The Craft of Acting

By William Boyd

22 November 2024

Acting is more than just delivering lines; it’s the art of embodying characters, understanding their motivations, and breathing life into their stories. At its core, acting connects deeply with human behaviour, empathy, and the ability to convey a spectrum of emotions. Whether you’re stepping onto a stage or in front of a camera, the craft of acting is about more than performance—it’s about creating moments that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Understanding the craft

To act is to interpret. Actors take the written word—a script—and transform it into a living, breathing character. This requires more than just memorisation. It’s about diving into the emotional depths of a role, understanding what drives a character, and communicating their journey in a way that feels authentic.

As an actor, you’re not just speaking; you’re reacting, listening, and engaging with your fellow performers and the world your character inhabits. This collaboration is key, particularly with directors, whose vision shapes the overall narrative. Together, actors and directors refine performances to ensure they align with the story’s intent.

For anyone interested in honing these skills, programms like the BA (Hons) Screen Acting in London and Berlin, or the MA Screen Acting, provide a practical and immersive experience in acting for screen, helping you master the technical and creative aspects of the craft.

The emotional core of acting

What makes a performance unforgettable? It’s not just the dialogue or dramatic scenes—it’s the emotional truth. To truly connect with an audience, actors need to tap into their own empathy, bringing a piece of themselves into every role. Understanding human behaviour is a key part of this process. Observing how people move, speak, and react in real life can be an invaluable resource for actors.

If you’re at the beginning of your acting journey, short courses like the Certificate in Acting for Film (20 Weeks) provide a strong foundation in exploring emotions and embodying characters.

The challenge and reward of acting

Acting is both demanding and rewarding. It requires discipline, focus, and resilience to keep perfecting your craft. Learning how to take direction, adapt to different roles, and work collaboratively on set is all part of the process.

Actors often describe their most rewarding moments as those where they truly connect with an audience. Whether it’s through a single tear or a triumphant smile, these moments make all the hard work worthwhile. As actor Viola Davis puts it, “Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”

For those looking to immerse themselves fully, the BA (Hons) Acting for Screen at MetFilm School Leeds offers a comprehensive exploration of screen acting, from emotional preparation to technical on-camera skills.

Tips for aspiring actors

If you’re drawn to acting, here are a few tips to help you grow your craft:

Immerse yourself in the world of your character: Understanding your character’s backstory, motivations, and relationships is essential. Tools like Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting can help you dig deeper into character development.

Practice active listening: Acting isn’t just about delivering lines; it’s about responding authentically. Listening to your scene partner and staying present in the moment can elevate your performance.

Learn to collaborate: Working well with directors and fellow actors is vital. Acting is a collaborative process, and being adaptable and open to feedback will help you grow.
Seek out training opportunities: Formal education is invaluable for actors. At MetFilm School you’ll find courses designed to help you refine your skills and gain hands-on experience.

Resources for actors

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, there are plenty of resources to support your journey. Websites like Backstage offer casting opportunities and industry insights, while books like An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski provide foundational knowledge. Additionally, acting workshops and classes, such as those at MetFilm School, are invaluable for building your confidence and skillset.

Why acting matters

Acting is about storytelling—creating connections, evoking emotions, and holding up a mirror to society. It’s a craft that demands both creativity and discipline, but it offers unparalleled rewards. For anyone with a passion for exploring characters and sharing stories, acting provides a powerful platform to make an impact.

Whether you dream of working in film, television, or theatre, the craft of acting is a journey of continual growth and discovery. Take the first step at MetFilm School, where you’ll learn to master your craft and tell stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.