Although the character actor, meaning an actor specialising in colourful supporting roles, is sometimes a disputed definition, most people subscribe to this description of what a character actor is. 

Can You Make a Career Out of Being a Character Actor?

Character actors are highly skilled actors, and it is possible to navigate a career as a specialist character actor. If you succeed in playing a particular type of character in a high-profile production, there is a chance that more work requiring similar portrayals comes your way. 

It will be up to you to decide whether you have artistic objections to being typecast or are happy to keep on portraying a specific type of supporting role. However, there are actors who have built successful careers from doing so, so being typecast may not be a bad thing from a career perspective. 

On the other hand, there are character actors who are known for their ability to slip into a wide range of eccentric roles. This may become a route towards a career as a comedy actor, crime drama actor, or period drama actor. Although this limits your scope somewhat, you can hope that your talent is recognised in other contexts too. 

Can You Achieve Fame As a Character Actor?

Although it is unlikely that you will become a household name, it is possible to achieve a degree of fame as a character actor. This is particularly true of character actors in film, and of course, those cast in TV series will gain a great deal of regular exposure. 

An article in The Guardian profiles some of the UK’s best-known character actors, and although their names won’t be familiar to everyone, there’s no doubt that their faces will be. As an example, the late Geoffrey Chater was typecast as the ultimate “establishment” character, but the variations on this theme, ranging from chaplains to military officers, certainly gave him some scope for creativity. 

An example of just how compelling character acting can be, one Hollywood actor known for roles as an abusive, womanising gangster found that certain types of women would make overtures toward him. He is recorded as saying: “My fan mail goes up every time I tee off on a girl,” a rather disturbing consequence that not even his psychologist could explain. 

Tips For Becoming a Character Actor

Some people can’t help it. They look “right” for a particular type of role, or their natural personality, voice, and mannerisms make them an obvious choice for certain roles. Think about your natural characteristics. If they seem to match a stereotype, even one you don’t particularly like in real life, this could be your route toward a career in character acting. 

Taking this route does not mean you are a “bad” actor. You still need all the skills any other actor uses, but you are playing to your natural advantages. For example, if you are bespectacled, slender, and soft-spoken, you may be a good choice for roles as an intellectual, tech genius, hacker, or scholar. 

Similarly, if you have a broad accent, you may have trained yourself to speak in unaccented tones when your natural inflexions make you an ideal choice for certain types of roles. It’s one more reason to understand a production before you audition for it. If you don’t, you may conceal quirks that could actually help you land character acting roles. 

Techniques for Character Acting

Character acting, when all is said, is just like other forms of acting. You still need to undertake the same process, adjusting your stage or screen persona based on the story, the character’s motivations, the nature of the production, and the script. 

In a sense, because the roles you play are often very eccentric, you have to work harder on your acting technique to make them believable. For example, even villains have some form of humanity, and although your portrayal should be chilling, it cannot be too two-dimensional – unless the director specifically wants a caricature. 

Supposing you have been typecast and are getting a lot of similar characters to play, you should not be discouraged. Famous actors who get cast in leading roles also experience this at times, and many of them have broken out of the mould successfully. Keep practising your acting skills and seek out opportunities to exercise your range. 

Between Roles? Run the Gamut of Roles With RSVP

Acting is very much a part of daily life, especially in business. However, some people seem to do it better than others. As a real actor, you can probably beat the average Jill or Joe at this game. That’s why RSVP, a London-based business process outsourcing company, employs actors for customer-facing interactions. 

Apart from offering flexible work to people we know are committed to a career in acting, we believe that working for us means plenty of opportunities to practise your acting skills. Your audiences consist of individual people, and your characters are brand personas. 

Landed that role? Off to auditions or acting classes? Going on tour with your stage production? We’ll be cheering for you from the sidelines instead of begrudging you the time you need to further your career as an actor. Visit our careers page to find out more. 

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Use these inspiring acting quotes to let the light shine in. From auditioning terrors to facing day-to-day challenges, we hope these wise words about acting inspire you as much as they inspire us. 

Quotes on Auditioning

Big audition coming up? You may be terrified about being judged, but according to Michael Mosley, you should see it as something akin to making soup:

“There’s no enemy in the auditioning process. Everybody wants you to be the right person when you walk into the room. We’re all just trying to make a soup here, and they’re trying to find the right ingredients for the soup.”

Erica Schroeder is among the actors who advise you to just relax and enjoy yourself fearlessly: “Think of every audition as a chance to perform and you will have fun doing it,” she says.

You may be surprised by who advises you to take your chances while knowing they may be on the slim side. “Auditions are like a gamble. Most likely, you won’t get the part, but if you don’t go, you’ll never know if you could’ve got it,” says Robert De Niro. 

George Clooney advises giving your mojo a bit of a boost before you step out. After all, nobody is at their best as a quivering wreck. “I had to stop going to auditions thinking ‘Oh, I hope they like me.’ I had to go in thinking I was the answer to their problem.”

And yes, preparation is still important. As Paula Abdul observes: “When you go to meetings or auditions and you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

Quotes About Overcoming Challenges

Actors face a unique set of challenges. There’s so much competition out there, their finances are often more down than up, and every rejection feels deeply personal. Draw strength from these quotes for actors by actors. 

Competition

Michael Shurtleff, casting director and author of the must-read book “Audition,” is on record as saying competition should be a driving force rather than a discouragement: “The good actor is one who competes willingly, who enjoys competing. An actor must compete or die. Peacefulness and the avoidance of trouble won’t help in his acting. It is just the opposite he must seek.”

Financial Challenges

Along with the emotional highs and lows of being an actor, the financial challenges can be daunting, especially as you begin your career. Famous actors advise hanging in there and working hard to overcome the challenges. As Michael Caine says: “Be like a duck: calm on the surface but always paddling like the dickens underneath.”

