What can actors do on-screen?

Question:In sitcoms, such as "Friends" or "The Nanny", if an actor is in the scene but has no-lines, (for example, if they are just in the background because they're already said all their lines) what are they allowed to do? If they are in the scene, but far back from the camera, can they talk about regular things, or do they still have to "act"?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: In sitcoms, such as "Friends" or "The Nanny", if an actor is in the scene but has no-lines, (for example, if they are just in the background because they're already said all their lines) what are they allowed to do? If they are in the scene, but far back from the camera, can they talk about regular things, or do they still have to "act"?

If they're a main character, then they can usually do something. However, if it's just an extra, all they should do is pretend to be busy with something in the context of the given environment.

If you're just not talking, then you should be listening to the others, or attending to something. Think of the character as real and consider what they'd do. Maybe they'd snack on some chips or something.

They key is, don't steal focus. If the scene isn't about you, you just happen to be there, do something natural seeming, and act it. If you have someone else to talk to, mime talk to them. Don't do jumping jacks or anything that would draw attention to you. But stay in character.

Ultimately, of course, do what the director wants.

Watch Coronation Street, I've observed the people in the background, [called extras] and they just sit or stand or walk around talking and they do hand gestures and they drink and eat their meals at "The Rover's return."

I suppose you have heard of the cameo role? It works the same for actors who have already said their lines and either have no more lines to say, or, they are waiting for their turn again.

"Presence" is important in any visual entertainment. If characters are "involved" in any way, then they must present that aspect even if they are not talking or acting.

What if in Bay Watch five lifeguards swam out to save a couple drowning swimmers in the surf, but when the first two life guards got near the drowning couple, the other three lifeguards (or maybe even FOUR life guards) all turned around and swam back to their stations? The drama is heightened when all five arrive and help each other to bring the hapless drowning couple to shore as a team! It also brings tears to the viewer's eyes! Gosh, those life guards are all swell people! Well, they are, but you get my point I am sure!

In my participation in Time Out For Ginger, had my arrival to Howie's living room (the bank employee under me and father of Ginger) as my being the boss banker, had that been the entire event of the next five minutes of the play (it pretty much was dialogue wise), then why didn't the rest of the family disappear into their imaginary kitchen and bedrooms? Becauase they were the family, they were needed to show that the entire familly was there as I playfully ridiculed Howie for letting his daughter play on the varsity high school football team! So the "family" actors had a very important role to show how astonishing the play's act was at that point!

Hope I contributed something! <grinning>