Building Characters

Olivia Parker
Nov 10
2 min read

Building a character is one of the most exciting parts of acting and every actor does it a little differently.

Most actors begin by analyzing the script for clues that tell them who their character is and how they move, speak, and think.

Sometimes a script gives you lots of details — a name, age, or background story. But in a musical, a performer might play several roles that appear just once on stage for a few minutes.

So, what happens when there just isn’t much written about an actor’s character?

That’s when imagination and confidence take center stage.

Step 1: Every Role Matters

The first thing actors need to understand is that every role is important.

Whether actors have a solo, a speaking line, or bring energy and expertise to a dance scene, their presence adds depth to the audience’s experience of the story.

While the whole story could technically be told by just one actor, that’s not always exciting for an audience to watch. Every actor was cast for a reason--to add something unique to the show.

When each actor knows how much their role matters, the entire production shines brighter.

Step 2: Hunt for Clues in the Script

Actors have to become “character detectives.” Even in a short scene, the script offers clues if you look closely!

Ask these big questions:

Who is my character?
Where is my character?
What is my character doing?

Sometimes, a single line or stage direction can reveal a lot. Maybe a character is part of a royal court, a group of townspeople, or a family. Each detail helps shape how they move and speak.

Step 3: Connect the Dots from Rehearsal

Once actors have explored the script, it’s time to think about everything they’ve learned in rehearsal.

Step 4: Make Creative Acting Choices

This is where character building really comes to life!

Now that an actor knows the basics, they can start making choices about how their character feels and behaves by asking questions like:

How does my character feel about what’s happening on stage?
How does my character feel about the other characters nearby?
How does my character make the audience’s experience more special?

At Brazos River Youth Theatre, our goal is that every performer, no matter their age or experience, understand their character as fully as possible and how they contribute to the audience’s experience of the story, and feel confident about what they’re bringing to the stage.

As we guide actors through the process of analyzing, questioning, and imagining, we make sure there’s plenty of room for actors to use their creativity and bring their characters to life.