The Psychology of an Actor
Acting requires certain qualities
Willingness to Learn
The greatest quality that stands out in the actors is the
openness to learning. Whenever they are representing someone else’s role, which is
sometimes very distinct from their personality, they have to focus on knowing
more about the person's way of thinking and behavior. This involves a lot of research and dedication, which an actor is willing to put in.
Their technical knowledge has to be refined continuously, and they should know how everyone in the team works. They must understand how the
props work and make amends accordingly. They must have detailed knowledge about
the costumes they are going to wear. Female actors should be able to be
comfortable in different kinds of dresses they wear during the performance, and
this takes an abundance amount of learning.
Ready to face Hardship
We may see the actor’s performance for a few minutes, but it
would have taken them a considerable time to make it happen. Stage actors spend
several hours practicing their lines, whereas film actors spend a lot of time in
retakes. A single shot may take countless hours of repetition.
When they go for outdoor shooting, film actors must be able
to go without food and sleep for longer hours. They must eat whatever is
available, and they must be able to sleep without too many comforts. They rarely
complain about their state of mind and get on with the tasks at hand.
Derive satisfaction from
their work
We keep hearing that some actors make a lot of money. This
could be true with only a handful of famous actors. However, an actor is
motivated more by the quality of work rather than the amount of money. They are
always striving to improve their performance, and they put stringent goals for
themselves.
Their happiness comes from their performance, and they are
ready to go to any lengths to make it happen.
The altered states of
Consciousness
The actors can enact different roles, and they enter into a
different world doing so. They assume a different personality, sometimes quite
distinct from their own. When they are acting, the actors can change their
thoughts, emotions, and attitudes.
Thus, they summon multiple personalities during their
performance, still being aware of themselves. They become someone else temporarily,
and this is a great attribute of all actors.
Perceive minute nuances in
life
The actors can give attention to details. They are always
willing to know whatever they can about the role they are playing. Whether
important or not, they will go through every information available.
They always try to broaden their horizon of knowledge, and
they can catch tiny details that go unnoticed by others.
Patience
Actors need to have a lot of patience. Their desire to play
a given role successfully is perpetual, and they put in a lot of time and energy
to make it happen.
Film actors may have to go through innumerable takes, and
stage actors practice countless rehearsals.
Addictions
The majority of the actors have some kind of addiction. It
could be tea, coffee, snacks, smoking, alcohol, the internet, social media,
etc. Because they have to work for long hours, such addictions appear
justifiable to them. They think that addiction helps in reducing their stress.
However, there are quite a few of them who are not addicted.
A handful of actors fall prey to drug pushers, especially
because they are loaded with money. They work hard but party harder. They keep
getting innumerable invitations to parties, and they usually don’t say no.
Money Management
Most of the actors are poor in money management. They depend
on others so much that they can easily be misled.
Many stars have become paupers once they lose the limelight.
They invest in too many ventures, hoping that each one of them will be a
money-making machine.
Memory
The actors have a superb memory. Stage actors will have to
remember lines thoroughly and enact them for hours together during the
performance. Film actors must remember the story and the continuity of the role
they are playing.
Though they forget so many other things, still their memory
functions are intact when it comes to the role they represent.
Prowess in Language
Actors are well-versed in many languages and try to make it
a point to learn more words and phrases in the languages they are using for the
role.
They give importance to accent, pronunciation, intonation,
words, phrases, pauses, emphasis, etc. and they keep refining their language skills.
Emotional Insight
They are capable of manifesting emotions that are in no way
connected to their personality. Not only that, but they can judge emotional experiences and
responses accurately.
However, sometimes they fall prey to the same emotional
behavior they are manifesting. Some of these emotions like anger, sadness,
fear, etc., will seep into their world and change their way of thinking.
Outgoing Personality
Barring a few, most actors are extroverts in their behavior.
They prefer to be surrounded by people, and they always seek company. They are
charismatic and major influencers.
However, irrespective of the amount of camaraderie, they
feel lonely inside. Maybe this is the reason why they like to be surrounded by
others!
Excellent Communication
The actors are very good communicators. Both their listening
and speaking skills are excellent, but the same cannot be said for their writing
skills.
They always know what to say and how much to say. They can
give and take instructions accurately.
Knowledge of other arts
The actors cannot restrict themselves to acting alone. They
have to be well-versed in other art forms like singing, dancing, designing,
painting, etc.
Some of them are into television anchoring, playing sports
and games, philanthropy, etc., too.
Healthy & Strong
The job of an actor is so demanding that any normal person
will not be able to manage. Irrespective of unpredictable eating and sleeping
behaviors, they maintain their health and vigor.
Sometimes, the actors have to engage in physical tasks that
are highly demanding. They have to do acrobatics, dancing, jumping, running,
mountain climbing, and scores of other tough activities. Not all of them have
stunt performers helping them out. They have to be physically and mentally fit
and strong.
The following are the qualities of an Actor.
- Willingness to learn
- Ready to face hardship
- Derive satisfaction from their work
- The altered states of consciousness
- Perceive minute nuances in life
- Patience
- Addictions
- Money management
- Memory
- Prowess in language
- Emotional insight
- Outgoing personality
- Excellent communication
- Knowledge of other arts
- Healthy & strong
So, an actor’s job is not as easy as it looks but is highly demanding. Several important characteristics are necessary to become a successful actor. Youngsters wanting to become actors can pick up some positive aspects and lead a fruitful life.
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