The ICR Method: A Quick Path to “Owning” Any Situation


A Quick “Thumbnail” of the ICR Method


To put it as simply as possible, ICR stands for “In Character Role” and is outlined in brief here:


  • You complete the SA3 “Strengths” questionnaire AVAILABLE HERE, This will, perhaps for the first time, allow you to see and acknowledge your strengths. A beneficial exercise in itself!


  • You write out the strengths that make you who you are, the very things that you are good at and proud of… this is you. This becomes your reference or what you will use when things get too hard, complicated, confusing etc, this is your “way back” your lifeline or your “Me-Here-Now” reality check.

  • In our "protected Blog area" we'll soon be publishing Hobbies and Jobs anxious or "Cluster C" folks like us are best suited to. This might seem obvious but sometimes we get so wound up we just can't stop and think, so this just might let you have  "light bulb moment"... we hope so.


  • You now do the same with the “Weaknesses” questionnaire AVAILABLE HERE


  • You pick the 1 or 2 weaknesses you would like to overcome first.


  • We guide you to create a “strong avatar”, your SA, a real or imagined person you see as being capable of handling these weaknesses.


  • We show you various simple acting techniques to get “In Character" for the “Role”.


  • To start, don't be too ambitious with weaknesses or strong avatar (SA) choices or you’ll set yourself up for failure, small steps to start.


  • With practice you will learn to assume the strong avatar (SA) role whenever needed, until you can “be” the one overcoming those weaknesses


That’s it in a nutshell, and yes there’s obviously more to it, proper procedures etc… but don’t panic we take you through all the steps until, like the many who are using it, you too will become a master over your Fears, Anxieties,Weaknesses and Struggles (FAWS)


… and all that’s covered in detail in a following section.


Isn’t This Just Role Playing With a Different Name?


Hell no, although it incorporates the basic idea of Role Playing, which is widely acknowledged as being a valid therapy for most of our 32 “FAWS”, ICR Method is a whole lot more.

The ICR Questionnaires are a basic and valuable form of Self-Analysis in their own right.

Many folks who fill out the “strengths” questionnaire get very excited for example, at how many strengths they actually have.

While the “weaknesses” questionnaire helps to identify and isolate the area we need to work on, something not always obvious without an identifying exercise such as this.

The “Me-Here-Now” reference strategy is also a great “centering” tool that many people use every day, when things just get too tricky.

Couple these with the DIY “getting in character” exercises, and for the first time you have a private, proven Self-Actualising method…

… so no, it’s far from the old role playing method, and way more complete.


Why Not Just “Visualize” Yourself Overcoming the Problem, Like Some Experts Tell You To?


Well to anyone with any experience, or half an imagination, it should be pretty obvious that the same reason visualising yourself overcoming a particular fear doesn’t work is because you are still imagining you, in the same situation you know only too well you don’t handle well!

Visualisation can work well if the “visualiser” either has actually had a positive example in their past they can recall and use, or they have great discipline… but experiments, and our own experience, has shown that for obvious reasons, most of us find it easier to believe that say Tony Robbins or Jerry Seinfeld is going to handle a speaking engagement more successfully than us, and we’re right.

Like the smart man said: “If you don’t change something… nothing will change”, and while it sounds great to say just “Imagine yourself overcoming the fear”... deep down you know that it’s still you trying to handle the same situation you’ve failed to do untold times before… why set yourself up to fail again!

That’s why the ICR Method is so different, because it’s not you tackling the same problem, well not at first anyway, it’s your SA, the strong avatar you know can handle the situation… and they’re showing you how to do it. They’re leading the way, for you to follow.

Implementing the ICR Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

OK, so here’s how things work in detail.


STEP ONE:

You should already have your copy of the "Strengths questionnaire", but if not CLICK HERE to access your online private copy, you’ll have to be signed in to any old Google account, then on the following page click MAKE A COPY, and it’ll open up.


