Episode #335
Air Date:
Emotional Subtext in Acting
I am really fascinated with how acting theory can sometimes help or hurt an actor. Too much analysis has, many times, muddied the performance waters. One reason, I think for this, is how we fail to prioritize what is necessary in any given scene we are performing. Today, we will look at subtext. What exactly it is and how we can use it to our advantage when acting. Emotional subtext in acting on this episode of Casting Actors Cast!
Defining subtext: What the character is thinking or feeling contrasted with what they are saying. Another definition: an undercurrent of emotional thoughts not reflected in the character’s dialogue. “I love you” example.
Why is this helpful?
· Provides another layer to an otherwise literal interpretation of the script
· Creates a dramatic or comic revelation or signal for the audience to experience
· Infuses the character with new choices because of the conflicting thoughts
Ways to uncover sub textual choices
· Investigate the writer’s intension behind the character’s actions and thoughts
· Infuse the character or exchange (dialog) with “What If” scenarios
· Connect to your own emotional vocabulary of experience
How to implement emotional subtext in your action
· Find logical places for shifting the emotions or thoughts in the script
· Be clear about whether the subtext is thought drive or emotionally driven (or both!)
· Bury/sublimate your subtext choices internally with the other character(s) in the scene
Issues actors might have with the subtext tool
· Not subtle enough for the audience
· Not subtle enough for the other character(s) in the scene
· Unclear or non-specific subtext elements within the scene
Remember that emotional subtext can be different than undisclosed thoughts (secretive intensions). Understand that the character you are playing is sharing the subtext with the audience and keeping it from the other. This can vary greatly and needs to be filtered through the context you are given.
Conclusion: Subtext, especially emotional subtext, is an amazing way to create dramatic tension, comic relief or character depth in your acting. It becomes a great tool for making discoveries and choices for how you play the part. Used appropriately, subtext is a very effective method for creating a rich, depth-filled, interesting character when acting.
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