Strengthening the Concept of Character Development in Acting: Lessons from Amateur Actors of English Theatre in Sri Lanka

This study was focused on strengthening the concept of character development among amateur actors of English theatre in Sri Lanka. The study was based on the research objectives of, to understand what character development is and its impact in acting, to analyse the current approaches being undertaken in developing characters in acting in Sri Lanka, to evaluate the current problems encountered in the area of development of characters in acting in Sri Lanka, to compare and contrast the character development processes undertaken by actors performing in different performing contexts in Sri Lanka, to present recommendations that can be made in the area of strengthening the development of characters in acting in Sri Lanka. This is a qualitative study that has utilized descriptive statistical summaries based on the research philosophy of interpretivism and utilized the inductive approach. Non-probability sampling technique was utilized with convenience sampling as the selected technique. The study was conducted among 30 individuals for semi-structured interviews. The study also included a focus group discussion. The results proved that the majority of the respondents highlighted weaknesses in the area of character development, particularly with regard to training, awareness, resources, and opportunities. The conclusion of the study included a basic and surface-level awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the subject of character development with limited application to relevant theories, concepts, and a personalized approach to character development, a lack of resources, trainings, and collaboration, the audience being aware of flawed characterizations and the overall need and support for the improvement of character development in the Sri Lankan theatre setting.