Returning to Theater Acting After Time Away
Whether it’s a dry spell, a career shift, or say, a strike, returning to acting — specifically theater — after time away poses unique challenges. To help ease the transition to get you back into theater, here are some things to keep in mind.
Are you changing mediums?
If you’ve been working exclusively in film, shifting to live theater can feel jarring. After being accustomed to the camera picking up every minute internal shift, playing to the back of the house can feel forced and obtuse.
Sometimes a shift in perspective can help. Many industry professionals describe it as an energetic switch from inviting the audience in (film) to going out to meet them (theater). Being connected to your body can also help. If you’re out of the habit of including a full physical and vocal warm-up pre-show, now is the time to work it back in.
Your work can still be organic and nuanced, you just have to physically inhabit it in a larger way. Tiny physical adjustments that play great on film may not read in a big house. Blow it up. Commit fully to every gesture.
Don’t forget that projection takes practice! Project in rehearsal, even if it’s in a small room so that your body gets into the habit.
Get out of your head.
After time away from acting, it’s natural to feel rusty. But nothing will disconnect a grounded performance faster than that voice in your head that’s watching (and criticizing) your every move on stage. Although it’s easier said than done, there are some strategies to help quiet that voice.
Be patient with yourself. Remind yourself that it may take time to settle back into your groove. Jitters are not a reflection of your ability to perform. Spend some time pre-show physically warming up, listening to music or whatever gets you tuned in. Most importantly, when you find yourself drifting in a scene, refocus by listening to your scene partner. Remember your scene objective and engage by fighting for it.
Preparation is key.
Although to some extent acting is acting, remember that live performance works different muscles. Set yourself up for success by doing the work.
Come into rehearsal memorized, or as close as possible. Don’t skimp on script scoring, research and all the delightful actor’s homework that can feel tedious at times. When performance jitters hit, you’ll have a solid framework of training and preparation at your back to buoy you up.
Don’t forget the audience.
It seems obvious, but audience connection is a huge part of live performance, and if you haven’t worked a crowd in a while, it can be daunting.
Don’t shut them out because of nerves. Listen to them, learn from them and engage with them when appropriate. Every audience is different, so every performance will be different. Most importantly, remember that your audience, even when they are not responsive, is not your enemy. You are in this together. They are part of the collaboration.
At the end of the day, trust yourself. Just because you took a hiatus from acting, it doesn’t mean you lost your touch or forgot how to act. It may take time to feel like you’re back in shape, but that’s part of the process. Enjoy your return to theater acting, and break legs!
There are plenty of strike-compliant roles available on Casting Networks. Sign up or login and see what’s casting near you today!
You may also like:
- The Complications of Interim Agreements and PR
- 3 New Movies Streaming in September 2023 You Won’t Want to Miss
- The Waiting Room: How to Stay Present for Your Audition or Callback
