Being a chameleon
One of the things I’m constantly in awe of is the actors who are never the same, role to role. Each role I see them in they’re a completely different person (different creature, entity, or species even). They’re the chameleons of the trade and I think it’s safe to say, for actors, this is one of the goalposts.
There are many ways to be a chameleon performer and from my experience, different actors will have different specialties or elements they choose to focus on more than others. Think voice, makeup, or costume.
This post is about the body and movement choice.
Because shocker, right? You were expecting me to chat about makeup, right? 🙂
Your body
Before I dive into this post I want to make something really clear. As a performer and as you continue to grow and experiment with your craft, honestly, even years, decades into your craft, you’re going to be learning a great deal about yourself in the process.
Always be learning, right?
From the lens of movement work, this may come in the form of what your body is and isn’t capable of doing. While often fun discoveries are made, sometimes more frustrating ones can surface. Know that that’s alright. Trust your body, listen to it and stop if you need to stop.
Always.
Now, granted, nothing in this blog I personally would consider as being rigorous, but I’m speaking from my perspective and my experience. Your body is unique to you, and there are things you can do that no one else can, and trust me, in this line of work, that is 1,000% a good thing.
Oh and one more piece: movement work isn’t something to simply be read about. The key is implementation, it’s meant to be felt. So, after you’ve made your way through this post (or even part of the way through) try things out! Experiment! Get up and get moving!
Onto the ultimate tool for character movement!
So, what is this tool anyway?
Alright, this is the question you should ask yourself:
Where does my body lead from?
That’s it!
Simple, but not so simple at the same time.
Now, this isn’t just the #1 quickest way to be a movement chameleon (in my opinion), it’s also my #1 favorite tool in my movement toolbox. Hands down. Just so f*#$ versatile and easy.
It’s also my go to starting place. Either for myself, or for a student/client/performer that I’m working with.
Why?
Once you get the hang of it it’s crazy quick and easy. Therefore it’s an invaluable tool for auditions! (Especially if you’re in a time crunch!)
Now, I can’t garuntee you’ll get the role if you utilize this tool, but you will definitely stand out.
So, what do I mean by where does your body lead from?
Have you ever moved around and thought: what is the first part of my body to move? Is it my knees? My big right toe, nose, hips, hands, or shins?
By identifying this in yourself, as 100% no-filter you, you can then switch it up!
This is when you need to experiment. The most important part about having a tool for character movement is to use it! Get up and moving and tune into your body. Meander around and move as quickly or as slowly as you need to see if you can pinpoint the first part of your body to move.
There are no right or wrong answers here, this is totally unique to you.
Sometimes there is a really subtle distinction between parts of your body that are directly connected to each other. Don’t be afraid to do this exercise multiple times over the next few days, or years, each day may bring varied results and that’s alright!
So, go ahead, get up and moving and try it!
I’ll be here when you get back, promise. 🙂
Whatcha discover?
Alright, you gave it a go?
Fantastic!
Now, after moving around for a bit and focusing on your body, let’s say you’ve come to the conclusion you lead with your forehead. That’s great!
Now that you know you lead from your forehead, try consciously leading from your chin, your shoulders, your knees, and my personal favorite, your heels.
Try it super exaggerated and then super subtle.
Perhaps you discover when you lead from your shoulders you stand more upright. You move slower and more deliberately. This is fantastic info, log it away!
Maybe you discover when you lead from your chin you suddenly feel more snotty or bossy, nosey even (yarp, I went there 🙂 ) or you have a harder time seeing the ground. Are you subconsciously rolling your eyes? This is also wonderful info to log away.
See how these small tweaks can aid you in quick character development? Gah, I love it so much!
This tool for character movement not only enhances your performance but it also is a way to incorporate your body into all of the heady character script analysis you do. After all, body and mind make a great partnership.
Let’s talk archetypes
Let’s be real, tropes are a reality in what we do as actors. The bookworm with the glasses, the jock with broad shoulders and the princess in the tower with the downcast eyes.
I adore it when tropes and stereotypes are turned absolutely on their heads, but, honestly, not all projects are going for that.
Someone who is confident or a jock perhaps leads with their chest or shoulders. An incredibly intellectual character or bookworm may lead from their forehead. A martial artist my lead from their thighs. Again, no right or wrong answers here, each character unique.
This can be subtle, mind you, and it’s really fun to experiment with that subtle/extreme dial.
Some final musings…
One great way to use this tool is in an audition when you’ve been given on the spot direction to do a reading differently. Tweaking lead points can help demonstrate to them you’ve got some movement chops!
This is also great for those who are playing multiple characters in any given production or playing a character who flips between personalities.
Perhaps your lead point changes depending on the character’s mood. Or, thinking superheroes…does your superhero lead from a different spot when they’re in civilian clothing vs their uniform/suit?
For me, this technique was a game-changer. I hope that this tool for character movement is a keeper for you and brings you success in all of your character creating endeavors!
So…where does your next character creation lead from?