NOTE: I suggest you print off a hard copy if you can, if you’re anything like me, there’s something more real, more important with a hard copy, plus you can leave it on a table etc you can check it out from time to time too, it’s more “in your face” if it’s printed out.


Now run through the form and tick YES to any strength you feel you have, This 


Remember, to answer YES to a question like: “Empathy: Do I naturally understand and connect with how others are feeling?” you only have to be empathetic half the time… NO ONE is empathetic all the time, or that would be weird in itself, and hint at another Disorder lol.


If there’s not too many YES’es to start that’s OK, and you’re probably being too hard on yourself, as we tend to be… so do it again and include a couple you’re already conscious of and are working on i.e. include any “work in progress” strengths.


If you haven’t already, now fill in your name, and add any other “positives” you feel you have at the bottom of the form… own the form. Take a moment to be proud. This is your “best you”, this is the you that you are most proud of, this is the “you” that you will happily snap back to if things go sideways on you, this is “your safe place you”. We’ll cover this more in “Me-Here-Now” late on.


This simple act can in itself often be quite therapeutic, as it's the first time a lot of people have realised that there really are things they are good at... and most importantly, you're doing it in private, without the usual fear or ridicule from others.


STEP TWO:


You should have seen, tried, and completed the SA3 “Weaknesses Questionnaire", at least once by now, but if not here it is CLICK HERE and as with step one you’ll have to be signed in to any old Google account, then on the following page click MAKE A COPY, and it’ll open up.

You can complete online or print off and fill in, as you like.


Complete as honestly and openly as you can, a few times over a few days if necessary, and then get an aggregate, as it’s important to get as accurate a picture as possible.


Now study to see what weakness you’d like to master first, maybe more than one if you feel they are allied, but don't get too ambitious or you'll be setting yourself up to fail.


STEP THREE:


Here’s a very important step… here you are choosing a person or figure you are certain doesn't suffer from the weakness you have selected. This figure will become your “strong avatar”, the character you will use to master that same weakness… your Champion.


Your “strong avatar” or SA we’ll call them from now on, can be:


  • A real person, dead or alive

  • An historical figure

  • An imaginary figure from a movie, a game etc

  • A made up or created figure


Real Person:

Advantages here are that there will likely be information etc available for you to use to familiarize yourself with the role.


An Historical Figure:

There’s so many great examples scattered throughout history “one for every occasion” and again plenty of background info for you to use.


As Imaginary Figure:

As above you’re spoilt for choice when you think of all the wonderful characters Hollywood etc has produced over the years. There’s a million literary heroes and villains too.


A Made Up or Created Figure:

If you’re a “creative” you might prefer to invent your own tailor made SA.


For most of us it’s easier to pick a character from a movie or a book that we are familiar with and at least have some knowledge of… but “the world's your oyster’ as they say.


NOTE:  Although a "long shot", picking a real person as your SA might be awkward if you should ever meet them, especially if you're "In Character" at the time 🤣


STEP FOUR:


Now we make use of the exercises actors have used for hundreds of years to “slip into character”.


Actors use a variety of techniques to get into character, which can vary depending on their training, the nature of the role, and their personal preferences. 



STEP FIVE:


Rather than blast out into the world and have your first SA “test drive” be a public speaking engagement… I suggest baby steps e.g. if your SA is to handle your fear of public speaking, then start with small groups and work up e.g. go somewhere where there are small groups of people, and begin by practicing in less intimidating environments. Join a local toastmasters club, where you can gradually build your skills and confidence in a supportive atmosphere. Offer to speak at smaller gatherings or volunteer to present in team meetings. Gradually increasing the size of your audience will help you acclimate to larger groups over time.


If you start too big too soon and screw up it could ruin any progress you’ve made. Suffering any humiliation as you build up could destroy your confidence levels and defeat the whole process.


