I’m doing this for one-act at my school and I am one of the children. It’s really sad to see this story that is played out just to realize that it isn’t just a story and this actually happened.
Hi, I know this is quite old and it's not likely that I'll get a response, but I'll try anyway. Im Honza in this play for One Act Competition, and I'm not 100% sure how I should portray him. Should he been arrogant and cocky? or maybe nervous and really desperate to impress Raja? I've memorized my lines and my accent is great, but i have trouble when it comes to slowing down my lines. I'm always speeding them up, because I feel a sort of urgency to get through with my conversation with Raja before the Nazis interrupt us, but the speed of my lines is affecting my enonciation. Any tips from any actors both past and present?
hey! I was in the cast in this performance (now im out of hs and still working in theatre!). first off, ask your director what they envision! that's always the first go-to because that's what they're there for! our honza (his name is sully) played a fake cool, calm, and collected. this was sort of an attempt for him to be likable but also flawed because he couldn't fully understand the severity of the circumstances like Raja. he countered Raja well, and it provided a good dynamic. everyone should see a different shade of Honza tho, so read the script and talk to your director about what his motivations are, and what would cause him to be cocky or desperate or anything in between. it should also change with the different points of the plot, character development! right? in terms of rushing through lines, always work on enunciation. if your audience can't understand you, then you're not doing your job as an actor. BUT ALSO! the nazis should create a high energy and heightened stakes in those scenes, they shouldn't make you rush. there's a big difference! try to think of it as "I need to talk to her NOW!" as opposed to "I need to talk to her before we run out of time." it's difficult, but it'll change the whole energy. hope this helps and break a leg!