Make a grand entrance, even if it's a small stage.
An aspiring actor must master the art of making a good entrance. Even in the context of an acting class, good entrances for the start of a skit or scene are a useful skill to work on with the help of classmates and teachers. They are a good way to impress and improve your grade and showing in class. Improve your entrance by considering both dramatic and visual factors.
Instructions
1. Look at the layout of the space in your classroom and imagine your scene from your audience's perspective. Sit in the audience chairs (sample different seating spots) and look at the stage (or designated area for scenes) and observe what objects in the space look like from these vantage points. Make a note of what areas the audience can and can't see and how large or small objects look. Note the lighting and how it affects what you can see. Imagine yourself making an entrance into this space and imagine what you think a good entrance will look like in this space to an audience member. Keep this in mind while you practice.
2. Imagine the scene itself from the point of view of your audience. Picture the events of the scene that occur before your entrance and think about how you would perceive them if you were an audience member watching for the first time. Imagine your ideal version of the scene, then imagine what an ideal version of your entrance will convey according to the dramatic dynamic of the scene. Write down any impressions that come to mind and consider these as you plan and practice.
3. Master an impassive, out of character expression for before your entrance. If the space you're acting in requires you to be visible to your audience before your entrance to the scene area, practice an emotionless, calm stance that won't distract the audience from the rest of the scene. This will also make your entrance more dramatic when you suddenly break into character and start.
4. Practice and plan the physical movements of your entrance. Decide what path you'll take from where you enter to where you stop walking after entering. Make sure your back is turned to the audience as little as possible, and make sure you're standing three-quarters turned towards the audience (meaning they can see most of you) when you speak. Remember the positions of your fellow actors and any set pieces so that you can plan to be standing in a position where you are neither blocking the view of someone else or having your image blocked from the audience's view when you're speaking.
5. Plan the entrance according to the character and narrative of the play. Once you have the practical aspects of physical movement planned, think about your character's body posture and manner of walking and what they're likely to look like at this moment in the narrative. Think about what your character's current objective is when he's walking and how this will affect pace and gesture. Layer these discoveries over your practical movement requirements.
