Posts Tagged ‘Drama’

10 Ideas for Making Your Own Character in Theatre

Friday, January 19th, 2024

Making and playing a character is one of the most exciting parts of acting training and being a part of a theatre school. One day, you’re a superhero whose mission is to save the world, and the next, you’re playing a wicked witch with a wonderfully scary laugh. There are countless ways to develop your character in theatre, but it can be difficult for an aspiring actor to know where to start. To give you some ideas, this post highlights some of the best ideas to improve your characterisation in drama. 

1. Look for Clues in the Script

When you start making a character, your first step should be to read through your script in detail. The script will help you discover facts about your character, such as their name, age, where they live, and their relationships with other characters. Look out for what your character says about themselves and what they say about others. This will help you to understand their thoughts, feelings, and personality. 

You should also think about the role your character plays in the story. Are they a hero or a villain? In storytelling, 12 archetypal characters commonly feature in literature, film or theatre. From the lover to the warrior, each character has its own strengths, weaknesses and characteristics that make them unique. Try to understand which of the 12 archetypes best fits your character and how you can lean into this.

2. Connect with Your Character

One of the best ways to develop your character is to try to connect with them. In a notebook, write down the information about the character you learned from the script, such as their backstory, age, personality, and beliefs. Then, see if you can relate to anything you’ve written down. For example, perhaps you are in the same school year as your character, or you have the same favourite food. Maybe you both have the same number of siblings or have similar morals and values. Thinking about this can make you feel more confident about portraying your character. If you went through a similar experience to that of your character, consider how you felt and how it affected you afterwards, and draw on that experience for inspiration.

3. Create a Character CV

Using the notes you made on the script, you can create a character CV similar to that used by people applying for a job. Use this format to write about your character’s history, strengths and weaknesses. There may well be information the script doesn’t provide, such as details of your character’s past, but this is a great opportunity to create these for yourself. Thinking creatively about your character and coming up with new details can help you to understand their thoughts, feelings, and personality.

It’s important to note that your character CV doesn’t need to remain the same throughout your acting project. You should feel free to make changes, remove details or add new information while rehearsing and learning more about the story.

4. Explore Using Props

a child using props for acting

Props can be a valuable tool for developing and portraying a character. Not only do they help you discover your character’s personality and background, but they can also help you get into the right mindset when the time comes to take to the stage. For example, where would Dorothy be without her ruby slippers and Toto? You don’t need to leave them to the side until opening night; utilising props during script-reading sessions, acting classes, and rehearsals can help you to get in and out of character quickly while acting.

5. Consider Character Traits

As human beings, we all have certain habits, little things we do that are just “us”. Your character will have these, too. Characterisation in drama is all about deciding on traits unique to your character. Ask yourself how they laugh, walk, sit, stand, eat, and sleep, and feel free to experiment. You should explore including whichever traits make the most sense to you and allow yourself to have fun playing your character.

 

Is your child interested in learning to dance, act, and sing? Discover the term dates at Spotlights Theatre School.

6. Think About Your Character’s “Why”

In every well-written story, each character has a “why”. This is their motivation for behaving the way they do or responding to their surroundings in a certain way. It also helps to explain the part they play in the story. When making your character, write down the reasons you think they might have for acting the way they do. What’s their end goal? What do they want to achieve by the end of the story and beyond? Your answers could be anything from finding fame and fortune to taking revenge on someone who hurt them. 

Once you’ve decided what your character’s “why” is, use this to fuel your performance. It should always be in the back of your mind, helping you to stay true to the person you’re portraying and ensuring your responses to events are consistent and make sense to the audience. 

7. Base Your Character on Someone You Know

Johnny Depp is famous for basing his characters on other famous people. For example, his portrayal of “Pirates of the Caribbean” hero Captain Jack Sparrow is heavily influenced by Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones. This characterisation method can be a great way to build up your character’s traits and personality, especially if you’re struggling with generating ideas. If you find a celebrity particularly engaging or entertaining, perhaps you can incorporate their behaviours into your character. You could also base your character on a friend or family member who inspires you.

8. Set Some Obstacles

Every person experiences hardships in life, and your character is no different. Thinking about the obstacles they have faced in their life and challenges that could come up in the future could not only give you ideas about your character’s motivations, but also their beliefs and personality. Put yourself into your character’s shoes, and think about what obstacles they might have had to overcome previously.

 

If you’re struggling for ideas, try to find a well-known person who is similar to your character, and research their background. What struggles have they overcome? Let this knowledge inspire you.

9. Ask People around You

Sometimes, the best way to get feedback on a character is to ask others. It’s easy to overthink and make the character too complex, so seeking an outside opinion can be a great way to refresh your thinking. Sit down with a friend, family member or fellow actor and tell them what the script says about your character, and then ask what they think their main personality traits might be. They might propose a detail you hadn’t considered or lead to tackling your characterisation from a new perspective.

