Getting Into Character

[Ulario]

Well, my friends nad I are going to the motor city comic con dressed as our characters.  I'm going as myeko, my rockstar character.  I've been trying to find ways to get into character so I can act like him when it's time to go out in public... since his personality is quite different from my own.

I thought it would be interesting to ask this and see what type of responses I get.

If you are going to wear your fursuit (Or do anything else somewhat unusual in comparison to what you do normally) in public, how do you get into character or pump yourself up.  Do you even have to do anything?

I'll get the ball rolling.  So far, I've come up with a few ideas.  I've been watching music-related movies (like Spinaltap.  Funny movie, if you haven't seen it, do so!'>.  I've been listening to more Creed (The band that inspired the character).  And my mate has been trying to teach me how to act like a guy.  '>

[Prince Karo]

I don't know what to say... it's easy for me cause I am my character..

I would assume that it's just like normal acting...

[Sporty Fox]

"But mine goes to eleven, everyone elses only goes to ten!"
  Love that movie BTW.

  Are you going to be in a full costume? I know for me it would be easier if I was in a full fursuit- no one can see you if you get embaressed. Otherwise just remember that most people won't know thats not the real you so just be the character the way you wrote him. Its not like they'll know any different.

[Ulario]

"Stonehenge was in danger of being trampled by dwarves!!!" '> '> '>

Hmmm, I'm not much of an actor.  In fact, Last Thursday, my group in Multimedia did a spoof of "The Weakest Link".  I got to be Anne, and I totally fudged it up.  I think I'm going to have to somehow "get into his mind".

Well, my fursuit consists of a full-faced mask (Though I'm using my own natural hair again), the tail, the wings, and my clothing (half-unbuttoned shirt, leather pants, and boots).  So I think Sporty has a point.  I'm not the most outgoing person, so I'm definately going to have to find a way to loosen myself up before hand.

[Sporty Fox]

Quote (Ulario @ April 11 2004, 10:34 am)

"Stonehenge was in danger of being trampled by dwarves!!!" '> '> '>

I just used that line on another fur who is watching it as we type!

  Be sure to get a pic of you in your suit and post it for everyone to see. I know I would like to see it<

[Jackalman]

Funny you should ask, I'm an actor.

I star in 2 or 3 live productions a year.  How do I get into character? You spend a lot of time thinking about the character.  You think about the kind of life they have, how did they grow up?  What do they do for a living?

Then when you're in everyday situations you think about how they would act or react.  Some people like Jim Carrey are in character all the time while doing a movie, which ubnfortunately is an effective way to wind up insane, but he's rich and can afford the therapy to get out of character.

 

[Ulario]

Quote

Be sure to get a pic of you in your suit and post it for everyone to see. I know I would like to see it<

Definately.  The comic con isn't until June, though... and I'm not planning on posting any pics until then.  All of my friends are going to have their costumes on then as well.  '>

[Blade Dance]

'>  Ah Ulario, an excellent question. Working at the Renaissance Faire puts me in character continuously. I also used to be in theatre back in high school. Usually, I find that coming into character is easiest when in costume. However, some tricks I use is to think of the character. Picture yourself as the character. I know that sounds redundant. But day dreaming yourself as the character helps. Glorifying yourself as the character in your mind helps tremendously.

example: My character at faire is a merchant Captain in trade between his home of england and the enemy, the french. I always daydream him as a Pirate, a hired privateer by a dark noble within the queens court. A respected Captain that is undefeated in battle and loved by his faithful crew, who never let him down.

From the time I leave the house and head to work. I make myself walk tall and proudly, as a man who has no equal and no shame.

I've had many years to practice this, so it comes naturally. I hope my words help.

For future referance, the best way to develop into character is try role playing games such as AD&D. I game with my friends and my character is always a fur. After awhile, after role playing your character in scenarios helps transfer the character into your real life when you attempt to portrait them. Just a thought.

Let me know, if I can help in any way.