Diving into an actor’s mind is a thrilling journey! From quirky on-set stories to deep character insights, the right questions can unveil the magic behind the curtain. Let’s explore what to ask to get the best stories straight from the spotlight!

About Their Movie

1. What attracted you to this particular script or story?
2. Can you describe your character in the movie?
3. What was the most challenging scene for you to film?
4. How did you prepare for your role in this film?
5. Were there any real-life inspirations for your character?
6. How was your on-set chemistry with the other actors?
7. How would you describe the overall theme or message of the movie?
8. Was there a particular scene or moment that deeply resonated with you?
9. How did you collaborate with the director during the making of the film?
10. Were there any improvised scenes or lines that made it to the final cut?
11. How was this role different from others you’ve played before?
12. Can you share any memorable behind-the-scenes moments?
13. What do you hope audiences will take away from this movie?
14. Were there any special preparations, like physical training or research, required for this role?
15. How do you feel the movie’s setting or location influenced your performance?
16. Were there any unexpected challenges during filming?
17. How do you think this movie fits into the current film landscape or industry trends?
18. How was it working with the film’s crew and creative team?
19. Were there any scenes that were particularly emotional or draining for you?
20. How do you feel about the final cut of the movie?
21. Did you have any say in the editing or post-production process?
22. Were there any deleted scenes you wished had made it into the final version?
23. How did the character’s wardrobe and makeup influence your portrayal?
24. Were there any personal experiences you drew upon for this role?
25. How did you find the pacing and rhythm of the movie while filming versus the final product?
26. How do you feel about the film’s soundtrack or score and its influence on the narrative?
27. Were there any specific references or films you watched in preparation?
28. How would you describe the tone of the film?
29. Can you speak about any on-set traditions or routines during the making of the movie?
30. What was the most rewarding part of working on this film?
31. How did this film challenge you as an actor?
32. Were there any major changes to the script or story during production?
33. Can you share any funny or light-hearted moments from the set?
34. How do you think this film stands out from others in its genre?
35. How do you feel about potential sequels or spin-offs from this movie?
36. What was your initial reaction after reading the script for the first time?
37. How did the movie’s budget or production scale influence your work?
38. Were there any inspirations or homages in the film that audiences might miss?
39. What was your last day of shooting like?
40. Now that the film is complete, how do you reflect on your character’s journey and arc?

About Acting

1. What first drew you to the world of acting?
2. How would you define “good” acting?
3. What do you wish you knew when you first started acting?
4. What acting techniques or methods do you employ or find most effective?
5. How do you approach building a character from scratch?
6. What’s the most challenging part of immersing yourself in a role?
7. How do you handle emotionally taxing scenes or roles?
8. Are there any actors you particularly admire or draw inspiration from?
9. How do you maintain authenticity in a role, especially if it’s far removed from your personal experiences?
10. How do you manage stage fright or nerves, if at all?
11. How do you keep your acting skills sharp between roles?
12. How do you navigate the challenges of being typecast or avoiding being pigeonholed into specific roles?
13. How do you handle criticism, both constructive and negative?
14. How do you approach roles that require physical transformations, whether it’s weight change, intense training, or something else?
15. How do you maintain a separation between your character and your personal life?
16. How do you feel about method acting? Have you ever used this approach?
17. What’s your process for memorizing lines, and how do you make them feel fresh in every take or performance?
18. How important is the rehearsal process to you?
19. How do you handle moments of improvisation or unscripted interactions?
20. How do you build on-screen or on-stage chemistry with co-stars?
21. Are there genres or styles of acting you find particularly challenging or rewarding?
22. How do you decompress after playing intense roles?
23. How has the acting industry changed since you began, and how have you adapted to those changes?
24. What advice would you give to young actors just starting out in the industry?
25. How do you stay motivated, especially in the face of rejection?
26. Are there any acting exercises or practices you swear by?
27. How important is continuous learning or training in your acting career?
28. What are your thoughts on acting in voice roles, like in animation or video games?
29. How do you handle potential disagreements with directors or writers regarding the interpretation of a character?
30. In what ways do you think theater acting differs from film or television acting, and how do you adapt between them?

