Character development is about creating unique characters with clear motivations, actions and thoughts. Let’s examine and compare some storytelling lessons from social media through 3 fundamental questions to develop authentic, three-dimensional, relatable characters. The secret: clarity.

Why are some TikToc videos and Instagram stories really good with getting their messages across to their audiences? And how does all of this relate to us as theatre artists creating theatrical pieces for the stage?

Let’s take a moment to reflect, compare and apply some content creation concepts to our own theatrical processes.

So, why are these short form video platforms making an impact on how we tell stories for today’s audiences?

It might have something to do with short clips of consistent action.

The most successful videos get their messages across in a concise way that allows their audiences to instantly connect.

What’s the secret?

Clarity.

Creators know what they want to show and get straight to the point, using their actions and movements to express a clear, united story and message. This even applies to trending dances. Which trending dance or tutorials get the most views? The ones that are sharp and polished with the performer expressing clear emotions while upholding the integrity of the original dance.

So, let’s apply this concept of clarity to our rehearsal process by examining three guiding questions:

1. What message do you want to present to your audience? The answer links to your reasoning behind creating the theatrical piece in the first place and why your audience needs to engage with your story.

2. Which movements are necessary to bring out what your character is trying to say? Sometimes, as actors, we can get caught up in having too many movements, adding a gesture for every single word the person is saying. Make sure that your movements are natural and fit the world that you have created for your character. That’s why completing an in-depth character biography is so important!

3. What’s the impact of your work and how does the atmosphere contribute to the piece’s overall impact? Emotions, calls to action and reflection are all possible responses an audience can have when watching a theatrical piece. What are those ‘emotional feels’ and how do those feels help you tell the story that you would like to tell?

Remember: Audiences want to connect. People like watching performances because they are full of action. Showing this action with clarity will allow the audience to go on the journey with your character, emphasizing, agreeing and disagreeing with them as they conquer their goals.

So, my artist friends, what story do you ultimately want to tell? And how will you connect with your audiences using you knowledge of the world, the script, and how messages land with visual, fast paced, moving, world?

Happy Creating!