How big is your character’s personal bubble?

Before Covid, were you aware of your proximity to others at all times? 

I certainly wasn’t. Not at all times, at least. 

Though I’d like to believe I was pretty aware back then. But, even more so now. 

We’re basically three years into the pandemic, and social distancing has reminded me how vital space is as a quality of movement. 

Not only is space important in our daily lives, but that space is something all actors can utilize to great effect. 

What first comes to mind is it’s a fantastic way to display lots of character qualities without saying a word. 

For example, a bombastic character who’s the life of the party may invade others space more, vs. someone who struggles with social settings might maintain more space between them and others. 

There was a game we played in my acting conservatory: 

We’d pair up, and wander around the room, focused on keeping the same amount of distance between our partner and us. 

It’s more challenging than it sounds, especially when multiple pairs are operating in the same space. 

A way to up the challenge was to incorporate motivations. So, one of the pair’s motivations was to get close to the other. The other’s motivation was to stay away from the first. 

Probably goes without saying that chaos, running, tripping over each other, and much laughter always ensued. 

So, how can using space and an exercise like this be useful for actors?

Utilizing space to build personality

There are many ways you can utilize space to add layers to a character’s personality. 

“Have you ever been somewhere, and an object makes you back up and increases your distance from it? Think of a time when you were at a haunted house and saw something scary. You increase your personal space and move backwards rather quickly to avoid being too close to the scary object.” 

In some cases, using space could be a core movement signature quality to show a character’s growth. 

Perhaps their story is one of adventure and stepping out of their comfort zone. They start off more tentative in space and take up space that shifts as they become more comfortable.

On the other end of the spectrum, maybe their story is that of loss and abandonment. Where space could grow more and more claustrophobic.

Either way, wherever your character may fall on the spectrum of space, it can be a valuable tool to create consistency. 

But, crafting relationships is where space really comes into play. 

Using space to build relationships

“Spacial qualities are indications of our relationship to each other.” Barbara Sellers-Young Breathing, Movement, Exploration

Think of the people closest to you in your life and that you like having them around. 

Then, it could be said that you’re pretty comfortable having them in your personal space bubble. Hugs and such, ya know? 

Your personal space bubble will be different than for people you see (this is pre-Covid, mind you) at the grocery store.

Thinking about your character’s relationships with others from the framework of personal bubbles can help you show tension, or familiarity, and even the development of that relationship. 

What do you think about the two pictures below?

How does the space, or lack of space between the people, help tell their story, their relationship?

Invaders or allies of personal space bubbles?

So, let’s get a little more practical and ask some questions. 

Mainly, is your character an invader of personal space bubbles or respectful of bubble boundaries? 

Maybe they’re both, depending on the relationship/situation?

Here’s some more questions you can ask yourself when delving into character work. 

• Do they invade the space of others intentionally? 
• Do they lack spatial awareness?
• Do they have a tiny personal space bubble?
• Do they use space to avoid others?
• Does their bubble change as their journey evolves?
• Does this character’s culture influence their personal space bubble?
• What is this character’s relationship to space? Do they like their environment cluttered or spacious?

What are some other questions about space that come to mind?

Let space help you

Working with space can open up a lot of new ways of discovering your character. 

It can become a vital part of character development by asking yourself some of the questions listed above and seeing what happens. 

It’s also work that can be done in rehearsals with fellow actors. Especially if you’re focusing on space between relationships. 

Your character is constantly navigating through space, as are we all. 

So, what is your character’s relationship to space?

Happy moving!