goal is not for them to respond through words, but through facial and body expression.
Suggested phrases:
- Did you hear that?
- You smell funny?
- What do you think you’re doing?!
- It’s nice to meet you.
- You got the part!
Month 8: Building a Character
How to Create a Convincing Character
An article by New York Film Academy
Character Building and What Makes a Truly Great Actor
An article by The Guardian
One Exercise Child Actors Can Use to Get Into Character
An article by Backstage.com
An article by Acting Magazine
***Find out how a backstory leads to a more believable character and performance.
How to Become Your Character in Acting: Part One
(Video: Youtube) Real Actors Lab
How to Become Your Character in Acting: Part Two
(Video: Youtube) Real Actors Lab
How to Build a Believable Character
(Video: Youtube) The Actors Academy
Meryl Streep Video Compilation
(Video: Youtube) Lemonjuice
***Warning: Very minor language and tobacco use. Watch with discretion.
***Watch how many believable and distinctive characters one actress can portray
Superstar Interview Game:
How to play: Have your kid pretend to be a character they love & know, (such as an actor, a family member, a singer, a cartoon character) then you interview them and they have to respond as that character. If you want, you can give them time to prepare.
Example: You’ve just watched Home Alone. Invite your kid to pretend they’re Kevin and ask them some questions, such as “So, how did you feel when the Wet Bandits were at your door? Were you scared or confident? Why?” and “Which of your family members would you want by your side the next time something similar happens?”. You can also throw in some general questions such as “What is the best part of being famous?”. Just remind them to answer from the star’s perspective and not their own.
Benefits: If you do this often, your kid will learn to pick up on character cues and understand that characters have background, which helps define performance. In turn, this will help them build richer personas when they’re auditioning for a role, or are already acting in a film. These type of acting games for kids really help better understand characters and what actors do.
Character Charades
How to play: Prepare a list of characters (celebrities, family members, cartoon characters, professions) that your kid knows and that have some distinct behaviors. You take turns taking a name out of the hat and acting as the character. And take turns guessing what the other is showing.
Example: Let’s take SpongeBob SquarePants as an example. The goal is not to find the easiest way to guess the character (e.g. showing a square and then pointing at pants), but rather to play as if you are the character (e.g. wide-eyed, smiling, flipping burgers, being friends with a starfish). Since you’ll have prepared the list, you should be able to guess what’s being shown.
Alternatively, you can skip preparing the list and just pick a theme. It can be cartoon characters in general, or from a specific show, or it can be celebrities, family members, movie characters, and more.
Benefits: Character Charades let your kid understand what defines a character, be it a cartoon sponge or a family member. And the more you play this game, the better they’ll be able to imitate these defining characteristics, which will help a lot when there’s a real acting role waiting for your kid.
13 Years and Older
Resources for Foundations Track Students
Resources to continue learning for Foundations Track students.
Check out these general resources, then scroll down to find more recommendations broken down by monthly topic!
Acting for Young Actors: The Ultimate Teen Guide
It begins with the five W’s: WHO am I? WHAT do I want? WHY do I want it? WHERE am I? WHEN does this event take place? Sounds basic – but many young child actors are told simply to “get up there and act.” This book explores each of these questions, using helpful exercises to allow young actors to work through problems of character identity and motivation. With comprehensive chapters on auditioning, rehearsal, and improvisation, plus a primer on how young actors can break into film, theater, and television, Acting for Young Actors is every kid’s ticket to the big time. ***for ages 12-15***
The Actor’s Life by Jenna Fischer,
A fun read about Jenna’s experiences acting in LA. Goes through basic step by step of headshots, agents…etc.
The actor who has the tools and skills to create and control how and what their face communicates is the actor most suited to work in front of the camera.
Confessions of a Casting Director is a must-have for any aspiring actor or stage parent—the definitive guide to breaking into film, television, theater, and even YouTube from longtime casting director and studio executive Jen Rudin.
Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus
By Marina Calderone : Great beginner book. This book has thousands of action words to help determine emotions to play with beats. Help to name your emotions.
