There are many times that as an actor you must portray a character in a setting that has challenging physical conditions. For example, you may be in a comfortably heated theater, but your character is stuck in the middle of a field where temperatures are close to freezing and all you have on is a light jacket.
Playing your character based on “his” physical and environmental conditions can be extremely challenging as actors tend to over-exaggerate the “conditions” while simultaneously foregoing the purpose of the scene, which isn’t to describe how cold it is, but what the character must do in order to survive.
This acting exercise is designed to help teach actors how to perform based on environmental conditions without losing the purpose of a scene due to over-acting the elements.
Guidelines
Below is an example of this exercise. Feel free to create your own example, or use the one I’ve provided. This exercise involves one actor; however, it may be adjusted for two or more actors. The actor cannot speak, but rather relies on his body to convey his internal thoughts and physical actions.
Instead of isolating the environmental condition, or the “cold,” the actor should concentrate on the activities listed within the scene.
The Start
· Actor is carrying a bag and a fold-up chair, walking quickly to find the ideal location within the park. It’s is extremely hot outside. · Actor finds the perfect spot in the park. · Actor sets down his bag, and unfolds his chair. · Actor sits on the chair as quickly as possible to help reduce the intensity of the heat.
The Middle
· Actor notices a few people playing football. · Actor squints to watch them play for a few minutes. · Actor rubs his eyes from the brightness of the sun. · Actor looks through his bag to find his sunglasses. · Actor puts on the sunglasses and watches the men playing football for a few more seconds. · Actor become thirsty, and pulls his jug of water out of his bag. · Actor takes a long drink.
The End
· Actor places his water jug down. · Actor looks around the park, noticing the herds of people walking dogs, talking with friends and lounging. · Actor takes a book out of his bag. · Thirsty, again, actor takes another big gulp of his water. · Actor realizes that he could get sunburned, so takes sunscreen out of his bag and applies it to his arms and face. · Actor places sunscreen back in his bag. · Actor gets more comfortable · Actor picks up the book · Actor begins reading the book
Throughout the scene, the actor must not forget that it is extremely hot outside, but his concentration must be on the actual movements within the scene. Like in real life, when you’re outside and its hot, you recognize the heat, acknowledge it, and continue on with your desired actions regardless of the uncomfortable nature of the heat.