My students have heard me repeatedly saying that “Acting is physical.” New actors especially focus almost completely on the lines they're given (or not given), and as I also say to my kids; “F- the lines; What is your behavior saying?” It is perhaps the hardest thing to get across to actors that 95% or more of what you're trying to communicate to an audience (or another actor) is done through your physicality.

The basic scientific explanation for this is that light travels faster than sound so our first impression as organic human beings is received through the eyes. The words arrive a bit later to help explain, confuse, or expand on the information our eyes tell us. You can say a line 20 different ways, but it is your behavior that will actually translate the real meaning to your recipient.

So an actor has to have full control over the body, voice, and particularly the emotions. Facial expressions, body language, tears, rage, indifference, and every nuance and facet in between, are all used to communicate what's really going on. And they are all inspired internally by an in depth, completely invested, believable inner life of the particular character in the particular situation that an actor is creating. If we believe it, you'll believe it. And we, as actors, have to be able without limitation to express it. Because, (and my kids will) say it with me; “All audiences are perfect, and everything you do reads.”

If there is any limitation in your ability as an actor to express yourself vocally, physically, and especially emotionally, you are going to be limited in your career. So, take care of that part first. Then we can talk about “the lines.”