About Their Character

1. How would you describe your character in three words?
2. What initially drew you to this character?
3. How does your character fit into the overall story or narrative?
4. Did you see any of yourself in this character?
5. What do you think is your character’s main motivation or driving force?
6. What challenges did you face in portraying this character?
7. Are there any backstory elements you created for your character that weren’t in the script?
8. What do you believe is your character’s greatest strength and weakness?
9. How did you prepare or research for this role?
10. Were there any pivotal moments in the script that you felt were crucial for understanding your character?
11. How was your character’s wardrobe and makeup instrumental in getting into the role?
12. How did you approach building chemistry with other characters on screen or on stage?
13. What was the most emotionally challenging scene for your character, and how did you approach it?
14. Were there any particular inspirations or references you looked to in developing this character?
15. How do you think your character evolves throughout the story?
16. What were some of the internal conflicts your character faced?
17. Are there specific choices the character makes that you personally disagree with? How did you reconcile with that as an actor?
18. How did you work with the director to shape and refine your character’s arc?
19. Was there anything about the character that surprised you as you delved deeper into the role?
20. How do you hope audiences perceive or react to your character?
21. Were there any improvisational moments that helped shape or define your character during filming or rehearsals?
22. What do you believe are your character’s core values?
23. Were there specific scenes where you felt you truly became the character?
24. How did you approach scenes where the character was outside of your own personal experience or comfort zone?
25. Do you feel your character experienced growth or redemption by the end?
26. What was the dynamic like between your character and the antagonist (if applicable)?
27. Are there aspects of the character you found particularly relatable or unrelatable?
28. How did you approach maintaining the authenticity of the character throughout the performance?
29. If you could give your character advice, what would it be?
30. Now that you’ve portrayed this character, is there anything you’ll take away or learn from their journey?

Interesting Questions to Ask Actors

1. If you could live in any film or television universe for a week, which would it be?
2. What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve learned from an acting role?
3. If you could have dinner with any character you’ve played, who would it be and why?
4. What’s the strangest or most unexpected fan interaction you’ve ever had?
5. Are there roles or genres you’re hesitant to try? Why?
6. If you weren’t an actor, what career path might you have chosen?
7. How do you feel about the use of CGI and motion-capture technology in acting?
8. Can you recall a time on set or stage when it was almost impossible to keep a straight face?
9. What’s the most physically demanding scene or stunt you’ve ever done?
10. How do you navigate the fine line between personal privacy and public visibility?
11. Have you ever taken any mementos or props from a set?
12. Which classic film or play do you wish you could have been a part of?
13. Is there any actor or director, past or present, you’d love to collaborate with?
14. How do you feel about revisiting characters in sequels or spin-offs?
15. How do you handle the constant scrutiny and rumor mill in the entertainment industry?
16. Can you name a movie or play that changed your perspective on life?
17. How has the digitization of media and the rise of streaming platforms affected your career choices?
18. Do you ever read reviews about your performances? Why or why not?
19. How do you mentally prepare yourself for challenging or disturbing roles?
20. Have you ever been starstruck by someone in the industry?
21. What role from your past would you like to revisit with the knowledge and experience you have now?
22. How do you think emerging technologies, like virtual reality or AI, might impact the future of acting?
23. What’s the most transformative makeover or costume you’ve ever undergone for a role?
24. Have you ever turned down a role and later regretted it?
25. What’s the quirkiest or most unusual preparation you’ve done for a character?
26. If you could give your younger self advice at the start of your acting career, what would it be?
27. How do you handle the highs and lows, the successes and rejections, inherent in the acting profession?
28. Is there a scene or moment in your career you’d consider your bravest?
29. How do you recharge or take breaks in the often-hectic world of entertainment?
30. If your life were a movie, what genre would it be and who would play you?

