An actor needs to be able to play a variety of characters, all with different traits and personalities. Practice adapting a persona with games and exercises. Write the names of well-known characters on index cards. Draw a card and play the character for one minute. The characters can include anyone from historical figures like Julius Caesar, celebrities like "The Rock" and fictional characters such as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz." Provide a broad sampling of characters to invoke a wide range of acting and personalities.
Improvisation is a useful technique for actors to familiarize themselves with. As a performer, things may happen during live performances that require you to think on your feet. Improvisation skills can also assist you in adding personal touches to scripted work during rehearsals, which can enhance the overall performance. Build upon the character exercise described in the previous section by adding elements of improvisation to the exercise. After each person draws a character card, call out various activities to them, such as grocery shopping, surfing and riding a bus. They must then act out the activities while staying in character.
Memorizing lines and saying them clearly are two essential skills for an actor. Strengthening memorization skills enables you to learn lines for auditions and productions more easily and quickly. Practicing speech projection and diction makes your lines more powerful and professional. Practice tongue twisters to help strengthen your pronunciation skills. Rehearse a sample script daily to help accustom your brain to absorbing and remembering lines. After learning one character's part in the script, start over and learn another. Return to the original character after the second part is mastered to see how much you remember. Relearn any lines that you forgot.
Starting each acting lesson, audition, rehearsal or performance by engaging your body can help you be more energetic and connected to the role. Prior to performing, stretch your muscles and get your heart rate up with simple exercises like jumping jacks or push-ups. Monitor your breathing as you exercise and during the resting periods between exertions. This can help you to center yourself in the role and the task at hand. Perform yoga moves or engage in a few minutes of meditation prior to your acting session. Attend dance lessons, such as ballet or contemporary dance, to help you to become more in touch with your body and movements.