Student: Character Introduction

Essentially it is about learning to observe the world around you, understanding the differences among people, appreciating unique qualities, and exploring ways to play a character in a meaningful way.

Character work will lead you to a better understanding of others, and ultimately of yourself. You will learn various methods of approaching character work, acting styles and skills.

The most important skills you can learn:
• trust your instincts and impulses
• observe carefully
• listen and respond
• open up to exploration of a character
• work from truth
• feel, think, do

This unit will lead you through a process which will:

provide experience with the monologue as a literary form
write an original monologue
create an original character
create a performance piece and learn about acting styles
perform the monologue for an audience

Note: You may be a student with an aversion to performance. You may wish to think about the option of directing another actor in a performance piece. You will still write your monologue, create the character, and then would use that material to direct another actor (who could receive bonus marks).

Printable Resources (pdf):

Warm Ups, Games and Exercises (a selection of favorites)
Acting Technique (jigsaw activity)
Objectives in Acting
Actable Verbs (extensive list)
Principles of Acting
External Biography
Rehearsal Techniques
Improvisation Scenarios
Rehearsal Strategies
Self/Peer Evaluation (character)

6 monologues:

The Break I - bragging to friends on the phone	The Break VI - girlfriend won't stop crying
The Break II - dumped by girlfriend	The Break VII - stalker in an imaginary relationship
The Break III - it's me, not you	The Break X - a fake phone apology

First Lesson / Previous Lesson

Unit 3: Character