Using Observation of Human Behavior to Enhance Your Acting Technique
At John Rosenfeld Studios (JRS), we believe that one of the most powerful tools an actor can use is the observation of human behavior. By watching and studying the way people move, speak, and interact, actors can bring a deeper level of authenticity and nuance to their performances. In the group acting classes at JRS, our actors use these and other tools to grow and take their performances to new heights.
Here are three tips on how you can incorporate the observation of human behavior into your acting technique.
1. Be a Keen Observer in Everyday Life
The first step to using observation in your acting is to become a keen observer in your daily life. This means paying close attention to the people around you – at the grocery store, in the park, on public transportation, or at a coffee shop. Notice the small details: how people carry themselves, their facial expressions, their gestures, and their body language. Take note of the diversity of behavior and how different contexts and situations affect people’s actions and reactions. What may appear to be simple is an excellent way of setting the groundwork to enhance your acting technique.
How to Apply This:
- Carry a Notebook: Keep a small notebook with you to jot down interesting behaviors you observe. Write down not just what you see, but also your interpretations and thoughts on why someone might be acting a certain way.
- Use Your Phone’s Voice Recorder: If you notice an intriguing interaction or behavior, record a quick voice note describing it in detail.
Practice Empathy: Try to put yourself in other people’s shoes. Imagine their backstory and what might be going on in their lives to make them behave in certain ways. This exercise helps you build characters with depth and authenticity.
2. Study Human Behavior Through Media
While real-life observation is invaluable, you can also learn a great deal by studying human behavior through films, television shows, and documentaries. Watch how skilled actors portray their characters and pay attention to the subtleties in their performances. Notice how different characters respond to similar situations and how their unique traits influence their behavior.
3. Engage in Active Practice and Experimentation
Observation is only the first step. To truly integrate what you learn into your acting, you need to practice and experiment. Use the behaviors you observe as inspiration for your own character work. Try incorporating different physical and vocal traits into your performances to see how they change your portrayal of a character.
How to Apply This and Enhance Your Acting Technique:
- Improv Exercises: Engage in improvisation exercises where you adopt different behaviors and mannerisms you’ve observed. See how these choices affect your interactions and storytelling.
- Character Journals: Create detailed character journals where you explore your character’s background, motivations, and behavioral traits. Use your observations to add depth and realism.
- Scene Work: Practice scenes with a focus on specific behaviors. For example, choose a scene and decide that your character has a nervous habit or a particular way of speaking. Explore how this changes the dynamics of the scene.
- Improv Exercises: Engage in improvisation exercises where you adopt different behaviors and mannerisms you’ve observed. See how these choices affect your interactions and storytelling.
How John Rosenfeld Studios Can Help
At JRS, we understand the importance of observation and its application in acting. Our talented faculty are dedicated to helping you harness the power of observation to enhance your craft. Through our acting classes and workshops, you’ll receive guidance on how to effectively integrate observed behaviors into your performances. Our supportive community provides a space for you to practice, experiment, and receive constructive feedback.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to build your skills or an experienced actor aiming to refine your technique, John Rosenfeld Studios offers a nurturing environment where you can grow as an artist. Reach out by completing a contact form or call us at 323-656-1937 to discover how the keen observation of human behavior can take your acting to new heights.