Habits You’ve Got To Kick to Make It As An Actor

If you haven’t been taking acting classes from the very beginning, there’s a good chance you’ve developed some pretty pesky career killing habits. And I’m not saying you’re not talented. I’m saying that if these habits get in the way - no one will be able to fully see your talent. 

Here they are. If you recognize them in your own acting be sure to act fast and kick the habits by connecting with a seasoned mentor and getting plugged into some solid classes to get you on the right track. 

Open up. For both film and stage, be sure to never turn your back to the audience. It’s called ‘opening up’. Practice staying open and let the crowd connect with the front of you even if it’s at an angle.

Engage. Beginner actors often think their space ends at the end of the stage and that no one in the audience can see them when they stop talking. They talk directly to other actors and forget that the audience needs to hear and be connected to them too. For film, the same can be applied with simply knowing and being aware. Do you want to be ‘aware’ of the camera? No. But you do want to remember that you’re communicating and emotion that needs to draw an observer in. So be fully in it. 

Use Your Body. We’ve noticed that a lot of newer actors spend a great deal of time thinking about their lines and their blocking, but they neglect to include the physical world into their acting preparations. It’s important to remember that the first connection the audience makes with an actor is visual. And if what they see is boring, you’ve likely lost their attention.

Beware of Typecasting. It’s definitely ok to play a part that is familiar and comfortable, but it can happen a beginner actor can get stuck in a typecasting groove. There’s no difference between how the actor and their character moves, walks, and sounds. The character is stuck in a box, which is hardly fun to play. Some people like to be typecasted. If you do, great! But if you don’t, do a character analysis. Define the similarities and differences between you and your character. Highlight the differences and choose specific moments where you play them up. Playing outside your comfort zone will give you a challenge and make you a better actor.

Don’t hold yourself back just because you’ve developed some hard habits. Learn new habits from those who’ve gone before you. For more information on acting classes, acting coaches and more, please contact us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television and we’ll get you going!