Rejection and Criticism

Failing to win that role you wanted so much, bad reviews in the press, nasty remarks – it takes a thick skin to be a successful actor. These quotes on dealing with criticism or rejection will help you keep your chin up. 

Daniel Craig is stoic: “You get used to rejection and don’t take it personally.” Now that’s a hard act to follow!

Emma Roberts says the image of being successful is just that. Failure and rejection go with the territory when you’re an actor. “I’ve had a lot of failures as well as rejection. As an actor, it’s mostly about rejection, but people think it’s mostly success because they only see your successes.”

We love Sylvester Stallone’s fighting advice: “I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat.”

Acting Quotes From Stanislavski 

Finally, some quotes from Konstantin Stanislavski, a man who made a massive contribution to believable acting and has continued to inspire actors across the decades. Let’s hear about our art from the maestro himself.

Don’t wait for good things to happen. Make it happen! “If you are looking for something, don’t go sit on the seashore and expect it to come and find you; you must search, search, search with all the stubbornness in you!”

Props aren’t important. Imagination is your superpower. “You can kill the King without a sword, and you can light the fire without a match. What needs to burn is your imagination.”

Be creative. Break with tradition, and find your own way of doing things. “Create your own method. Don’t depend slavishly on mine. Make up something that will work for you! But keep breaking traditions, I beg you.”

Every role is important. Take each one on with all your might. “There are no small parts, only small actors.”

And what may be one of the most inspiring quotes about acting yet: “Don’t spend your time chasing after an inspiration that once chanced your way. It is as unrecoverable as yesterday, as the joys of childhood, as first love. Bend your efforts to creating a new and fresh inspiration for today. There is no reason to suppose that it will be less good than yesterday’s. It may not be as brilliant. But you have the advantage of possessing it today.”

“Between Roles?” Put Your Talents to Work With Us

Here’s a quote that will resonate with many of us. It comes from multi-award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman: “Being unemployed is not good for an actor. No, it isn’t, no matter how unsuccessful you are. Because you always remember getting fired from all the restaurants. You remember that stuff very, very strongly.”

It’s something many actors experience. We understand that we need to earn a living while studying, auditioning, building a career, or between roles, but employers struggle with our need for flexibility. RSVP changes that. 

Our entire crew consists of actors, and we all have ambitions, dreams, and aspirations that do not involve a nine-to-five job. Will we sigh and roll our eyes when you get that casting call or your show goes on tour? We will not! Instead, we will value your talents, putting them to work as you represent brands as their ideal representatives. 

Let’s work together in a supportive and, above all, flexible environment where there’s room for you to chase your dreams. Visit our careers page to find out more.

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The Fringe in the Forties

One of the origins of fringe theatre, and possibly the way the term was coined, came from “festival fringes” where performers hope to be noticed. The Edinburgh Festival was the place to be seen, and less-well-known theatre companies and performers were often found congregating, quite literally, on the fringe of the main scene of the action. 

Many fringe theatre performances are still to be found here, but it is no longer the completely unplanned collection of artists. Instead, festival organisers decided to allow “Adjuncts” to perform without any selection process, such as that used to decide who would be featured at the mainstream festival.  The name was later changed to “Fringe,” but the sixties and seventies were to shape our perception of what fringe theatre really is. 

1968: The Lord Chamberlain Releases His Grip On Theatre

In 1737, it was decided that actors really could not be trusted to put on any play they liked. So, a law was passed. Nobody could stage a play without the Lord Chamberlain’s approval. That law was replaced by the much more liberal Theatres Act in 1968. With theatre censorship at an end, creativity could fly free, and shock tactics hit UK stages. 

The rock musical Hair is probably the most famous example. After all, it included not only rock music but nudity. Also taking advantage of the newly relaxed regulations, the Arts Lab in Drury Lane became a hotbed of experimentation in the arts, and of course, that included theatre. Unfortunately, it was more of a passion project than a moneymaker, and its founder fell behind with the rent, forcing the original Arts Lab’s closure. 

The bug had well and truly bitten, however, and Arts Labs sprang up all over the country, each hosting its share of the unusual, the shocking, and the experimental. 

Defining Fringe Theatre With the Portable Theatre Company

The Portable Theatre Company, an offshoot of the original Arts Lab, began to tour with minimal costumes and sets but lots of big ideas and social commentary. In a generation of dissatisfaction with politics and policies, the Portable Theatre Company presented productions that many people see as the definition of fringe theatre today. 

Many of the narratives were politically motivated, the content focused on social injustice, and the sets and costumes were minimalistic. The shows were highly experimental, jumping between timelines and including other performance genres, often with a sense of the surreal. These performers had a message, and they were constantly striving to find new and impactful ways to deliver it. 

Fringe Theatre Today

Today, fringe theatre is still well outside the mainstream. Traditional theatres do not host fringe theatre productions, and if they did, we would have to assume that they were no longer “fringe” at all. London has several fringe theatre venues, often situated above pubs. 

Most festivals these days also have their unjuried “fringe” that allows open access to anyone with a performance they want to put on.  The performance could be just about anything. It could be good or bad, creative and thought-provoking, or rather run-of-the-mill. However, fringe theatre, in the truest sense of the word, is surely the introduction of new thoughts and means of expression. 

For many aspiring artists and writers, fringe theatre becomes a training ground. The King’s Head in Islington is famed for its fringe theatre productions and has been going strong since 1970. There are in the region of 19 other such theatres around London, and they often host deeply creative and sometimes thought-provoking and disturbing productions. 

Fringe Theatre: A Foot In The Door?

Just as some actors attended the Edinburgh festival in the hope of being seen on its fringes before there was an “official” fringe festival, fringe theatre can be a wonderful way to kickstart your career. Theatre reviewers often attend, and directors and agents are often in evidence. 

As an actor, you might well rise from fringe theatre to the mainstream, returning to these creative productions just because they are so stimulating. However, you will not make a living from fringe theatre. Budgets are low, and with the theatres being so small, fortunes are not being made. 

