THE OBJECTIVE - Part 1 - Acting your Character's Need
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- Every character is attempting to “get” something in every script and play. It may be love, a job, recognition, money, respect, sex, attention; this list can go on and on. However, it is important for the actor to figure out and commit to whatever the character's wants and/or needs, may be and what is worth fighting for.
All drama and comedy is based on conflict. “We are captivated by a struggle. We are captivated when watching a game that has two strong opponents.” - Acting with Impact
Think of a boxing match. If neither fighter wants to win the match it would be a silly and uneventful spar. But if both of their objectives were to let the other guy win, that would be an objective. And if they really played with that intention, because it is unexpected in a normal boxing match, the audience might even find it funny because they are taking great risks to lose instead of win. However, if they enter the rink with no need to win or lose, nothing at stake in fighting, no sense of competition, eventually the onlookers will lose interest in the fight.
Life is about going after a goal-a want, a need, something worth fighting for. If we don’t have an objective in life, we may feel lost and without direction. This is also true in acting. If you discover that you feel a bit lost or without direction in a scene or cold reading, discover the character’s objective you are playing and play their objective with all of your heart. This will give your acting a point of reference of the character you are playing and support your commitment to live into their world.
Be strong, believe and live authentically,
Kimberly Jentzen
For a more complete lesson on the objective, please check out my book, Acting with Impact: Power Tools to Ignite the Actor’s Performance.
I could only describe this as an "Aha!" moment. Thank you very much!
Awesome! Thanks for posting!
that was the best explanation of finding "objective" that I ever heard. So clear. Thank you. Keep the advice coming
+wlacroix10 Thank you so much for watching!
I totally agree. Brilliant
thank you Kimberly!!!super transparent and easy to comprehend!!!
wow you've just blown my mind! finding the objective just became so much more down to earth and straight forward, thank you.
Glad you received benefit from the video. :)
OH MY GOD THE OBJECTIVE TIP FOR FINDINF THE END IS ACTUALLY SUPER GOOD THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for the videos. Helped me a lot to have a better understanding of the craft I want to be perfect in. Looking forward to more stuff in future. And would be reading the book for sure now. Many thanks.
+Himanshu Sharma Thanks so much for the feedback. You're very welcome! Kimberly
This is really good, I feel that it's refreshing to go over the basics...as actors we get so caught up on learning our lines we forget the fundamental elements of why our character are talking in the first place....I love to watch the 10min Looney tunes cartoons to find the objective why and how they go about reaching their goal...it's a good exercise and a great laugh
I love it! What a fun exercise. Thank you so much for sharing this and for the comment! I love the basics as well, because they are so simple and yet challenging; and are very powerful when you have mastered them.
@@KimberlyJentzen No thank you, I just sent you an email from your website page I look forward to learning more from you or with you 😊
Very succinct and clear! Thanks for sharing your insight!
+Joe Herrera Thank you so much for watching. Warmly, Kimberly
This was the clearest I’ve heard this be explained in a long time. Thank you, because I’ve struggled with this concept.
Hi Bress, I totally understand. I felt that way too when I was an actor. One of the reasons I became a coach was to demystify technique. Thank you for watching and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to respond to me here. Much joy to you on your acting journey! Kimberly
Kimberly Jentzen yes! I do have an important question actually. I recently had an audition for a TV show and did a self tape for it. My acting coach helped me tape it. The role that I was acting for had a character description that said the character was a very laid back individual and hardly was emotional. When I practiced and then tried to portray that in the audition, it didn’t come off as effective so we tried again and when I did it with more emotion and more stakes, my coach was very amused by the performance and said it was a good audition to send in, however I left feeling like I didn’t follow the instructions of the breakdown and wasn’t going to be what the CD is looking for. How important is it to do what the breakdown asks? I feel like this is a common theme when I do auditions.
@@bradleyuzoma Hi Bress, terrific questions! Okay, I don't know the material but it sounds like the project was asking for "deadpan deliveries". Which are very difficult to pull off. A skilled and instinctive comedic actor can deliver this kind of reaction and make it look effortless. Comedy is also very individually based. What is funny for one person may not be funny to another. But in acting, to get the gist of where the humor lies in a script is vital - and that can often be universally funny. And to make sure you shine in the role is also important.
