Props- Props are often used in screen acting, actors can use props to help the story come alive. This can allow the actor to use there imagination as it makes them feel more real, and that they are more in to the role. Some characters often have the same prop such as a hat or cigarettes this not only makes the character recognisable for the audience but allows the actor to create personality to their character and understand their motives.
In Peaky blinders we used some props like plastic cups, chair, table and fake cigarettes. This allowed us to be more in to our characters as it set the scene. In the show tommy had always got a cigarette in his hand so the fake cig made me feel less like my self and a bit more like him.
When doing a scene that causes the actors to be physical or operate machinery, they prepare by rather getting it done by a stunt double, so all they would have to do is act as if they had just done it, by facial expressions, body language and vocal delivery. Or they would be taught/ trained by a professional. Choosing the costume for a character is very important, as the clothes that they wear can help the actor be more like there character. It can also show the different classes or the personality of a character. For example if an actor were to be playing the role of a wealthy person, by wearing nice and expensive looking clothing it can help the actor get in to character. And overall looks good to the audience.
For our scene we wore studio blacks as we didn’t have access to any clothes so we had to rely on props amd makeup to help us feel more like our characters.
Preparation- Actors typically prepare for their on screen performance by repeatedly reading the script then analysing the script to see get some backstory and build their character. They also will apply different techniques to see which one works the best,like Stanislavaski, Meisner, Checkov and other acting techniques.
Rehearsal time is really important for the actor, as it allows them time to practice and work on anything that needs improvement before filming. It also allows the director to develop the scene.