10. Develop Your Voice

Lastly, deciding on the character’s voice early can be a great way to build their personality. Depending on where the story takes place, they will have an accent; you can use videos and recordings of people from that location to learn the specific dialect and slang. In addition to this, make a note of the character’s age, as this will impact the way they speak. If you’re playing a comedic character, you can have lots of fun with the way they express the dialogue in the script. In contrast, if you’re playing a more serious or shy character, it might be more appropriate to adopt a more reserved way of speaking. The best approach is to experiment and see what works. Whatever you decide, consistency is key — ensure your speaking style is the same throughout the story. 

Learn to Make a Character in Theatre

As you can see, you can use many different techniques to develop a character in drama. From choosing props to embracing their background, the possibilities are endless for making a character your own. It’s important to draw on various different characterisation methods, and you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment. 

If you’re a parent and your child is interested in acting, the prospect of helping them develop their drama skills and achieve their dreams can be daunting. A theatre school offers the perfect opportunity for them to gain confidence, make friends with other aspiring performers, and learn from experts in drama. So, what are you waiting for? We’re ready to welcome you and your young superstar and help them to achieve their dreams.

Contact us and book a free trial class today.

Spotlight on… Jade our ‘Marketing Assistant’

Thursday, March 5th, 2020

My Spotlights journey began in 2012, and it has truly been the best thing to of happened to me! Little did I know that 8 years on I would be completing my university placement working at the Spotlights office as a ‘Marketing Assistant’.

I first joined Spotlights in 2012, I had been looking for a theatre school to join in my local area. I originally joined another stage school as my friend was already a student, but I left just after 5 months. I felt that no one was really given a fair chance when it came to castings for productions. When I attended my trial Spotlights immediately felt like a family environment. I really admired how at Spotlights everyone is given an equal chance, no matter your age you were always given your own part together with your own dialogue.

Looking back, my favourite Spotlights memory has to be when I was cast as Nancy in the 2013 production of ‘Oliver’. Since it was in my first term at Spotlights, I never thought I would be cast as the lead. I absolutely loved the production and performing my solo. ‘Oliver’ will have always have a special place in my heart. After leaving Spotlights at the age of 16 I later completed some work experience assisting in the Saturday Little Stars classes. Initially I wanted to add some experience to my CV and what better way to do so by shadowing a class. I learnt more about how the Little Stars perform shows every term which helps them grow in confidence.  After about 6 months I was then asked to become an Assistant Little Stars Teacher I absolutely loved seeing the imagination of the 4-6 year old’s, and not to mention their infectious energy and enthusiasm too!

During my time at Spotlights, I have also assisted at many Summer Schools including, ‘Trolls, Sing and Toy Story 4’. Looking back, I think ‘Trolls’ was one of my favorites the children were so excited about performing the show. They already knew the lyrics to all the songs before we had even started learning them on the first day!!

I’m now in my third-year studying ‘Media and Communication’ at Bournemouth University. I‘m currently on my placement at Spotlights as a ‘Marketing Assistant’ which I’m absolutely loving!. Some of my responsibilities include writing copy for promotional material, scheduling social media posts, writing weekly blog posts and other general admin. My placement enables me to gain experience, putting my learning into a professional environment.

Lastly my advice to anyone thinking about joining a performing arts school, is to just go for it. Attending a new class can be scary especially stepping out of your comfort zone. Spotlights is run by professional and friendly teachers that will be sure to make you feel at ease, at Spotlights every student is valued, and no one is overlooked.

If you would like to find out more about our classes and how we help students realise their potential please get in touch.

Drama Scholarship: Lauren’s Journey

Tuesday, February 25th, 2020

In the vibrant world of performing arts, success stories often begin with a spark of passion and a supportive community. For Spotlights student Lauren, her journey from a nervous 4-year-old in her first Little Stars class to a recipient of a drama scholarship at St Dunstan’s College is a testament to dedication, talent, and the invaluable guidance of her Spotlights family.

Early Inspiration:

Lauren’s love for the performing arts ignited at a young age, thanks to her parents exposing her to the magic of theatre and playing Les Misérables CDs during car rides. Enchanted by the world of performance, she eagerly sought ways to bring the stories and melodies she loved to life.

Spotlights Debut:

At the tender age of 4, Lauren took her first steps onto the Spotlights stage. Initially nervous, her fears quickly dissipated as she discovered a warm and welcoming environment. The friendly faces and supportive atmosphere helped her forget her anxiety, setting the stage for what would become a transformative journey.

