The Great Acting Blog: “How Scriptwriting Can Improve Your Acting”
Writing scripts is one of the best ways to practice craft and keep it sharp, because screenwriting encompasses some of the key skills used in acting. A script is basically an improvisation that gets written down and crafted.
Primarily, scriptwriting exercises your imagination intensely. It also works your script analysis skills because you need to convert the fiction of the material into concretely doable actions, just like you would in acting, only here you’re doing it to help you craft the material. If acting is a muscle then, this type of workout will ensure that you are strong and confident for your next job or casting.
Oh, and the other thing is, that when you finish it, you’ve got a script you can produce and cast yourself in the lead role.
talya2312/ 15.09.2013
I can tell you that writing in general is great work for an actor. I wrote my first screenplay for my short film and I am now writing a book. These have both inspired me and help me work on my acting. I think more actors should take a screenwriting class or workshop. Or just write their own screenplay. It’s not the difficult. All of these things really help you as an actor.
James Devereaux actor/ 15.09.2013
Glad you concur, Talya.
Although I wouldn’t recommend classes, they’re a complete waste of time. Just write….
talya2312/ 15.09.2013
I have never taken a scrip-writing class, however I know some people do not know how to write whatsoever, if you can believe it. Why do you think classes are a waste of time? Just curious.
James Devereaux actor/ 15.09.2013
I just don’t think it helps … The only way to improve is to knuckle down and do it. There are certain texts which may be helpful, like the Poetics, but that’s about it.
The Great Acting Blog: “How Scriptwriting Can Improve Your Acting” | Nicolas Melo/ 16.09.2013
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talya2312/ 20.09.2013
Hey James, I think you hit a nerve with this particular blog post. There were so many comments!