Building the Past

This week, Milton addresses a frequently asked question: how much information do we need when building the past of a character? As individuals, we may desirer (or require) different facts or details or tools. However, there are some “indisputables.” It’s vital to be able to differentiate what information is essential in order for us to play a role, and this is a skill that develops with experience. When doing a play, especially a great play, the text will tell us what we need to build. And the deeper we dive into the “essentials,” the more complex our characters will be, and the more the world of the play comes alive— all in service of why it was written in the first place. Also, Milton goes on a rant about actions, which is always fun to hear. Have a question for Milton? Email him at [email protected]