2nd Draft - Joontae Kim

 Joontae Kim

Assignment No.1 6.23

 

                                     How Would You Prepare for a Part in a Play?

 

            Have you ever dreamt of becoming another person? I have for countless times to escape my current situation, to picture what my future will be like, and others. I, however, believe that the most effective way to do so is by taking a part in a play. At first, it might seem like a mission impossible because it requires a lot of work but there is no need to worry. You will be able to give a great performance just by following these three steps: read the script thoroughly, be in a character, and rehearse as many times as possible.

 

             I have a friend who performs in small theaters located on Daehakro. Whenever he is in a play, he sends me a few tickets so that my friend and I can come and watch his act. Most of the times, the play is very satisfactory and I am completely immersed into it. Sometimes, however, it is really boring and I cannot help but to think 'When is this endless play going to end?' When I asked my friend what is going on, he told me that actors didn't have much time to read the script and went right into the rehearsal because of the time constrict. In order to prepare for a part in a play, I think it is essential to read the script thoroughly. It is because I would not be able to act convincingly unless I fully grasp the details in the script such as tensions between characters, commentaries written on the script, and others.

 

 After reading the script from cover to cover, I may be able to picture a character in my mind but it is not enough. Now, it is high time I learn how to speak and behave like a character. In my middle school years, I had a chance to take a part in a play called 'The Taming of the Shrew'. I was given a role of Grumio, a personal servant of one of the main characters. Since I have never been and seen an actual servant before in my life, I was completely lost. To play a role of a servant, I watched movies depicting servants in that time period. Then, I practiced talking and acting like a servant in everyday life with the consent of friends and family members. Thanks to utmost effort I have put into, I was able to perform successfully.

 

 Once reading the script thoroughly and struggle to be in a character, all that is left for me is to rehearse as many times as possible. Different from a movie, there is no editing in a play. I need to connect with the audience at the moment and act as convincingly as possible so that they can be immersed into a play. Also, I may forget a line or fall down on a stage during the play. These incidents can happen to everyone, even the most experienced actors and actresses. The difference, however, is the way they react to those mistakes. They proceed with the play so naturally that audience forgets about it instantly and is able to go back to the play. I would try to rehearse as many times as possible so that I would know how to respond to those mistakes and proceed without distracting the audience like the experienced actors and actresses.

 

 Full understanding of the script, being in a character, and countless rehearses are critical in order to prepare for a part in a play. It would lead you to become a better actor or actress. Also, when you impeccably completed all three steps of preparation, you might be able to experience the ecstasy of becoming totally different person and receiving standing ovation when the play ends. Don't you get excited just by thinking about it?