How to Be a Great Actor: The Basics Explained

Acting has always been a great and exciting career choice. Whether you’re seeking escapism, wanting to tell your own story or, just want to entertain, you can do it by acting.

Are you currently trying to make it as an actor? Are you not landing the roles you want and can’t understand why?

Becoming a great actor is no easy task. You may have some raw talent, but you can always get better.

In this article, we’ll share some useful tips on how to be a great actor. By following these acting tips, you’ll get to that next level and see your performances improve.

Never Stop Studying

Did you always land the leading part in school plays? Were you always praised as being great and told you should pursue acting.

If this is you then great, it sounds like you have some natural talent. The problem is, when you become a professional actor, you’re competing against those who are in the same boat. You’re no longer a big fish in a small pond.

Too many actors can let their ego get in the way of success. Just because they were the best in their high-school class, they think they’re great.

In actual fact, they can be average at best.

Think about it, a professional sportsman spends 5 days a week training. This is exactly what you should be doing.

Keep taking acting classes and learning from others. Don’t become too arrogant and think a few night classes won’t help you.

If you can, read the great works of Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Checkov. These are some of the greatest plays ever written and they’ll help you expand your knowledge.

Practice Not Blinking

This usually applies to screen actors but can be used just as well on stage.

If you want to act strong, then a simple acting tip is not to blink. Holding a gaze or stare comes across as more powerful.

Yet, if you want to do the opposite and act weak or nervous, then blinking a lot is the key. Michael Caine has explained this best on many occasions and even demonstrates it on chat shows.

Acting Is All About Reacting

Actors dream about having the longest monologues in plays so they can show off their skills. However, you don’t need to be speaking to be acting.

In fact, most of the time, you won’t be speaking at all. But, you’ll be acting and can put in a performance.

When you’re doing a scene, you have to be reacting to what the other person is saying. You will already know what they’re about to say as you’ve read the script and rehearsed it over and over.

But, you have to make it look like it’s the first time you’ve heard it.

So, start to practice your reaction techniques. This could be frowning, laughing, smiling, or just a simple eyebrow raise.

Finally, check out this post on the richest black actors. A few of them may surprise you.

Tips On How To Be a Great Actor

We hope you have enjoyed our article on how to be a great actor.

As you can see, there are many ways you can become better at acting. The ultimate key is to never stop learning and don’t ever let your ego get in the way.

Finally, check out our blog for the latest entertainment news.