Ignite Your Acting Career Podcasts
An Acting/Media podcast that offers insight and actionable tips to Ignite Your Career in Acting, Writing, Filmmaking, and More!
An actor host who interviews a variety of industry professionals. ***Not suitable for younger audience***
Film-based podcast centering on interviews with professional filmmakers. *Has a few episodes highlighting Atlanta based actors.
Sam Jones interviews other industry professionals about the world of entertainment. **Not suitable for younger audiences**
Lots of articles that track the industry in a post-pandemic era.
List of blogs for actors, by actors. Source: The Daily Actor
Facebook:
Instagram:
Twitter:
Tik Tok:
Class Resources
Ready to dive deeper into your TAS curriculum? These supplemental resources are intended to give you a deeper understanding and more well rounded view of your TAS education. While these are not meant to replace your TAS classes, they are provided to enhance what you are learning in class.
**All resources are from 3rd party sources which are clearly listed. Any questions about the material can be directed to your TAS acting coach. TAS does not endorse the people or products in the articles, and suggests that students use discretion in their studies.
Month 1: Discovery and Focus
An article by StageMilk
3 Goals to Set When You Start Acting
An article by Backstage.com
Why Eye Contact is Vital to Great Acting
An article by Backstage.com
An article by Stage Milk
Look the Part: 8 Body Language Acting Tips
An article by Science of People
Breakdown of how to create a successful slate and personal intro
(Video:Youtube) West Hollywood Lee Strasberg
How to start an Acting Career with No Experience
(Video: Youtube) Katherine Steele
Acting Nerves: How Not to be Nervous for Your Audition
(Video: Youtube) The Actor’s Academy
(Video: Youtube) Acting Coach Amelia
Two Exercises to Improve Focus
An article by Backstage.com
Understanding Present Moment Awareness
An article by PsychCentral
Plating Exercise:
Warm up exercise focusing on body movement and control.
As with most good movement exercises, not only does plating awaken your core and align your balance, it also has huge benefits for the voice. In a wide stance, imagine a plate is on the up-turned palm of your right hand. Explore the full range of movement you have whilst being careful not to let the ‘plate’ drop off your hand. Another way to think of it is your palm must always face the roof. In long circular movements, stretch out the front, to the back, to the side. Keep exploring how far you can stretch and contract this movement, exploring its full range whilst keeping your feet planted. Repeat on the left side. After each side is warmed up, combine the movements and explore the relationship of the two sides, with the aim of creating fluid complementary circular movements. You should feel this exercise stretch your ribs, engage your core and focus your balance.
Month 2: Acting Tools and Commercial Technique
7 Ways Your Face Expresses Emotion
An article by Backstage.com
Is Your Body Language Keeping You From Booking Auditions?
An article by Backstage.com
Making (Natural) Eye Contact with Your Scene Partner
An article by Ace Your Audition
Commercial Technique Notes from Class
Notes for a winning commercial performance.
Photography and Headshot Notes from Class
Important notes about your headshots
Objective, Intention, and Action
An article by Backstage.com
***This article is specific to the Adult Foundations course material.
How to Become a Commercial Actor
An article by Backstage.com
An article by Acting Magazine
An Acting Coach’s 8 Tips for Booking Commercials
An article by Backstage.com
Your Body and Acting: What Should You Do With It?
(Video: Youtube) Real Actors Lab
(Video: Youtube)
Clip from The Quiet Place. Shows the power of nonverbal expression and communication.
(Video: Youtube)
Famous clip of last scene from Psycho. Actor Anthony Perkins is playing a mentally unstable character, and must convey all thoughts through facial expression. (**Viewer Discretion: Murder is mentioned briefly)
(Video: Youtube) Hartt and Soul
Commercial Audition Tips with Carolyne Barry
(Video: Youtube) Part 1/2. Backstage
Commercial Audition Tips with Carolyne Barry
(Video: Youtube) Part 2/2. Backstage
(Video: Youtube) Carolyne Barry Acting Academy
Facial Massage
Massage the face in slow circular motions to loosen facial muscles. Big face/ Tiny face: Stretch out all your face muscles so that you make a big face, then squeeze all of your face muscles to make a tiny face. Repeat a few times. See how a limber face helps lead to bigger facial expressions.