All the same, simply experiencing fringe theatre from the inside is a rather special life experience that every actor should hope to try. The problem, as a blogger recently pointed out, is that you still have to pay the bills somehow. Could the arts be self-selecting people from affluent backgrounds?

You Really Can Have a Flexible Job And Simultaneously Work On Your Acting Career

When you go job hunting as a between-roles actor, you can almost see the cogs in bosses’ heads turning as they jump to conclusions like “unreliable” and “won’t last.” To be fair, it’s easy to see where your real passion is, and if you do land a good role, you probably will have less time for them, or even no time at all. 

Before you resign yourself to starving to death in the proverbial garret or delighting your mum by tying yourself to that “stable” office job, click on our careers page. Guess what? We are hiring actors. We support your ambitions, and we will offer you flexible work that won’t get in the way of realising your dreams. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s work together.

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Look and Learn

It always pays to learn from the greats, and you will get some laughs in the process. At the same time, look for the techniques great comedy actors use. For example, John Cleese gets his laughs with mannerisms, wry facial expressions, and absolutely perfect timing. 

Rowan Atkinson’s comedy is very visual, and his exaggerated facial expressions are part of what makes us laugh. Each person who explores comedy in acting has their own unique points that make them funny. By watching them, we can identify the techniques they use and make them uniquely our own.  

Take Classes in Comedy Acting Techniques

We recommend taking comedy acting classes. They are a great way to discover more about yourself as a comedy actor, build your comedy acting skills, and have fun. Your commitment will pay off when it’s time to audition for that comedy role you’ve always wanted. 

Physical comedy classes are highly recommended. Comedy is often very physical, and you need look no further than silent movie comics like Charlie Chaplin to see just how important physical comedy is. Check out other courses too. There are excellent comedy acting classes ranging from beginner to advanced on offer in and around London.  

Find Out What Makes You Funny

Are you able to see the funny side of things in everyday life? Think about the things that make you laugh. They may give you important clues about the type of comedy acting that would best suit you. 

Some of your natural tendencies could become your comedic signature. For example, if you tend to be a little awkward or clumsy, that could be your best comedic talent. Think about the times you make others laugh. Are you delivering deadpan lines, or are you expressive and expansive? Doing what comes naturally to you is always easiest, so analyse your sense of humour and take it from there.

Be Professional But Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Do not fall into the trap of thinking comedy acting is not “serious.” You need to do all the things you would do when performing in drama, and more, you need to be funny while doing it. Professionalism means knowing your character, your script, your cues, and working as a team with other actors. Although the characters you play may have strange mannerisms or characteristics, you must still play them so that your audiences feel they are believable. 

If there is one barrier that many actors struggle to overcome and that will prevent them from being successful in comedy, it’s not being willing to look silly. Silliness is the essence of comedy, and you need to have the ability to do it with confidence. So, while you should take your craft seriously, you will need to be wholeheartedly willing to be the butt of the joke.

Perfecting Delivery and Timing

When it comes to comedy lines, delivery and timing are everything. Certain words are more important than others, and so are pauses. Use your voice to the best possible advantage, remembering that getting delivery just right is part of what makes your lines funny. 

You can learn a lot from directors, so if you are still gearing up for your professional debut in comedy acting, you can get excellent experience by auditioning for comedy roles in amateur productions. 

Use Your Face To Emphasise Your Jokes

When you watch good comedy, you may notice that a facial expression precedes many funny lines. The rhythm is: action, reaction, and your line. The audience needs to see your face, and you should use it to add extra oomph to your best moments. It’s no wonder that some of the funniest comedy actors seem to have rubber faces! There are lots of ways to learn more about using your face. From pulling faces in the mirror to taking mime classes, it’s all about practice. 

Get Energetic

Comedy is often fast-paced and energetic. Have you ever noticed how stand-up comics stride onto the stage? While you may not be considering a career in standup comedy, being able to convey energy is an important skill. Even if your role is that of a shrinking violet, getting your circulation going before you walk on stage can make all the difference. 

Need a Gig While You Gear Up For Acting in Comedy?

It takes dedication and patience to become an actor of any kind. Even excellent actors are regularly “between roles,” and with bills to be paid, that can be stressful. Then, when the moment arrives, you have to be available, eager, and ready to dive in. 

Finding the right job to see you through the more mundane days of your life as an actor can be really hard. Most bosses aren’t overly keen on giving you time off at the drop of a hat, or letting you go when you have rehearsals or auditions. 

At RSVP, we are different because we are all actors. We offer flexible work and are always looking for people like you. Visit our careers page to find out more about joining our customer service and support teams.

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When it comes to the performing arts, London is the place to be, so we’ll narrow our list down to include top acting agencies in London. With the UK’s best acting agencies on your side, it’s a matter of biding your time, using every opportunity to practice and develop your art, and being ready to attend auditions when your agents think you might be a good match for a role. With persistence, talent, and a bit of luck, you could be on the road to fame and success. 

Our best tip? Be willing to start small before making it big! Advertising, training videos, corporate videos and even voiceovers are all projects worth considering. Drew Barrymore, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Anne Hathaway are just a few of the big names who starred in commercials before they became worldwide stars. 

Now, let’s take a look at some acting agencies in London, what they do, and how you could fit in. Remember: whoever you choose should only expect payment if they find you work, and don’t get too disappointed if getting an agent proves rather difficult. A good agent will only sign you if they’re fairly confident they can find work for you. If it’s too easy, it could mean that you aren’t going to benefit from the association. Be ready to put your best foot forward when marketing yourself to agents. 

1. William Morris Endeavors (WME)

With legends like Charlie Chaplain, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley in its long history, American-based WME also has offices in London. Getting on their books may not be all that easy, but if you think you’ve got something special to offer, they could be the agents who match you with the opportunities you need to build your portfolio. 

