How to Make a Small Acting Role Stand Out

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Even the biggest stars started as Background Cowboy Number Three. But they knew how to stand out.

Step 1: Pick your moment
Figure out when your best chance or chances to stand out will be—lines or interactions with principal characters are ideal, but anything that’s in-focus will do.

Step 2: Judge your strengths
Judge your own strengths. Do you have expressive eyes? An interesting voice? A commanding physical presence? You’re going to want to make a strong impression, and knowing what to emphasize will help.

Step 3: Create a character
Create a character. Even if you’re a nameless passerby, give yourself a persona; it will help you become your role.

Tip
Be creative with your character, but stay within the director’s boundaries.

Step 4: Show enthusiasm
Show enthusiasm. That means staying excited, not being irritatingly peppy.

Step 5: Stand out in a crowd
Act just a little differently than everyone else in the scene. Don’t be distracting, but have a unique mannerism that will draw some attention to you.

Step 6: Become your character
Think about the back story you’ve created for your role during your big moment; it will help you behave in character.

Step 7: Be ready to step in
Be ready to step in if something unexpected should happen, especially in a play. Saving a scene during a missed cue or other mishap just may give you the big break you’ve been waiting for.

Did You Know?
George Clooney’s first acting role was 'Village Extra' in the 1970s miniseries Centennial.