TIP: PLAYING OPPOSITES

Discussing an obstacle with an actor may not always produce the desired result. Actions are playable, but obstacles are not; they can only modify the action. A more direct way of accessing an obstacle is to turn it into an action. An actor who must reveal a lack of self-respect as his character's obstacle could play as an action to punish or sabotage himself. That kind of experiment tends to inform future repetitions of the scene when he returns to playing the original action.

Turning an obstacle into an action is one example of "playing opposites"-- a very good way of bringing out different sides to any behavior. Playing the opposite of what appears to be the obvious action-- even if it seems inappropriate-- can introduce new colors and even new actions. Conceiving of at least two ways to play a scene will make it easier to suggest opposites in rehearsal.

TIP: ONE THING AT A TIME

An effective way to rehearse, especially early in the process, is to concentrate on one element-- for instance, one of the immediate given circumstances-- at a time. Otherwise the playing may not reveal which circumstance is most important. And remember,your actors are trying to absorb a great many things in a still incomplete context. Later, when they have a more advanced sense of each scene, you can layer in the more subtle circumstances, actions, and aspects of the relationships..

Encourage the playing of one clear action rather than a series of contradictory desires. A direction such as "Excite her, but keep your distance, and also find out if she's available" is far too complicated and qualified to play.