The Actor’s Journey & The Art of Clear Messages
Have you ever watched a performance that just felt "real"?
Think about a time when you found yourself immersed in an actor’s character and their story – where you struggled to separate the “person behind the mask” and the message being shared.
This isn't magic or natural talent – it's the result of an actor's careful attention to specific elements of communication. And when we understand how this process works, we can actually learn how to put it into practice in our own lives to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
At Split Theatre, we believe understanding this process is crucial for anyone interested in using theatre for social change. So how does it work?
What Makes Communication "Work" in Theatre?
Think of communication like a big jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces need to fit together perfectly for the final picture to be clear. In theatre, there are pieces as well – and it’s the actor’s job to help the audience put them together to see the final image:
Our associations (what we connect to the moment)
Our imagination (how we picture the situation)
Our memories (what we draw from our past)
Our actions (what we physically do)
Our words (what we say)
When an actor brings all these pieces together – when they're "at one with each other" as we say in theatre – the message becomes clear and believable to the audience. When it’s done well, it creates an immersive experience that can be quite compelling.
Four Key Factors in Theatre Communication
1. The Actor's Preparation
Before going on stage, actors need to prepare all means of communication. This isn't just a matter of memorizing lines. It’s about being clear about how your connections, imagination, memories, actions, and words will combine to make clear meaning.
For example, an actor who is playing an angry character might remember times when they felt angry, use actions like clenching their fist, and say their lines in a sharp tone.
It is helpful for the actor to show and share his feelings with the audience in a clear manner. This then helps them connect to the audience and relate to them on a deeper, more personal level.
2. The Actor's Present State
But it’s not just preparation that matters – the on-stage moment also plays a role.
During performance, actors must stay aware of their physical, emotional, and mental condition.
Are you rushing because you're nervous?
Are you speaking clearly?
Are you connecting via your voice, expressions, and body language?
This real-time awareness helps maintain clear communication – and also allows the actor to make adjustments as needed.
3. The Audience's Immediate Response
Theatre is a two-way street. Actors need to notice how the audience is receiving their message. Are they engaged? Confused? Understanding? These reactions help actors adjust their communication in the moment.
For example, if the audience seems bored, an actor may need to change their delivery to keep them engaged. On the other hand, if the audience is laughing too much and missing meaningful dialogue, an actor may need to slow down or deliver lines with more emphasis.
4. The Audience's Background
Every audience member has a history they carry when watching any performance at the theater. It’s the actor’s job to understand – and react – to how different people may interpret their message due to such varied backgrounds.
This helps in character development, too. An actor may have to alter how they portray a character depending on what the majority thinks fits into the natural and acceptable setting.
For example, a character perceived as aggressive by one culture may be seen as merely assertive in another.
Making Real-Time Adjustments
Perhaps the most crucial skill in theatre communication is the ability to make adjustments while performing. When an actor notices the audience's response, they need to adjust their:
Physical actions
Voice
Timing
Energy
Focus
These adjustments ensure the message remains clear and believable throughout the performance.
And this is where it plays into our lives – when we know how to make real-time adjustments while communicating, we can better connect with others and convey our message effectively.
Connecting to Social Change
As we've discussed in our previous blog about Split Theatre's Four Stages of Social Change Through Theatremaking, this clear communication is essential for creating social impact. When actors master these communication elements, they can more effectively:
Share their unique perspective (Stage 1)
Connect personal stories to social issues (Stage 2)
Challenge and expand viewpoints (Stage 3)
Embody different social roles authentically (Stage 4)
Learning the Craft
Learning these communication skills isn't about therapy or self-improvement. It's about developing specific abilities that help you:
Align all elements of your communication
Stay aware of your delivery
Read and respond to audience reactions
Adjust your performance in real-time
These concrete skills can be practiced and improved, just like learning any other craft.
Whether you're interested in theatre for its own sake or as a tool for social change, understanding how actors communicate effectively is crucial.
It's not about natural talent or personal transformation—it's about learning specific skills that help you create clear, believable communication with your audience.
Ready to learn more about how theatre can create social change through effective communication? Join us in our next workshop to learn these skills – and how you can practice them with other caring, compassionate individuals to better ourselves and our world.
