Fanatical Resources!

Current Category: Character Development
Web Site Links Description of Content
12 Character Archetypes Every Actor Should Know Archetype and stereotype are sometimes confused terms. But for interpers, the differences are significant. While one can make your story stronger, the other can ruin it. Do you the difference?
3 Exercises to Teach Empathy There are many ways to help train teams learn to be more empathetic. Try these three exercises with your team . . . Article by Jennifer Winter (For business, but it works for speech/drama teams too!)
99 Questions to Ask Your Character By D. W. Gregory -- Aimed at helping students create backstories for the character the create. If you get stuck or you think something doesn’t apply, go on to the next question. A great way to help your interpers add some depth to their performances.
Building a Character - Worksheet Whenever actor takes up a new character, his/her job is to understand the character. The literature/script will often provide most of the details. BUT for other details, the actor will have to invent. Help your students prepare for their performances using Uta Hagen’s 9 Questions (From her book Respect for Acting)
Character Exploration - The Mad Hatter Complete On-Line Lesson - Lesson objective: To explore the characterization and language of the Mad Hatter in Alice and Wonderland by creating an invitation to the Mad Hatters iconic tea party.
Character Interpretation - The Witches of Macbeth Complete On-Line Lesson - Learning Objective: To explore the opening scene of Macbeth, thinking specifically about how the witches can be interpreted and characterized.
Comedic Character Archetypes - Find the Funny Being funny is hard, and it’s particularly hard in the interpretation events (HI – Humorous Duo). Done well, funny characters will find a permanent home in your judges’ hearts. Done badly, they’ll draw attention away from the narrative. Create a character who is funny, then you don’t have to worry about being funny. . . . Where to start? Find the Funny with these comedic archetypes.
Developing Character in Oral Interp Pitfalls and Considerations
Developing Characters - Objective, Obstacle, Beat, Tactic and Stakes The next step in helping students flesh out and create complex characters for all interp events.
Developing Your Character’s Physicality from Head to Toe No matter whether you are performing a mime piece, tableau, monologue, or scene, your physicality is part of your “actor’s toolkit.” Physicality, along with your voice and imagination, helps you to tell a story. As an actor, it is important to develop your character’s physicality so that it is different from your own.
Guide for Oral Interpretation Learn how to select appropriate, quality material and how to analyze that material.
How Theatre Taught Me Empathy The best interpers and actors are adept at portraying other people — how they talk, how they move, how they think, and what they feel. That's where the skill of empathy comes in. Check out this personal reflection by Patrick Allen.
Someone Is Listening by Bruce Miller An exercise to help actors remember other characters when performing monologues.
Back to Link Categories