Versatility in Disciplines:

One of the unique aspects of Spotlights is its comprehensive approach to performing arts, encompassing drama, dance, and singing. When asked about her favourite discipline, Lauren’s response reflects the dynamic nature of her interests. “I don’t really have a favourite discipline, it changes every time!” she exclaims, showcasing her versatile and open-minded approach to the various facets of performance.

Memorable Highlights:

Looking back on her time at Spotlights, Lauren fondly recalls the exhilaration of participating in productions like Grease and Matilda. These experiences, shared with friends who share her passion, created lasting memories and fuelled her desire to pursue a future in the performing arts.

Navigating the Drama Scholarship Process:

As Lauren transitioned to secondary school, the pursuit of a drama scholarship became a significant milestone. She shares insights into the application process, involving writing summaries of her performance experiences, obtaining references, and delivering monologues including a challenging monologue from ‘Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Spotlights played a crucial role, providing exceptional training and invaluable support from Faye, who offered advice, feedback, and even wrote a reference for Lauren.

Considering Secondary Schools:

Lauren carefully considered multiple schools for their drama programmes, ultimately narrowing down her choices to JAGs, Bromley High, Newstead Wood, Colfes, and St Dunstan’s College. Bromley High and St Dunstan’s stood out due to their diverse offerings in drama, dance, and musical productions.

Securing a Drama Scholarship:

Lauren’s dedication and talent were recognized as she received drama scholarship offers from Bromley High, Colfes, and her chosen destination, St Dunstan’s. The decision to attend St Dunstan’s was solidified after witnessing captivating production photos and participating in an audition workshop that resonated with her passion for the arts.

Life as a Drama Scholar:

Being a drama scholar at St Dunstan’s involves active participation in numerous productions, assisting in auditioning new potential scholars, and engaging in theatre trips and meetings. Lauren’s involvement in productions like School of Rock, Billy Elliot, and High School Musical showcases her commitment to the craft.

Advice for Aspiring Drama Scholars:

Lauren encourages other families considering a drama scholarship to seize the opportunity. Her advice is straightforward: “Definitely go for it! Everyone, including the schools, wants you to succeed and is interested in everything you have to offer. The workshops are great audition and performance practice, no matter the outcome!”

Future Aspirations:

Looking ahead, Lauren dreams of attending drama college and pursuing a career in theatre and film performance professionally. Her journey from a Spotlights beginner to a drama scholar is a source of inspiration for aspiring young performers, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and a supportive community.

Lauren’s success story is a shining example of the transformative power of performing arts education. Spotlights Theatre School, with its nurturing environment and dedicated instructors, played a pivotal role in shaping Lauren’s journey. As she continues to shine on the stage at St Dunstan’s College, the spotlight remains firmly on her, illuminating the path for others with similar dreams and aspirations in the captivating world of performing arts.

If you would like to find out more about our classes and how we help students realise their potential please get in touch.

We offer a no obligation free trial class for new faces. Please check our list of classes for availability at a session near you. We hope you see you and your child soon.

Spotlight on… Tierney Our Little Stars Assistant Teacher

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

This week we caught up with Tierney, one of our Little Stars Assistant Teachers to hear more about what first attracted her to Spotlights, her favourite memory from being a student and her favourite aspect about teaching our Little Stars!

What first attracted you to spotlights when you joined as a student?
I was looking for a performing arts school and a friend introduced me to Spotlights – it was love at first sight! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and the lessons were so engaging so I signed up straight away!‘.

Favorite memory of being a student at Spotlights?

My favourite memory as a student was performing ‘Bugsy Malone’ at Langley Park centre for performing arts – what a great theatre. It was my first time being cast as the lead; ‘Blousey Brown’ I was so excited to perform my solo song ‘I’m feeling fine’. The atmosphere was amazing, and it was lovely how all the different age groups throughout Spotlights came together and worked so well as a team within the production.’

What do you think the benefits of the performing arts are for children?

I think the performing arts at Spotlights helps children to venture out of their comfort zones and make lots of new friends in a fun and safe environment. The friendly and talented teachers help the children to develop their skills and all of this helps to grow the students’ confidence.’

Favorite aspect about teaching Little Stars?

The most rewarding aspect of being an assistant teacher at Spotlights is seeing the students’ progress over the course of the term. I personally love watching individual students grow in confidence and try new things and it’s amazing to be able to help them do that. I always get a great buzz from the Little Stars end of term performances!‘.

If you would like to find out more about our classes and how we help students realise their potential please get in touch.

Autumn term classes for 7-16 year olds

Thursday, September 26th, 2019

Autumn Term classes for 7-16 Year Olds

It’s the start of a new term at Spotlights.  That means for our students in Stars 1,2&3 (age 7-16) it’s time to develop new skills and techniques in drama, dance and singing.  At the end of this term they will present a showcase of class work to family and friends.

