Acting Tips: How To Stop Fidgeting Onstage

Fidgeting is mostly a symptom of self-conciousness and unpreparedness. It is usually a problem for inexperienced actors who are not yet confident in themselves or their ability to act. Fidgeting is something you do, not what your character does. Although your characterization may still be in the works, there are plenty of ways you can keep from getting that "I have no idea what I'm doing" look while running scenes onstage, even if you still have the script in your hand.

1) Plant your feet and leave them there.

The key is to only move when your character has a reason for moving. This is the part young actors seem to have the most trouble with. Resist the urge to shift your weight around -- Put your feet about shoulder width apart with your weight spread evenly in between and don't move them. This might feel unnatural in the beginning but after a while it will feel completely normal. When you feel compelled to walk, go ahead and walk! But don't ever just stand there and let one leg swing free. It drives directors (and co-stars!) batty. It is important to note here that if you are wearing uncomfortable shoes, you are compounding the problem. I usually rehearse in bare or sock feet, I find it helps a lot.

2) Stay away from pockets or anything else that might draw attention to your hands.

Unless it is part of your costume and characterization, anything that encourages "busy hands" will ultimately cause trouble. Before going to rehearsal, look over your attire and remove potential "fidget" items -- rings, necklaces, jingling items in pockets (such as spare change), zippers on sweaters, ect. Layered hair can be a curse when it comes to acting, because it won't stay out of your eyes. Two words: fish clips. Put your hair up and out of the way so you won't be tempted.

3) Eliminate the cause of the problem.

Actors who are well-prepared and confident in their blocking are unlikely to have difficulty with figeting. Be fully prepared for every rehearsal, and memorize your lines early.

Links to more about Basic Acting Skills

Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen

Acting Is Believing: A Basic Method

Basic Acting: The Modular Process

A Practical Handbook for the Actor

An Actor's Resource for Basic Technique

Comments (1) >>

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written by Jesse Dalton, August 24, 2008

I completely agree with this. A lot of the time, what can set a good actor apart from a great actor is that the great actor doesn't feel the need to constantly move his/her feet unnaturally while onstage. It looks fake, and it breaks the illusion.

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