Fun Questions to Ask Actors

1. If you could swap roles with any actor for a day, who would it be and why?
2. Have you ever used your acting skills to get out of a tricky situation in real life?
3. If you had to be trapped in a movie or TV show for a week, which one would you choose?
4. Which fictional character, other than the ones you’ve portrayed, do you think you’d get along best with?
5. If you could have any superpower on set or on stage, what would it be?
6. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you during a shoot or performance?
7. If you could star in a remake of any classic film, which one would it be?
8. Which three props from any of your roles would you like to keep in real life?
9. If your acting career had a theme song, what would it be?
10. Have you ever tried impersonating another actor just for fun? If so, who?
11. If you had to do a one-man/woman show, which story or character would you choose to portray?
12. What’s the most bizarre costume you’ve ever had to wear for a role?
13. If you could have a dance-off with any actor, who would it be?
14. Which actor, alive or passed away, would you love to have a dinner conversation with?
15. Have you ever had a dream where you forgot your lines or showed up on set in your pajamas?
16. Which movie or TV show universe do you think has the best food?
17. If there was a blooper reel of your life, what moment would definitely be on it?
18. Which role of yours would you love to revisit but with a comical twist?
19. If you could have a magical sidekick from any film or show, who would it be?
20. Have you ever played a prank or been pranked on set? What happened?

Questions to Ask Voice Actors

1. How did you get started in voice acting?
2. What drew you to the world of voice-over work as opposed to on-screen acting?
3. How do you prepare your voice for a recording session?
4. Are there any vocal exercises or warm-ups you swear by?
5. How do you maintain the health and quality of your voice?
6. What’s the most challenging aspect of voice acting for you?
7. How do you approach creating a new character’s voice?
8. How is the experience of voicing for animation different from video games or dubbed content?
9. Are there any voice actors you admire or see as inspirations?
10. How do you handle multiple characters in the same project?
11. What do you think is the key to a successful voice performance?
12. How do you sustain long recording sessions without straining your voice?
13. Do you find that you use much physicality in the booth, even though audiences won’t see you?
14. How do you deal with the isolation of a recording booth, as opposed to the more communal environment of traditional acting?
15. Are there any roles or characters you’ve voiced that have a special place in your heart?
16. How do you keep a character’s voice consistent across multiple sessions or episodes?
17. What advice would you give to someone looking to break into voice acting?
18. How do you approach emotional or intense scenes in voice acting?
19. How has the voice acting industry evolved since you began?
20. What impact do you think technology, like AI, might have on the voice acting profession?
21. How do you collaborate with directors and producers during voice recording sessions?
22. Are there any unique challenges in voicing for international projects or audiences?
23. How do you handle roles in languages or accents different from your own?
24. How important is improvisation in your work?
25. Can you share a memorable moment from a recording session?
26. How do you approach feedback and direction, especially when it’s about modulating your voice?
27. Do you have any routines or rituals before a recording session?
28. What differences do you find in voicing for children’s content versus content for adults?
29. How do you handle challenging vocal demands, such as screams or unusual sounds?
30. Have you ever faced vocal fatigue or injury, and how did you overcome it?
31. How do you stay updated with industry trends and new techniques in voice acting?
32. What’s your process for auditioning for voice roles?
33. Have you ever faced a character or role that you found difficult to voice?
34. How do you feel about live voice performances or readings?
35. Do you have any preferences for the type of microphone or equipment you use?
36. How do you handle characters that require both singing and speaking parts?
37. How do you navigate the challenges of working remotely or from a home studio?
38. What’s your perspective on voice matching or mimicking iconic characters?
39. Are there any genres or mediums you haven’t voiced for but would like to explore?
40. How do you feel about meeting fans who recognize you solely by your voice?

