Acting Audition Secrets: Take Your Performance Off the Page by Creating an Engaging Back Story

When you are given a script on the page you will find a two dimensional character. There is basic information about their history and their relationships, but the real magic is what you, the actor, do with that character. Actors breathe life into the characters that they play. One of the ways that they do that is they create a backstory for their characters. That is what you need to do with any character that you take on. You must give your character a past that helps inform their present.

When you start to create a backstory for the character that you are playing you can start with the information that you are given in the script. Pay attention to simple details that are provided like their age, geographic area that they live in and their social status. However, you also want to pay attention to details that are not broadly outlined in the character breakdown. You should take note of who your character talks to and how they speak to each other. Additionally, you may want to pay attention to any stage directions that have been written. These can often give you insights into the way that your character feels about others or issues that they are facing.

After you have done that you can begin your own creative character development. One of the best ways to start creating a backstory is to start at the very beginning. Where was your character born? Who were your parents? What was your childhood like? As you begin to answer those questions you will begin to see your character take shape. Progress on through your characters life until you reach the time just before the world of the script starts. At that point you may want to delve even further into how you feel about the other characters that you deal with and the circumstances that your character is facing. Try to answer the tough questions like who does your character hate? What are you afraid of? What do you need?

Creating a back story is important for any acting challenge be it working on a scene in class, auditioning, or a full blown performance. In fact, in the world of auditioning having a solid back story for your character can be the difference between getting the part or having your head shot tossed in the trash. By spending that extra time creating some depth for your character your performance will be more realistic and engaging. Additionally, casting directors, producers, and directors like to see what actors bring to the table. While they are there to help guide your performance it is also important that you inspire them. If you come to the audition with something thoughtful and different chances are that you will be remembered as someone that they want to work with.

If you really want to make an impact the next time that you get up to perform you will take the extra time to build up a back story for your character. It will give you the foundation that you need to create a dynamic performance and it can be a creatively fulfilling exercise for you as an actor.

Alison covers the entertainment industry for working and aspiring actors and comedians in Los Angeles, Ca. From her home just minutes from the Hollywood Sign, Alison follows entertainment and industry news. If you want to learn how to "kill it" in the room, check out one of the most respected Los Angeles acting schools.