So pick your “exercise yard” depending on what you need overcome e.g. in my case I needed to learn how it felt when your feelings were ignored, and how much that hurt, so I joined a local “Broken Marriages” group meeting, and learned firsthand just how much that had destroyed people confidence and lives, a truly humbling experience, and one that I worked into my SA.


A friend of mine was terrified of making a fool of himself in public, so he created an SA to suit and then joined a “Toastmasters” club where they take you from petrified to full on public speaking, something he reckons everyone should do. Initially he needed an SA to do this but now it’s just him.


So to recap:


  • Complete the Strengths questionnaire to give you pride and a reference

  • Complete the Weaknesses questionnaire to reveal what needs overcoming

  • Choose your “strong avatar” or SA to be your “Champion”

  • Choose your method(s) of getting “In Character”

  • Practice small until you have the confidence to use your SA in everyday situations

  • Create more SA’s if needed until you can handle any situation and overcome any weakness that used to hold you back


You really can do anything now, the only thing stopping you is you, so enjoy your new found confidence and abilities.



BIG NOTE HERE: You’re not going to an audition afterwards, nobody is going to judge you, there’s no grading happening, nobody will ever know that you’re emulating a Jerry Seinfeld or an Amy Santiago… only you, so GO FOR IT


The “Me-Here-Now” Reference: To Save You Getting Lost


We were a bit worried when we began developing this method that if vulnerable people discovered ways of overcoming things that had held them back for years, that they might get “lost” and prefer to stay “in character” where they were a success, instead of having to face real life, where it wasn’t so easy. So that’s one part of the “strengths” questionnaire emphasis:


  • To let you see that you really do have some great strengths and give you some pride, something many have never had before.

  • To give you a solid sense of “you” i.e. if you write out your strengths, add a work-in-progress or two and put your name to it, you have identified a “you” someone that is “Me-Here-Now”

  • This is the person that you can use to ground yourself if things get out of hand or go sideways.

  • Some folks use a bracelet or a rubber band on their wrist to snap to remind them of “what's real”. Others use a pendant, necklace etc etc, anything to “bring them back to reality”.

  • Some use it if they feel a panic attack coming on if they’re stuck somewhere they can’t get away from.

  • Interestingly some use the bracelet as a way to change SA’s e.g. they have 2 bracelets, each one representing a different SA which they use to change “roles”

  • Simply put, it’s a “grounding technique” commonly used in lots of therapies, especially in those that require you to assume roles that aren’t your “normal” one.


We’re happy to say that no one we know has had any trouble or “got lost” so far.



My Own DIY ICR ‘System” - It Works For Me


If the thought of wading through all the techniques is worrying you, let me share my own personal "system".


For me it is a combination of character Research, a Character Journal and finished off with a lot of Method Acting and don’t forget don’t be put off by techno names and fancy sounding exercises… it’s simple pretend with research, and in the privacy of your own space, or with a sympathetic friend if you prefer it for the feedback.



My Own Personal “System” in a Nutshell:


  • My personal problem is that I'm pretty much unaware of the importance of making allowances for the "feelings" of others - I just don't get it, I don't need it so why do others, but I do get reminded of the trail of unhappy people I've left behind me.

  • So I pick a character, someone from history or a TV sitcom as this is easier for me:  As an APD/SPD “"Disorderly"”, I have to pick someone who cares for the feelings of others, as I really don’t.

  • I do some online research: To get an idea of how they would react in different situations, and especially the one(s) I’m prepping for.

  • I then write it all out: Putting it on paper lets me see it better and it drives it home, a bit like how verbalizing helps sort things in your head.

  • I become the “role”: I literally pretend to be that character, my own SA, acting in situations I know I will encounter.

  • Practice, practice, practice: Yep, take every opportunity to “be” the SA, and I keep going until... "I've got this"



We’ll now go over some of the commonest and most successful acting methods in depth, including D.I.Y. versions of all of them:

Stanislavski's System


This is a method of acting developed by Konstantin Stanislavski that encourages actors to draw upon their own feelings and experiences to connect with their characters. This might involve using memory recall to evoke the necessary emotions.


