Hi there and welcome back to the Casting Ireland blog! My name is Sarah and I’m the Casting Associate here at CI.
Since joining the team back in July, I’ve spoken with some wonderful and talented performers. I’ve had the pleasure of observing their acting methods, reviewing their self-tapes, and quizzing them on preparation rituals. They’ve been so generous with their time and insider knowledge, it would be a shame not to pay it forward.
Everyone appreciates a few pointers from their experienced counterparts, particularly when they’re just starting out! So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or dipping your toe into acting for the first time, here are some helpful tips on how to take your performance to the next level. Straight from the minds of prolific performers:
1. Train like an athlete
Performance is like a muscle. The more time you spend developing it, the stronger it becomes. Even if you are a classically trained actor, it never hurts to partake in short courses or workshops. Optimise your skillset by focusing on areas you’re eager to improve, such as improvisation or voice acting.
If you have a free evening, why not browse your local bookstore? Or sift through the mountain of educational resources available online? Between books, videos, podcasts, and articles, there’s so much to uncover about your craft.
2. Watch and learn
They say, to become a gifted writer, you should read the classics. When it comes to acting, the same rule applies! Studying the work of those who came before can be foundational when it comes to establishing your own identity as a performer.
So many celebrated actors are masters of nuance. It’s the little things that bring their characters to life! Next time you watch your favourite film or TV show, make an extra (see what we did there?) effort to pick up on those subtleties. Then, consider how similar strategies could aid your performance.
Pro tip: Try grabbing a copy of ‘1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die‘ for inspiration. Or check out Empire’s list of ‘The 100 Best Movies of All Time‘. Both of these are living, breathing pieces of literature in that they’re updated and republished regularly to include modern-day films.
Same goes if you’re a stage actor; Switch positions with the audience and take in a show every now and then! We totally understand ticket prices can add up, but often, the lower the production’s budget, the more value you’ll derive from it. If a play charges €5 entry at the door, you may be in for a masterclass on how to fully realise a project on a shoestring budget. Or how to deliver such a powerful performance there’s no need for set pieces in the first place!
3. Wear your heart on your sleeve
Everyone has complex emotions. Our personalities and paths are paved by positive and negative life experiences. When portraying a character, lean into this. Don’t be afraid to dig deep and tap into the memories that make you… you!
Get to know the character you’re portraying. See if you can empathise with them and understand their motivations, even if they’re your polar opposite. In moments where their emotions run high, reflect on comparable events in your own life to channel an authentic reaction. It could end up being cathartic!
4. Keep an open mind and trust your instincts
Everything in life comes down to balance. Acting is no different! Whether you’re on stage or in front of the camera, fundamentally, it’s about balancing trust. Trust in your fellow cast members, trust in the crew, trust in the director, and trust in yourself.
Since art is subjective, you and your director may have different interpretations of a scene. But taking direction should feel safe, even when you’re stretching slightly beyond your comfort zone. So, trust the process. Listen closely, keep an open mind, and do your best to go with it!
After you’ve secured those first couple of takes, it’s time to trust yourself, too. If something feels amiss, and your director is open to discussion, why not suggest playing it in a different way? It may not work out as you’d imagined, or you may end up catching lightning in a bottle. You’ll never know until you trust.
5. Fall and get back up again
If one thing’s for certain, performing will test your resilience. Rejected after an audition? Crickets at your stand-up gig? Forgot your lines on set? Roll with the punches and chalk it up to experience. It can be painful at the time but soon, you’ll have another funny story to add to your collection.
Remember, you’re not alone! We guarantee, there’ll be a long list of fellow performers with comparable anecdotes. Putting yourself out there takes a lot of bravery, so give yourself a pat on the back rather than berating yourself.
Ultimately, all you can do is try your very best. Patience and hard work pay off more often than not. Once you give yourself grace, every little slip up can grow your confidence and improve your abilities.
Don’t be afraid to fall! But once you regain your footing, dust yourself off, and remember why you embarked on this journey in the first place. Even in the face of adversity or a little embarrassment here or there, don’t lose sight of the joy it brings you. That’s what counts.
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If you’re in need of Actors, Models, Extras, or Performers for your next Creative or Commercial Project, get in touch. We’d love to help. Simply email info@castingireland.ie or call us on (01) 634 3112.
