Actor Shaan Mishra, who has been part of shows such as Lovepantii, Chhoti Sardarni as well as web series Abhay season 2, Gandi Baat Season 5 and Enigma, says that actors need to develop themselves constantly to survive in the industry. Shaan says that, as a person, too, he has evolved a great deal.
“Acting is a skill like most skills and it’s aided by natural talent. But that’s not enough because you have to develop your acting skills and become more confident. Every element is important as it helps you become a more engaging and versatile actor. I have become more sensitive, humble, caring and have developed creative problem-solving abilities. I have become more motivated and committed to my work as a person. I take the initiative and have become prompt, flexible and self-disciplined,” he says.
He says that an actor needs to address many factors while acting. “The actor with the necessary background for his performance, helps him to create the scene. In approaching the act in its entirety, the actor must subject his role to more intense analysis: he must search for the spine, or the kernel, of the act (script). He must discern the beats of the act as well as the rhythms of the play, as a whole, and he must determine what adjustments must be made in his performance for each of the other characters. For some plays, an additional element is necessary: unless the actors have been trained in the proper procedures. The actors must act out the elements involved in the analysis in order to receive any concrete benefit from it. Another area deserving attention is the rehearsal process. This is primarily the time in which the director’s conception of the play must be harmonised with those of the actors; it is of immense importance that the actor approach the rehearsal in a creative frame of mind, ready to enlarge both his own and his colleagues’ interpretations. Without a logical sequence of rehearsals, the actor’s creativity cannot be properly stimulated. Without an understanding of the psychology of the rehearsal procedure, much of the work of the actor and the director may be defeated in production. So, the background or behind the scenes members and the team play a very pivotal and the most important role,” he says.
Meanwhile, the actor also adds that constructive feedback is essential. “Feedback is very important for an actor, whether positive or negative doesn’t matter. That always helps an artist to grow up and do better. An appreciation or criticism both should be welcomed. My experience so far is so good which helped me to grow and succeed in my acting career,” he says, adding, “Also, perhaps not the most obvious skill, but those working in the industry need an analytical mind. If you’re involved in drama, you’ll need to be able to scrutinise and interpret a role and script, while dancers need to be able to break down and analyse choreography, and musicians need to be able to dissect and interpret a piece of music. You also need to be able to apply these skills to your own work when critically analysing your performances.”
