Def: Skill set
How you do something or how you act.
Although these first 4 Principles seem quite in-depth, we are only taking in to account 20% of a planned performance however it is probably the most important as it is the foundation on which the rest of your skill set will lay on
(Like a skyscraper sits on incredibly strong foundations and without it will fall over with a strong gust of wind).
By using this metaphor we can associate the strong wind as opposite actor or cast and even the Film Director.
Before practising your defined skill set there is a basic requirement.
Connecting with your lines. This could quite easily be Principle number. 1 but now you have the knowledge of the first 2 Principles, you can begin to assess the words as you learn them in your creation of your character with Archetype and Energy placement.
With regards to your script dialogue, we advise to keep saying and repeating them in different rhythms until you feel satisfied you know them. This would also be the same for the other dialogue that doesn't belong to you as a defined percentage of your performance will be what you are doing when your character is listening. Acting is also reacting.
Paul J Lane explores "You Can't See Yourself In The Room" & Pace
There are many basic ways to mark your script in terms of defining pauses, being louder or quieter however this would be your own personality calculating how to deliver the words on the page.
This can be done within the process of learning the script (Words DNA) but would make more sense to create this once your character has been established.
The main reason for this relates to the meaning behind each delivered word and sentence.
This can be done after character creation which will establish inner thoughts (prethoughts and afterthoughts) before and after speaking and during listening which in itself is an additional script crafted by you as your character.
Once this is established you can go to work. when this happens our terminology reference is "The lines / dialogue are now in our DNA"
If you struggle with "knowing your lines" one handy tip is to establish a picture or painting in your mind around the words that you read either as a tool to remember or actual character memory you would like to establish.
Now the fun begins with presenting your performance to yourself.
Firstly this is done in a mirror and then later via a self tape or video camera. Most people have a video in their phone, this is just as effective.
The main reason to do this is you cannot see yourself in the room or situation and if you can't see yourself in the room, you can't see how you're performing which puts you at a major disadvantage.
Click on any of the icons below to explore examples of the Principles of the Screen Acting Skillset mastered at The Film Actors Academy in London Waterloo & Camden