2. Conway Van Gelder Grant (CVGG)

While some talent agencies cover the full spectrum of talent from comedians to speakers, musicians and actors, CVGG specialise in acting. With over half a century in the business and names like Helena Bonham Carter on their books, they’re definitely experts in their field. Although you’ll be up against some pretty big names, there are plenty of casting opportunities ranging from advertising roles to TV and feature films. 

3. United Agents (UA)

If you’re going for a top-level acting agency in London in the hopes of finding a great agent, UA could offer the opportunities you’re looking for. Although its impressive history may look a little intimidating, the agency recognises the importance of showcasing new talent along with big names like Kate Winslett and Ricky Gervais. 

4. The Artists’ Partnership (TAP)

With tons of famous actors (think Emily Blunt and Idris Elba for example) on their books, you nevertheless don’t have to have made it big before signing with TAP.  You will, however, need evidence of your talent. That’s good, because if one of the handful of agents in TAP is willing to represent you, you can be sure that he or she is confident about being able to help you to build your career. 

5. 42 Management and Production (42)

Instead of just recommending you to other producers, 42 actually makes its own productions, peopling the cast with the actors it represents. And before you start wondering if that means a lot of obscure, low-budget productions, think again! The made-for-TV Watership Down is one of their hit creations, and they also produce full-length feature films. With top actors like Sir Michael Caine on its books, the agency is still ready to get excited about new talent – provided you can show that you have what they’re looking for. 

6. Hamilton Hodell (HH)

This agency isn’t shy about saying it’s looking for “exceptional talent,” and it has an exceptional track-record to go with it. If you can get help from this industry-leading acting agency, London, and the world, could be your oyster. The company has catapulted several up-and-coming superstars into the limelight, and you could be next. Once again, it’s up to you to provide proof that they want to work with you.

7. Tavistock Wood

If you think you might be the next Lily James, then choosing the agency that took her from Drama School graduate to superstar could be the next move you need to make. With a focus on the individuals they choose to manage, don’t expect getting in to be easy. But if you do get this agency on your side, you can expect personal attention and dedication to your success. 

8. Independent Talent Group (ITG)

As one of Europe’s largest talent agencies, ITG represents actors, directors, writers, producers, below-the-line talent, models, casting directors, presenters, comedians, and voiceover artists. With big names like Daniel Craig in their books, the agency also actively seeks and nurtures fresh talent. They are a great option for those aiming to break into TV, film, or theatre.

9. Insight Management & Production

This boutique agency combines personalised representation with a focus on developing its clients’ careers. While they represent well-established actors, they’re also keen to take on emerging talent with a lot of potential. Their talent roster is diverse, spanning both seasoned professionals and emerging creatives, all united by their exceptional skills and ambitious outlook.

10. Michelle Braidman Associates

Established in 1983, Michelle Braidman Associates prides itself on being approachable while still maintaining a professional edge. They represent a range of talent across theatre, film, and television. This agency might appeal to actors seeking a more intimate and hands-on approach to representation.

Getting Signed By Top Agencies is Pretty Tough – Look for Alternatives

In closing, we should highlight that getting signed by top acting agencies in London is no easy task. Even famous names will tell you that to begin with, you’re going to submit tons of reels and headshots with nobody showing an interest. When your “product” is “you” that can be very disheartening. 

While it’s certainly worth taking your chances and giving it your best shot, building your portfolio continues to be a priority for you. And time isn’t standing still. Amateur dramatics clubs and minor successes are good for building your experience, but most of us need opportunities to earn a steady income too. 

RSVP: a Novel Solution

It’s not just producers and directors that appreciate acting skills. RSVP, a top London call centre company, has always hired actors for roles in its business. After all, actors know how to convey a message so that it is impactful and resonates with any audience – even if that’s an audience of one. But we know that our staff of talented actors has dreams to fulfil and an acting career to build. 

RSVP offers flexible working conditions and a supportive environment along with the ability to earn an income even when you don’t currently have a role. Sounds ideal? Join the many actors who work with RSVP – and yes, we’ve got a few award-winners of our own too! Visit the RSVP Careers page to find out more. We’re ready to help you to take your acting career to the next level!

More Resources for Actors

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How We Learn

When we learn, we create new neural networks, and the more senses and emotions we engage when learning, the more quickly we’re able to form them. Of course, the sense of sight plays a big role, but simply looking at a script, and reading it silently, is only one of the things that contributes to memory. Bear this in mind as we go through our list of tips, and see if you can think of even more ways to engage with your script so that you can memorise lines quickly. 

Read Your Lines Aloud

Reading your lines aloud not only helps you to memorise them, but allows you to fine-tune your delivery. At the same time, you’re likely to repeat lines in several ways until you’re satisfied with how you’re saying them, so there’s a bit of rote learning thrown in. 

Further benefiting your learning, you’re engaging several senses: sight, hearing, and sensation. Consider making recordings of your readings. Listening to your cues and lines while you’re doing other things further reinforces learning. 

Don’t get too set in your ways. Your performance will be directed, so don’t be surprised if your version of in-character delivery doesn’t match your director’s ideas. Some actors even recommend learning lines without thinking about delivery, but there are those who disagree. 

Write Your Lines Down by Hand

Grab a pen and paper, and write your lines down. This exercise forces you to think about your lines, look at them, and repeat them in your mind as you write. You’re adding a new experience to your learning process, and learning is always linked to experiences. Why the pen and paper? It’s slower and more considered than typing. It engages the senses, and the more you think about your lines, the faster you’ll learn them.  

You can use your writing exercise to write cue cards for yourself. And, on the subject of cues, you need to know not only what to say, but when to say it. Write your cue on a card. Now, take another card, and write down your line. The act of writing these cards helps you to learn, and you can use your cues to test yourself. 

Get a Rehearsal Partner

Whether it’s a fellow cast member or a friend who is willing to help you, learning with a companion adds a new dimension to reading scenes aloud. It’s also a great way to test your progress. Your companion delivers your cues, and you try to respond with the correct line without looking at your script. 

