Meaning: This quote by Jenna Elfman, an American actress known for her roles in television shows like "Dharma & Greg" and "Fear the Walking Dead," offers insight into the essence of acting. Elfman's words emphasize the importance of belief in the character in the moment, which she describes as the common denominator in acting. While the concept may sound like a basic principle taught in Acting 101, it holds significant value in the craft of acting.

Acting is the art of portraying a character and bringing them to life through a combination of physicality, emotions, and speech. At its core, acting requires the ability to immerse oneself in the world of the character, understanding their motivations, emotions, and experiences. This level of immersion goes beyond simply reciting lines or mimicking behaviors; it involves truly believing in the character and their circumstances in the present moment.

Belief in the character in the moment is a fundamental aspect of the Meisner technique, an acting approach developed by Sanford Meisner. This technique emphasizes living truthfully under imaginary circumstances, where actors respond spontaneously to their environment and fellow actors. The emphasis on truthful, in-the-moment reactions aligns with Elfman's assertion about believing in the character in the moment.

When an actor truly believes in the character they are portraying, it allows for a more authentic and compelling performance. This belief infuses the character with depth and complexity, enabling the actor to convey genuine emotions and experiences. It also fosters a sense of connection between the actor and the audience, as the authenticity of the portrayal resonates on a deeper level.

The concept of belief in the character in the moment extends beyond the technical aspects of acting. It delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of the craft, requiring actors to tap into their own experiences and emotions to breathe life into their characters. This process can be both challenging and rewarding, as it demands vulnerability and introspection from the actor.

Furthermore, Elfman's quote speaks to the ephemeral nature of acting. Each moment in a performance is unique and fleeting, requiring actors to fully inhabit the present moment and remain fully engaged with their character's journey. This level of commitment demands mental agility and emotional availability, as actors navigate the ever-changing landscape of their character's circumstances.

In addition to its relevance in traditional acting, the concept of belief in the character in the moment also extends to other forms of performance, such as improvisation and method acting. In improvisational theater, for example, actors must embrace the spontaneity of the moment and fully commit to the reality they are creating on stage. Similarly, method acting involves immersing oneself in the character's experiences and emotions, blurring the lines between the actor's personal identity and that of the character.

Ultimately, Jenna Elfman's quote encapsulates the essence of acting as a deeply immersive and transformative experience. Belief in the character in the moment serves as the foundation for powerful and evocative performances, allowing actors to transcend the boundaries of their own identity and inhabit the rich, multifaceted world of their characters. It is a reminder of the profound connection between the actor, the character, and the audience, and the transformative power of storytelling through the art of acting.

In conclusion, Jenna Elfman's insight into the common denominator of acting, belief in the character in the moment, sheds light on the essential nature of this principle in the craft of acting. It underscores the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional availability in portraying characters, and speaks to the ephemeral and transformative nature of performance. This concept resonates across various acting techniques and forms of performance, serving as a guiding principle for actors seeking to create compelling, truthful, and resonant portrayals of characters on stage and screen.