Understanding Stanislavski's System


Stanislavski's System revolves around the actor's ability to bring a character to life by drawing on personal emotions and memories. This creates a sense of authenticity and emotional connection to the character. The main components of this system include:


  1. Emotional Memory: This involves recalling personal experiences that mirror a character's emotions, allowing the actor to authentically portray those feelings.


  1. The Magic If: The actor asks, "What would I do if I were in this character's situation?" This helps the actor to relate to the character's circumstances and respond naturally.


  1. Objective and Super-Objective: The actor identifies what the character wants in a specific scene (Objective) and throughout the play or film (Super-Objective), and uses these desires to motivate their performance.


  1. Subtext: This is the underlying thought or feeling behind the words the character speaks. Understanding the subtext allows the actor to deliver lines with more depth.


  1. Relaxation and Concentration: An actor must be relaxed and focused to tap into their emotions effectively and connect with the character.


  1. Ensemble Playing: Working harmoniously with other actors to create a cohesive and believable world.


DIY Version of Stanislavski's System


Find Your Emotional Memory:

- Identify a scene where your character experiences strong emotions.

- Recall a personal memory that relates to this emotion.

- Practice connecting this memory with the scene.


Use the Magic If:

- Read a scene from your script.

- Ask yourself how you would react if you were in the character's situation.

- Act out the scene, allowing your natural reactions to guide you.


Identify Objectives and Super-Objectives:

- Break down the script to identify what your character wants in each scene.

- Determine the overarching goal your character has throughout the play or film.

- Use these objectives to guide your performance.


Understand the Subtext:

- Analyze the script to find the underlying meaning behind the lines.

- Practice delivering lines while conveying these unspoken thoughts or feelings.


Develop Relaxation and Concentration Techniques:

- Learn and practice relaxation exercises like deep breathing.

- Develop concentration through focus exercises, like meditating on your character.


Work on Ensemble Playing:

- Rehearse with fellow actors, focusing on collaboration and support.

- Experiment with different ways of interacting to find what feels most natural and cohesive.


Continuous Practice:

- Regularly rehearse, experimenting with these techniques.

- Seek feedback from others to refine your performance.

- Keep a journal of what works and what doesn't, adapting as you learn and grow.


Remember, Stanislavski's System is not a strict set of rules but a guiding philosophy. Each actor can adapt these principles to their unique process and needs. Acting classes and workshops that focus on Stanislavski's methods can further deepen understanding and proficiency in these techniques.


Method Acting


This technique, often associated with the Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, involves the actor fully immersing themselves in their character, even when off-stage or off-camera. This might involve living as the character would, adopting their habits, and even thinking their thoughts.


DIY Guide to Method Acting


Step 1: Understand Your Character

- Research: Dig into the script, background story, era, location, and other contextual elements of the character.

- Character Analysis: Break down the character's personality, relationships, motivations, physical attributes, and quirks.

- Create a Backstory: If not provided, invent a backstory for the character that complements the script.


Step 2: Physical Preparation

- Voice Training: Modify your voice to match the character's accent, pitch, and speech patterns.

- Appearance: Change your hairstyle, clothing, or other physical aspects to resemble the character.

- Body Language: Practice the character's gestures, walk, and movements until they feel natural.


Step 3: Emotional Immersion

- Affective Memory: Use personal memories to connect with the character's emotions.

- Sense Memory Exercises: Engage your senses to remember and connect with specific sensory experiences related to the character.

- Create Emotional Triggers: Develop triggers to help you quickly switch into the character's emotional state.


Step 4: Living as the Character

- Day-to-Day Habits: Adopt the character's daily routine and habits, whether it's their diet, hobbies, or the way they interact with others.

- Interactions: Interact with people as the character would. Consider involving friends or family in your practice, informing them of what you are doing.

