Tips for actors new to WRiTEON

Clare Kerrison

Every actor has their own process so these are my preparation hints rather than golden steps of glory.

Before the first reading:

1) Highlight your lines on the printed script and/or blow up the font of your lines before printing the script. The first is a classic actors technique to help when holding a script in rehearsals. The second is a technique I use for writeon performances because low lighting on stage can mean it's hard to read sometimes.

1a) Some people like to staple their scripts at the top left hand corner, some hate it, some put their script in a small ring binder and hold that during performance, some now use a kindle...

2) Read the whole script at least twice, and at least twice read your lines out loud. Don't read so often that you lock in a rhythm of the words (that rhythm will be discovered in rehearsal when you have other actors to play with) but do read often enough that you can ...

3)... have an idea where key turning points for your character are. What mood are they in and where do these moods change (if they do) because of what they are saying or in response to another character. In Writeon we don't have much time so I wouldn't expect you to identify more than 2 or 3 major turning points (depending on length of script). These points will be the emotional marks you will need to hit in performance. In many scripts they'll be subtle so you'd 'tap' them instead of hitting them.

4) Extra ruminations if you have time: What can I picture my character wearing? What 'voice' do they have in my head (doesn't matter if I can replicate that voice). Where have they come from before the scene starts? Where are they going? How do they move (eg fast, slow, jerky, smoothly...) What do they want from the other characters on stage? Some answers will be in the script and some will be intuitive invention on your part.

5) Be prepared to change your ideas and turning points under direction

During rehearsal:

1) If you don't understand something in the script - ask. If it's preventing you from preparing, ask before rehearsal.

2) There isn't much time - which is why you've done the prep work so you can give the director a strong offer with the way you're playing the emotional journey. The director will ask for changes. That's their job.

3) Fundamentally, your job is to read the lines as written. A good script will do the work for you and you'll have been cast correctly for the role so mostly your job is to read the lines as simply and truthfully as possible.

4) Respond to the energy the other actors are giving you. That may affect a line reading, the way your move etc.

5) The rehearsal period is like improv - try stuff. The director will ask for changes. That's their job.

6) Bring a pencil. Write stage directions from the director on your script (next to the appropriate line of dialogue).  These could be where you should move, how you should move, how you should react to someone's line, how you should play a line etc.

7) Have fun. If it sucks then that's the director's fault. So kick back and enjoy the ride.

Performance Day:

1) Be early. Allow a lot of time to park around the ADC.

2) Bring food and drink.

3) Don't plan on being able to go home so bring all costume, make up, coffee money in case you get a break...

4) Don't mess around during the tech cue to cue. Techs are hard to come by and their time is tight. Love them.

5) During the performance itself - see point 6 of rehearsing above.

6) During your bow at the end, smile at the audience like you're pleased with the work and humbly thankful for their applause.

Between Rehearsals:

1)  Reread your script (out loud if possible) and imagine yourself making the moves and hitting the emotional marks you've written on your script. This will help you remember the 'choreography' of the performance.