Acting Secrets for a Strong, Dynamic Voice
(Video: Youtube) Learn English with Benjamin
A breakdown of effective body and vocal warmups
Introduction to Acting: Facial Expression
(Video: Youtube) Dr Kerry Bar-Cohn Rebbetzin Tap
A breakdown of facial warmups and expression
Commercial Wars:
This requires 3 people: 1 Listener, and 2 performers. Each performer is given a product to sell.. a real product or imaginary.. They each have one minute to improv their commercial (talk about their product) at the same time. Their goal is to capture the attention of the Listener. At the end, the Listener must declare who was more captivating and why. Think through how these qualities can be applied in a natural way for commercial performances.
One Exercise to Improve Your Commercial Technique
An article by Backstage.com
Month 3: Listening and Reactions
An article by An Actors Playhouse
What Actor’s Can Learn From Their Reactions
An article by Backstage.com
How To Act Realistically and Not Look Like You’re Acting
An article by My Actor Guide
The Art Of Listening As An Actor: The Power Of Connection
An article by David Genik
3 Reasons Why Listening Is the Most Important Part of Acting
An article by Backstage.com
(Video: Youtube) Школа Китайгородской
Watch Amy’s various reactions to Sheldon’s speech
Michael Caine on Listening and Reacting
(Video: Youtube) Film Kunst
Exercises to be done with a partner:
Silent Scene. Sit down with a partner. Create a one-minute scene together that takes place in one location and has a problem that needs to be solved. Neither person in the scene can talk. All communication has to be nonverbal. Record these scenes using a phone, and watch each other’s expressions/reactions. Were there genuine interactions taking place?
Good Listener/Bad Listener. Decide who is going to be Person A and who will be Person B. Person A has to tell Person B a story. The first time through, Person B is a “good listener.” Stop after the story to discuss what a good listener looks like. How do you communicate engagement nonverbally? Do the scene again with Person B telling Person A a story. This time, Person A is a “bad listener.” What does a bad listener look like? What is their physicality? How do you communicate boredom nonverbally?
Month 4: Improv and Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone
The Importance of Challenging Your Comfort Zone
An article by Actors Sound Advice
Actors and Acting Tips: Taking Risks
An article by Actors and Acting Tips (Tumblr)
How to Boost Your Confidence with Improvisation
An article by Paul Jackson Associates
The Rules of Improv Class Notes
Basic Guidelines for effective Improv Technique
(Video: Youtube) ***Minor Language Warning
Advice from Emmy Winners
(Video: Youtube)
Notice the expressions used in Tom Hanks performance. He performs a very dramatic scene, with big emotions, but does not over-do the expression. It is very natural and believable.
Public Solitude
Student plays out their morning routine as if they were alone. Wake up, brush and floss, call a friend, make their bed, etc. It should be as close to reality as possible. Props can be added if needed.
***Result: Public solitude is the artificial sense of privacy. People do not behave the same way if they know other people are watching. The goal of this exercise is to go through routine tasks as if they are alone and forces the actor to move outside their comfort zone. Listen to the rhythm of your life. What does it tell you about expression?
Questions: Listening and Reacting
This requires a partner. Set an amount of time on a timer (starting at 3 minutes and moving up). One person leads the conversation while the other follows the lead. The leader asks a question, which the other must answer in detail. The leader listens to the answer carefully, and formulates a question (based on what is said), that will continue the conversation further. See if the entire time can be filled up with conversation based on the initial question.
