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questions to ask actors: 35 Actor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
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When you’re an actor, it’s easy to be asked the same questions over and over again. But not all of those questions are equally useful — and some are downright annoying. These 35 actor interview questions will help you dig deeper into what makes your favorite actors tick, so that you can learn from them as well as impress them with your knowledge!
Who are your favorite actors and why?
I have a lot of favorites, but if I had to pick one it’d be Meryl Streep. She’s just so amazing! She has this ability to transform into any character she plays, from the most subtle nuances in her speech to the way she moves onscreen. And yet, she still manages to maintain her own unique personality even when playing someone completely different from herself. Plus, she’s been nominated for an Oscar 19 times (with eight wins)…and that is pretty impressive!
How do you prepare for a role?
This is a great question to ask an actor because it allows them to talk about all the ways they prepare for their craft. If you’re interested in seeing how an actor thinks about their job, this question is perfect. You can also use it as an opportunity to learn more about the kinds of research they do before filming begins or what kind of process they go through when preparing for a role.
What was the last film you saw (and why did you see it)?
- Did you like it? Why or why not?
- If so, what was your favorite part of the movie?
- Would you recommend this film to someone else, and if so why?
If you could be any other actor in the world, who would you be?
This is a great question to ask an actor who you think is particularly good at what they do. It’s also a good way for them to talk about what qualities they admire in other actors, which can help you understand some of the reasons why they’ve chosen their career path.
If I could be any other actor in the world, I would be Meryl Streep because she’s so talented and has been doing it for so long! She plays such diverse roles and always brings something new to each role. She really understands how important preparation is when it comes down to preparing for a role like this one here:
I studied all sorts of things like accents and dialects before filming began so that my character sounded authentic when speaking French (which was her native language).
What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s given you as an actor?
The best piece of advice anyone’s given me is that the most important thing to remember as an actor is to be able to memorize lines. You can’t be an actor if you can’t memorize lines, so it’s super important!
Another great piece of advice I was given was that it’s important for actors not only to act with their eyes but also with their entire bodies. You have to use everything in order for your character/role/audience member impression (IRAP) to come across authentically, which means being able to improvise and stay in character when necessary. A lot of people think that IRAPs are just about being funny or dramatic, but there are many qualities about yourself and others that affect how well or poorly things go for you at any given moment–and these qualities may not always be obvious right away! That’s why having good instincts comes into play here; knowing what kind of person would respond favorably towards certain situations helps us understand how best we ourselves might respond under similar circumstances.”
What’s the most important thing an actor should know about themselves when they’re starting out in the industry?
The most important thing you should know about yourself is that you’re not going to be an overnight success. You have to be prepared for the long haul and ready to take risks, fail and learn from your mistakes. If you don’t feel confident in your own talents or abilities, it’s going to show onscreen – which means no one will hire you again!
It’s also important that actors understand their story: what makes them unique? What do they want out of life? What motivates them? These are all questions that actors should ask themselves before taking on any role or project in order for them know what kind of impact their character will have on screen (and off).
Which roles are you most proud of? Why?
This is a great question to ask actors because it allows them to talk about their most challenging roles and why they were so hard. The role that was most difficult for them will likely be the one they are most proud of, as well.
It’s also a good idea to ask this question because it will help you get an idea of what kind of roles your actor likes playing and what kind of material they prefer working with (if they don’t tell you in their answer).
What’s your dream role to play one day, if money and time weren’t an issue?
- What kind of actor would you like to be?
- How would you like to improve as an actor?
- What’s the most important thing about acting in general?
What’s changed about your approach to acting since starting out in the industry?
When you’re starting out in the industry, it can be hard to know what approaches to take. As an actor, you want to do a good job and make sure that everyone around you is happy with your performance. But at the same time, there are so many different people involved in making a film or television show that it’s hard for any one person to have all of the answers.
So what’s changed about your approach since starting out?
The most important thing I’ve learned is that there isn’t just one right way to act–there are lots of ways! Some actors learn from other actors; some learn from directors; others still may prefer learning from writers or cinematographers (cameramen). Even if someone doesn’t have formal training as an actor themselves yet still wants advice on how best prepare themselves before getting into character…the point is: no matter how many years someone has been working professionally within this industry already–it never hurts anyone when we take time out every once awhile just ask questions!
