Acting Tips - Cultivating a Physical Relationship with Fellow Actors

Throughout my experience as an actor for over a decade, I have seen far too many actors who primarily focus their attention on performing as a solo act. That is, too many actors focus on perfecting their individualistic acting style that does not include other actors.

As an actor, you will likely have moments where you are acting without anyone else around you; however, there will be many times where you must share the stage or screen with several other actors.

Creating a realistic scene involves creating a physical relationship with your fellow actors, which means to engage each actor based on your character's relationship with them. This form of acting is heavily discussed within acting classes; however, I have gathered several tips to help guide you through the art form of ensemble acting.

Establish Your Relationship

Think about the people that you surround yourself with. Each of these individuals has a unique relationship with you. While the relationship may not very complex, such as an acquaintance or a classmate, but there is a relationship present. I have witness far too many actors relate to the actors around them as just that - actors. They have not spent the time to uncover and cultivate the complexities that arise in every type of interpersonal relationship.

When you have to work with a group of actors, you must take the time to write out the relationship your character has with each of the actors. How does your character feel about the other persons personality? What is their history? Is there hope for a friendship in the future? How has this character wronged your character?

Recognize the Conflicts

In all great comedies, dramas, horrors and psychological suspense scripts there are conflicts between one or more characters. These conflicts can be minor, like a boyfriend who forgot to pick up his lovers laundry, or major, like a serial killer who is after you. No matter the severity of these conflicts, you must recognize these conflicts and determine how your character handles the emotional requirement for such scenarios. How does your character hold his body around this person, or persons? What is your character's subtext when it comes to being close to this person? How will your character achieve his objective of resolving or escalating this conflict?