Basic Acting Techniques For Beginners

Drama has a very magical way of pulling people in. It can start with a trip to the theatre or a workshop with a friend, but once hooked, people soon discover a whole world out there just waiting to be gripped by their imagination. That’s when they may first come to an acting class, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, or clinging to the wall, terrified they will be asked to ‘be an orange!’ Concentrating on a few basic acting techniques for beginners will help them ease into your class more easily. When people start acting, they may lack confidence, so starting out is often about helping them open up and move outside their comfort zone one step at a time. You can leave the ‘be an orange’ class until later on!!

Start with the basics

Here are some basic techniques that all beginning actors should start with:

1.      Voice control:

• Description: The ability to modulate volume, pitch, tone, and clarity.
• Technique: Practicing vocal exercises to improve projection, diction, and emotional expression.
• Exercise: Vocal warm-ups – perform basic vocal warm-up exercises such as humming, lip trills, and tongue twisters.
• Benefit: Ensures clear communication and helps convey a character’s emotions and intentions effectively.

2.     Movement and body language:

• Description: Using the body to express emotions and intentions without words.
• Technique: Exploring different postures, gestures, and movements to create a physical portrayal of the character.
• Exercise: Mirror exercise – stand in front of a mirror and practice different postures, gestures, and movements to convey various emotions (e.g., happiness, anger, sadness).
• Benefit: Enhances the actor’s ability to communicate non-verbally, adding depth and realism to their performance.

3.     Facial expressions:

• Description: Using the face to convey emotions and reactions.
• Technique: Practicing in front of a mirror to control and refine facial muscles to express a wide range of emotions.
• Exercise: Emotion flashcards – create flashcards with different emotions written on them. Practice expressing each emotion using only your facial expressions.
• Benefit: Adds nuance and subtlety to their performance, making the character’s emotions more believable and engaging.

4.     Eye contact:

• Description: Using eye movements and gaze to connect with other characters and the audience.
• Technique: Maintaining or avoiding eye contact strategically to convey different emotions and relationships.
• Exercise: Partner gaze – pair up with a partner and maintain eye contact for one minute. Take turns expressing different emotions through your gaze.
• Benefit: Establishes a connection and creates intensity, making interactions more compelling and dynamic.

5.     Breath control:

• Description: Using breath to support vocal delivery and physical actions.
• Technique: Practicing breathing exercises to control breath and use it effectively for speech and movement.
• Exercise: Deep breathing – practice deep breathing exercises, such as inhaling deeply through the nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through the mouth.
• Benefit: Improves vocal projection and stability, and helps convey emotional states through controlled breathing patterns.

6.     Improvisation:

• Description: Acting without a script, creating dialogue and actions spontaneously.
• Technique: Participating in improv exercises and games to develop quick thinking and creativity.
• Exercise: Yes, and… game – with a partner, start a conversation where each person must build on the previous statement by starting with “Yes, and…”.
• Benefit: Enhances an actor’s ability to think on their feet, adapt to unexpected situations, and maintain a natural performance.

7.     Memorising lines:

• Description: Learning and recalling scripted dialogue accurately.
• Technique: Repetition, breaking down scenes into smaller sections, and using mnemonic devices to aid memory.
• Exercise: Chunking – break down the script into smaller sections or “chunks.” Memorize one chunk at a time before moving on to the next.
• Benefit: Ensures smooth delivery of dialogue, allowing the actor to focus on emotional expression and interaction with other characters.

8.     Spatial awareness:

• Description: Understanding and using the physical space effectively on stage or on set.
• Technique: Practicing blocking and movement in relation to other actors and set pieces, being mindful of positioning and space.
• Exercise: Blocking practice – set up a simple scene with markers for different positions. Practice moving between the markers while staying aware of your surroundings and other actors and without bumping into them.
• Benefit: Prevents collisions, enhances stage presence, and ensures clear and deliberate movements, contributing to a well-choreographed performance.

9.     Listening skills:

• Description: Actively listening to other actors to respond naturally and authentically.
• Technique: Engaging in exercises that focus on reacting to dialogue and actions genuinely.
• Exercise: Active listening – pair up with a partner and take turns speaking. The listener must repeat back what they heard and add their own response. A good example is the “I went to the shop and I bought…” game.
• Benefit: Creates realistic interactions and ensures a dynamic and responsive performance.

10.   Imagination:

• Description: Using creative thinking to envision and portray characters and scenes.
• Technique: Visualisation exercises and imaginative play to explore different aspects of the character and story.
• Exercise: Story Creation – choose an everyday object and create an imaginative story around it, including details about its origin, purpose, and adventures.
• Benefit: Adds depth and originality to the performance, making the characters and scenes more engaging and believable.

Embracing feedback

In the world of acting, growth and improvement are lifelong companions. Feedback plays a pivotal role in this journey, acting as a mirror that reflects both strengths and areas for development. The best acting teachers will give feedback through constructive criticism whilst maintaining the person’s self-esteem. There are many directors and producers in history who have not taken this approach and who have subjected their actors to humiliation and fear, but this is not a stance I approve of or condone. In my book, there are always ways to give feedback which are based on compassion and respect, rather than bullying and intimidation.

That said, it is important that teachers prepare their acting students to hear and accept feedback in the generous spirit in which it is given. This requires openness and a non-defensive attitude on the part of the student. While it might be tempting to shy away from feedback, it’s crucial to view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When offering feedback, instead of focusing on imperfections, focus on the ways the person can improve and give practical and specific things that the person can do to enhance their performance.

Building emotional resilience is another essential element here. Acting can be emotionally demanding, requiring vulnerability and courage. Encouraging students to trust you, themselves and the process, will allow them to handle challenges in an emotionally literate way when they arise.

We all have to start somewhere, and these basic acting techniques will allow everyone to get started, giving them something to work on in and between classes.