When it comes to booking a role, so much goes into crafting the character and deciding on which choices to make in your approach. Before you begin to bring the words to life, the art of preparation takes precedence.
We asked Casting Networks members to tell us how they get ready for a new role, and we received many responses that piqued our interest and helped us understand your process. Here are some of our favorites:
After reading through the script and reading any descriptors of the character in the script, I think about the people I know (starting with me).
Do I know anyone like this character? How does she talk or dress? Is she patient or impatient? What happened to her in the scene? Is she mad about something? Why?
I explore all of that (credit to acting coach Peter Frisch of The Frisch Approach).
— Serilda F. Goodwin
I try to get any information regarding my character from the casting call, establish who I am in relationship to the rest of the cast, the story and my goals in the scenes. I work through my sides and have as much fun with it [as possible] so I’m always loose.
— Gerardo Davila
In preparing for a new role, I take the time to read the full script (if available) to find out the world my character lives in. Once I know that, I break down the specific scenes/sides using script analysis. This helps me with the choices I make and need to know to bring my character to life.
— Monanik Dugar
Learning the lines as though they are my personal words. Sometimes scripts are hard because they use words I wouldn’t. I focus hard to deliver the script as it would sound as delivered by the character I’m portraying. Being able to take and execute direction is key to making the character natural and believable.
— Jack Skidmore
How I prepare to approach the process of preparing for a new role is if there is a script prepared, I mostly put myself in that character’s shoes. This includes everyday life. This process makes me more prepared and more excited for filming!
If this role does not have a script developed before shooting the film, I prepare by finding my own character within myself in everyday life.
— Kristen Duff
I relax and study the script inside and out. I make sure to analyze every single thing on the script. I make sure I know who my character is and fill in any aspects of my character not mentioned by the script.
— Eduardo Flores
After reading the script a few times, I visualize the character and see her in action: how she moves, speaks, dresses, her hand gestures, how she interacts with people, what she does when alone. Then I step into the character and feel my way through her emotions, conflicts, sorrows, scars, desires, memories and dreams.
I ask the questions: What does she want most (in a given scene and in her life)? What’s holding her back? How can she/I overcome the obstacles she faces? I feel her alive in me from the time I audition to the time I portray her. After that I let her go.
— Karen Margaret Cole
As a method actor, I immerse myself fully into the character’s world by researching their background, motivations and personality traits. I also engage in exercises to embody their physicality and mannerisms, often drawing from personal experiences or emotions to tap into the character’s psyche. This intense preparation allows me to authentically portray the character on stage or screen.
— Orest (Raz) Kuzma
I make a backstory for my character. Then I prepare by using the Meisner technique of getting in touch with my emotions and behavior, and also those of the other characters in my scene.
— Drew Ann
Some responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.
We want to hear from you! Tell us about a challenging role you’ve taken on and how you succeeded. Your response may appear in future marketing materials.
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