Improve Acting Skills: 5 Practical Ways for Entertainment

Published on 31 July 2023 5 min read

Immerse in character and emotions
Observe people and their behaviors
Practice improvisation
Take acting classes
Record and analyse your performances

If you've ever dreamed of lighting up the stage or stealing scenes on the silver screen, you know that acting is more than just memorizing lines. It's about conveying complex emotions, understanding the human condition, and truly becoming the character you're portraying. In this blog, we'll explore five practical ways on how to improve acting for entertainment. Buckle up, because acting is about to get a whole lot more fun!

Immerse in Character and Emotions

Our first stop on this journey to enhanced acting skills is delving into character and emotions. This is more than just feeling happy or sad; it's about fully understanding and embodying your character's state of mind.

Understanding Your Character

Before you can portray a character convincingly, you need to know them inside and out. That means not just understanding their motivations and desires, but their fears, flaws, and quirks too. Here's how to do it:

Study the script: This is your primary source of information about your character. Pay attention to their dialogue, but also how other characters describe them.
Create a character biography: Fill in the gaps of your character's life outside of the script. Where did they grow up? What's their biggest secret? This can help you understand their motivations better.

Expressing Emotions

Once you understand your character, it's time to let their emotions shine through. Here's how to improve acting for entertainment by mastering the art of emotional expression:

Use physicality: Emotions aren't just about facial expressions—they affect your whole body. If your character is nervous, for example, they might have shaky hands or fidget constantly.
Think about the "why": Why is your character feeling this emotion? Understanding the root cause can help make your portrayal more authentic.

Remember, immersing in character and emotions isn't something that happens overnight. It takes time and practice, but the payoff is worth it. You'll bring a depth and realism to your performances that truly captivates the audience.

Observe People and Their Behaviors

As an actor, your job is to portray the human experience. And what better way to understand that experience than by observing the people around you? By paying attention to how people speak, move, and react, you can pick up valuable insights to bring to your performances.

People-Watching

It might seem simple, but people-watching can be an invaluable tool for actors. Here's how to do it effectively:

Choose a diverse crowd: Don't just stick to your immediate circle. Visit different places, like parks, malls, and cafes, to observe a wide variety of people.
Look for the details: Pay attention to the little things, like how someone twirls their hair when they're nervous or the way they squint when they're thinking hard.

Imitating Behaviors

Once you've observed behaviors, the next step is to imitate them. By incorporating these behaviors into your portrayals, you can create more realistic characters. Here's how:

Practice in front of a mirror: Choose a behavior you've observed and try to replicate it. Use a mirror to see how you're doing and make adjustments as necessary.
Incorporate behaviors into your character: Don't just mimic; think about how these behaviors might fit into your character's personality or backstory.

By observing people and their behaviors, you're not just learning how to improve acting for entertainment—you're also becoming a more empathetic and understanding person. And that's a win-win, if you ask me!

Practice Improvisation

In your quest to learn how to improve acting for entertainment, improvisation is a key skill to master. It's all about thinking on your feet, staying in character, and going with the flow of the scene. And guess what? It's not as daunting as it sounds!

Why Improvisation?

Improvisation isn't just for comedic sketches or fast-paced games. It's about being adaptable, creative, and present in the moment. It can help you:

Boost your confidence: When you can think on your feet, you'll feel more prepared for anything a scene throws at you.
Deepen your character work: Improvisation prompts you to make choices in the moment, which can lead to surprising and authentic character discoveries.

Improvisation Exercises

Ready to dive into the world of improvisation? Here are a couple of exercises to get you started:

Yes, and...: This is a classic improv exercise. Start a story, then have a partner continue it by saying "Yes, and..." and adding their own twist. This exercise encourages you to accept and build on what others offer.
Character Swap: Start a scene as one character, then switch characters with your partner on cue. This exercise helps you to quickly adapt and keep a scene moving.

By practicing improvisation, you'll be enhancing your ability to react and adapt, making your performances more dynamic and captivating. So, why not give it a try?

Take Acting Classes

Another practical method on how to improve acting for entertainment is by taking acting classes. Sounds obvious, right? But listen up, there's more to it than just showing up to class.

Choosing the Right Class

Not all acting classes are created equal. It's important to find a class that aligns with your goals and interests. Here's what you can do:

Research the Instructor: An experienced instructor can guide you through the nuances of acting and provide valuable feedback. Look for someone who has a track record in the entertainment industry.
Match Your Interests: Are you into drama, comedy, or perhaps musical theater? Choose a class that aligns with the type of acting you want to pursue.

Making the Most out of Your Class

Once you've joined a class, the real work begins. To truly improve your acting skills, you need to:

Participate Actively: Don't be a wallflower. Participate in class activities, ask questions, and engage with your fellow actors.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to honing your acting skills. Try to rehearse outside of class as much as possible.

Remember, an acting class is more than just a place to learn—it's a community. You'll be able to network with other actors, learn from their experiences, and maybe even find your next big role. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to hit the stage!

Record and Analyse Your Performances

Imagine you're practicing for a scene. You've delivered your lines, given it your all, and then... silence. You wonder, "Was that good? Did I nail that emotion?" Here's a tip: record and analyse your performances. This method can be a game changer when trying to improve your acting for entertainment.

Recording Your Performances

Recording your performances is a simple yet effective way to assess your acting. Here's how you can do it:

Use a Camera: If you can, use a good quality camera to record your performances. However, don't fret if you only have your smartphone — it will work just fine.
Get the Right Angle: Position your camera in a way that captures your entire body. This allows you to see not just your facial expressions, but also your body language.

Analyzing Your Performances

Now that you've got your recording, it's time to play it back and analyse. Here's how:

Watch Without Sound: Try watching your performance without sound. This allows you to focus on your physical performance.
Note Your Reactions: Pay attention to how you react to your own performance. Did certain parts feel awkward? Did others feel natural and believable?
Ask for Feedback: Don't be shy to ask others to watch your recording and provide feedback. Fresh eyes can offer new perspectives.

By recording and analyzing your performances, you can pinpoint areas that need improvement, and watch yourself grow as an actor. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but remember—every great actor had to start somewhere!

If you're looking to improve your acting skills and learn more about the entertainment industry, check out the workshop 'Breaking Into Acting: 9 Tips for Aspiring Actors' by Jessy Moussallem. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and advice on how to break into the acting world and enhance your acting skills.