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Have you ever watched a good actor or actress in a movie with the intention of figuring out how they do what they do? What makes you want to watch a particular actor in a scene, rather than the others?
Many inexperienced actors, when they get onstage or in front of a camera in a group scene where they have few or no lines, will simply stand in their given position and look at whoever is speaking. More experienced actors may find ways to respond to certain events that happen in the scene, without speaking (their response is apparent through body language or facial expression). But there is a further step you can take.
One reason we want to watch a great actor is that we're wondering what they're thinking. We're wondering what their character will do next. It's as if we can see the thoughts crossing their minds, even though we don't always know what those thoughts are (part of the fun is guessing what they're thinking and/or feeling). You can achieve this kind of intensity in your own acting by having an inner monologue going on all the time you're onstage or in front of the camera, whether you're an integral part of the scene or not.
Most of us (unless we're extremely progressive or meditate quite a lot) constantly have an inner monologue going: "Don't forget to take the book when we go to the library. Boy, this stew is not very good, but I can't say so because I'll hurt his feelings. I wonder if Debra is having a good time at her aunt's. I miss talking to her. I wish I had more friends." Etc. One of your jobs as an actor is to create an inner monologue for the character you're playing, and TURN UP THE VOLUME ON IT so that those watching you will wonder what you're thinking. This adds intensity to your acting.
But don't make it just the usual, everyday sort of monologue that we all carry on within ourselves. Make it extremely important to the character! I once saw an excellent actress in an Off-Broadway show, and couldn't stop watching her. The best guess I can make as to what her inner monologue consisted of is, "I can't stand it here any more! I have to get out of here! This just isn't right! I've got to do something!!" and yet she carried on a normal conversation about dinner plans in a fairly normal tone of voice. Her "inner state" practically bled out through her pores, though it barely showed in her movements or expression. This kind of opposition can add a lot of intensity to your acting. Remember that the inner monologue should relate somehow to the character's situation, motivations, attitudes, or beliefs. Be creative in how you relate the inner monologue to the character (you can find clues by reading the entire script and noticing where the character has ended up by the end of the play or film-what thoughts might have caused this progression through the story?).
If you have a friend or a theatre group that you work with, try the following exercise, and talk a bit afterwards about what you noticed.
Exercise: If you're in a group, have two people read a short scene the way they usually would, then have them try it again with an intensive inner monologue (take suggestions from the group as to what the characters might be thinking). Can you perceive a difference? Can the actors make the inner monologue even more powerful and passionate?
If you're working with a single friend, one of you can do the exercise with a scripted monologue while the other watches.
Whether you have lines as an actor or not, always have something going on in your mind, and respond (as the character) to the action taking place, even if you're not directly involved. If you simply stand there and watch, then for the next show or film you'll probably be cast as the character who stands there and watches. And the next time will be the same. This is an especially good opportunity to be creative: If you don't have a lot of lines to learn, you can focus more on creating a good inner monologue. Put some effort into what you do, and it will show.
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