***This not only builds basic conversation skills, but it also helps build critical thinking and improv skills.
Month 5: Improv
An article by City Academy
An article by Improv Encyclopedia
Improv Activities Can Give You a Lot of Life Skills That Can Help You Become More Successful
An article by The Barrow Group
The Six Golden Rules of Improvisation
(Video: Youtube) Tedx Talks
Advice from Claudine Ullman
(Video: Youtube) Long Hoang
(Video: Youtube) Vik Datta
Public Solitude
Improv is all about thinking fast and being creative. The more you work on building these qualities, the better you will be at improv. A simple exercise do on your own is play categories; either alone or with a partner. Take a simple category, and quickly give 5 answers for that category (ex. Favorite fruit: apple, banana, pineapple, berry, and melon) Working up to more creative categories (Mythical creatures: unicorn, leprechaun, fairy, etc)
Article by FunAttic
*Improv games to play at home!
Month 6: Audition Technique
Basic Audition Technique and Interview Resources. More will be covered in the Working Actor Track.
Foundation Seminar Terms and Definitions
Common phrases used in class and the industry
An article by Backstage.com
Your Guide to a Perfect Self-Tape
An article by Backstage.com
An article and video by Top Hollywood Acting Coach
Commercial Audition Tips with Carolyne Barry
(Video: Youtube) Backstage
How to Become an Actor with NO Experience
(Video: Youtube) Acting Career Center
The Vampire Diaries: Audition Tape
(Video: Youtube) TVD Shorts
***Watch the audition tapes and hear the casting process for the hit TV drama
How to Build a Self Tape Studio at Home
An article by Book From Tape
Two Exercises for Improving Your Focus & Concentration in Auditions
Article by Backstage.com
Month 8: Character Building
The Art of Building a Believable Character
An article by Backstage.com
How to Develop a Character in Acting
An article by Method Acting for Me
How to Create a Convincing Character
An article by New York Film Academy
How to Get into Character and Develop Your Character
(Video: Youtube) The Actors Academy
Examples of actors showcasing their character ranges:
***All videos from Youtube. Minor language warning.
Exercises to be done with a partner:
High Status/Low Status. Walk around the room and explore the physicality of high status and low statuses. What defines a high status body? What defines a low status body? How do they walk? How does this physicality affect how they interact? Get with a partner and have one play a high status character and one play a low status character. Pick a nonverbal scene to perform that shows the difference between the statuses
The Monologue. In the role of your character, write, rehearse and prepare a 2-3 minute monologue that accurately portrays your character at a particular point in time within the project you’re studying / performing.
Consider what the character is thinking and feeling at that moment. What are their fears, hopes, love and hates in life and how they relate to this moment.
Month 7: Reactions
And Showcase Commercial Writing Resources
An article by An Actors Playhouse
What Actor’s Can Learn From Their Reactions
An article by Backstage.com
How To Act Realistically and Not Look Like You’re Acting
An article by My Actor Guide
Showcase Commercial Writing Etiquette
Notes from Class
How to Write a TV Commercial Script
An article by Boords
What Do I Write? Five Rules for Effective Commercial Script Writing
An article by Green Screen Talent Now
(Video: Youtube) Школа Китайгородской
Watch Amy’s various reactions to Sheldon’s speech
Michael Caine on Listening and Reacting
(Video: Youtube) Film Kunst
(Video: Youtube) Dalibor Truhlar
***Minor Language Warning. View with Discretion
***Watch the actors’ expressions and big choices.
Exercises to be done with a partner:
Silent Scene. Sit down with a partner. Create a one-minute scene together that takes place in one location and has a problem that needs to be solved. Neither person in the scene can talk. All communication has to be nonverbal. Record these scenes using a phone, and watch each other’s expressions/reactions. Were there genuine interactions taking place?
Good Listener/Bad Listener. Decide who is going to be Person A and who will be Person B. Person A has to tell Person B a story. The first time through, Person B is a “good listener.” Stop after the story to discuss what a good listener looks like. How do you communicate engagement nonverbally? Do the scene again with Person B telling Person A a story. This time, Person A is a “bad listener.” What does a bad listener look like? What is their physicality? How do you communicate boredom nonverbally?
