Throughout my years of taking acting classes, I’ve learned a myriad of tips and techniques; however, acting is part instruction and part doing. If you’re looking to expand your acting talent and put what you’ve learned through books and classes to work, you must know how to select a proper scene to study that is based in the skills you wish to hone.
Selecting a proper scene requires an understanding of what goals you wish to accomplish as well as the character you wish to portray.
Many times, when you’re selecting a scene for acting class or for self-study, you will be acting alongside a fellow actor. When this is the case, you must follow several steps to ensure both parties are satisfied with their role; however, I will discuss this further down in the article.
Accomplishing Your Goal
The most important aspect of selecting a proper scene is to ensure that the scene accomplishes your goal. For example, if you’ve just learned about integrating silence into a highly emotional scene (rather than yelling and screaming) select a scene where your character undergoes a highly emotional dialogue with another character.
If you do not have a clear goal as to why you’re selecting a scene then you should take a moment to define your goal. Acting without a goal is like riding a bicycle without the peddles – yes, you’ll move but only by the momentum of gravity, not by your own force.
Selecting a Scene for Your Partner
The reason why I included this section within the article is because I’m discussing scenes, not monologues. Within an acting scene you will need a partner; however, it is important that you select a scene that helps accomplish the goal of your partner. If you choose a scene that works perfectly for you, but not for your partner then the entire scene will be doomed and neither of you will accomplish your goal. Take your time, select from several scenes and if you are unable to choose just one…select two!
