How to become more emotional?

Question

I am an aspiring actor, I've always enjoyed acting, but I have a problem getting into character.

I don't really know what it is, but I havent cried in 8 years, (i'm 15) and I just generally dont show my emotions very well. People tell me to imagine my mother or pet died in a tragic accident, but I cant cry. I just dont view death as a sad thing. Even when my step-father who raised me died last year I didn't cry or anything.

Is this a pychological thing or what? It seems to be hindering me from getting into character and really feeling the character's emotions

Answer 1

to get into character a little more with the entire cast, it helps to call each other by the characters names and act as they would even out of rehearsal. one of the reasons so many hollywood actors are good is because they have gone through h**l and back in their family life and can recall their emotions at the time. try to ressurect emotions from times when you were sad. oh, and i don't think it's very healthy to never cry because your body will retain the fluids...

Answer 2

sadness is not crying. many make that mistake. people see an actor making himself cry, thats it.  you have to connect yourself to the words. your characters mother died? well obviously they were close for them to be sad. you have to connect it to events in your life that actually made you sad. real events. you can portray emotions by how you move and how you look. try looking down and speaking softly and like crossing your arms. look unconfident. that can portray sadness. good luck