- Thinking as the Character: Spend time each day reflecting on situations from the character's perspective, creating a mental monologue as the character.


Step 5: Rehearsal and Performance

- Rehearse: Practice your lines and scenes, staying in character even during breaks.

- Stay in Character Off-Stage: Continue to think and behave as the character even when off-camera or off-stage to maintain a continuous connection.

- Evaluate and Adjust: Watch recordings of your performance, and adjust as needed. Seek feedback from others if possible.


Step 6: Transitioning Out of the Character

- De-role: Spend time disconnecting from the character to avoid the emotional toll that deep immersion can have.

- Reflect: Analyze what worked and what didn't, and how the experience has contributed to your growth as an actor.


Warnings and Tips

- Personal Well-being: Be mindful of your emotional well-being, as deep immersion can be taxing. Don't hesitate to seek professional guidance if needed.

- Ethical Considerations: Remember to respect others' boundaries, especially if living as the character in public.

- Professional Guidance: If possible, working with an acting coach experienced in method acting can provide valuable insights and guidance.


Conclusion


Method acting can be an enriching and transformative experience for an actor. By following these steps, you can begin to explore this technique on your own. Remember that method acting is complex and can be emotionally demanding, so proceed with caution and awareness of your own well-being.


Meisner Technique


The Meisner Technique is an approach to acting that prioritizes emotional honesty and instinctive response. Developed by Sanford Meisner, a prominent acting teacher, it focuses on helping actors to "live truthfully under imaginary circumstances."


Here's a step-by-step DIY guide to explore the Meisner Technique on your own or with a partner.


1. Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the exercises, it's essential to understand the fundamental philosophy behind the Meisner Technique, which emphasizes:

- Being present and responsive to what is happening around you in the scene.

- Allowing natural and honest reactions to guide your performance.

- Trusting your instincts rather than overthinking or planning your reactions.


2. Repetition Exercise

This foundational exercise of the Meisner Technique hones the ability to respond instinctively. Here's how you can do it:


With a Partner:

- Step 1: Face your partner, and make a truthful observation about them. It might be something as simple as "You're wearing a blue shirt."

- Step 2: Your partner will repeat your observation back to you: "I'm wearing a blue shirt."

- Step 3: You will continue this back-and-forth repetition, allowing the tone and emotion to change naturally as you continue to observe and respond to each other.

- Step 4: Keep repeating until a truthful emotional reaction arises. The objective is to move beyond the words and tap into genuine feelings and reactions.


Solo Practice:

If you're practicing alone, you can do a similar exercise using a mirror:

- Step 1: Stand in front of a mirror and make an observation about yourself.

- Step 2: Repeat the observation, allowing your tone and emotional state to change as you continue to observe yourself.

- Step 3: Continue this process, focusing on being present and reacting honestly to your reflection.


3. Emotional Preparation

This exercise helps you to connect with a character's emotional state.

- Step 1: Identify an imaginary circumstance for your character.

- Step 2: Consider how your character would genuinely feel in that situation.

- Step 3: Use sense memory or other emotional triggers to place yourself in that emotional state.

- Step 4: Practice a scene or monologue from this emotional place, focusing on reacting truthfully within the imaginary circumstances.


4. Continuous Learning

The Meisner Technique is deep and multifaceted. Consider reading books, watching videos, or taking classes with a professional coach to continue your learning.

Some Recommended Resources:

- Books: "Sanford Meisner on Acting" by Sanford Meisner and Dennis Longwell.

- Videos: Look for interviews, workshops, or demonstrations with Sanford Meisner or his students.

- Classes: Search for local acting schools or workshops that offer training in the Meisner Technique.


Conclusion


The Meisner Technique is a powerful tool for actors looking to bring authenticity and instinct to their performances. By practicing these exercises and continuing to explore and understand the underlying principles, you can begin to integrate this approach into your own acting work. Remember, patience, and persistence are key, as this technique requires ongoing practice and exploration to fully master.