So... it sounds like that is what your coach was doing... making sure you shine and feel good about what you were doing. Often casting directors are looking to get to know you and where you might fit in the show. So it's important to commit to a choice that allows you to feel confident. So your coach most likely helped you do that, which is good.
The next step is to commit to studying comedy and harnessing comedy skills. Study actors who know how to give deadpan deliveries which can be found in shows like: VEEP, Seinfeld, Schitt's Creek, Will and Grace, Friends, etc. The actors in these shows deliver with such skill, they make it look easy, when it's all about listening, timing and reaction.
But the question you asked is also about doing what the breakdown asks... and the most important thing is understanding why the breakdown is asking that of you, and then, finding your own signature way of delivering the obligations of the role. It's about making the boldest choice that lives into that obligation.
I hope that answers your questions.
Kimberly
Kimberly Jentzen wow. Fantastic response to the question. I took what you said and put it into practice with that same audition script on my own, and I felt like I had a lot more ideas to bring to the table. It’s an old audition now though so I’m excited to implement this advice into my next audition! Thank you so much for your clarity!!
@@bradleyuzoma Terrific! Keep me posted on how it goes.
Love you and this channel Kimberly. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much!
OMG!! ❤❤❤❤❤This so clear, I struggle as an actor finding the objective and this made it clear. Thank you!!
Thank you for watching!
Ma’m thank you so so much !!! It’s amazingly clear
Awesome! Glad the video is helpful!
So clear and straight forward, thank you!
Thank you so much Vanessa! Glad you found it helpful.
This is immensely helpful! I'm a beginner, I've heard of objectives but didn't understand it. I have a very powerful poem to recite in the next class, and I've been struggling to find what exactly I'm fighting for in it although I feel the text on the deepest level. Thank you, I have an objective now!
That is so wonderful! I love actors working poems. There’s so much depth in the material! By the way, my second addition to my book Acting with Impact, is going to be available in the summer and has extensive training in the objective, too. Let me know if you hit any bumps along the way.😄
I'm so glad I found this video. The technique is perfectly explained and easy to understand. Thank you!
Hi Uyai, thank you for the comment. All my best to you as you grow in your acting skill, Kimberly
Thank you for a great breakdown. This video helps me to understand an objective much easier.
So happy to hear that it has helped you with this important acting tool! Best to you on your acting journey!
Happy or less than happy...genius. Thank you !
Thank you for watching! :)
I get confused with Super Objective and Objective
I just want to make sure I’m doing it right
Super Objective means what does your character want at end , of the play script or monologue?
Objective means what does your character want from the other character?
Or is it for each of your line is a Objective??
I get confused with the Objective cause loads of internet websites are saying different Objectives??
It confuses me??
Hi April,
Awesome question! The Objective can be confusing... hopefully this will help you use this important tool. Think of the Objective for the character as a moment to moment desire that drives the scene. What does your character want "right now" in the scene that by the end of the scene, the character knows they got or didn't get what they wanted?
Like when you go into a clothing store and you are looking for white shirt, you either or get it or you can't find it. And you will use different strategies
to get it.
Usually the character either wins or loses the Objective. And the Objective does not change from one line to the next. The tactics to get the need met is what changes.
The Super Objective relates to the entire play. Sometimes, at the end of the play the character gets what they want, sometimes they do not. And each scene the character strategizes to get their Super Objective, which justifies the need in each scene.
Chapter 6 in my book, Acting with Impact, does go into further detail about this essential tool. And how to figure out what your character wants.
Let me know if that answers your questions and if you have any other questions,
Kimberly
Hi Thank you soooo much Kimberly jentzen for all these videos and the valuable knowledge ..you are great , your teachings are crystal clear and easy to understand , Thankful to you , may God bless you !!! Love and Respect !!!
Thank you so much Sanket Deo for your kind words. So happy to hear and thank you for watching!
thank you kimberly,that was very helpful,i can;t wait to start reading your book,i can,t to start study with you.
Thank you so much, Jerry! I look forward to working with you too!
Easily explained. Awesome vid. Thanks.
Thank you for the comment and for watching!
You're awesome, I'm so happy to have found your videos
My pleasure... I do enjoy clarifying the process. Thank you for joining my channel.
Ahhhhh so good
Thank you!
One word, AWESOME.
Thank you so much!
