How can i improve as an actress in my own spare time?

Question

I really want to become an actress, i think i've got what it takes, but i don't think i have reached my full potential yet. i'm doing the school play this year, doing lamda, done gcse drama, am in a drama group, doing as and a-level drama, and i want to do an acting degree. ..i just love acting, and i want to know of any ideas , of what i can do to improve when alone at home

Answer 1

besides your good answers so far, memorize long speeches from Shakespeare and recite them out loud.

Answer 2

watch as many films with great acting in it as possible (avoid bad ones at all costs) and think of how you can learn from them. You're probably getting enough real practice as it is so you don't need any more lessons. The other tip would be to experience as many types of situations and possible and get to know a lot of different people. This will give you the inspiration to draw from when you are working of a role. (Think of Jonny Depp's inspiration from keith Ricards in Pirates).

Answer 3

There are lots of ways to fortify your presence, skills and ability as an actress. Here are some specific tips.

1). If you are auditioning for a character or have already been cast in a part, sit down with the scene/script and read it through a couple of times. Figure out HOW to say the lines by looking for the purpose behind the line. There needs to be a purpose to the lines, right?! For example, if the line was: "I don't understand."...is the character frustrated? Angry? Surprised? Hurt? A combination of feelings? Practice and experiment with tone!! Now, say it out loud in a million different ways to see which sounds the most natural, the most in character...

2). Keep in mind the following "P's" of Performing:

*Pace (of a scene)

*Pitch (singing/speaking)

*Projection (loudness and softness plays a role in HOW lines are delivered and even influences the emotions felt by the audience if executed properly)

*Pause (for dramatic beats and moments, but don't use them too often)

*Pronunciation (/diction)

*Precense (a character's presence/essense means SOO much on stage. Your job is to convince the audience--and yourself--that you ARE a character. And if you give off the right "vibe" from your character and play it with accurate body language and line delivery, people will be drawn to your performance).

*Purpose (every character has a purpose. Otherwise he/she would not be in the show. Why is your character here? etc.)

3). Practice in front of a mirror. Watch your eyes when you speak and even your eyebrows, your lips, your cheek bones, your neck muscles, your posture, your fingers, abdomen etc. Watch how your body moves with each line and keep yourself (and your body) 120% in character. For example, if you are playing an uptight, nervous, strict character, each muscle and structure in your body should represent that. That will also help you to deliever your lines in response to your body, carrying your character full circle, keeping you loyal to your character.

4). Get inspired!! Watch great actresses on screen. See how the same person can portray several different roles, like Meryl Streep; she played a lead in The Devil Wears Prada and in Mamma Mia! and pulld both off with exquisite brilliance and poise. Notice how some of the most brilliant actresses make you--the audience--feel emotionally, almost physically and mentally what they are displaying. Continue to keep yourself excited in this field. Passion drives success!

Best of luck to you.  

Answer 4

I agree that you should read a lot of plays and keep track of your favorite ones.  When you find a monologue you like, memorize it, type it out on the computer, save it, and every once in a while have a day where you just practice your monologues.  

Also, practice cold reading.  Randomly pick stuff off shelves and read it out loud.  An actor who is good at cold reading will nail any audition.  

Answer 5

Read plays, build your monologue repertoire (classic and contemporary), see as much live theatre as you can.

The way you really increase "potential" (and also build the all important resume) is through training and experience. Classes in school may not be challenging, check out other local options that will really push you as an actor. Also, audition for everything you can in and outside of school.

Best of luck!@