Uta Hagen's 9 Questions for Actors

Questions and Answers

Who am I?

All the details about your character including name, age, address, relatives, likes, dislikes, hobbies, career, description of physical traits, opinions, beliefs, religion, education, origins, enemies, loved ones, sociological influences, etc.

What time is it?

Century, season, year, day, minute, significance of time

Where am I?

Country, city, neighborhood, home, room, area of room

What surrounds me?

Animate and inanimate objects-complete details of environment Signup and view all the answers

What are the given circumstances?

Past, present, future and all of the events Signup and view all the answers

What is my relationship?

Relation to total events, other characters, and to things Signup and view all the answers

What do I want?

Character's need. The immediate and main objective Signup and view all the answers

What is in my way?

The obstacles which prevent character from getting his/her need Signup and view all the answers

What do I do to get what I want?

The action: physical and verbal, also-action verbs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Uta Hagen's 9 Questions

WHO AM I?
- Identify character's name, age, and background.
- Include physical traits, beliefs, and sociological influences.
- Consider relationships with loved ones and enemies.
WHAT TIME IS IT?
- Specify the time period: century, season, year, day, minute.
- Determine the significance of the timing for the character.
WHERE AM I?
- Define the character's location: country, city, neighborhood, and specific room.
- Explore the implications of setting on character behavior.
WHAT SURROUNDS ME?
- Describe the environment, including animate (people) and inanimate objects.
- Detail how surroundings influence character's state and actions.
WHAT ARE THE GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES?
- Analyze all past, present, and future events affecting the character.
- Consider how these circumstances shape the storyline and character decisions.
WHAT IS MY RELATIONSHIP?
- Examine connections to other characters and events.
- Assess the character's relational dynamics with the environment.
WHAT DO I WANT?
- Clarify the character's immediate needs and main objectives.
- Distinguish between short-term desires and long-term goals.
WHAT IS IN MY WAY?
- Identify obstacles preventing the character from achieving their desires.
- Consider emotional, situational, and external barriers.
WHAT DO I DO TO GET WHAT I WANT?
- Outline the physical and verbal actions taken by the character.
- Focus on action verbs that illustrate determination and strategy.

Description

Explore the essential questions proposed by Uta Hagen for character development and scene work. This quiz delves into understanding a character's identity, time, location, environment, and relationships. Enhance your acting skills by contemplating these critical aspects of performance.