Move About

Even if it weren’t for the fact that actors “tread the boards” when delivering performances, moving about helps to keep your brain active and alert while you learn. If you’re in the early, reading and learning stage of memorising lines, you’re likely sitting down, but don’t sit still for too long. Get the blood circulating and give your brain a chance to rest and refocus. 

Engage Your Imagination

Imagination is among the skills that make you an actor. As you’re learning your lines, try imagining the scene. Think about the ways your character is experiencing it – what they’re doing, how they interact with other characters, and how they feel. Learning shouldn’t be boring! 

Give Yourself Time, Learn Small Chunks, and Take Breaks

You probably know this already, but it bears mentioning. Unless you have a bit part, there’s no point in trying to learn all your lines at once. Learn a little at a time and make sure you’ve got it all down pat before you move on to the next section or scene. The sooner you start learning your lines, the less pressure there is, so don’t leave everything to the last minute. 

When you begin finding it hard to focus, take a mini-break, or even a nap if you’re feeling tired. While human attention spans are much longer than the notoriously debunked 8-second finding that so many people still believe, you’ll know when your efforts are no longer productive. 

Get an App to Help You

Those wondering how to memorise lines from a script and doubting their own ability to learn might benefit from a dedicated line-learning app. There are several apps for actors, so take your time looking through your app store, read reviews, and choose one that looks right for you. 

Acronyms or Mnemonics and Keywords

As a student, you probably used mnemonics to help you from time to time. You also summarised information right down to single keywords that triggered flows of information. You can use these methods to help you learn your lines too. 

Try Everything and Do What Works for You

Every person is different, and you may find some of these strategies more effective than others. Our top tip on memorising lines is not to rely on rote alone. It’s boring. It doesn’t really engage your thoughts and senses, and that will slow you down. Repetition will form part of your learning process, but it should never be mindless. Practice active learning, think, feel, and act, and you’ll learn faster. 

Earn, Learn, and Grow With Us

It takes more than talent and the ability to learn lines to become a successful actor. Very few of us have lucky breaks that skyrocket us to instant stardom. For most, it’s hard work, patience, hope, and determination that win through. Despite this, only two percent of actors are able to make a living from acting alone. But, if you’re a true actor, you’re persevering because you genuinely love to act, and you’re making wonderful memories in the process. 

To sustain life as an actor, the vast majority of people need flexible jobs that allow them to grab acting opportunities with both hands when they arise. But employers aren’t always willing to accommodate that. RSVP does. We’re a team that consists of actors, and we put our acting skills to work representing brands. Join us today. Visit our careers page to find out more. 

More Resources for Actors

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What’s the Difference Between Articulation and Enunciation?

Enunciation refers to the way you pronounce words – and it also affects how you are understood. But it differs from articulation, which refers to using your physical equipment (mouth, lungs, vocal cords, tongue, etc.) for clarity and expressiveness.

The classic “rain in Spain” exercise from “My Fair Lady” is an example of an enunciation exercise. The focus is on shaping vowels, and as you can see, there are close similarities between enunciation and elocution. 

In this article, however, we will focus on articulation and the exercises you can use to develop vocal control with a focus on clarity in expression. 

Features of Articulation

In normal speech, we’re inclined to allow words to run together, pronouncing successive words and even phrases as if they were one word. For clear articulation, each word should have a clear beginning and ending without sounding choppy. It can be quite an art to master this skill. 

Several elements go into voice control. The shape of your mouth is among these. Failing to open the mouth properly when speaking is one of the top reasons why some people mumble. Once again, it’s all about balance, opening your mouth widely enough to articulate well without exaggeration. 

Of course, the way you use your vocal cords also matters. You want to develop the ability to speak loudly enough to be heard by your audience without seeming to shout. Once again, it’s all about control. 

Expressiveness comes from vocal inflection, the way your voice changes pitch as you speak. Although it’s unlikely that you ordinarily speak in a monotone, consciously using inflection without sounding forced or unnatural requires training and practice. 

You’ll notice that some articulation exercises are all about breath control. It’s a key skill to master if you are to make the most of your voice as an instrument for expression. Breathe from your diaphragm rather than your chest to provide the “power” you’ll need to speak distinctly without getting out of breath. 

Warming Up Before You Begin

Just as athletes do a few warm up exercises before taking to the field, your articulation exercises begin with a five minute prelude. Loosen up your jaw muscles by massaging your face and run your tongue around the inside and outside of your mouth. Open your mouth as wide as you can, stretching out your facial muscles. Then, scrunch it in as if you just bit into a very sour lemon. Repeat this a few times. Now that you’re all limbered up, you’re ready to go. 

Articulation Exercises for Actors

Do Breathing Exercises

Take a deep breath that expands your tummy, not just your chest, and exhale while making a long, drawn-out “hmmmm” sound. Repeat this exercise five times, and then do the same thing with a “haaaa” sound. 60 to 80 percent of people don’t engage the diaphragm properly when breathing, and your breath control exercises will help you to breathe more efficiently. You can also use these exercises as a way to relax when you’re under stress. For example, as a way to calm yourself before going onstage. 

Try Some Tongue Twisters

Some tongue twisters are easier than others, and the simple “red leather, yellow leather” repetition is an example of how hard a tongue twister can be. However, it’s possible to train yourself to articulate tongue twisters. Start slowly, focusing on each word as you say it. 

Choose a range of tongue twisters or create your own to help you practice articulation with different sounds. For example, “Peter Piper” is a great lip articulation exercise while “She Sells Seashells” helps you to clearly articulate sounds formed with the tongue and teeth. 

When you find sounds that you struggle with, don’t despair. These will be the ones you should focus on most when working to improve articulation.

Perfect a Phrase in a Foreign Language 

Ever wondered why so many people’s fake accents sound fake, why foreigners speak accented English or why you sound English when speaking another language? People grow accustomed to vocalising sounds in a certain way. 

