Empathy and Why Actors Need Some

Empathy is a human quality that people define in lots of different ways. A simple definition is that it is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes. It's the ability to understand how others are feeling and why they behave in the ways that they do. That's pretty much what you will be called upon to do as an actor.

Some people seem to be more naturally empathetic than others. Women score higher on empathy tests than men and it can be something that increases with age and maturity. Does that mean that older women have the edge in acting? Or that young actors have a built-in disadvantage?

The answer is clearly 'No'. In fact, some psychopaths are hugely skilled in tuning in to other people's feelings, but use this ability to manipulate others. Obviously most actors aren't psychopaths, although you could say the actor's role is to emotionally manipulate the audience - just in a good way.

You won't have empathy instruction in your acting courses, but it is still relevant to you as an actor, in two principal areas. First, it helps you to understand the characters you are called upon to play: their dilemmas, emotions, personality and motivation. Second, it is relevant to how you, as an actor, relate to your audience.

Being an actor is about creating dramatic personae that are not like you. But research shows that it's easier to empathise with people who are like us. How hard then is it to play a serial killer, as Charlize Theron did in 'Monster'?

The thing about empathy is that it doesn't mean endorsing another person's standpoint or behaviour. Rather it's a 'what if?' scenario, that draws upon your imagination. Without a doubt, acting courses in london can help you to develop that imagination and the creativity that you will need as an actor.

You may have read about method actors who immerse themselves in a part, even off set, almost trying to become another person. This is a popular myth. Empathy is about feeling for another person without losing one's sense of self. That would be fatal for most actors' performances.

Rather, acting courses in The Method will help you to bridge the gap between you and your character. Affective memory, a key concept in method acting, is very similar to empathy. It's about finding common ground that will give your performance emotional depth and tone.