In order to be a great scene partner, one must be able to understand and respect the personal boundaries of their fellow actors. They must also be able to work together as a team in order to create a believable and compelling scene. Furthermore, a great scene partner should be able to listen attentively and respond realistically to their partner’s cues. Reminder: it is important to have fun while working together in order to create a positive and enjoyable experience for both partners.
Whew! With all of that said, here are SIX TIPS to help you become the greatest scene partner ever:
Make Eye Contact
Eye contact may seem like a simple concept, but there is more to making good eye contact than you might think. Here are a few tips on how to make eye contact that will help you in your personal and professional life:
1. Make sure you are making eye contact with the person you are talking to, not just looking in their general direction. This shows that you are interested in what they have to say.
2. Do not stare at the person, as this can come across as aggressive or creepy. Instead, keep your gaze soft and steady.
3. If you are having trouble making eye contact, try focusing on the person’s eyebrows or forehead instead of their eyes. This can help you relax and appear more natural.
4. Breaking eye contact from time to time is normal and actually makes the conversation feel more relaxed and friendly.
Don’t be Afraid to Touch
In the film and television industry, it is common for actors to touch each other during scenes. This can be anything from a light touch on the arm to a full-on embrace. However, many actors are hesitant to touch each other, for fear of crossing boundaries or making someone uncomfortable.
But there’s no need to be afraid! Touch can be a very powerful tool in acting, and it can help create a more believable and realistic scene. If you’re unsure about whether or not to touch someone during a scene, just ask them first. As long as you’re respectful and considerate, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to use touch to your advantage as an actor.
Of course, in pandemic times, please be sure to discuss touching in advance and if your partner is not open to it, do not push them. Find another way to make a compelling scene.
Find the Funny
When it comes to acting, there is always room for humor. No matter the scene or the partner, finding the funny can help keep things light and make the experience more enjoyable.
There are a few ways to find the funny in any given scene. One is to simply let go and be open to whatever happens. If something unexpected happens, go with it and see where it takes you. Another way is to play off of your scene partner. If they make a mistake, use it as an opportunity to improvise and come up with something funnier than what was originally planned.
No matter what method you use, always remember that acting should be fun. If you’re not having fun, then chances are neither will your audience. So next time you’re feeling stuck or like things are getting too serious, take a moment to find the funny and enjoy yourself.
Be Present
When you’re acting, it’s important to be present in the moment and connect with your scene partner. This can help you create a believable performance and explore the characters’ relationships. Here are some tips for staying present during a scene:
1. Listen to your scene partner and respond honestly. Don’t just wait for your cue; really listen to what the other person is saying and let that affect your character.
2. Stay in the moment. It can be easy to get caught up in your own head when you’re performing, but it’s important to stay focused on the here and now. If you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it; just keep going.
3. Connect with your emotions. If you can tap into how your character is feeling, it will help you stay present in the scene and make your performance more believable.
Make Adjustments
When it comes to making adjustments during a scene, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to be aware of your own energy and how it’s affecting your scene partner. If you’re feeling off or tense, chances are your partner is picking up on that. Secondly, be willing to let go of any preconceived notions you may have about the scene. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try something new. Lastly, remember that communication is key. If you and your partner are having trouble connecting, talk it out and see what needs to be adjusted. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments in order to create a successful scene.
Be Encouraging
In order to create a successful scene, it is important to be encouraging to your partner. This means giving them positive feedback, listening to them, and being supportive. By doing this, you will create a more positive environment which will lead to better results.
Now, you may not be able to work all six tips into one scene, but if you can manage the majority of them, you’ll do just fine.
One of the most memorable clips where the scene partners have amazing chemistry is from the film, The Silence of the Lambs starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster as Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling.
And on that note, always be respectful to your scene partner, be prepared, know your character and objectives, be in the moment, and make strong choices. With these guidelines, you will be well on your way to being a great acting scene partner!
