If you feel called to act, whether on the stage or in front of a camera, you’ll need to understand how to get into character. Getting into character isn’t always easy for beginning actors, but the learning process can be fun. Approach the process with humility; understand that you will make mistakes, and that those mistakes offer opportunities to grow and develop as an actor. 

If you turn acting into your profession, you’ll continue to refine your craft over time, with the potential to learn something new from each production. As a new actor, you can get started with some simple acting tips for beginners to learn how to develop your character.

To perform well, actors need to do far more than just memorize and deliver their lines. They also need to get into character — a process that involves intentionally shedding their own mannerisms, style of speaking and emotional expression in favor of those of their character. In order to get into character, it’s helpful to take a closer look at this process.

Defining Character in Acting

In acting, your character is the part you play, whether in a stage production or in a movie, TV show or even a commercial. The framework for this fictional persona is found in the script, which includes the actor’s lines and general movement directions. However, actors will typically do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to fleshing out the character’s unique personality, psychological profile and backstory. 

Your character, while fictional, will have their own emotional, psychological and physical characteristics, which may be significantly different from your own. They may walk, talk, think and feel a certain way and internalizing your character’s internal thoughts and external mannerisms is integral to the acting process.

Why Getting Into Character Matters for Performance

An actor may play a character whose personality, backstory and motivations are very different from their own. For example, an outgoing, talkative actor may play a character who is quiet and prefers solitude. Similarly, an actor raised by an affluent family may play a character mired in poverty.

In short, actors can play characters that are completely different from themselves. When you learn how to act, getting into character matters for your performance because it enables you to immerse yourself in a new identity. This can lead to a more authentic, believable performance. It can also nurture your emotional connection with the audience.

Acting tips can be beneficial for actors who are just getting started. On top of these helpful tips, it's important to remember that frequent practice is the best way to refine your craft.

Learn the Basics of How To Act

Acting is fun for those who are passionate about it, but it’s important to approach your work with professionalism. It starts with thorough preparation. Read the script multiple times, focusing on the other characters as well as your own lines. Take time to research, if need be, to learn about different time periods or geographical places in which the story takes place.

Along with taking acting classes, such as during a degree program, you may wish to study movement through dance classes, as well as voice performance skills. Practice acting not only by rehearsing your current role, but by looking up scripts from other projects and acting them out (by yourself if necessary).

Develop Awareness and Presence

Actors do not act in a vacuum; their acting can be heavily influenced by the other actors in the scene, as well as the physical set itself and the objects within it. It's important to be aware of your fellow actors and surroundings, as well as the audience, if you're a stage actor.

Awareness can lead to presence. As a stage actor, being aware of the role of the audience beyond the stage can help you connect with them through eye contact and body language — two things that are critical for developing a commanding stage presence.

Build Confidence as a New Actor

It’s not uncommon to feel nervous as a new actor. You can build confidence through extensive preparation for your role and by feeling comfortable with your character development. It can also be helpful to network with peers and mentors who are familiar with the challenges of acting and may offer some acting tips to develop your techniques.

How can you step into a new identity? There are a number of steps you can follow. Start by analyzing the script.

Analyze the Script and Character Through Contemporary Actor Preparation

Conduct a thorough script analysis using current industry practices. Read the script multiple times, focusing first on the story as a whole and then on your character’s function within the narrative. 

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the character by examining:

• Given Circumstances — the factual information provided by the script about the character’s environment, relationships, history and current situation
• Character Biography — relevant personal history, life experiences and formative events that influence behavior and decision-making
• Objectives and Super-Objectives — what the character wants in each scene and their overarching pursuit throughout the story
• Motivations and Stakes — why the character wants what they want and what they stand to gain or lose
• Obstacles and Conflict — internal and external barriers that prevent the character from achieving their objectives
• Relationships and Status Dynamics — how the character interacts with others and how power shifts affect behavior
• Emotional Life and Psychological Landscape — fears, vulnerabilities, desires, values and belief systems that drive actions
• Tactics and Actions — the playable choices the character uses to pursue objectives and influence others
• Physical and Vocal Characterization — posture, movement patterns, gestures, habits, speech patterns, rhythm and vocal qualities that support the character’s authenticity
• Character Arc — how the character changes, grows or deteriorates over the course of the narrative

Use Imagination and Emotional Connection

The script may not offer many details about your character’s psychological and emotional makeup. Try writing your own internal monologue for your character to form an emotional connection with them. What does your character think about what’s happening in the story?

Practice Physicality and Body Language in Acting

The way a character walks, holds themselves and gestures can say a lot about their personality. An overconfident, entitled character may swagger into a room, talk loudly and make ostentatious gestures. A character struggling with depression may sit in a chair with their knees drawn up to their chest, trying not to draw attention to themselves. Consider your character’s movements when stepping into the role.

A successful performance relies heavily on mental and emotional preparation. Consider the following acting tips for beginners.

Manage Nerves and Stage Fright

Experience can be an effective remedy for stage fright, but it takes time to earn. As a beginner, try to focus on the process of acting, rather than the result. Get plenty of sleep the night before the performance, limit your caffeine intake and practice deep breathing exercises.

Stay Focused and in Character

Ahead of the performance, try to clear your mind of all personal worries. Focus on your character’s motivations, fears and concerns instead. While on the stage or in front of the camera, stay grounded in the moment by paying close attention to the progression of the scene and what other actors are doing and saying.

There are a number of practical steps you can take to improve your performance.

Practice Scenes and Monologues

Practice is the most important preparatory step for an actor. You’ll practice your scenes during rehearsals with the rest of the cast, but you should also set aside plenty of time to practice by yourself. When working your way through the script, try to commit the lines of other actors to memory, as these serve as cues for letting you know when to deliver your own lines.

You can practice monologues by yourself, but it’s also helpful to deliver them in front of family and friends. This provides practice speaking to an audience.

Receive and Apply Feedback

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced actor, it's essential to be receptive to feedback. Embracing and applying feedback can help you grow as an actor.

As a new actor, be mindful of some common mistakes. If you do make these mistakes, try to turn them into a learning experience and then move on.

Overacting Versus Natural Performance

Overacting is a common beginners’ mistake. It’s characterized by forced, disingenuous emotions and excessive physical motions. An overacting actor playing a character frustrated by another character’s tardiness, for example, might throw up their hands dramatically, yell and stomp around the room. In reality, tardiness is rarely cause for such dramatic displays.

Instead, ground your acting in the moment. Try to use natural human speech patterns, show emotions more subtly and use pauses or silence as tools for conveying frustration or incredulity.

Breaking Character and Losing Focus

It’s important not to let your mind wander during a rehearsal or performance. If you suddenly have trouble with your character, try to focus on a physical action rather than an emotion. If you or a scene partner makes a mistake, such as dropping a prop, react to it as your character would instead of breaking character.

The College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of fine arts degrees for creative students. Apply today for enrollment in the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama degree program and practice the craft of acting. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about joining our faith-based learning community.