Physicality


The concept of physicality in acting refers to the way an actor uses their body to portray a character's physical traits and behaviors. By focusing on these details, an actor can create a more believable and engaging performance.


Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding and implementing physicality in acting, suitable for amateurs and professionals alike.


Step 1: Research the Character

1. Understand the Character: Read the script thoroughly, paying attention to descriptions, actions, and emotions. Try to get a sense of the character's age, physical condition, background, etc.

2. Analyze Physical Traits: Identify key physical characteristics, like posture, walk, or unique gestures that the character might have.


Step 2: Experiment with Posture

1. Practice Different Postures: Experiment with standing, sitting, or moving in ways that align with the character's attributes.

2. Use Mirrors or Record Yourself: Study how different postures look and feel. A mirror or video recording can provide feedback on what looks authentic.


Step 3: Develop a Unique Gesture

1. Find a Signature Gesture: Consider incorporating a unique gesture that is repeated throughout the performance.

2. Practice the Gesture: Spend time practicing until it becomes second nature, ensuring that it's not forced or unnatural.


Step 4: Create a Specific Walk

1. Understand the Character’s Walk: Whether it's a strut, limp, shuffle, or swagger, define and practice the walk that best suits your character.

2. Consider Footwear: If your character wears specific shoes, practice walking in them, as this can greatly impact your walk.


Step 5: Physical Appearance

1. Consider Makeup, Hairstyle, or Costume: Changes in physical appearance can enhance the portrayal. Consult with makeup artists or costume designers if possible.

2. Practice with Props: If the character uses specific props, practice using them so they feel like a natural extension of your body.


Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Integrate All Elements: Combine posture, gesture, walk, and appearance into a cohesive physical portrayal.

2. Rehearse with Others: If possible, practice with fellow actors to see how your physicality interacts with theirs.

3. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from directors, coaches, or fellow actors to refine your portrayal.


Conclusion


Physicality in acting is a multifaceted tool that helps actors bring characters to life. By dedicating time and effort to understanding and embodying physical traits and behaviors, you can create a more authentic and compelling performance. Remember, practice and self-reflection are key to developing these skills, and don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with different techniques.


Voice Work


Working on a character's voice, accent, and speech pattern is an essential aspect of acting that helps actors immerse themselves in their roles. Below, you'll find a step-by-step guide to develop these aspects for your character, whether you're an actor or just looking to explore a new voice for fun.



Step 1: Understand the Character

- Research the Background: Understand the character's origin, personality, age, and history. This knowledge will help you decide on an appropriate voice and accent.

- Define the Voice: Is the character soft-spoken or boisterous? Angry or happy? Knowing this will help shape the tone of the voice.


Step 2: Choose an Accent

- Study the Accent: Choose an accent that fits the character's background. Listen to native speakers, watch videos, or even consult with a dialect coach if possible.

- Practice Basic Sounds: Work on specific vowel and consonant changes that are unique to the accent.


Step 3: Work on Speech Patterns

- Observe the Rhythm: Different cultures have unique rhythms and speech patterns. Pay attention to how sentences flow and the tempo of speech.

- Emphasize Words: Consider which words or syllables would be emphasized in the accent and speech pattern.


Step 4: Practice with Script/Text

- Read Aloud: Start by reading a script or text that suits the character, focusing on maintaining the voice and accent.

- Record Yourself: Record your reading so you can listen and analyze areas for improvement.

- Use a Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror to watch your facial expressions and lip movements.


Step 5: Get Feedback

- Consult Others: Ask friends, family, or fellow actors to listen and provide feedback.

- Work with a Coach: If you can, work with a voice or dialect coach to get professional feedback and guidance.


Step 6: Internalize the Voice

- Practice Regularly: Like any skill, regular practice is key to mastery.

- Use it in Context: Try using the voice in conversations or improvisations to make it more natural.


