Theater Acting Advice

[OMH]

Okay, so I am absolutely obsessed with theater. I've been in about 16 shows and involved with about 30 others. and i was just cast in a play at my college that was written by a fellow student. and i love the part, but i'm running into an acting dilemma.

you see, my character is an overactive, super hyper, ADD 13 year old... now i can certainly be over hyper and crazy, so where's the challenge? i'm 18. 5'7" tall. my fellow cast members are around the same age as me, and height if not shorter, and they are supposed to all be around 30.

i'm just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to act much younger, without looking like i'm overacting, or making fun of the character, or making the character look like a 'special' 18 year old.

i understand this might sound kinda vague, but if anyone has any sort of advice, that would be great. thanks

[Silhouette]

My best advice is to just be very cheerful. Think of something that makes you very happy.
Maybe try thinking of how you were when you were 13 if you can recall back that far.
Just test things out, and ask for feedback.

[Masquerade.]

Think back on how you acted when you were 13. Even if it doesn't fit the character's personality, it might give you some inspiration as to the way you choose to portray the character's personality. Of course, try it out in front of fellow cast members for feedback. They might have some suggestions that you never even thought of. Good luck in your performance.