Davius wrote:
As for real-life acting, well, right now I suck. Last semester I had an "Acting for Animators" class ;its important animators know how to realistically portray emotional weight in their characters. Otherwise the audience won't invest much interest. Anyways, I was always nervous and never volunteered to go up in front of the class like alot-most people did. And when it was the situation that every person would have to go up, I think my aspiness interferred with giving a very good performance.
This news that acting can really help with one's social abilities makes me kind of want to give acting a second shot. I should just force myself to get over the stagef fright.
Acting really is awesome. I've learned to be more comfortable with myself because in certain elements of acting such as improv and character development, you really have to do some crazy stuff. This puts self-consciousness to the side since everyone is feeling the same way, and you just can't let it worry you. Being really "out-there" will really help performers. Every performer has to do this. It also surprisingly helps you socially because you learn to put many insecurities behind you, so you are more comfortable socially, and you learn to get yourself out of awkward situations. The "creating a character that you can use in real life" thing is a great idea. When you are being yourself, you may actually be more nervous than if you think in terms of performing as a character and delivering lines and trying to put on a good performance. I know, it's really helped me! Now, as quiet as I may be, I'm not so insecure anymore. It's a wonderful feeling!
In terms of stage fright, don't worry! Everyone has it, even Broadway performers who have been doing it for
years. A good thing to think is to remind yourselves that people will be too concerned with their own performances to judge you. What people think doesn't really matter anyway, does it? Well, it shouldn't have to. Just be really over-the-top (like what you'd see as completely absurd in typical situations: large hand gestures, diction, body movement, etc), and the stage confidence will get there!
I wish you luck, because you're gonna build up some serious talent! I'm really happy that another person is getting back into acting
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
you're gonna have so much fun, good luck![/i]