Improve your range of articulation by attempting to say phrases in another language. Record yourself and compare the result to an original. Google Translate is a good tool for that. Keep trying until you sound like a native speaker. Now, try articulating English words using the vowel sounds you used when speaking in another language. 

If you ever have to learn an accent, this articulation exercise will make it a lot easier. It also makes you focus on the physiological mechanisms you employ when articulating sounds, helping you to control them more consciously. 

Run Through the Phonetic Alphabet

Running through the alphabet, pronouncing the letters rather than “naming” them, is another great exercise. It takes you through a full range of phonetic sounds, and if you concentrate on how you are forming them, it will help you develop better articulation skills. 

How Often Should You Practice Articulation?

Fifteen or twenty minutes a day spent on articulation exercises will help you to build the right habits. You can also use articulation exercises as part of your pre-performance warm up, rather like the way musicians tune and warm up their instruments before they play. 

You’ll find that articulation exercises make you more mindful of the way you speak in ordinary situations too, turning everything you say into yet another form of articulation exercise. Remember, your aims are clarity and expression, and they’ll benefit you in everyday life too. 

Put Your Communication Skills to Work With RSVP

As an actor, you are a communication specialist who constantly develops your skills. Why not put them to work with us? We don’t expect you to let go of your acting ambitions. In fact, we support them with flexible work that allows you to earn while you study or when you’re between roles. Be the voice of a brand. Persuade, empathise, instruct and inform. We’re always looking for fresh talent, so visit our career page and take it from there.  

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Monologue vs Soliloquy

A soliloquy is one of the types of monologue you may encounter. To clarify the question “What is a monologue,” we need only know that it’s a long speech by a single actor. A soliloquy is a monologue in which a character expresses their thoughts with no other character listening. 

For example, Lady Macbeth’s monologue after the murder of King Duncan is a soliloquy. It’s a monologue because she delivers a lengthy speech. It’s a soliloquy because it reveals her inner thoughts when no other character is present. She is “talking to herself,” and we see the rise of her insanity through the expression of her inner turmoil. 

Different Types of Monologue

Different sources have different takes on what types of monologue there are. It’s a purely terminological classification, and that terminology appears to be quite subjective.

For example, some people distinguish between classical and contemporary monologues. Others distinguish between exterior monologues, delivered in the presence of other characters, and internal monologues or soliloquies. We can also classify monologues according to their intended effect. For example, there are dramatic monologues and comedic monologues.

However, all these types of monologue have things in common: the actor speaks at length, and timing and delivery are crucial. 

Monologue Examples

During auditions, actors may be asked to perform a monologue of their choice. This is a wonderful but challenging opportunity to demonstrate your acting prowess. Great material coupled with skill and talent contribute to your success.

Shakespeare deserves special focus if you’re auditioning for a classical role. Options include Claudio’s “Measure for Measure” speech, or Trinculo’s speech from “The Tempest” which offers some memorable moments of humour. For female characters, Titania’s monologue from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness, or Ophelia’s monologue in “Hamlet” are fruitful examples. 

For more contemporary productions, look to Checkov. “The Seagull” offers magnificent male and female monologues. Additional options include Gloumov’s monologue in “The Diary of a Scoundrel” or Lubov’s monologue in the ”Cherry Orchard.’

Do consider your choice of audition monologue well. An unusual choice could set you apart from the crowd and spark interest. Your panel may already have seen ten Mark Anthonies and boring your casting director or choosing a monologue that invites them to compare you with others can be risky. 

How to Act a Monologue

When you’re auditioning, you have limited time to showcase your skills. Try to forget that your performance is being judged. Don’t rush anything. Instead, remember that this moment is yours alone. In productions, your director will ensure that their interpretation of the scene is part of your performance. In auditions, interpretation is up to you. Keep the following broad guidelines in mind.

• Know the context. Get into character. Consider the events leading up to the monologue and think about your character’s role in the story and how they perceive or manipulate events. For example, Mark Anthony’s speech after the death of Caesar is not only a tribute from an old friend. Instead, it is a call to arms: a smart political move. 
• Demonstrate emotional range: Most monologues begin almost gently, soaring to emotional heights before reaching a dramatic and decisive conclusion. Capture your audience’s attention through your interpretation of the speech, dramatic monologue or soliloquy and demonstrate your skill in portraying a range of emotions. 
• Consider the medium: On stage, your acting is expansive and slightly exaggerated. You need to communicate emotions to your audience, and they have a limited, remote viewpoint. In film, the director decides the perspective from which your monologue is viewed. In close-up shots, even the smallest changes in facial expression are significant. Adjust your performances accordingly. 
• Don’t play to the panel: Monologues are seldom addressed directly to audiences. Your character is talking to themself or they are talking to others in the scene. Avoid playing to the panel and deliver your performance as if it were part of a production. 
• Practice makes perfect: Prevent stage fright from taking its toll on your performance by practising your monologue so that it’s second nature to you. Review self-made videos of your practice sessions and refine your performance. If you have a coach, take their recommendations on board.

Understand your Audience

Understanding other people’s wants, needs, and preferences will help you to connect with audiences. Empathy and intuition will serve you well and they’re very important to your skillset as an actor. Although some people predict that AI will take over film actors’ jobs, its inability to interpret human emotions will limit its capacity to portray engaging characters. Use your monologue to demonstrate your ability to do just that. 

As an actor, your skills are in demand in roles that have no relation to stage or screen, but where you nevertheless have a chance to shine. At RSVP, we offer flexible jobs for actors because we know that your talents can be put to work for the benefit of our clients. Working towards the next big break? We’d love to have you on board. Visit our careers page to find out more. 

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Improv Through the Ages

Although there are no records to prove it, improv acting is possibly the oldest form of theatre. After all, pranks, joking around, or even storytelling can all lead participants to improvise. However, improv acting as a form of performing art was first recorded in 391 BC. The Atellan Farce consisted of 25 to 30 minute mini-plays featuring masked actors who performed off-the-cuff comedic skits. 

