Reflections on Poorly Written Scenes: Challenges for Actors

As a seasoned actor, I have encountered numerous challenges in my career, particularly when dealing with poorly written scenes and characters. These experiences have often pushed me to my limits, requiring extensive creativity and skill to make sense of and breathe life into characters and situations that left much to be desired. In this article, we will explore a few instances where the written material was so sparse and confusing that acting became an arduous task.

Professional Theatre in Trenton, New Jersey

Years ago, I was part of a professional theatre company in Trenton, New Jersey, which aimed to bring culturally rich productions to the area. Despite the support from neighboring areas like Princeton, the company faced significant financial challenges that ultimately led to its dissolution. One of our final productions was a faux-Shakespearean adaptation of the Sacco-Vanzetti case titled Winterset, a notably dense and pretentious play.

In one of the scenes, I was cast as the character of Piny. However, I found myself utterly clueless about who this character was. The written material was so vague and confusing that it made the acting process almost impossible. This experience highlighted the importance of clear and well-defined characters in a script, as they serve as the foundation for bringing a role to life.

Introduction to the Character of Piny

The character of Piny in Winterset was poorly written and lacked any substantive depth. The script provided precious little information about Piny's background, motivations, or actions. This made it incredibly difficult to bring a coherent and meaningful performance to the stage. The absence of clear narrative and character development in this scene is a common problem in poorly written scripts, and it highlights the importance of detailed and well-rounded characters for actors.

The Audition for Teenage Vampires

Another experience that stands out was during an audition for a role as a teenage vampire in a script written entirely in Los Angeles. The audition was held in the actor's apartment, where I had to sit on their sofa to deliver the lines. The scene was an absolute nightmare, and it was the worst I had ever encountered. The dialogue was lacking in substance, making it challenging to create a believable and engaging performance. I could not help but worry if the writer might be a potential danger, acting as if sitting in his apartment could be my introduction to the "vampire species."

The script for the teenage vampire scene was so disjointed and confusing that there was no opportunity to craft a believable character. The dialogue failed to establish any context or motivation for the character, making the entire scene feel disjointed and incoherent. This kind of scene not only challenges the actor but also the writer, who is responsible for creating a coherent narrative and believable characters.

The audition gone wrong

On another occasion, I auditioned for a commercial script that was particularly challenging. The script was so poorly written that it was almost impossible to extract any meaning or coherence from the lines. I read the script in several different ways in my head, hoping to find some semblance of a story or character, but to no avail. Despite my efforts, there was not a single line that sounded even remotely convincing or relatable.

This experience underscores the critical importance of clear and concise writing in scripts. Properly crafted lines and scenes are essential for actors to deliver a believable and engaging performance. Poorly written scripts not only hinder the actor's ability to interpret a character but also detract from the overall quality of the production.

In conclusion, poorly written scenes and characters are a significant challenge for actors. These challenges not only impact the actor's ability to deliver a performance but also the overall quality of the production. Clear and well-defined characters, coherent dialogue, and a well-structured narrative are crucial for creating a memorable and engaging act. As actors, we rely on our creativity and skill to overcome these obstacles, but it is essential for writers to provide a solid foundation that actors can build upon.