How to Talk to Your Scene Partner Like They Are Also a Human Being
Acting with a scene partner is tough! Don’t you wish you could just do monologues and cabarets the rest of your life?
Unfortunately though, talking with another human is a cross we all must bear on the way to our Solo Show at 54 Below.
Not sure how to make your partner do what you want them to do? Unsure about the best way to give your fellow actors notes? Hackstage is here to help with some tips and creative tricks to make talking to another actor easy and fun!
Ask a mutual friend or cast member to tell you scene partner what they are doing wrong or what they are bad at. This way it won’t feel personal or like it is coming from you.
If you feel like you scene partner still isn’t giving you everything that you need in a scene, try leaving them a note! If it’s a long rehearsal process you could even send them a formal letter in the mail. What a clear way to show that you have strong opinions, but are uninterested in having a dialogue!
Offer to give lesson on whatever technique you are trained in, free of charge. Have your first lesson be your first scene together.
Get drunk and text them at 3am. You will be at your most honest, and chances are they won’t be awake to respond.
Complain relentlessly about them to anyone who will listen. Actors are notorious gossips, so the information is sure to get back to them within a few hours at the latest
If you are being housed by the theater, take the opportunity to sneak into their room under cover of darkness. Whisper your opinions about their character in their ear while they are sleeping.
Last but not least, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES let the director get involved. What happens between you and another actor is none of their business.