Questions to Ask Theater Actors

1. What drew you to theater acting specifically, as opposed to film or television?
2. How did you get your start in the theater world?
3. How do you approach character development in a play?
4. How does the live audience influence your performance?
5. What’s the most memorable role you’ve played on stage?
6. Can you describe a particularly challenging live performance experience?
7. How do you handle mistakes or unexpected moments on stage?
8. How does it feel to perform the same character night after night?
9. Are there any stage actors or theater productions that have deeply influenced you?
10. How do you keep your energy and focus during long-running shows?
11. How important is the rehearsal process in theater for you?
12. What’s your process for memorizing lines for a play?
13. How do you maintain vocal health with frequent live performances?
14. What’s the difference in preparing for a musical versus a straight play?
15. How do you cultivate chemistry with your co-actors on stage?
16. What challenges do you find in performing in-the-round or non-traditional stages?
17. How do you adjust your acting technique for large theaters versus more intimate settings?
18. How do you handle the physical demands of stage performances, especially with rigorous choreography or movements?
19. What advice would you give to aspiring theater actors?
20. Are there particular playwrights or directors you dream of working with?
21. How do you decompress after a particularly intense performance?
22. How do you approach character evolution over the course of a play’s run?
23. How has the theater industry changed since you began your career?
24. How do you approach roles that have been played by many iconic actors before you?
25. How do you feel about stage-to-screen adaptations?
26. What are your pre-show rituals or superstitions?
27. Can you share a moment when a live audience’s reaction completely surprised you?
28. How do you handle stage fright or nerves?
29. How do you feel about modern plays versus classical theater pieces?
30. How do you keep a long-running role fresh and avoid becoming robotic or complacent?
31. How important is physicality and movement in your approach to a role?
32. Can you recall an onstage mishap and how you recovered?
33. How do you handle the rigorous schedule of matinee and evening performances?
34. How do you prepare for emotionally draining roles or scenes night after night?
35. Are there roles you’ve turned down or regretted not taking in theater?
36. How do you handle feedback and criticism, especially from theater critics?
37. How do you adjust your performance based on different directors’ visions?
38. How has modern technology, like amplification or innovative stage designs, impacted your work?
39. Do you participate in workshops or continuous training to refine your craft?
40. What’s next for you in the world of theater?

Questions to Ask Actors After a Play

1. How did it feel being on stage tonight?
2. What was the most memorable moment from this evening’s performance?
3. Were there any unexpected occurrences on stage tonight?
4. How did tonight’s audience energy influence your performance?
5. How do you prepare yourself mentally each night before the curtain rises?
6. How has your character evolved since the first performance?
7. What’s the most challenging scene for you to perform in the play?
8. How do you maintain your stamina for longer or more demanding scenes?
9. Are there nuances in your character that you feel are especially important?
10. How has the character you play impacted you personally?
11. How do you handle differences in audience reactions from night to night?
12. What’s the most rewarding aspect of performing live for an audience?
13. Are there any backstage rituals or traditions the cast shares?
14. How did you develop the chemistry with your co-actors on stage?
15. How do you manage quick costume changes or technical demands backstage?
16. Are there moments or lines in the play that resonate deeply with you?
17. What drew you to this particular play or role?
18. How do you decompress after a high-energy performance?
19. How do you stay focused and in the moment during a live performance?
20. What feedback or direction during rehearsals shaped your portrayal?
21. How would you compare the first night of the play to tonight’s performance?
22. Are there any rituals or techniques you use to get into character?
23. How did you approach the play’s more emotional or intense moments?
24. What do you want the audience to take away from this play?
25. How have rehearsals and live performances differed in terms of energy and discovery?
26. How does it feel to embody this character night after night?
27. How do you keep the play fresh after multiple performances?
28. Have there been any standout or unique audience reactions during this run?
29. How do you support and communicate with fellow cast members during a show?
30. Was there a scene or moment tonight that felt different or special compared to other performances?
31. How have you grown as an actor during this production?
32. Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from this play’s run?
33. What has been the biggest learning experience from this production?
34. How do you envision the character’s life outside the confines of the script?
35. What’s the atmosphere like backstage during the play?
36. How do you handle pre-show jitters or nerves?
37. Are there any play traditions or superstitions you or the cast observe?
38. How do you feel about the end of this play’s run approaching?
39. What’s next for you after this play concludes?
40. If you could have the audience remember one moment or line from the play, what would it be?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can one ensure the actor is comfortable during the interview?

Building rapport is crucial. Here are some pointers:

• Start with lighter topics before delving into deeper or more complex questions.
• Always maintain eye contact and exhibit active listening.
• If you sense discomfort, it’s okay to acknowledge it and pivot to a different topic.

How to handle controversial topics or issues related to the project?

Tread carefully. Preface with context and ensure the actor knows the intent is not to sensationalize. For example, “This film touches on [sensitive topic]. How did you approach this, keeping its sensitivity in mind?“