In order to avoid stiff and nervous displays when you’re acting, it’s important to stay as relaxed as possible. Even a scene involving high drama calls for measured and calm concentration from the actor, so act dramatic, but be calm inside, and don’t work yourself up. Focus your attention on something on stage. It could be another actor, a prop, etc. Keep yourself in the moment and never stare off into space. Good actors spend their entire careers learning to relax the muscles in their face and body at will. If you are tense, simply stare at the back of the theatre or your focal point. Looking into your fellow actors’ eyes can be soothing and make you feel less alone on stage. Fully immerse yourself in the character. Forget that you are pretending and try to become the persona you are portraying. Don’t be frightened to act like someone else. Use these visuals to illustrate the character. When acting, always remember to be in that mindset. Pretending to be sad is an effort, whereas being sad is more sincere. Don’t act the role; be the character.
