Dramatic acting – these two words conjure up images of actors on stage or on the screen crying, yelling and exposing raw emotions for the entertainment of others. For many actors, playing dramatic roles can be challenging as these roles require you to be in touch with certain emotions that can be challenging and uncomfortable to convey. Throughout my time as an actor, I have learned that one of the easiest ways to get into a dramatic mindset and deliver an honest performance is to use mantras.
Ah, mantras. While you may associate this word with monks who sit atop mountains and to create a sense of calm and peace, a mantra may be used to invoke your character and draw upon the true emotions found within a scene.
Mantras in dramatic acting are referring to the subtext of a scene. Subtext in this manner is defined as the silent conversation occurring between you and the other characters. The subtext of a scene is what is happening in your mind, and what is fueling the words coming out of your mouth.
In everyday life, we are continually using mantras to convey our emotions, or hide them. Think about when you were talking with a soon-to-be ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend. While you were saying one thing, you mind was screaming something else. You may be acting calm on the outside, but you’re crying on the inside. For example, you tell your ex-boyfriend, “I’m fine with what you did.” But on the inside you’re saying, “How could you do this to me? Don’t you think about anyone else but yourself? You’re selfish. I hate you right now.”
When you’re acting within a dramatic scene it is important that you use mantras when you’re delivering any line – especially moments of extreme drama. For example, you’re involved in a scene where you’re fighting with your mother. Your internal mantra could be “How dare you say that?” or “I’m so annoyed with you.” Or, “You’ve never understood me, and I resent you for that.”
Establishing a subtext, or mantra, within your performance will enhance the realism within your performance without having to put in extra effort. This is an effective means of conveying a natural and believable performance.