In the 16th to 18th centuries, improv took to the streets, with actors using broad plot outlines as the basis of their storytelling. In modern times, improv acting became a learning activity for school children, but also took to the stage once again with improv theatre companies gaining popularity with audiences around the world. 

While comedic skits are very well-suited to improv, this performance style has also been used to explore more serious themes. For example, 66 minutes in Damascus, an immersive experience in which the entire audience become “hostages” was crafted using improv acting techniques. 

Long-Form vs Short-Form Improv 

Improv acting goes beyond ad-libbing in which actors spontaneously add lines to traditional, scripted performances. Instead, the entire performance is improvised. 

In long-form improv, actors create an entire show based on a premise. During the performance, the actors develop the plots and characters, creating an entire production on the go. 

Short form improv consists of short “games” or scenes and is often based on suggestions from the audience or a presenter. The game show “Whose Line is it Anyway” is among the most famous examples of this form of improv, and as you’ll have guessed, short form improv is a particularly good vehicle for comedy. 

How to do Improv Acting: Rules of Improv

Without a few basic rules, improv can easily devolve into chaos with each actor trying to take the lead. Improv requires collaboration, and the rules of improv set the tone for cooperation. The first rule is “Say yes, and…” In other words, take the contributions of other actors on board and assimilate them into your performance, adding your own input to move the performance and storyline forward. Asking questions is usually (but not always) a no-no. Doing so detracts from your contribution and requires a co-actor to do your “work.” 

Improv requires focus, not only on dialogue, but on everything that’s happening around you. As part of an unplanned scene, you need to think on your feet, listening carefully, reading facial expressions, tones of voice, physical movements and responding to spatial elements while developing your own verbal and non-verbal responses. 

Improv usually takes place on a bare stage, so it’s up to the actors to set the scene. Work scene-setting words into your dialogue to help your co-actors and audience to understand the developing scenario. In a similar vein, the story you are building requires background and detail – make specific statements that show your reasoning and enrich the storyline. 

Stories are about changes and improv actors have to ring the changes. Move the story along, introducing interesting elements of change into the plot. Surprising events occur, people are transformed – you’re not just role playing a static scene. 

Finally, feel free to add humorous twists, even when improv acting in serious scenes. However, if you do so, fully commit to your decision. Focus on actions and objects or use tricks like taking figurative speech literally. At the same time, one of our top improv acting tips is to keep it “real.” Even if you’re an aspiring comedian, don’t constantly try to be funny. It will come across as forced.

Can Improv Make You a Better Actor?

Improv teaches you several skills that will be of value throughout your acting career. Perhaps the most important of these is the ability to concentrate on and respond to what’s happening in the moment. You’re monitoring your team, and you’re taking your cues from them. Acting is about teamwork and interaction. Improv takes it to the next level. Learn to relate and respond to fellow cast members and become a better team player.

As you move through an improv performance, you’ll constantly adapt. This adaptability will stand you in good stead when working under a director in conventional theatre or film. And, since improv theatre doesn’t use props or scenery, you’ll learn to be more in touch with expressing context using movement and posture – key acting skills that all performers should master.

Although ad-libbing isn’t improv acting, it’s certainly an ability you’ll sharpen as you learn improv. Some of the most memorable lines in movies were originally ad lib. For example, in the iconic Jaws, actor Roy Scheider’s “You’re going to need a bigger boat,” was never part of the original script. Directors sometimes ask actors to ad lib, and your improv acting practice will help you to do just that. 

Through improv acting, you’ll build your creativity, range and confidence as an actor. It takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges your skills, all while “reading the room” and putting your intuition to work. 

How to Learn Improv

The best way to learn how to do improv acting is to take improv classes. City Academy is only one of the London acting schools that offers them. Improv classes are fun and sociable, teaching you serious skills in a lighthearted setting. 

It’s all about interaction, but you can try some improv acting exercises on your own. For example, try miming everyday actions. Washing up? See if you can communicate this activity without the sink and dishes. Think about your body language as you interact with other people or even try playing two characters in a short, unprepared “scene” when you’re on your own. 

Improvise at Work and in Your Personal Life

Although everyday interactions might seem too mundane to represent good improv acting practice, remember that the world is a stage. 

You’re probably doing at least some improv in your interactions with other people already: that time when someone told a joke you didn’t get but you laughed at it anyway, perhaps. Or the times you reacted to someone else’s good news as excitedly as if it happened to you. The truth is, ordinary people are improvising all the time. Actors improvise more intentionally, but that’s the only real difference. 

The workplace offers plenty of opportunities for improv practice, especially when you’re dealing with the public. No, you don’t really think Mrs. Jones’s inquiry about a late delivery is all that important, but she does, so you respond with a portrayal of appropriate concern and empathy. This brings us to RSVP. 

Flexible Work for Actors With RSVP

We’re a customer service agency with a difference. Representing several important brands, we’ve chosen to employ actors to act as their ambassadors. As an actor, you already know how to win audiences over, and your ability to gauge situations and respond appropriately is among your strongest skills. You get to practise your art in a workplace setting, and our clients get the perfect people to represent them: actors. 

Best of all, we understand your need for flexibility. Go to classes. Attend auditions. Be there for rehearsals and shows. Go on tour. And, when you have time on your hands, report for paid work at RSVP. Want to know more? Visit our careers page and join our community. 

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Differences Between Stage Acting and Screen Acting

Performance Style

The viewer’s perspective is the most obvious difference between stage and screen. Screen acting is up close and personal, and that affects everything from your physical movements to how you use your voice. 

This means using a much more restrained acting style in screen performances. Subtle, nuanced expressions and tones of voice that no stage audience would notice are exposed by the camera and microphone. Stage acting and screen acting call for completely different performance styles. 

Delivery and Timing

On stage, you must constantly adapt to your audience and the performances of other actors. Lines must be delivered on cue, and the cast develops a rhythm that carries the audience through the plot until it reaches its denouement. 

