Calling upon past memories in order to help shape the emotional detail of a character is a common advanced acting technique stage and screen actors utilize. This method of transforming into a character has been popularized by acting coaches utilizing the Stanislavski acting methods; however, many actors have a difficult time truly understanding how to reconstruct their past experiences in order to uncover the physical memories that will trigger emotional responses.
The advanced acting exercise, “Reconstruction” is designed to help actors practice the mental process required to bring back physical memories of a past experience.
This advanced acting exercise may be done alone, or in a classroom setting. At first you may find that this exercise is difficult to truly engage in; however, over time you’ll understand the small complexities that accompany this exercise.
Selecting a Past Experience
To begin this exercise, you must first select a past experience to reconstruct. You may choose any experience, or you may select an experience that coincides with a particular scene you’re preparing for. No matter what, make sure that you select an experience that is at least three years old in order to be able to objectively review this experience without your emotions taking over.
Reconstructing the Experience
After you’ve selected an experience, you must then go through the process of reconstructing the experience within your mind before physically acting out the experience. Sit down, close your eyes and imagine yourself in this experience. What does the room look like? What is the temperature? Are you alone or are you with a relative, friend, enemy, etc.? What are your thoughts?
Physically Acting Out the Experience
Once you have mentally reconstructed the experience, you must then engage in physically acting out the experience. Feel free to use words; however, you must always engage in key actions that trigger an emotional response. These actions must be the ones that you remember most from the experience.
After some time, you will notice that by simply performing the actions and repeating the words that are associated with this experience, your emotions will automatically come forth. Don’t be surprised if you begin crying, laughing or become angry. However, make sure you release these emotions at the end of the exercise. Remember: you are reconstructing a past experience not to bring yourself suffering, but to gain a better understanding of your emotions and how these emotions may be tapped into to create a vivid and dimensional character.