The Actors: Becoming Their Roles or Not?

The question often arises whether actors truly become the characters they portray during performances. This process can vary significantly depending on the individual actor's techniques and methods. Here, we explore several key approaches that actors use to embody their characters and the extent to which these techniques lead to the actors becoming their roles.

Method Acting

One of the most well-known techniques is method acting, popularized by Lee Strasberg among others. This approach encourages actors to deeply immerse themselves into their characters, often drawing on their own emotions and experiences. Actors may adopt the character's mannerisms, thought processes, and even lifestyle to create a more authentic performance. The deep psychological and emotional connection required by this technique can be so intense that actors might find it challenging to return fully to their everyday lives, as evidenced by the case of Jack Lemmon after his Oscar-winning performance in 'Save The Tiger'. Such intense role immersion often necessitates professional counseling to help actors separate from their characters.

Character Acting

Other actors focus more on the external aspects of their characters, such as physical appearance, voice, and behavior. They may not delve deeply into the characters' emotional or psychological aspects but still aim to portray the character convincingly. This technique is more focused on the tangible and observable traits of the character, making it a more controlled and less emotionally demanding method. However, it still requires a good understanding of the character's behavior and actions.

The Stanislavski System

The Stanislavski System, developed by Konstantin Stanislavski, emphasizes emotional truth and realistic portrayal but does not necessarily require complete immersion. Instead, it encourages actors to connect with their characters' motivations and objectives, fostering a more genuine and believable performance. This method places a strong emphasis on the internal life of the character, making the performance more authentic and relatable to the audience.

Improvisation

Improvisation is another technique that actors can use to bring spontaneity to their performances. This allows their characters to evolve organically during the acting process, adding a layer of unpredictability and authenticity to the role. While this can enhance the realness of the performance, it also requires a high level of adaptability and mental flexibility from the actor. Improvisation is often seen in ensemble and comedic pieces, where the ability to react quickly to unexpected situations can be crucial.

Preparation and Research

Much of the success of an actor's portrayal comes from thorough preparation and research. Many actors invest significant time in researching their characters' backgrounds, motivations, and contexts. This helps them understand and portray their roles more effectively. Thorough research not only enhances the authenticity of the performance but also builds a foundation of confidence and clarity for the actor as they step into their character's shoes.

The Balance Between In-Character and Out-Character

Ultimately, the degree to which an actor becomes their character varies based on personal style, the demands of the role, and the specific production. While some actors may become deeply connected to their characters during performances, others maintain a clearer distinction. The key is often finding the right balance between the emotional and psychological immersion required for the role and the practical considerations of performing in front of an audience.

Behind-the-Scenes of Character Emersion

Even when they are able to fully immerse themselves in a character, actors still have responsibilities to the performance. On stage, there are many technical aspects to be aware of, including the movements of other actors, the positioning of scenery and props, technical lighting, and the cues from the stage manager. One memorable example occurred during a solo number in a stage production, where an audience member at the back of the hall collapsed. The actor had to manage the potential distraction caused by the rescue effort, ensuring that the audience remained focused on the performance. Mastering the art of balancing the demands of the role and the demands of the performance is a significant challenge for every actor.