There is a type of character that can help you take your career to the next level, like nothing else.

They are an integral part of nearly every successful project, so there is a huge demand for actors that play the character type well.

Unfortunately, most actors overlook this type because it's a little bit tricky to pull it off convincingly.

However, it doesn't have to be and making just a few character adjustments can make a world of difference in how well the character is played.

And, that's incredibly important...

See, not all characters are created equally and most actors are so busy just trying to book whatever comes their way, that they don't often think of how different characters can affect their career.

Professional actors don't do that. They create their careers on purpose and a certain type of character is often at the forefront.

If you want to be a professional actor too, playing this character type really well is something that can make things easier on you.

Here's where to start...

First, let's unravel the mystery of what type of character we're talking about. It's the charming type.

I know, that's a really broad category and that's why there's such a huge demand for actors who can play it well.

It's rare to see a project be successful without at least one charming character.

Typically, charming characters are characters that are liked by everyone and they pull stories forward because of that.

Not only does that allow for a lot of screen time, but it also allows for you to display your range through a single project.

Here's what I mean...

Charming characters are often the glue between different sets of characters in a project and they help to tie together different storylines.

Because of their place in the story, charming characters are often the ones that become iconic and take on a life of their own.

Entire franchises have been spun out of characters that wouldn't have been the most obvious choice, but their charm and ability to connect with the audience gave them an x factor that is incredibly important to a franchise.

Charming characters often pull situations out of the norm but in a good way.

That shift in the social dynamics can be written into a script, but you also have to be able to recognize when it isn't written into the script.

For example, if a scene calls for your character to ask someone to meet for coffee, it might be too common a scenario.

A charming person might be more inclined to suggest meeting in a pop up food rave to talk things over instead.

They might be the type to ask to settle a disagreement at the go kart track, where the winner takes all.

Think of what feels right to your character and don't be afraid to speak up when things don't quite fit.

It's difficult to have a set of rules on when to do this because every character is different, but if it doesn't feel right to you it won't feel genuine to the audience either.

Work with your director to come up with something that makes sense.

Aside from being unpredictable, charming characters are very good at active listening. When others are talking to them, they have your character's undivided attention.

They will do things like repeating phrases to assure the other person that they are paying attention.

They will nod along and mirror the other person's body language too.

All of this helps to reaffirm that the conversation is on the right track. It can also help you when you are not on set, but we'll get into that another time...

Something else that helps with creating charming characters is eye contact.

When done correctly, it makes people listen, especially in a time when there are countless things pulling your attention.

Seriously! Think of the last time you had lunch with a friend and neither of you touched your phone every 30 seconds.

Most people listen half heartedly when others are talking. They are simultaneously thinking of what to say when it's "their turn" to speak.

Eye contact makes this much more difficult because it makes the person you are talking to be much more attentive.

It's natural to follow people's line of sight. If you walk into a room and everyone is looking at the ceiling. You will also look at the ceiling to see what everyone else was looking at.

Use this principle to develop your character's charm and command of conventional skills.

You can also add layers to your character by rounding them out with different, more complex emotions.

Think of what drives your character and their choices. Is their charm natural or is it something they had to develop?

Answering that question alone can go a long way in your character development. This is one that really takes some practice, because there are so many nuances.

So start practicing! Watch a few movies or shows and take notes on what the actors playing the charming characters do.

Think of what you loved about their performance and what you would do differently. Pick a few scenes and record yourself acting them out.

There is nothing like real world practice when it comes to playing charming characters and this is a great way to start.

At the same time, focus on getting yourself more opportunities to play charming characters.

If you don't have very many auditions coming up, try this. It can help improve your industry reputation which can also help open more doors for you.

Just like there is nothing quite like real world practice when it comes to building charming characters, there isn't a substitute for getting in the room with casting directors and industry decision makers. To do that, you have to be highly visible to the industry where they are already looking for talent. Here's how I can help...

Casting directors do their best to find out as much as they can about you before moving you forward in the audition process.

This means that if you are getting auditions but you're just not booking very often, there could be something in what they find that isn't up to what they would expect.

Be sure that what Casting Directors find about you is up to their standards.

When it is, CDs are much more comfortable moving forward with you.

When that happens and you also become incomparable in the way you play charming characters, great things can happen quickly in your career.

As you start working on what we talked about today, feel free to get in touch. You might need a second opinion on something.

Even if you just want to bounce ideas, I'm happy to help however I can because I truly want to...

See you at the top,
Scott