We are now working on an exciting mix of musical theatre numbers as well as the latest pop songs and street dance tracks.  In drama we are working on some classic scripts and every child will have a part to play.

This term is a great opportunity for existing students to get their skills up to the next level.  For new students it’s really exciting to see how much they can pick up in a short time when they present their classwork at the end of term showcase.

If you would like to find out more about our classes are how we help students realise their potential please get in touch.

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory for 4-6 year olds

Thursday, September 26th, 2019

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for 4-6 Year Olds

Every term our pupils age 4-6 at our Little Stars classes take part in a mini-musical.

This autumn term our Little Stars will be having an adventure with Charlie, Willy Wonka  and all their friends.

They will be introduced to the characters in this story by our amazing teachers through fun games and drama techniques.  As the weeks progress, all the kids will have the chance to learn funky dance routines and songs from this classic tale.

Every child has a part to play with their own script and lines of dialogue.  At the end of the term family and friends are invited to come and watch an awesome show.  We provide the kids with a costume that’s just right for them and their character.

If you would like your child to take part in our next mini-musical project please get in touch to arrange a free trial class.

Mary Poppins summer workshop for 7-16 year olds

Friday, May 17th, 2019

Mary Poppins summer workshop for 7-16 year olds

This summer holiday we invite your child to take part in our Mary Poppins workshop for 7-16 year olds.

Our summer workshop is an exciting mix of drama, dance and singing taught by our professional team.

On the last day of the workshop your child will perform a costumed mini musical based on this classic story.

The workshop runs from 9:30am to 3:00pm each day.

We are in West Wickham from 29th July to 2nd August

We are in Orpington from 5th August to 9th August

The price is only £125 for the week (£90 for siblings).

Please get in touch to book your child’s place.

 

Toy Story summer workshop for 4-6 year olds

Friday, May 17th, 2019

Toy Story summer workshop for 4-6 year olds

This summer holiday we invite your child to take part in our Toy Story workshop for 4-6 year olds.

A whole week of fun where they will meet Woody, Buzz, Jessie and all their friends.  Our summer holiday workshop is an exciting mix of drama, dance and singing taught by our professional team.

On the last day of the workshop your child will perform a costumed mini musical based on this lively story and its colourful characters.

The workshop runs from 9:30am to 12:30pm each day.

We are in West Wickham from 29th July to 2nd August

We are in Orpington from 5th August to 9th August

The price is only £75 for the week (£55 for siblings).

Please get in touch to book your child’s place.

 

Peter Pan for 4-6 year olds

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Peter Pan for 4-6 Year Olds

Every term our pupils age 4-6 at our Little Stars classes take part in a mini-musical.

This summer term our Little Stars will be having an adventure in Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy, and all their friends.

They will be introduced to the characters in this story by our amazing teachers through fun games and drama techniques.  As the weeks progress, all the kids will have the chance to learn funky dance routines and songs from this classic tale.

Every child has a part to play with their own script and lines of dialogue.  At the end of the term family and friends are invited to come and watch an awesome show.  We provide the kids with a costume that’s just right for them and their character.

If you would like your child to take part in our next mini-musical project please get in touch to arrange a free trial class.

 

Summertime classes for 7-16 year olds

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Summertime classes for 7-16 Year Olds

It’s summertime at Spotlights.  That means for our students in Stars 1,2&3 (age 7-16) it’s time to try out new skills and techniques in drama, dance and singing.  There is no pressure of a show this summer term so it’s time to get creative with our class content.

We are now working on the absolute freshest material from artists such as Rag’n’Bone Man and Calvin Harris in singing; Zookeper in dance and movie scripts from Hollywood blockbusters in drama.

We change up the content every few weeks in each class to keep everyone excited about the next mini project.

This term is a great opportunity for our students and teachers to try out new techniques.  Some examples include a “hot seating” technique in drama.  This allows every child the opportunity to develop a character from a script.  The character is brought alive away from the dialogue that is set in the script.  Each student can make the character their own and this develops their confidence in performance.

In singing, we are focusing on solos and duets and some beautiful harmonies in class groups.  We have even found that without the pressure of performing to an outside audience some of the shyer singers are happy to try solo singing.  We will encourage those individuals and maybe they will sing a solo in their next show to family and friends.

In dance, the students are learning how to dance as an ensemble which requires teamwork.  Individually each student is being encouraged to perfect their own street dance technique.  Our professional choreographer is putting together some dances with a street attitude.  We are looking forward to developing these techniques further ready for our next showcase at the end of the year.

If you would like to find out more about our classes are how we help students realise their potential please get in touch.