What makes an actor a good storyteller? Drama students, listen up!
By John Legaspi
Here’s what actor Mon Confiado has to say
Acting, whether in front of a camera or on stage, is an art that requires time and skills to be mastered. It is an understatement to say that actors are essential in a production. After all, they are the living manifestations of a writer’s script and they help bring a director’s vision to life. They are the tools that pass a story to the audience. That is why a lot of pressure rides on casting and auditions.
Similar to other artists, an actor’s job doesn’t end after the cameras stop rolling or when the curtains fall. Their job is a continuous learning process and experimenting with different techniques is required to be a truly effective storyteller. Now, if you’re aspiring to be one, multi-awarded Filipino thespian and actor Mon Confiado, who will be starring in an upcoming Mikhail Red movie Arisaka, has some acting pointers that might help you out. So whether you’re a follower of Konstantin Stanislavski’s school of acting or you’re a disciple of Eric Morris, make sure you have these in your repertoire.
Creativity
“Actors interpret their characters’ feelings and motives,” Mon says. Performers must assess their characters from all points-of-view, not just their past, present, and future, but also the things the characters cannot see. Like how they are perceived by the other characters or their surrounding, which is a key to a proper preparatory execution of a scene.
Memorization skills
With his experience in film and TV, Mon knows that edits and changes happen abruptly. That is why it is important for actors to be adaptable, to be on their feet, and study their lines quick. “Television actors often appear on camera with little time to memorize scripts, and scripts frequently may be revised,” he says.
Determination
TV, film, and theater are industries where you’ll receive a lot of “no,” “thank you for your time,” “next,” and closing doors. In order to make it, they “must be able to accept rejection and keep going.”
Physical stamina
“They may work long hours and they must do so without getting overly tired,” Mon warns. Apart from the mind, actors should remember that their body is their most important instrument. Taking care of it, honing it, and controlling it are prerequisites of the job.
Reading skills
Never trust a colleague who does not read. For actors, reading broadens the mind and allows them to step into a world unkown to them. Remember, “actors read many scripts and must be able to interpret how a writer has described their character,” which makes reading a book, magazine, newspaper, and more a good exercise.
Speaking skills
“Actors, particularly stage actors, must be able to say their lines clearly, project their voice, and pronounce words so that audiences understand them,” says Mon. More importantly, actors must not just memorize their lines but also master the script. They should be able to map out the scenes, know where to put pauses for a dramatic flair, and learn how to deliver lines that will help lead the story to its climax.