Have you ever had a day job that wasn’t acting or related to acting at all? (And if so, what was it?)
The first question on our list is one that is sure to get a good response from any actor. It’s a simple question, but it can be very revealing about the person you’re interviewing.
- Have you ever had a day job that wasn’t acting or related to acting at all? (And if so, what was it?)
The answer to this question will tell you quite a bit about the actor in question–and even more than that, it might tell you how they were able to handle themselves during their time away from the spotlight. For example: If an actor says they worked as a bartender while they were trying to make it big in Hollywood or New York City (two very expensive places), then chances are good that he or she has some experience working with people who may not always be perfect strangers!
The last question is a great way to wrap up the interview, and it’s also something that most actors will be happy to talk about. If you want to make it even more interesting, try asking about their first job or favorite place to eat in town–those kinds of things! If this seems like too much work for you, don’t worry: we’ve got all the answers right here.
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Lights, camera, action! Being an actor is not just about memorizing lines and performing on stage or screen. It requires a deep understanding of character, emotions, and the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the industry, asking the right questions during your interview can make all the difference in landing that dream role. In this blog post, we’ve compiled 35 essential actor interview questions to help you prepare for your next audition. From favorite roles to funniest moments on set, get ready to dive into the world of acting with these thought-provoking queries!
What was your favorite role to play?
As an actor, every role you play is a unique experience that shapes your craft and helps you grow as a performer. However, there are always some roles that stand out from the rest. When asked about their favorite role to play, actors often have a difficult time choosing just one.
For some, it’s the character development that they enjoyed the most. They may have been challenged by complex emotions or struggled with internal conflicts throughout the performance. Others might highlight the physicality of a particular role – mastering fight choreography or learning how to dance for a musical number.
Sometimes, it’s not even about the role itself but rather the people they worked with on set. A great cast and crew can make all the difference in bringing a production to life and creating unforgettable memories.
No matter what specific aspect stands out to them, it’s clear that each actor has their own personal connection to certain roles. And while they may enjoy other parts throughout their careers, those favorite characters will always hold special places in their hearts as defining moments in their creative journeys.
What was the most difficult role to play?
Acting is not always easy, and some characters can be more challenging to portray than others. Each role brings its own set of difficulties, but there’s always one that stands out as the most complex. For many actors, the hardest part is trying to get into character and stay in character throughout filming or performing.
One of the most difficult roles an actor can play is a historical figure or someone with a severe mental illness. These roles require hours of research and preparation to accurately depict their experiences realistically. It takes a lot of dedication and effort to bring those kinds of characters to life on screen or stage.
Another incredibly challenging role could be playing someone who has gone through traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse, addiction or loss of loved ones. The emotions required for these parts are often intense and overwhelming, requiring an immense amount of emotional depth from the actor.
Furthermore, physical transformations can also make a role incredibly challenging – losing weight drastically for one part then gaining it back again for another project may take a toll on the body and mind over time resulting in difficulty acting consistently throughout several projects.
In conclusion portraying any character comes with unique challenges that stretch an actor’s abilities beyond their limits making every performance unique!
What was the best production you ever worked on?
As an actor, I have had the pleasure of working on many productions throughout my career. However, there is one that stands out as the best production I ever worked on.
The production was a play called “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. It was a challenging and intense show that explored themes of power, corruption and betrayal. The cast and crew were incredibly talented and dedicated to bringing this story to life.
One of the reasons why this production stood out was because it allowed me to push myself as an actor. The character I played had a lot of emotional depth and complexity which required me to dig deep into my own experiences in order to fully embody him.
Another reason why this production was so memorable was because it had such a profound impact on the audience. Many people who came to see the show left feeling emotionally moved and intellectually stimulated by its themes.
Overall, “The Crucible” remains one of the most transformative experiences of my acting career thus far. It challenged me both artistically and personally, while also making a lasting impact on those who came to see it.
What was the worst production you ever worked on?
As an actor, not every production is going to be a hit. There have been times when the play or movie just didn’t come together as planned and things fell apart.
