Off-Cut Thirty Three

This Handy Tip was published on The Rehearsal Room news page. It is a reminder of the excellent value of Utah Hagen's writings.

A quick check of "Respect for Acting" uncovered a useful tip for actors who are playing someone older or younger than their actual age. Utah recommends avoiding such clichés of the 'wobbly head' or the 'physically awkward youth' by focusing on the difference in age between your character and the other character's with which you have relationships. Utah contends it is the things which effect the relationships of the moment that make the difference. This process will certainly keep the actor focused actively and externally on the relationships around them and not internally focused on the physicality of posture.

October 2001