Step 7: Keep it Healthy

- Warm Up: Always warm up your vocal cords with gentle exercises.

- Stay Hydrated: Keep your vocal cords hydrated and avoid straining them.

- Rest: Give your voice time to rest, especially if practicing an accent or tone that's particularly demanding.


Additional Resources:

- Online Tutorials: Many online platforms offer accent and voice coaching.

- Books and Manuals: Look for specialized books on voice acting, accents, and speech patterns.

- Apps: Some mobile apps offer guidance and practice sessions for various accents.


Conclusion


Voice work is an intricate and rewarding skill that can add depth and realism to a character. By dedicating time and energy to understanding, practicing, and perfecting the voice, accent, and speech pattern of your character, you can enhance your performance and connect more authentically with your audience. Whether you're a professional actor or just exploring voices for fun, following this guide will set you on the right path to voice mastery.


Research


The process of researching a character's background, occupation, era, and lifestyle can be an extensive and integral part of an actor's preparation for a role. Here's a DIY guide for actors looking to dive into this essential part of character building.


DIY Guide to Character Research for Actors


1. Understand the Script:

- Read the Entire Script: Understand the plot, relationships, and key moments.

- Analyze Your Character: Identify your character's needs, wants, fears, and goals. Make notes about the character's personality, habits, and relationships with others.


2. Background Research:

- Character's History: Investigate the character's upbringing, education, family life, and past experiences.

- Social Background: Consider the character's social status, economic background, and cultural influences.

- Create a Timeline: Document significant life events that have shaped the character.


3. Occupation and Lifestyle Exploration:

- Research the Profession: If the character has a specific job, learn the details of that profession.

- Daily Routine: Map out what a typical day might look like for your character. Include work routines, hobbies, and social interactions.


4. Study the Era:

- Historical Context: If the piece is set in a particular historical period, understand the politics, culture, technology, and societal norms of that time.

- Fashion and Attire: Look into the clothing, hairstyles, and accessories that would be appropriate for the character's time and place.


5. Embrace the Lifestyle:

- Practice the Accent/Dialect: If applicable, work with a coach or use online resources to learn the way of speaking.

- Physical Skills: If the character has specific physical skills or habits, learn and practice them.

- Recreate the Environment: If possible, visit locations similar to the character's environment or set up a space to mimic it.


6. Connect with Similar Individuals:

- Interview People: If the character's occupation or lifestyle is accessible, consider interviewing people who have lived that experience.

- Join Communities: Engage with online forums or local groups that align with the character's interests or profession.


7. Compile a Character Journal:

- Record Your Findings: Keep a journal documenting all your research. Include pictures, notes, sketches, and reflections.

- Character Diary: Write daily entries as your character, reflecting their thoughts and feelings.


8. Collaborate with the Creative Team:

- Work with the Director: Share your findings and get feedback.

- Engage with Fellow Actors: Collaborate and rehearse with fellow actors to bring the character to life.


9. Continuous Reflection and Adaptation:

- Revisit Research Regularly: Keep returning to your research throughout rehearsals and performances.

- Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt and adjust based on new insights or direction from the creative team.


Conclusion


Character research is a layered and complex process that requires time, dedication, and creativity. The more an actor invests in understanding their character's world, the more authentic and compelling their performance will be. By following this DIY guide, actors can deepen their connection to their roles and enhance their ability to bring characters to life.


Character Journal


Creating a Character Journal is a fascinating way to explore a character's life and to build an in-depth connection with them. This tool can be useful for actors, writers, and anyone who wants to understand a character on a more profound level. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your Character Journal, complete with prompts and ideas to guide you.


Step 1: Choose the Character

Decide on the character you wish to explore. This could be a character you're portraying in a play, movie, or even a character from a novel you're reading or writing.


