Imitation is a form of flattery, but in the performing arts, it is much more than that. Actors and performers draw on their own personal experiences and observations of the world around them to create characters that are truthful, believable, and relatable. Imitation is one of the key ways that actors embody the characters they play.
Observing People
Many actors spend time watching people in different settings such as coffee shops, parks, and train stations. They pay close attention to how people walk, talk, gesture and interact with each other. Actors study the nuances of human behavior, such as the way someone might twitch their nose when lying or scratch their head when they're nervous.
Imitation vs. Mimicry:
Imitation should not be confused with mimicry, simply imitating how someone talks or walks. Acting is a lot more than doing a perfect imitation of another person. It is about understanding the character's motivations and intentions, and using those insights to inform the choices you make as an actor.
- Understanding motivations: Actors must understand why their characters do the things they do. This involves getting into the character's head and understanding their desires, fears, and dreams. Actors might also explore the character's back story to develop a richer and more detailed understanding of their character
- Embodying the character: Once an actor understands the character's motivations, they must embody the character both physically and emotionally. This might involve adopting the character's posture, gestures, and speech patterns. Actors might also work with costume and makeup to help them embody the character's physical appearance.
Here are some specific techniques actors use to imitate real people:
* Observing people: Actors often spend time people-watching in order to get a sense of how real people move, talk, and interact with each other. They may pay attention to specific details, such as the way a person walks, gestures with their hands, or makes facial expressions.
* Researching: Actors may also do research on the person they are imitating, in order to learn more about their background, personality, and motivations. This can help them to develop a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of the person.
* Rehearsing: Actors will rehearse their imitations multiple times in order to get them just right. They may practice in front of a mirror or with a coach, and they may record themselves and watch it back to see what they can improve.
* Giving it their own spin: While actors strive to imitate real people, they also need to bring their own unique interpretation to the role. This can involve adding their own personal touches to the character, or making choices that highlight the character's strengths and weaknesses.