How should I get ready to perform a character?

To really get to know your character, you really need to know the play. So, first of all have a really close reading of the play. Then do some research and see if you can answer the following questions:

1. Where is the play set?
2. What country is it set in?
3. When is the play set?
4. How did people dress?
5. What major events were happening at the time? This will help you to understand the world of the play, a crucial part of getting ready to understand your character. It will get you to grips with the social, political and historical context of the play. When your play is set is of great importance, for if you are playing a historical character, you need to know what is happening around you at the time of the play. For example, if a war was raging at the time, then there may be a layer of extra tension to the action. Make sure you know what type of play yours is, is it a comedy? A tragedy? Does it have music or physical theatre/dance? All of these aspects will enhance your preparation for your character. Once you feel comfortable with the world of the play, it's time to take a closer look at your character. The dramatist Stanislavski gives a great option of approaching this. He says to put yourself in the position of your character and ask yourself, "What would I do if I was this character?" You have to understand completely your characters situation and how that situation would effect them physically and emotionally. For example, a very elderly person, how do they move? Do they struggle in day to day life? How do they feel when they see young people running? What does being elderly do to the character physically? The decisions that you make for your character will enhance the playwrights words. Now you should be ready to start bringing that character to life, the most exciting part! Play with your character, figure out how they would stand, how they would walk, how they would talk! Do they have an accent? Do they slur words? Talk quietly or loudly? Experiment with this whenever you can, even if just wondering around your house!