A death scene is one of the most difficult challenges a stage actor faces. Performing the part too subtly can leave a scene without emotion, while giving an exaggerated performance often makes it difficult for the audience to believe you. The key to an effective death scene is to consider the way the character dies and take advantage of the emotion of the moment, in such a way that the co-stars and the audience are absorbed in the scene.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Act out a violent death
Step 1. Choreograph the fight
In many cases, when you are going to play a character who has a violent death, there is a fight that precedes this one. Regardless of whether your character is killed with a knife, a weapon, or some kind of beating, you may have to engage in a fight prior to the moment of death. It is important to understand the action that will precede that moment, so that neither you nor your co-stars get hurt.
- In most plays, the director usually takes care of the details of the fights and other choreographed actions, but make sure you understand exactly how the scene will be played and rehearse it with your co-stars.
- Not all violent deaths on the scene are preceded by a fight. Your character could be stabbed without warning or they could be shot from across the stage. In some cases, your character could take his own life by violent means, in such a way that there is no altercation with another character. It's still important to make sure you understand the actions to take before death occurs so that the moment is credible.
Step 2. Determine what to do at the moment of impact
Depending on the method used to kill your character, the actions you can take may differ. For example, if your character is stabbed, it might be more credible for you to fall towards the person who stabs you. On the other hand, if you are shot, the force of the bullet would probably propel you backwards. Consider the nature of death carefully so that you can find the most convincing way to react to the killing blow.
- The director probably has an idea of how you should react upon impact, but make sure it is something that feels authentic to you. You won't be able to sell a convincing death if you don't believe in acting yourself.
- Poisoning is a violent death that does not necessarily have a moment of impact. However, it may be advisable to cough or gag to sell death as the poison begins to take effect. In general, though, less is more so don't go overboard with gagging and coughing if you want to be convincing.
- Certain types of deaths, such as hanging, may require special scene directions and effects at the time of impact. It is important that you understand all the technical aspects, in such a way that the death is convincing but also to make sure you do not hurt yourself.
Step 3. Collapse on stage
After your character has been shot, stabbed, beaten, or otherwise injured, you will need to collapse to express that you are dying. In some cases, you could be in the arms of another actor, such that your co-star can guide you to the stage. However, if you are standing on your own, there is no one to slow your fall and you risk injuring yourself. To minimize the impact, consider collapsing in stages. For example, drop to your knees first and then collapse onto the stage in such a way that you don't fall that far.
- Depending on where you are on stage during the death scene, you may be able to use a set or some props to facilitate your fall. For example, you could collapse against a table or column to help slow the fall.
- The most compelling way to fall is to allow your body to sag. Avoid seizures and any other distracting gestures as they usually seem over the top.
Step 4. Say your last lines with effort
If you have to recite lines just before your character dies, it is advisable to say them in a convincing way. With a violent death, such as a shooting or stabbing, the trauma related to it will likely make it difficult for your character to speak. Try to simulate heavy breathing and hesitantly recite the lines before closing your eyes.
It is also important to consider who your character will say the last lines to. They should probably sound harsher if you are going to speak to your killer, as opposed to a friend or loved one
Method 2 of 4: Act out a non-violent death
Step 1. Find the correct position
If your character is dying of natural causes, such as cancer or old age, you will probably be in a bed or even a chair for the death scene. However, if your character dies suddenly from a heart attack, you could be standing still at the time of your death and would have to collapse as you would a violent death. Make sure you understand the staging so that you can plan how you will interpret the moment of death.
If your character is dying in bed, your loved ones could be gathered around you. If that's the case, it might make sense for you to hug or hold the hand of a co-star. Check with the principal to see what the best approach is
Step 2. Determine the amount of pain your character will experience
When you go to play a natural death, the scene is usually calmer and more subtle. However, death from natural causes can still be painful, so it is important to have an idea of how much pain your character will feel. For example, if you are playing an older character who dies because his heart stops, you may not experience much pain. On the other hand, if your character dies of a heart attack, you could be in severe pain.
