A Spectrum of Emotions for Actors © 2004

Some say there are only 7 emotions: Surprise, Happiness, Fear, Anger, Disgust, Sadness & Contempt. For the actor… these are NOT enough!________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ These are theatrical expressive exercises that I have 'drilled' personally and with actors over the years to extend their range. They are facial as well as internal emotions that must be conveyed to the audience when needed. Obviously the greater the life experience of the actor, the more easily these can be reached from within. In 'Method' we work on actually bringing up and experiencing these emotions and thereby producing them on stage and screen. To do otherwise is to 'indicate' or 'rubberstamp' act out the emotion for the audience. Unfortunately, so very often the audience can tell.

A Spectrum of Emotions

• HAPPINESS: Alive, Anticipating, Bouncy, Bubbly, Charged, Crazy, Delighted, Ecstatic, Elated, Enthusiastic, Euphoric, Excited, Exhilarated, Exuberant, Happy, Inspired, Joyful, Lively, Overjoyed, Sparkly, Tickled.
• CALM: Comfortable, Content, cool, Grateful, Hopeful, Kindly, Patient, Peaceful, Pleased, Quiet, Refreshed, Relaxed, Relieved, Satisfied, Secure, Serene, Successful, Warm, Whole, Wonderful.
• LOVE: Adored, Affectionate, Appreciated, Appreciative, Attractive, Brotherly, Beautiful, Cherished, Fulfilled, Fatherly, Glowing, Loved, Loving, Maternal, Passionate, Pretty, Radiant, Ravishing, Safe, Sexy, Star-crossed,Thrilled, Turned On.
• EMPTINESS: Alienated, Apathetic, Bored, Deprived, Disconnected, Distant, Empty, Flat, Hollow, Hopeless, Insignificant, Passive, Sluggish, Stale, Stifled, Suffocated, Tired, Unfulfilled, Weak
• SADNESS: Anguished, Betrayed, Blue, Dead, Depressed, Discouraged, Down, Drained, Grief-stricken, Helpless, Hurt, Low, Miserable, Morose, Numb, Pessimistic, Powerless, Tearful, Unhappy, Washed Out. - FEAR: Afraid, Anxious, Apprehensive, Confused, Fearful, Frightened, Hesitant, Insecure, Nervous, Scared, Torn, Uncertain, Uncomfortable, Unsure, Worried
• LONLINESS: Abandoned, alone, Burdened, Isolated, Left Out, Lonely, Lost, Rejected.
• INTENSE PRESSURE: Angry, Desperate, Explosive, Furious, Horrified, Irate, Irritated, Livid, Mad, Outraged, Pissed -Off, Shocked, Violated.
• LONG-TERM ANGER: Aggravated, Annoyed, Disgusted, Distressed, Disturbed, Exasperated, Frustrated, Impatient, Irritated, Negative, Offended, Smothered, Ticked, Upset.
• STRESS: Anxious, Belittled, Bitter, Nervous, Regretful, Resentful, Revengeful, Shattered, Threatened.
• GROUCHNESS: Consumed, Cornered, Embarrassed, Flooded, Hassled, Hot, Humiliated, Jealous, Overwhelmed, Panicked, Pressured, Rushed, Stressed, Tense, Threatened, Trapped
• IRRITATION: Bitchy, Cranky, Edgy, Grouchy, Grumpy, Irritable, Moody
• (Some are repeated because there is at least small difference as to how one displays this emotion.)