As an actor something that you can do that is fun and helpful to your career is people watching! I have heard time and time again in multiple acting classes that people watching can be one of the most beneficial things you can do in the ways of character development. I have found this to be true because the more I know about people the easier it is for me to invent characters. I have always loved people watching and I have quite a few favorite places to do it. So grab your sunglasses and come along with me for a wild people-watching ride! (This isn’t creepy at all, trust me…)
Intelligentsia: the coffee shop most famous for its hipsters and expensive coffee. Intelligentsia in silver lake and Pasadena will be some of the best places to see some interesting and very hip people.
Hollywood Blvd: if you can stand the traffic and lack of parking (or maybe just uber over here with a friend) I think you will find Hollywood Blvd to be an excellent place for people watching. You’ll see an extremely wide range of people, from Minnesotan tourists to homeless dogs, and definitely get to achieve some major people watching because there’s about one million people here at any given moment.
The Americana at Brand: this is the perfect place to go if you are looking for high school/ college aged folks to spy on. If you have an audition for a Disney show wherein you need to play a spoiled brat, you will have great luck here.
The Grove: Looking to play a Catholic Schoolgirl, a rich mother, or maybe even a soap opera star? Well, The Grove is the perfect place for you to start looking. It’s just like the Americana but closer to Hancock Park, and right next to CBS Studios so that should give you a great idea of the different types of people you will be seeing around.
So there are a few starter people watching places. Remember, always bring your dark shades, and always be ready to have some fun imitating people, just looking at their mannerisms, facial expressions, or the way they sound will help you in your character development skills. If you have any other favorite places to people watch, please do let us know on twitter @MyActingSite!