And today I think I've come to the startling realization that my own "process" isn't as static as I've always hoped it would be.
I am in rehearsals for BREED WITH ME right now, and looking backward at the past few shows I have been a part of, I think I can safely say that there is no single process which always gets me through. For BREED, I found in the early rehearsals that it was impossible and overwhelming to layer all the various pieces that make up the character all at once, but it was equally as impossible to incorporate one aspect of the character at a time because they are infinitely connected.
So I don't sound like a wiener/lazy ass, let me explain: I am playing the Doll. She is an alien femme-fatale who is searching for the ultimate mate with whom to continue her race. CREEPY! But so awesome. Really. ANYWAY....After much discussion in early readings and tablework, we decided that she is an alien, who essentially terraforms her body into whichever shape is most alluring to her "victims". However, she can't quite drive her new body the way it ought to run, so she moves very awkwardly and arthritically. In addition, her need to breed causes increasing amounts of physical pain which effects every aspect of her. Plus her voice is weirdly dark and a little gravelly...etc, etc. Conceiving of all these at once in rehearsal meant I literally couldn't do anything- my brain was so overloaded that I could accomplish almost nothing. What has resulted as been a process of starting with each of these aspects extremely small, and as I grow more and more into the character, increasing the intensity of these factors. Right now, I feel confident that the result will be right where it ought to be- super sexy/creepy/disturbing/alluring.
But I have to say, this process of integration is a new one for me. I think I am just one of those actors who adapts a new process for every role, and it may take me a few rehearsals to really find a groove with it, but when I find it, I am quite pleased with what results.