- You can express pain in a number of ways, but grimacing and gasping for breath are effective and subtle gestures that usually work well.
- If your death scene involves a heart attack, it may be advisable to grab your chest or arm as this is where victims usually feel pain.
Step 3. Recite your final lines quietly
When you go to play a character who dies a natural death, the scene often involves falling asleep peacefully. If that's the case, it's best to recite your last lines in a low, weak voice to express how weak your character is. You could whisper the lines or give your voice a husky quality to indicate your impending doom.
Although it is advisable to keep your voice low to make the death scene more believable, you should not opt for a real whisper, but rather a theatrical whisper so that everyone in the theater can hear you. To ensure you are heard, practice with a cast or crew member in the back of the theater to check how audible you are
Method 3 of 4: Interpret the scenes after your death
Step 1. Pick a compelling ending position
In most cases, your character will remain on stage for at least a few minutes after death. In order for you to truly bandage death, you must "die" face down or on your side with your back to the audience. That way, it won't be so obvious that you're still breathing after your character has supposedly died.
It is important to practice the choreography that puts you in your final position for death. It is not recommended that you have to turn around or settle in the middle of the scene
Step 2. Be still
Just because you are no longer involved in the action of the play doesn't mean your work is done. The other cast members need to believe that your character is truly dead, in such a way that they convincingly interpret the emotions they experience after your death. This means that it is essential that you stay still after you have “died”. Even something as small as using your thumb to scratch the palm of your hand can take them out of the moment.
If you know you are having a hard time staying still, talk to the principal to see if there is any way to hide yourself. For example, it might be appropriate to have the other characters cover you with a sheet. It might also be possible to mount the death to take place further back on stage where the lights can be dimmed
Step 3. Breathe shallowly
Even if you're hidden under a sheet or under dim lights, you could still be discoverable to your co-stars, as well as the audience. If you breathe deeply, there could be a movement that breaks the illusion even if you are trying your best to stay still. During the few minutes that you have to stay on stage after death, try to breathe slowly and shallowly, as you would when sleeping, so that your chest does not move as much.
- Keeping your mouth closed and breathing through your nose often can help keep your breathing shallow.
- Try to breathe as deeply as you can during the death scene so that you have a little time before you need to breathe again. You can disguise it by panting or shuddering.
Method 4 of 4: Understand the context
Step 1. Consider the gender
When preparing for your death scene, it is important to take into account the genre of the play or "sketch." If the play is a tragedy, it is advisable to portray the death in a serious way that really intensifies the emotion. On the other hand, if your play is a comedy, it might require a more exaggerated interpretation of death.
If the genre is horror, gradually increasing fear and suspense is also an important part of a death scene. In the moments leading up to death, you must play a terrified character, shaking or shivering, so that the audience feels the fear with you
Step 2. Investigate the mode of your death
If you want to interpret death in a compelling way, it is often helpful to study how you will die so that you understand what your character would experience. For example, you could do an online search for heart attack symptoms to help you mimic the gestures a person would make in those circumstances.
You might want to think about how realistic your death scene should be. For example, in some modern and innovative theaters, the goal might not be realism, but rather bold artistic expression
Step 3. Talk to the director
Before you start thinking about how you plan to interpret the death scene, it is always best to have a discussion with the director. They will probably have very clear ideas about how the scene should play out, which can help guide you in the right direction. In addition to technical details such as staging and choreography, the director may also be able to help you understand your character's emotions throughout the death scene.
Although you should listen to the vision of the stage director, make sure you are comfortable with the staging and the performance, as you are the one who will have to act it
Advice
- If the goal is a convincing and realistic death, do your best not to be too dramatic. Overtraining your feelings and exaggerating your gestures can make it difficult for an audience to believe your performance.
- When using fake blood in a death scene, choose the best quality option you can find. If you're using an extremely thin, bright red formula, use a small amount to make it look more realistic.