THE OBJECTIVE - Part 1 - Acting your Character's Need

Every character is attempting to “get” something in every script and play. It may be love, a job, recognition, money, respect, sex, attention; this list can go on and on. However, it is important for the actor to figure out and commit to whatever the character's wants and/or needs, may be and what is worth fighting for. All drama and comedy is based on conflict. “We are captivated by a struggle. We are captivated when watching a game that has two strong opponents.” – Acting with Impact Think of a boxing match. If neither fighter wants to win the match it would be a silly and uneventful spar. But if both of their objectives were to let the other guy win, that would be an objective. And if they really played with that intention, because it is unexpected in a normal boxing match, the audience might even find it funny because they are taking great risks to lose instead of win. However, if they enter the rink with no need to win or lose, nothing at stake in fighting, no sense of competition, eventually the onlookers will lose interest in the fight. Life is about going after a goal—a want, a need, something worth fighting for. If we don’t have an objective in life, we may feel lost and without direction. This is also true in acting. If you discover that you feel a bit lost or without direction in a scene or cold reading, discover the character’s objective you are playing and play their objective with all of your heart. This will give your acting a point of reference of the character you are playing and support your commitment to live into their world. Be strong, believe and live authentically, Kimberly Jentzen For a more complete lesson on the objective, please check out my book, Acting with Impact: 2nd edition. To be released 2025!