As any fan of Critical Role or Dimension 20 will tell you, the world of tabletop roleplaying games and actual play podcasts is a rapidly developing one. For actors with a love of gameplay and improv, it opens up a world of opportunities.
Insights: How TTRPGS Can Improve Your Acting
- Practice TTRPGs by playing and listening to actual play podcasts to improve storytelling and performance skills.
- Enhance TTRPG sessions with vivid voice acting and, if on camera, subtle physical expressions.
- Network in the TTRPG community online and at conventions to discover opportunities and collaborations.
What is TTRPG?
Tabletop roleplaying games come in many forms. There are one-shots, where a story is wrapped in a single session, or longer campaigns that can take many episodes and seasons to resolve.
While you are playing a character of your creation, the type of character you play will come with certain stats that affect your success in different areas of the game. From there, the GM (game master) will guide the story, and as your character moves through it, you will be prompted to roll dice (or similar) to determine how successful your attempts are.
While some games are more complicated than others structurally, don’t get intimidated if you’re new to the rules. Oftentimes it’s less about following rules to the letter, and more about creativity: the best story wins.
How is it different from other forms of acting?
If your session is releasing in podcast form at all (even if it’s being filmed as well), it’s important to remember that it’s essentially a voice acting gig.
Be ready to add vocals and descriptions to everything, to paint a picture for the listener. Instead of just saying your lines, you’re also voicing your character’s actions in real-time. The more vivid you can be, the better. For example, instead of saying “I open the door,” you can add some color: “I creep cautiously up to the door and nudge it open with a toe”.
If you’re also being filmed, you’ll be acting physically from the waist up (or however much of you can be seen over the top of the table. You’ll want to live in the balance between adding some physicality for interest and distracting from the structure of the game.
You may also be collaborating with wider pools of performers. While other actors may be playing, some of your teammates may be comedians, DnD enthusiasts, drag queens or newcomers. Communication, listening and flexibility are the keys to success.
What Are the Benefits of TTRPGs?
The difference between TTRPG and voicing a radio play, for example, is there is no script. You have agency in the outcome. A good GM will be guiding the arc of the story, of course, but you get to decide how your character acts and reacts in the moment. It’s an intense exercise in trust, collaboration, improv and overall storytelling.
How to Get Started With TTRPGs?
Get some familiarity with the art form. Listen to podcasts, watch D20 and play some one-shots with friends. This is a skill set best learned by practical application. As you get more comfortable with the gameplay, you’ll become a better performer and storyteller.
Connect with the community. Even if TTRPG doesn’t have a strong presence local to you, you can connect with players and fans online (for example, Atlanta-based studio Do You Validate has booked and worked with performers in LA, New York, Chicago and other areas with strong TTRPG presence).
Conventions are another great way to make connections, learn and perhaps even play with folks you might not otherwise have a chance to work with. Just like in any other area of acting, the better you know the community, the more opportunities you’ll hear about.
The world of TTRPG and play podcasts is an exciting one. As the industry builds and expands, now is a great time to dip a toe in and see if it’s a good fit. If nothing else, it’s an incredible creative outlet and a great way to build improv skills.
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