The following is a questionaire for character research and development. It is appropriate for 7th grade and up. You could adapt it to create a simpler form for younger actors.
This could be given to actors after they have read the script for the first time. Ask them, "How much do you know about the character you are playing?"
Filling out this survey will exercise higher level thinking skills.
Actors will probably not find the answers to every question in the script. Actors may offer suggestions as to where and how they can find the answers.
Discuss the implications of the information collected. Use the collected information for warm-up walks and movements. Have actors play their status, weight, energy level, habitual emotion and so on.
The collected information could be used in improvisational situations with the other actors.
Physical characteristics
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Hair color:
Eyes:
Posture:
Energy level:
Distinguishing physical marks, scars, deformities, etc.:
Specific clothing/costume needs:
Family history
Economic class/social status:
Ethnic/cultural background:
Diagram of family tree:
Intellectual characteristics:
Education:
Vocabulary:
Distinguishing speech patterns:
Reading material:
Hobbies/interests:
Political stance:
Personal philosophy and/or religious background:
Other:
Emotional characteristics
Usual or habitual emotional state:
Psychological background (emotional history from childhood through present):
Emotions revealed through relationships with other characters (list characters in the play and a brief description of your character's relationship with/attitude toward):
Emotional changes in script (make a chart of your characters emotions from beginning to end of play) :
Additional research
(historical background, including manners, customs, cultural attitudes that relate to your character):
