Seung Ah Lee/Assignment writing 3/ Thur 34

Preparation for a part in a play

        Have you even seen a play? Or have you ever been on a stage? As an audience, we simply sit down and passively accept what is given to us. On the other hand, being on a stage and acting takes so much more effort and preparation. Especially when you are in a play, it is not a single-person performance. Whether you are given a trivial or a main role, it is necessary to have full preparation prior to going on a stage having the audience at the front. Here are three basic stages to go through to get ready for a role in a play: reading the script, analyzing the character, and rehearsing. 

        First and foremost, what you need to do is to read the script as many times as possible. What I mean is that reading the script helps your understanding of the background setting, story line and messages the author tries to deliver. In order for you to be prepared for a part in a play, you need to know exactly what is going on with the characters and why certain events are happening. Better understanding of the situation directly leads to better acting. It is the only way to get to know about other characters as well. Also, reading script as much as possible help you automatically remember your line since the flow of the story is in your head. Thus, at the first stage of preparing for a role in a play, you are strongly recommended to read the script as many times as possible.

In addition to the script reading, you need to study the character in depth. In other words, you should try your best to pay attention to the character not to miss out any details. For example, you watch and listen the way how the character talks, makes movements or gestures, makes facial expressions, dresses, or walks. It is of importance to make yourself as close as possible to the character both physically and emotionally. While preparing for the part in a play, you'd better put yourself into the character's shoes and try to think, talk and behave the same way. Full understanding of the character makes you the person who you are acting for. Then, naturally you are perfectly mingled in the play from the views' perspectives.

Last of all, based on the work you have done from the first and second stage, practice with on your own and with other actors. As you may already know, "practice makes perfect." At the last stage, all you need to do is to apply what you have studied and acquired from the previous two stages. Showing it and producing is far more crucial that having something in your head and mind. You need to be able to act out naturally so that the audience can be engrossed in the play as if it's real. What is also essential is to have good teamwork. Being a part of play require a great deal of cooperation with other colleagues. Thus, you need to rehearse before going on a stage. 

       Following the three steps- script reading, character analysis, and rehearsal will prepare you well enough for an actor or an actress on a stage. As acting is all about looking natural though it is not, a great deal of preparation is prerequisite. Without such efforts, you do not deserve a big hand from the audience!