Expanding Your Horizons as an Actor: Tips and Projects to Push Your Limits

As a seasoned actor, you've undoubtedly honed your craft through countless performances and workshops. However, you've expressed a desire to push yourself further and explore new territories within the realm of acting. This article is designed to help you do just that by offering actionable tips and project ideas that can expand your skills and portfolio.

Acting Tips to Push Yourself Further

One of the best ways to improve as an actor is to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. This involves auditioning for and creating work that you might not be naturally suited for. Let's take a detailed look at some of the ways you can achieve this:

1. Get to Know Yourself Better

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses as an actor is crucial. Take an honest look at what scares you:

Are you afraid of singing? Do you struggle with intimacy or sexuality in performances? Do you feel paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake?

The latter is a critical area of focus. Many actors are hesitant to take risks due to self-evaluation. To overcome this, embrace the fact that failing is a natural part of the learning process. As John T. Nichols advises, make stronger, riskier choices.

For example, if a line calls for a smile of relief, don't settle for a subtle, wry smile. Instead, explore a primal shout of relief or a spontaneous hug. Give it a try, and see if it works for you. Remember, the key is to let go and be open to new possibilities.

Projects to Push Your Acting Limits

In addition to personal growth, engaging in specific projects can help you develop new skills and draw attention from industry professionals. Consider the following unique projects:

1. Write and Produce a One-Man Show

Creating and producing a one-man show is an excellent way to showcase your versatility and creativity. Follow these steps to make it a reality:

Direct Yourself: Get a trusted director to work with you, even if it's just to guide your vision and help you refine your performance. No Frills Production: Record your show on YouTube or perform it for free in a public space to build your portfolio and exposure. This content can be used to convince theaters to include your work in their programming or serve as a prelude to a collection of short plays.

This project will improve your understanding of what makes an effective play, the problems of production, and how to interact with theater producers when presenting new material.

2. Start a Children's Theater Group

Another fantastic way to expand your horizons is to start a children's theater group. Here's how you can get started:

Write the Scripts: Adapt stories from the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen. These iconic tales are rich in character development and storytelling opportunity. Rehearse to Performance: Engage local young actors, rehearse diligently, and prepare for performances. Market Your Show: Sell your show to local schools either by renting an auditorium and keep the box office, or by charging a fee per performance with the school taking the box office. Pay each collaborator a stipend for their hands-on work.

This project not only provides a valuable service to the community but also offers practical experience in producing and directing theater for young audiences.

Conclusion

Challenging yourself as an actor is paramount to growth and success in the industry. Whether you choose to excel in a one-man show or start a children's theater group, these projects can significantly enhance your skills and broaden your professional network. Remember, the key is to embrace risk and continually push your boundaries. Happy acting!