As anyone who has witnessed a performance consisting solely of monologues can attest, while they have their own unique power, it is the dynamic interplay of characters that truly brings the magic of stage and screen to life. Inevitably, there will be times in your acting career when you are not the centre of attention – I know, a shocking revelation – but it turns out that not every moment is about you. It’s a wild thought, but being a great scene partner is absolutely crucial to being a skilled storyteller, and that, ultimately, is what acting is all about. Here is StageMilk’s guide to being a good scene partner and a brilliant storyteller.
Listen. Actively Listen!
This is crucial – not just as a scene partner, but as an actor in every format. You must actively listen, paying close attention not only to your partner’s words but also to their body language and tone. One of the quickest ways to kill a scene is to be that disengaged actor who merely waits for their turn to speak, ignoring the emotional energy their partner is offering. This kind of disconnect drains the life from a scene, no matter how talented the individual performers might be.
Instead, remain present. Focus on your scene partner as if you have no idea what they are about to say – because, from your character’s perspective, you truly don’t. Notice their facial expressions, the tension in their body, the subtle changes in their voice. How does this make you feel in character? What is their posture saying that their words are not? Stay alert, stay engaged, and your scenes will become far richer and more dynamic.
It’s Not All About You
Yes, I know this may come as a shock, but it’s not all about you. Sometimes your role in a scene is to simply listen or respond to the lead character without pulling focus. This doesn’t make your role insignificant – quite the contrary. Your presence and performance contribute to the overall storytelling, supporting the narrative even if you’re not the main focus in that particular moment.
Moreover, resist the urge to upstage, unless explicitly directed to do so. In most cases, trying to draw attention to yourself unnecessarily disrupts the balance of the scene and serves only to satisfy your ego, rather than the story being told. Great acting often means putting the story first, and sometimes that means letting someone else shine. Take a page from the likes of Hugh Jackman, whose humility and generosity as a scene partner are well documented.
Be Generous and Surprising
Even when you are not delivering the majority of the dialogue, you can still be a generous and surprising scene partner. Stick to your blocking and hit your marks, but remain open to the unexpected. Offer fresh, nuanced reactions to your partner’s lines, and allow yourself to be affected by the energy in the scene. The worst thing you can do is become so rigidly locked into your choices that the life and spontaneity of the scene evaporate. While you must respect the director’s vision, finding authentic, surprising moments within that framework can elevate both your performance and that of your scene partner.
Be Kind
This rule applies universally, but is particularly important when working on showreels or high-pressure projects. Remember that your scene partner might have invested considerable time, money, and emotional energy into the performance. Even if you have reservations about their delivery, it is not your place to criticise unless specifically asked for feedback. Instead, offer constructive support – a ‘compliment sandwich’ can be particularly effective: something positive, a note for improvement, followed by another positive comment. This approach fosters trust and collaboration, essential qualities for any successful performance partnership.
Take Direction
For the love of all things theatrical, take direction. Seriously. Directors are there to make the show better, and part of being a professional actor is embracing their guidance. If you find the director’s instructions unclear or confusing, speak up and seek clarification. Remember, directors come from a wide range of backgrounds and may use different terminology or methods, so it is your responsibility to bridge any communication gaps. Flexibility and openness to direction are essential skills for any actor aiming to grow and succeed.
Be a Professional
Finally, professionalism is non-negotiable. Be on time, know your lines, and respect the cast and crew. If you are working on a longer project, take the time to learn everyone’s name. Little things like this can have a big impact on how you are perceived. In an industry where reputations are hard-won and easily lost, being reliable and respectful will set you apart and open doors to future opportunities.