Film Acting Tips – How to Select Practice Scripts

As with anything in life, to become a great actor you must practice, practice and practice. Many actors feel that they are stuck, or unable to progress forward, because they can’t afford acting classes or there are no acting classes where they live. While you may not be able to financially pay for or have classes at your disposal, you can continually practice the art of acting by selecting practice scripts.

Practice acting scripts are the cornerstone for any developing actor as it allows you to stretch your acting legs beyond a structured classroom setting.

If you are interested in practicing, or simply want advice when it comes time to select a practice script for class or home study, then you’ll want to review this article as it is packed with tips cultivated from my almost 15 years of professional acting experience.

Select a Script Within Your Age Range

Many young actors saw a movie or a play and were truly moved by a particular scene. Naturally, when it comes time to select a practice script they gravitate toward this scene; however, if the actor within the scene is not within your playable age range you’ll fall short of the necessary emotional depth to accurately portray this character.

For example, you were moved by a monologue from Tom Hanks in the film, “Cast Away;” however, you’re a 15 year old boy. While you may have the acting chops to recite the lines in a believable manner, the character is more than double your age. Because of this age difference you’ll be unable to relate to the character on the most foundational of levels.

Always select a script within your playable age range.

Emotional Scope of the Scene

When I select practice scripts, there is a particular emotion I wish to engage in. Just like a baseball pitcher who wishes to strengthen his curve ball, actors need to practice based on a particular skillset, or emotion.

For example, if you wish to strengthen your comedic timing you wouldn’t select a scene from “Titanic,” and on the other hand if you wish to practice a highly emotional scene it wouldn’t be beneficial to select a scene from the hilarious “Bridesmaids” film.

Determining the emotional range of motion you wish to practice will help eliminate choices and guide you to the best practice script for a particular occasion.