This is a really good question. I've been acting in community theater for about 17 years, and this is a question that has been the subject of some spirited debates.
Talk to three actors, and you're likely to get three (or more!) answers. I tend to agree with epictetus that "becoming" a character is practically impossible. I've seen actors tie themselves in knots (and, incidentally, mess up their personal lives) because they felt they had to "become" a character.
If you're an actor, you should take your cues first and foremost from the SCRIPT. If the playwright has done her/his job, then you should find just about everything you need to make the character convincing.
If said playwright has NOT done his/her job, you have to do a little more work. Here's where you need a DIRECTOR who will work with you on conveying the character.
There are loads of techniques that actors use, including tapping their own memories and emotions. I'm more a believer that an actor should try to fill in the details of a character's past. (Example: I'm currently playing Capt. Markinson in A FEW GOOD MEN, and the other actors playing Marines and I have been talking about our character's live apart from the script, such as whether any of us are married. I find this to be an enjoyable exercise, partly because I'm a frustrated writer myself and partly because it gives some insight into how to interpret some lines.)
Bottom line: I think an actor should use as many techniques as possible to make the character believable and convincing. But "becoming" the character? It's an exercise in solipsism.
Hope this helps!
Talk to three actors, and you're likely to get three (or more!) answers. I tend to agree with epictetus that "becoming" a character is practically impossible. I've seen actors tie themselves in knots (and, incidentally, mess up their personal lives) because they felt they had to "become" a character.
If you're an actor, you should take your cues first and foremost from the SCRIPT. If the playwright has done her/his job, then you should find just about everything you need to make the character convincing.
If said playwright has NOT done his/her job, you have to do a little more work. Here's where you need a DIRECTOR who will work with you on conveying the character.
There are loads of techniques that actors use, including tapping their own memories and emotions. I'm more a believer that an actor should try to fill in the details of a character's past. (Example: I'm currently playing Capt. Markinson in A FEW GOOD MEN, and the other actors playing Marines and I have been talking about our character's live apart from the script, such as whether any of us are married. I find this to be an enjoyable exercise, partly because I'm a frustrated writer myself and partly because it gives some insight into how to interpret some lines.)
Bottom line: I think an actor should use as many techniques as possible to make the character believable and convincing. But "becoming" the character? It's an exercise in solipsism.
Hope this helps!