hiya,
I'm in a first World War play playing the wife of a solider and I was wondering if anyone had any tips for acting in love. I'm finding it really difficult particularly in the scene where I have to wave him off to war. Any advice would be much appreciated as the play is next week!
Thanks.

Moparbyfar

I'm not an actor but used to dream of it when I was younger.
You could try watching a few war romance movies or read up on some stories that pull at your heart strings. When it comes time for the scene of waving goodbye, try to think of the pain and longing these characters must have felt and try to let go of any self consciousness.
Maybe practice at home or in front of someone (who you know won't giggle) to get used to the feeling of being looked at. In front of a mirror may help so you can practice with different expressions to see what works.
These are just ideas that I would try out if I were in the same boat. Break a leg!

compass dream

Well my teacher always said you cant act love or crazy. You have to feel it. Embrace your character. Become them. Dig deep and bring up the feeling love for real. If you act it looks fake.

Things to think about- Who is your character? Where is she coming from in the scene? Who is the person you love? Why do you love them? Why are you sad that he is leaving? Think of some other questions you can ask yourself to bring the feelings out. You can think of people in your life or situations that can help you get into the feelings. Also research the part a bit. Find articles or web sites where women talk about how they lost their loved ones in war and how it has affected them. Then think about that when you see him go off.

You talked about having to wave him goodbye when he goes off to war. Become your character and think how she would. She is very sad to see her sweety leave. He could die. She may never see him again. He completes her so him leaving is like part of her missing. If he dies its like part of her dies. Do you have children? If yes then he might not be there for his children. Thats horrible. If no then you might not get a chance to have kids with him. You always wanted a family with him but now you if he dies you cant.

I hope all that helped and i just wasnt blabbin. Sorry its so much but I dont think people realize it takes so much to portray another person. The main thing is dont act become. Become your character and really feel the feelings. Look at the late Heath Ledger, he became the character Joker and felt those feelings and it affected his personal life. Thats what it takes to be a great actor. Dont act.

XxhannahxX

Thankyou, that was very helpful. I think you're right, I've been thinking about it in the wrong way. Thanks again.

compass dream

how did it go? you already go through with it

XxhannahxX

yeah I've done it (relief!!). I was much better than I'd been in rehearsals, Thankyou so much for your help it really changed my whole performance. The performance on the whole was better because the person acting opposite me found it easier once I could do it.
Thanks again!

mosag330

I hope you had a great time with your performance. I'm sorry I missed the thread back in the pre-stage day. Still, I have something to say for any other actors who have similar questions:

To be "in love" is a condition. You do not act conditions, you DO ACTIONS. Actors don't pretend. Actors do. A real actor needs to tell the truth through their actions. There is no need to imitate things you've seen or anything else if you are doing your action. Anything else is lying, and it makes for a very flat performance.

For example: You do not act "angry"-- you Intimidate. You Provoke. You Reject. You Eviscerate. You Belittle.
You do not act "in love"-- you Adore. You Worship. You Comfort. You Praise. You Protect. You Excite. You Seduce. You Flirt. You Calm.

In order to make sure your action is appropriate and working towards your performance, you need to be very clear about your Objective-- this is the responsibility of the director. Talk to the director if you think there is something off, and they will help you work on sharpening your objective.