What Are Acting Choices

In acting, "choices" are how actors use their skills to bring a character and a scene to life. Making effective choices starts with a deep understanding of script analysis and a solid method for creating a character. The savvy actor develops these skills by going to class, watching great actors in film, television and theater, and consistently reading a variety of plays & screenplays.

How To Make Good Choices

Actors need to develop a keen sense of the drama in every scene—there’s no such thing as a casual scene. Even in comedy, there should always be some form of conflict. As Susan Batson puts it, “The actor must sniff out the conflict like a bloodhound.” The lines are just clues; it’s up to the actor to figure out what the character needs and wants overall. Once they understand the character's main goals, they can start making choices about the specifics of the moment-to-moment life of the scene.

Words, Words, Words

Stella Adler once said, “You are not acting words,” and there's the old saying, “Acting is doing.” A big part of making choices as an actor involves examining the lines and deciding what actions the character is taking, and how the actions change and evolve throughout the scene. The skilled actor knows how to ask deep questions, not with their head, but with their heart and soul. The actor must understand the drama and form a profound empathy for the character. Lastly, trust and commit to your choices - there’s no such thing as half way. In the spirit of good drama, it’s all or nothing.

All my best,

Greg Braun

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