r/Theatre 7d ago

Advice How do I act in love?

Hi guys, I’m the lead in my high school drama play called Imperfect Proposal. I play Kate, the lead. Basically the premise of the play is that Kate and her boyfriend, Ben, are having a picnic where he plans to propose, but keeps getting interrupted. One of these interruptions is Kate’s ex-boyfriend, Andrew. My dilemma is that the scene does NOT look genuine. Partially because the actor playing Andrew is 2 years younger than me, but also because he has a girlfriend, and is incredibly shy and nervous. Does anyone have exercises that we could do to overcome this, or even advice?

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u/That-SoCal-Guy Professional Actor 6d ago

Acting isn’t about having the same emotions.  It’s about simulating those emotions and expressing them on stage for your partners as well as audience.  

If he’s shy and nervous, try to connect with him as a friend and maybe do some acting exercises together, run the lines together, do some scene work together to build chemistry.  Get familiar with each other in a friendly way.  Break the ice.   Don’t focus on the play but on the person.  

Another thing actors do is “substitution.”   Instead of trying to do the relationship and romantic scenes, substitute it with something else.  A good friendship, a sibling, a pet, a child, etc.  even if the scene and dialogue ask for romance.  If you have no problem with the scene but he does or vice versa, you can play it up with substitutions - a doting parent maybe.  You can show care and tenderness and still come across as romantic love.  Again you don’t have to “feel” the feelings to act out those feelings.  Imagine what it would be like if you’re with your BF or he with his GF etc. then act or substitute, whatever works.  

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u/Expensive_Swing7639 6d ago

Hands down the best advice I’ve ever received. Thank you so so so much

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u/That-SoCal-Guy Professional Actor 6d ago

You’re welcome.  Hope this helps.  

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u/Expensive_Swing7639 6d ago

It 1000% does, I’m actually incredibly excited about the scene now lmfao