One of the worst productions I ever worked on was a community theater play that had all the elements for success but just couldn’t seem to get it right. The director lacked leadership and communication skills which caused confusion among cast members.
Additionally, some actors were unprepared for their roles which led to last-minute changes in blocking and script revisions causing further delays during rehearsals.
The set design was also subpar, lacking creativity and attention to detail making it look cheap and unprofessional. There were no special effects used even though the script called for them making certain scenes fall flat.
This experience taught me how important it is to work with professionals who take pride in their craft and are dedicated to putting on a great show. It also highlighted the importance of good communication between cast members, directors, producers, designers and crew members which can make or break any production.
What was your favorite line to say?
As an actor, there are often lines that stand out as particularly enjoyable to say. It could be because they’re funny, emotional, or just satisfying in some way. For me, one of my favorite lines to say was in a production of “Hamlet” where I played the title character.
The line comes from Act III, Scene 1: “To be or not to be? That is the question.” There’s something about those words that feels so weighty and profound. As an actor, it’s a thrill to get to deliver such iconic dialogue.
Of course, part of what makes the line so great is its context within the play. Hamlet is grappling with some heavy existential questions at this point in the story; he’s wondering whether life is worth living at all. So when he delivers those famous words, you can feel the weight of his despair and uncertainty.
As an actor delivering that line on stage, you have to tap into that emotion and channel it through your performance. It’s a daunting challenge but also incredibly rewarding when you get it right.
While I’ve had many memorable lines throughout my career as an actor, “To be or not to be?” will always hold a special place in my heart for its depth and significance both within the play and beyond.
What was your least favorite line to say?
Actors are often required to deliver lines that they may not necessarily agree with or feel comfortable saying. In such cases, it can be challenging for them to convincingly portray their character’s emotions and intentions while delivering these lines. That’s why asking an actor about their least favorite line to say during a performance can provide valuable insights into their acting process.
For some actors, the least favorite line might be something that goes against their personal beliefs or values. It could also be a line that they find difficult to enunciate correctly or one that doesn’t sit well with the overall tone of the production.
Moreover, sometimes actors have had to utter uncomfortable dialogues in front of an audience, making it more challenging because they do not want it coming out wrong. They go through multiple rehearsals trying different ways of delivering those lines so as not to ruin anything for anyone involved in the production.
When asking actors about their least favorite line, you get a glimpse into how seriously they take their craft and how hardworking and dedicated many performers are in bringing authenticity and realism into every aspect of a performance.
What was the funniest moment during a performance?
Acting can be a serious business but sometimes, the funniest moments happen in the most unexpected ways. I remember one time during a performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” my co-actor accidentally tripped and fell on stage while delivering his lines. It was hilarious because he tried to play it off like part of the scene.
Another funny moment happened during rehearsals for a comedy play when we were trying out different props for our characters. One of my colleagues picked up a fake mustache and started playing with it, putting it upside down on her forehead and pretending to have an extra eyebrow. We all laughed so hard that we had to take a break from rehearsing.
In another production, there was this one scene where I had to pretend to slap my co-actor’s face without actually hitting him. During one live show, I miscalculated my timing and ended up slapping him for real! The audience gasped at first but then erupted into laughter when they realized it wasn’t intentional.
These funny moments remind us that even though acting requires discipline and professionalism, there’s always room for humor and spontaneity on stage. They also help us build camaraderie with our colleagues and make performing more enjoyable overall.
What was the most serious moment during a performance?
Asking actors these 35 questions can provide valuable insights into their experiences and perspectives as performers. From favorite roles to serious moments during performances, each question provides a unique window into an actor’s life.
When it comes to the most serious moment during a performance, there are undoubtedly many different answers depending on the actor and production in question. Some may recall a particularly emotional scene that left them feeling drained for hours afterward; others might remember performing in front of a live audience for the first time and feeling nervous or overwhelmed.
Ultimately, the answer to this question will vary greatly from person to person – but what remains constant is the importance of finding those moments of true connection with your character, fellow actors, and audience members alike. With dedication, hard work, and passion for your craft, you too can create memorable performances that leave audiences spellbound long after the curtain falls.