Testing Your Acting Skills in Everyday Life: Tips and Techniques

Acting is a skill that can be honed and developed in various settings beyond traditional stage or screen roles. In fact, as an actor, you are acting every single minute of the day, whether you realize it or not.

Acting in Everyday Situations

Consider the common scenarios where you can test your acting skills. These might include:

Telling white lies or upbeat stories when you're not feeling well. Maintaining a persona that seems very different from your own in social interactions. Pretending to be in different roles for everyday conversations. Acting out scenes in your mind as if you were auditioning.

For instance, you can walk around and speak with a British accent, or pretend your parents are rich socialites with a vast business empire. Alternatively, you can pretend you are at an audition, even if you’re just sitting idle. Writing out and performing a sad scene can also be very helpful. By continuously practicing these techniques, you can effectively test and enhance your acting skills in non-acting situations.

Impromptu Acting and Improv

A great way to improve your acting is to become a waiter at a restaurant, especially if the establishment has an emphasis on improvisation and role-playing. This was demonstrated by a friend who owned a theatre restaurant in New York City, named Curtain Up!. He trained his staff, who were mostly unemployed actors, to adopt and improvise the roles of 'perfect, somewhat eccentric waiters.' Some waiters would change their accents for each table, while others would practice quirky mannerisms and walking styles. The best waiters created a role for the 'perfect waiter.' One of these long-term employees went on to achieve significant fame, namely Giancarlo Esposito, known for roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

Filming and Self-Reflection

Filming yourself daily is another effective way to see the gap between your intentions and your performance. By recording yourself, you can quickly identify areas that need improvement and make necessary adjustments. This can significantly enhance your self-awareness and acting abilities.

Voice and Speech Techniques

One of the best voice and speech suggestions comes from reading aloud to children in the library. Choose books with multiple characters as this will help you practice different voices and reactions. Additionally, always read widely: from plays to novels, poetry to newspapers, and biographies. The more diverse your knowledge, the more specific and nuanced your characters can be.

Conclusion

Acting is not just about performing on stage or screen. It's a skill that can be practiced and tested in everyday life. Whether you choose to tell white lies, pretend to be a different person, or film yourself, you can continuously improve your acting abilities. So, embrace every opportunity to act and refine your craft.