Imagine being on the set of “The Bear,” and Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) is yelling at Fak (Matty Matheson) for neglecting to serve a dish. The mirepoix has you in a mirthful mire—but you must stay in character, deliver your next line flawlessly, and resist the urge to crack a smile. So how do you keep it together when everyone around you is falling apart (with laughter)? Here are some tried-and-true methods to help you maintain composure, even when the urge to giggle is at its peak.
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Maintaining composure isn’t just about looking cool under pressure (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about:
- Staying in character: Breaking character is like shattering the fourth wall with a sledgehammer. It pulls the audience out of the story faster than you can say “blooper reel.”
- Professionalism: Nothing throws off your scene partner quite like unexpected laughter, so directors love actors who can keep it together take after take.
- Audience immersion: In live theater, there are no retakes. One ill-timed chuckle can turn a dramatic moment into an accidental comedy.
Performing, especially in a comedic role, often puts you in situations where resisting the urge to laugh is essential to maintain the integrity of the scene. Follow these steps to stop yourself from laughing, even in the most challenging moments.
1. Understand the importance of staying in character.
The primary way to hold in a laugh is to refocus and remember that staying in character is crucial. Every time you feel the urge to laugh, consider your character’s emotions and objectives, and let these take precedence over your own reactions. This will help you maintain the authenticity of your performance and keep the audience engaged.
2. Practice controlled breathing.
Controlled breathing reduces the physical urge to laugh, so take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves. Try the 4-7-8 technique: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Do this a few times, and you’ll soon find that you’re cooler than a cucumber.
3. Use mental distractions.
Focus on something neutral to redirect your mind. Try these mental exercises:
- Count backward from 100 in multiples of 7.
- List random objects in alphabetical order.
- Recite the lines of a different scene in your head.
By mentally distracting yourself, you can stay grounded in your character and avoid breaking character with laughter.
4. Develop a pre-performance ritual.
Engage in a pre-performance routine to quash those giggles:
- Repeat affirmations.
- Run through lines with a serious tone.
- Visualize yourself going through the scene without laughing.
This will help you get in the right mindset and maintain your character throughout the performance.
5. Rely on physical tactics, when necessary.
When the need to laugh appears, try these subtle physical techniques:
- Bite the inside of your cheek (gently).
- Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
- Grip a prop tightly to channel your energy.
- Maintain strong posture to signal your body that it’s time to be serious.
6. Work on scene rehearsals.
Run those scenes until you're blue in the face; the more familiar you are with the material, the less likely you are to crack up. Plus, it's a great excuse to hang out with your castmates and perfect your collective poker faces. And if you must laugh, remember that you’re not alone. Breaking character can happen to anyone, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it happens—just keep practicing and improving.
7. Acknowledge and move on if you do laugh.
Laughter is a natural human response. While it's important to maintain composure, don't beat yourself up if you occasionally lose it. Some of the most iconic moments in TV and film have come from actors breaking character. Just watch these examples if you don’t believe us:
8. Learn from the masters.
Study the pros who rarely break (like Meryl Streep or Daniel Day-Lewis), watch how they handle high-intensity scenes, and try to channel their zen-like focus. Break a leg—but don't break character!
