Subtext is, “an underlying and often distinct theme in a piece of writing or conversation.” It is the message of a text that is revealed over time to the reader. You could talk about the subject without saying the specific word. Body language, expression, hand motions, etc. are some ways of non-verbally talking about the message, too.
The plot line could easily add to details about the character. The plot could explain the situation this character is in. Depending on what the situation is, it could affect the persons overall image and personality. If the situation is bad, the person may be closed off or mean. If good, the person could potentially be confident and happy.
Characters could be more interesting depending on the way they dress, how they look, and how they think. For example, a person who thinks pessimistically and wears clothes that cover themself up may suggest that they are shy, sad, and or insecure. It could also suggest that they are hiding something. Someone of the opposite may be very happy, confident, and comfortable.
Real or fake emotions depends on the actor and the play. If the actor thinks about things more deeply and or has had situations in which they were sad, they may feel real emotions: cry real tears. Someone who is just acting for the money may just fake emotions.
Emotional recall is when an actor finds an actual real past moment that felt similar to the moment that the character feels in the play. Method acting is where the actor tries to fully inhabit the role of the character. They try to make emotions very sincere.
Trust in other people and in yourself on stage is a very important step to a great play. You have to have trust in your peers to remember their lines, do good, and have a realistic approach in terms of emotion. Imagine having a fellow actor act with you on stage and you having no trust in the actor. You would probably hold yourself back from doing amazing things with the play, because you don’t have trust in the other actor to go with it. It would make a much better play if you had trust in all of your “coworkers.”
I know that someone is really listening to me when they look engaged in the conversation. Body language is a big key. Are they making eye contact? Are they nodding their head to what your saying, and asking questions about the matter? If not, i doubt that they are listening.
Imagine a performance that has a basic plot line, no jokes (depending on the type of play), no drama, normal clothing choice, no emotion, etc. Sounds pretty boring, right? You need to make a play different than the others to make it better. Possibly make the clothing unique. Create drama. Make the performance seem genuine. I think that a boring performance potentially still be interesting, depending on the subject. Many find history plays boring, but I feel like if the play has an interesting component, like making it more funny or adding different details to the subject would make it more interesting. Take Hamilton for an example. Miranda turned a boring subject into an amazing musical.
