Actor Preparation Over Winter Break
You may certainly work with the current draft, but when new scripts are published around 1/27, it will be important to do a few things...or nine. :)
ONE
Read your play carefully and look closely at your dialogue. What are the things you say that are particularly informative about your character...lines that give you an anchor - a strong foundation on which you can develop your full transformation.
TWO
What are the things other characters say about you? How does their perception help inform your characterization?
THREE
What are aspects of the character that are very much like you?
What are aspects that are very much different?
Think about these things both psychologically and physically.
FOUR
Find a piece of music that helps you to transform into character.
Is this a song that would be the "soundtrack of their life"?
Is this a song they would simply love to listen to?
Is this a song that simply helps you find the "feel"?
All of the above?
All are valid.
FIVE
Find a particular gesture - something physical that helps you transform. If you were to repeat this gesture over and over - for a minute or so...would it help you drop into character?
SIX
What is the secret your character holds that no one else knows? - not the other characters and not the audience.
SEVEN
If your character were an animal, what animal would they be?
EIGHT
If your character were an inanimate object, what object would they be?
NINE
What is your character's favorite season and why?
Please journal about these things...keep good notes...come into January rehearsals having done some solid preparation.
