There are some common notes and adjustments that we hear time and again in classes. Set yourself up for success by prepping your material with these notes in mind.

1. Know who you are talking to. Have a strong understanding of who your character is talking to in the scene and what your relationship is with them. You should be able to firmly visualize them.
2. Raise the stakes. Make this feel even more important to the character. Understand WHY it is important.
3. Find different levels in the material. Play different intentions throughout the piece so we see and feel the different levels.
4. Make strong choices. Playing safe isn’t memorable. Make a smart choice.
5. Be mindful of your focus/eyeline. Where is your scene partner? Stay focused on them.
6. Be as specific as possible. Generalizations don’t tell a good story.
7. Know what your character wants in the scene. If the scene ended the way your character wants it to– what would happen? How do they try to get to that goal in different ways?
8. Know what happens in the moment before. Embrace that moment before you begin the performance. Understand the background leading to this scene.
9. Stay honest and authentic. Don’t push.
10. Keep training! A good actor works out that muscle like you would work in the gym.

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors with online casting, New York casting, and how to meet casting directors.