Throughout my time as a professional actor, I have spent countless hours in acting classes and researching various acting techniques. While the majority of acting techniques and methods vary, there is a commonality between them all – the need for highly focused concentration. As with any other profession, actors must learn how to narrow their concentration to ensure they react appropriately according to the emotional playing field. One of the most effective ways of increasing your concentration and connection is through your eyes.
In film acting, the eyes can enhance a performance or completely derail the emotional intent of a scene. Actors must learn how to control their eyes to increase concentration and connection.
Utilizing the Eyes
I want you to think about your favorite actor. For me, it’s Meryl Streep. She has an uncanny ability to connect with every character, and use this connection to build interesting and dynamic performances. While she is a master at character acting, her strongest acting technique is connecting to her concentration through her eyes. Even in the simplest of scenes, she utilizes her eyes to get what she wants and convey exterior and internal emotions.
It has been said that true acting does not come out of your mouth through words, but is rather revealed through your eyes.
In order to increase your concentration and connection to another actor within a scene, you must learn how to use your eyes to demand attention. This skill will not only enhance your on-camera performance, but also your audition performances.
During a scene, place all of your focus into your eyes. Demand that the other character meet your eyes. If you feel that the other character is unwilling to look you in your eyes, create an intensity behind your eyes that demands their attention.
If you are finding it difficult to concentrate within a scene, call upon your sense of sight to bring your entire being into the scene. Look around you. Focus on items directly in front of you. If your character is in a park, look at the trees. What color are they? How are the leaves blowing in the wind? How does the grass look in contrast to other items? Can you see the other character? What does he look like? How does his movements convey his relationship or feeling toward you?
