Embarking on adult acting classes is a very exciting venture, but how can you best prepare yourself? Of course, there are many new skills and concepts that will be revealed by your course tutors, but it can be helpful to have some idea of what to expect, and also of what will be expected of you.
Here’s an overview of some of the core skills that all actors seek to master. Of course, you will not be expected to be able to demonstrate all these techniques in the early stages of your journey, but it’s useful to have a benchmark to work towards. Even the very best actors admit that they are continually learning their craft!
Vocal technique
One of the most important skills for an actor to have is voice control. This will make you more versatile in terms of which roles you can tackle, and how effectively you perform those roles. Some of this is practical: by learning how to modulate your voice and speak clearly, you will be able to make sure that the audience can hear you properly.
The aspect is about being able to express yourself more fully and in a more nuanced way. By controlling the projection and timbre of your voice, you will learn how to be confident no matter what character you are playing.
Body language
The way you move and use your body on stage is part of your overall performance and will affect how the audience sees you. There is no need to be in peak physical condition, but having a certain amount of flexibility and core strength will allow you to inhabit characters more easily and have a good stage or screen presence.
Good posture also makes it easier for you to breathe more deeply from the diaphragm, and this will make your voice more even and resonant. When we are slumped with rounded or hunched shoulders, it is much more difficult to project the voice well.
Script analysis skills
Acting is about much more than just memorising your lines. Good actors study the whole script, paying close attention to the characters they are acting opposite and the context of the story. This will lead to a much more well-rounded performance, because you will have a better insight into the relationships and emotional state of each character.
Emotional recall
No matter how well you speak or move on stage, you will also need to bring emotional depth to your character to really bring your performance to life. This can take some time to really master, but over time you will be able to draw on your own experiences and emotional responses and learn how to translate them into a believable and engaging character.