Do you have a Theater Group? Are there any Theater Play videos, performed 🎭 by your Group?
Hi Ra Mighty The 1,
Thank you so much for your interest in my work. The little comedy, "Grounds" was with 16 of my students and a fun little video we put together that ended up playing in a festival and winning. It lives here on this channel. If you watch it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I hope to direct more soon. And you never know, perhaps my actors and I will do a project for the internet at some point down the line.
All my best to you on your acting journey,
Kimberly
Excellent explanation. Brilliant
Thank you so much!
Thank you
Thanks so much! Kimberly
Thank you so much!
Thank you this helped me a lot
Daniel W thank you for watching!
Thanks!
Wonderfully explained... Thank you so much mam❤️
Prashik shelke your very welcome!
great video
Thank you so much!
You know I learn this but I relearn it every week lol
Toddrick Thomas awesome!
Do you ever come to atlanta ?
@@Lovingpeople123-w7l Hi! Thank you for your comment! Instead of traveling. since I'm in Los Angeles, I'm going to be teaching a class live on line, everyone will participate. I'll be launching it soon. Email me directly at info@kimberlyjentzen.com if you are interested.
Kimberly Jentzen ok I will do ...
Kimberly Jentzen thank you y’all to you soon .
Thank You, 🙏🏾
You are very welcome!
Very interesting! I wish your book was available as a Kindle edition! =)
Thank you for your comment. I hope to have the book in Kindle version next year. I'll make an announcement when it is ready. Thank you for your patience. Kimberly
thanks . please teach stanislavski method
Stanislavski is at the core of most methods. He is the father of our technique and every "method" or "technique" is born from his teachings. However, much has evolved since his writings as he comes from theatre - which I love. Working in the field of film and television brings many pressures and demands that allowed technique to evolve and find the next steps in the art of technique. From his teachings came Meisner, Chekhov, Adler, Hagen and more. From those came my Power Tools, from my book, Acting with Impact. Which will be available hopefully this year.
Teachers kept telling me “who wins and who loses” and focus on winning the scene. It’s annoying and rooted in manipulation. This describes what they want in a more objective way. 😏
Thanks An Li. That is one way it is taught. But there isn't always a winner or a loser. And it's more important to focus on the character you will be playing. Just like in life.
I dont understand any part of this video could someone explin it to me?
Hi Andrew... Objective could be tough to understand if you are new to the study of acting but it is the foundation of any class based in Stanislavsky Technique. Stanislavsky laid the groundwork for technique which is essential for any actor planning to make acting a career. I highly suggest you pick up my book, Acting with Impact, as that has a very helpful and simple chapter on The Objective. Because this video may move too fast to grasp the overall concept of the tool if you haven't been introduced to it prior. Kimberly
Who’s here 2020 for theater class?
Kimberly it's simple the objective is your characters dream what does he want? what's his dream?
Hi Dante, Dream, hope, urge, longing, desire, want, yes! Thank you so much for your comment. Keep watching and sharing, love it! Kimberly
Could I study with you ?
Glad you reached out to me. As I mentioned, I do offer Skype sessions and will be creating an online class soon. Looking forward to working with you!
@@KimberlyJentzen Likewise! :)
What if i dont want to take the time and my school is forcing me to take this class i want to drink bleach every video i watch and every class im in
Discipline is learned through doing what you don't want to do. Discipline is the only way to really grow. Whatever they are asking you to do, ask them why. I'm sure they will have an very good explanation. Accept that and build from it so you can become a well rounded actor.
I think you should do something else with your life. This is not for you.
are you in nyc?
Hi Joe suba, thanks for your interest in my work. I'm in Los Angeles.
Hi Kimberly! thanks for getting back to me, if you are ever doing a class in nyc i would love to come! and if i am every in nyc i would love to come to your class.. have a good holiday
Wow
Thank you!
Ohhhhh
:) Thank you for reaching out!
Why did you start theatre bc i think it is SUPER BORING
It's not for everyone. But if you take the time to look at theatre, not as merely entertainment (like TV and film), but a place to understand the human condition, you might find a new appreciation for it.
Whose drama teacher made them watch this
yes, lemon awesome if this video is supportive for teachers! 😊
Thank you 🙏🏿
Toddrick Thomas you are very welcome!
wow. this is fantastic actionable information. thank you.
Thank you so much!