Description
A list of thought provoking questions to get an actor thinking about his or her craft and the nature of acting.
Materials
- The prompt/question
- Paper/Pen
Full Lesson Plan
Answer each question as your teacher assigns it. Be sure to include the date, if given in class. Otherwise, these following questions simply help in furthering an actors understanding of themselves and the art of theater.
1) What do you think is meant by author's intent? Why is it important to actors?
2) Why is it important to know the play before attempting to develop a character?
3) List ways to establish a mood in a scene. How would this affect the acting?
4) Imagine listening to the radio in the 1930s. Because there was no picture, actors relied on their voices for 100% of their acting. How do you think this influenced their style?
5) Imagine attending a silent film in the 1920s. Aside from occasional flashes of text, the entire story was portrayed through pantomime and music. How do you think this influenced the actors styles?
6) Many years ago, actors were encouraged to speak a certain, acceptable way. Accents were erased and distinctive qualities considered to be harsh were toned down. Today, uniqueness is more marketable. Explain why you think this is.
7) Write a tongue twister using the first letter of your name.
8) List every step of brushing your teeth; include even the smallest detail. Explain why an actor might benefit from carefully observing this or any other activity.
9) What habits might actors give characters to make them unique? List ten.
10) Explain why posture is important in developing a character.
11) Explain why actors should warm up their bodies, minds, and voices.
12) Some actors let excuses like, "I'm having a bad day," get in the way of good character development or a good rehearsal. Why do you think directors do not generally accept this as an excuse?
13) Can anyone be taught to act? Why or why not?
14) What do you think about the link between actors, appearances and success?