UK based actress Amrita Acharia, who plays Dr Ruby Walker in the BBC Brit (DStv channel 120) feel-good medical drama Good Karma Hospital, is in the country to promote the second season of the show.
Acharia, who is also known for her role in Game Of Thrones as Irri, visited the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, where she spent an interactive and educational morning engaging with the Grade 12 drama students.
She used her past experience as an actress on popular shows the Norwegian feature film I am Yours - which landed her a nomination for Best Actress at the Norwegian Amanda Awards - and a leading role in Good Karma Hospital to share some tips and advice with the students.
Transitioning between stage and screen acting, Acharia discussed with students how to prepare for an audition and deciding on what type of actor to be.
"Preparation is key. Give yourself the time and space to warm up properly and get into the moment for your scene, work on understanding your character – find techniques and methods that work for you. The main difference in stage and screen work is understanding and preparing for the different environments. Don’t be afraid to ask for another take or more time, it’s about giving and getting the best from you," said the actress.
She said stage work gives one the opportunity to use their space creatively and in this way surprise and engage not only the audience but fellow actors.
"Enjoy the rehearsal process, it is your opportunity to play and discover. A lot of screen work is about stillness and, similarly to on stage, it’s about listening to people and responding in a way that makes it real. As an actor, it’s about making sure that you give your editors and directors options or take the direction you are given, and that you don’t just stick to one way of doing things during takes. Similarly you need to find a way to replicate takes and be able to find that moment again. This is where your personal process needs to be something that you can hold on to," she said.
Catch Acharia as Dr Ruby Walker on Good Karma Hospital S2 on Monday at 8pm on BBC Brit (DStv channel 120).