Screen acting, on the other hand, doesn’t follow this unstoppable rhythm. Scenes can be retaken and edited, and shooting may not align with the timeline of the plot. This allows for more experimentation, but it also means that actors must be very adaptable. For example, you could be involved in a climactic closing scene before the shooting of the events leading up to it begins. 

Rehearsals and Performances

Preparing for a stage show means perfecting every detail in rehearsals before you face an audience. In screen acting, rehearsals are less important. Every scene can be shot multiple times while actors explore different approaches to performance. Directors can then decide which take to use, piecing together scenes to create a final production. 

Audience Interaction

One of the challenges of screen acting is that you can’t gauge audience responses as you go. A stage actor can get a feel for audience reactions and adapt to them – a skill every actor should have. In screen acting you have to guess how your ultimate audience will receive your performance and you must rely on the director and crew to guide you. 

Spatial Awareness

On stage, you know that your audience is seeing the entire space around you. This affects how you move and interact within the setting. 

In screen acting, the focus is on camera angles and framing and you have to adapt your performance according to the camera’s perspective. For example, your director could call for closeups in which you occupy much of the frame, or you could be performing as a component in a larger scene in which you are only one element of what the audience will ultimately see. 

Technical Aspects

In stage performances, actors and behind-the-scenes technicians work together to create a consistent production that will be replicated in every performance. In screen acting, directors may experiment with a variety of tightly-controlled technical environments that may require actors to adjust their performances in a single scene from take to take. 

Script Memorisation

In live performances, actors must learn all their lines before the production can be staged. In screen performances, you only need to prepare for one shoot at a time. While this has the advantage of allowing you to focus on small segments that you’ll perform at different times, the lack of storyline flow can present challenges. 

Character Development

As a stage actor, you have control over a continuous narrative in which your character creates an impression for the audience to interpret. In screen acting, your director uses and edits footage to piece together character development. You have less control over the finished product, and must rely on your director to finalise your performance. 

Tips for Transitioning From Stage to Screen Acting

Prepare to Deliver Face-to-Face Performances

The devil’s in the details. Every muscle movement and every facial expression becomes part of a screen performance. Screen acting means thinking through tiny details that no stage audience would notice. Do your eyes widen at the sight of the protagonist? Do you blink? Do the corners of your mouth harden or relax? While stage acting is all about projection, screen acting is all about controlling tiny cues that tell your audience what your character is experiencing. 

Focus on the Frame

Are you part of a larger scene or is the camera focussed on your face? This has an enormous impact on your performance. Broadly-framed scenes may require an approach that’s closer to stage acting, while intimate closeups require attention to detail and nuanced delivery. 

Don’t Project Your Voice – Unless it’s Called For

In a similar vein, adjust the way you use your voice based on the scene’s context. If you’re shouting across a battlefield, project in a way that’s even more intense than your stage voice. If you’re delivering your lines in Madame’s boudoir, speak naturally. If you’re whispering a secret, tone it right down to the barely-audible. Explore your vocal range to the full. 

Be in Touch With Your Body

Every actor needs to understand body language. On stage, it will be more exaggerated, allowing it to convey a message even when audience members are seeing you from the back row. When acting for the screen, your movements are smaller and each one takes on greater significance. Stage acting requires control. Screen acting requires ultimate control. 

Work With the Camera

Understand what your in-frame position will be. Understand the camera perspectives. Hit the mark precisely when you move. The overall vision your director has for each scene should be clear to you. Know the atmosphere they’re striving to achieve and work with the camera to achieve it. 

Change Gears Based on Context

A stage production flows smoothly from its beginning to its end. You can build momentum as you go, portraying your part in the story in chronological order. 

In screen acting, you need the ability to jump into your most emotional scene without the warmup. As a result, You need a detailed understanding of context and the ability to throw yourself wholeheartedly into scenes without any preamble. 

And, since one day of filming can leap from one point of a story to another, you need the ability to “be” in the moment your character experiences – even when timelines are disjointed. 

Expect the Unexpected and Adapt

You prepared your scene with care and know just how you’ll portray it – but your director has the final say. Be ready for surprises, and don’t be fazed if they want you to change things up. So, you thought your character would be gentle in this scene, but your director wants a hint of steel? Run with it. Drop your preconceived ideas and follow the leader. 

Listen Well

One of the biggest challenges in screen acting is that you don’t know all the details that your director has in mind for the final production. Sometimes, not even the director knows what they want the final product to look like until they’ve tried several alternatives in search of a good fit. 

They may try various iterations of a scene before deciding on a specific approach. You need to listen well and be open-minded. Try to grasp what directors are trying to achieve with each take, and give it your very best effort. 

Stand on the Shoulders of Giants

As Isaac Newton said: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” As an actor, you can do this too. Analyse great screen actors’ performances and learn from them. Attend classes to learn screen acting techniques. Your personal interpretation remains all your own, but learning from masters hastens your progression. 

Top Tip: Practise in One-to-One Situations

Have you ever noticed how tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions are interlinked? Relax and smile when you’re talking, and the smile shines through – even when your audience can’t see you. Sit up straight and firm the corners of your mouth: you project a completely different persona. Try it! 

When you perform onstage, you’re talking to an audience of hundreds. Screen acting ultimately reaches viewers much more personally. Although your total audience may consist of tens of thousands of people, each one experiences your performance as if you’d acted it just for them. 

Here’s an exercise every aspiring actor should try – and every established one should navigate with ease. Take a commercial brand. “Be” its character. Engage an audience of one person. Lead them through an emotional spectrum that transports them to a place where they feel satisfied, cared-for, and recognised. It’s as intimate as any screenplay. Are you ready for this? If so, we’re ready for you! 

At RSVP, we employ actors to represent brand voices. Join our community. Earn and learn. From famous faces to up-and-coming talent, our team is waiting for you. Visit the RSVP careers page and make it happen!

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