Step 2: Understand the Basics

Compile some fundamental information about the character to ground your writing:

- Name:

- Age:

- Appearance:

- Occupation:

- Family Background:

- Location:

- Time Period:

- Key Relationships:


Step 3: Establish the Voice

Think about how your character talks and what language they use. Consider their education level, where they're from, and their personality.


Step 4: Create a Diary or Journal Format

Choose a physical notebook or digital document that appeals to your character's personality and time period. Feel free to decorate or personalize it to reflect the character's taste.


Step 5: Write Daily Entries

Start writing entries as if you are the character. Here are some prompts to get you started:

- Day 1: Introduce yourself, your surroundings, and your daily routine.

- Day 2: Write about a memorable event in your life.

- Day 3: Explore a relationship that is essential to you. Describe the person and what they mean to you.

- Day 4: Discuss your dreams, hopes, and fears.

- Day 5: Write about a current challenge or conflict in your life.

You can continue with daily entries, or jump to significant events or thoughts that come up in the story.


Step 6: Explore Additional Avenues

Include letters, sketches, poems, or anything else that helps you get inside the character's head. Experiment with different writing styles and formats.


Step 7: Reflect

Review the journal periodically and see how your understanding of the character has evolved. Use this insight to improve your portrayal or deepen your connection with the character.


Step 8: Share (Optional)

If appropriate, share your journal with others working on the project, such as fellow actors or the director, to foster a shared understanding of the character.


Conclusion


A Character Journal is an active and immersive way to explore a character's inner world. It can lead to a more nuanced and authentic portrayal, whether you're an actor on stage or a writer looking to flesh out a fictional persona. The key is to approach it with curiosity and openness, allowing yourself to truly step into the character's shoes and see the world through their eyes.


Improvisation


Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own improvisational practice or exercise.


Improvisation in Acting

Improvisation, often referred to as improv, is the art of creating scenes, characters, and dialogue in the moment, without a script or predefined direction. It's a skill used by actors to explore their characters' reactions, emotions, and relationships, leading to a deeper understanding and sometimes the discovery of new aspects of a character.


Improvisation can be fun and spontaneous, but it also requires practice, intuition, and a willingness to take risks. Actors use improvisation not only in live performances but also in rehearsals to explore the depth of their characters.


Here's a DIY guide to improvisation that you can follow to start exploring characters and scenes:


DIY Improvisation Exercise


Step 1: Set the Scene

- Choose a Setting: Decide where the scene will take place, like a coffee shop, park, or office.

- Identify Characters: Decide who is in the scene. You may be specific (a mother and son) or leave it open to interpretation.

- Define Relationships: What is the relationship between the characters? Friends, enemies, family?

- Determine Objective: What do the characters want in this scene? Be clear about their motivations.


Step 2: Warm Up

- Physical Warm-Up: Engage in stretching or physical activity to get your body ready.

- Mental Warm-Up: Play quick-thinking games like word association to get your mind active.

- Emotional Warm-Up: Discuss or imagine the emotions your character may be feeling.


Step 3: Start the Scene

- Engage with Scene Partners: Listen and respond to what others are doing.

- Be in the Moment: Don’t overthink it; react naturally as your character would.

- Use “Yes, And…” Technique: Accept what your scene partner has offered and add to it.


Step 4: Explore the Character

- React as the Character: Don’t just act; think and feel as the character.

- Try Different Emotions: Experiment with different emotional reactions.

- Explore Relationships: Focus on the connections between characters and how they evolve.


Step 5: Reflect

- Discuss the Scene: Talk about what worked, what didn't, and what you learned.

- Note Discoveries: Were there new aspects of the character that emerged?

- Consider Next Steps: If this was part of a larger project, how can you incorporate what you discovered?


Conclusion


Improvisation is more than just making things up on the spot; it's a valuable tool for actors to explore and deepen their understanding of their characters. This DIY exercise can be used in practice or fun with friends. Remember, the primary goal of improvisation is to create and explore, not to be perfect. The more you practice, the more comfortable and skillful you will become at improvisation.