As an actor, you want enough command over your emotions that they’ll stand out during a performance in a positive, moving way. And the best way I’ve found to get in touch with and harness my emotions for a performance is through music or what I like to call, “scoring your character.”
You’ve heard of music being composed for films, but we’re going to score your individual character with a playlist that brings the most vital emotions to life. Think about your life: there are definitely songs that mean something to you, that when you hear them immediately transport you to a certain place of feeling and emotion. It’s exactly this power that we’re going to harness to inform our emotional performance as a character.
What’s so great about using music as a motivator and informer is that it’s not just limited to jobs you book. Create a playlist to listen to right before auditioning to get into the character’s headspace. Maybe the audition is for a character going through heartbreak, or loss, or excitement, or anticipation, or fear. I bet you just thought of five songs for each emotion as you read that sentence. Use them to your advantage!
READ: 3 Ways to Use Your Own Life to Be a Better Actor
Tom Hanks has mentioned that he often wakes up and stays in character all day before reaching set, most notably for “Forrest Gump.” If you have the luxury, by all means, follow Mr. Hank’s lead. If not, give yourself an uninterrupted fifteen minutes and really allow yourself to feel the vibrations and essence of the music as it relates to the emotions of your character. I guarantee your presence will resonate within you and everyone else in the room.
Here are a few tips on how to score your character:
Auditions
For auditions, you want to find one or two songs that generate the emotion you want your character to feel the most. Right up until the casting director calls you into the room, have your headphones in and those songs on repeat. The mistake a lot of actors make is going over lines repeatedly before they audition but the truth is that anyone can read lines. It’s when you pull people into the theatrical world you’ve created by presenting authentic emotion that gets you the job. When you allow that emotional freedom to unveil itself, you’ll be sure to create an audition to remember.
Film + Television
When you’re in film and TV, this process truly works to your advantage because everything is shot one scene at a time. As you’re in your trailer, pull out your playlist and engage deeply with the song that matches the atmosphere of your upcoming scene. It’s important to give yourself enough time to find the right music. By doing this homework, you sell yourself out to the scene and open yourself to the freedom the moment gives you. As actors, we prepare extensively but we’re always aware that right now is all that exists and is all that matters.
Music has always been a gateway to new feelings, emotions, and expressions. If we think about how moved we are while listening to a film score unfold, why not use that same powerful element to enhance the dynamics of your acting? When you score your character, you’re really choosing to score in your career!
Shaun Grant is a dynamic “entreperformer” that is a recognized authority in personal performance and transformation. He is the author of “Prosperity Secrets: How To Live the Life of Your Dreams.” He is also the creator of The Vibrational Actor and hosts his own podcast called The Actor's Area. Shaun has been acting, writing, and coaching for the past ten years. He teaches the concept of vibrational acting and vibrational consciousness to performers around the world. His soul purpose is to inspire, uplift and motivate actors through cutting edge mental and spiritual practices. He's at his happiest when his students experience successful breakthroughs in mind, body, and spirit as it relates to their acting careers. Shaun has acted in over forty projects, working alongside some of Hollywood's brightest stars, and has written and produced his own projects as well. When Shaun isn't acting, writing or coaching, he enjoys engaging in his love of travel and creating life-changing content through his blogs. Visit www.shaungrantacting.com and www.uplifterentertainment.com for more career information. Find Shaun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Check out Backstage’s TV audition listings!
The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
3 Ways to Use Your Own Life to Be a Better Actor
