Acting With Dyslexia: 5 Tips To Help

Hey, I’m Ashton, and I graduated from Italia Conti in 2023. Since then, I’ve been living in London - pursuing my acting career. But honestly, I’ve been mostly just navigating adulating. I can’t say I’m a fan…

So, here is a little about me: I have dyslexia, and I actually wrote my dissertation on it - it was titled: "Am I Dumb or Do I Just Think Differently." Growing up, I was not always super proud of my dyslexia; I was pretty shy about it, to be honest. But over time, I've come to realize that it makes me who I am, and it’s helped me grow as a person and as an actor. My brain just works in a different way, and I think that’s pretty cool!

Being an actor with dyslexia has its challenges, but I’ve figured out some handy tips for auditions and learning lines that I’d love to share with anyone who might be going through the same thing. Let’s support each other!

1.       Be Open and Honest: 

Don’t be shy about sharing that you have dyslexia with directors and casting panels. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about - many creatives deal with it, too! Most directors are totally cool with giving you extra time to check out a script. They won’t expect you to jump in and cold read if you have dyslexia, so being upfront can really help create a chilled environment where you can do your best.

2.     Find Your Learning Style: 

Everyone learns differently, so it’s key to discover what works best for you. I often use two different coloured highlighters when learning monologues. I alternate between the colours to break up the lines, which helps prevent the letters from jumbling up. I’d recommend bringing two highlighters to every audition, just in case they give you a new script to cold read. You can ask for a moment to look it over and quickly highlight the parts that stand out to you.

3.      On That Note - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions:

If you get directions during an audition or hear a word you do not understand, just ask for clarification. I know it can be scary to speak up because you might worry others will think you’re not smart, but honestly, you’re the only one thinking that. In a room full of people, chances are you won’t be the only one who doesn’t understand something. If you don’t ask, you could hinder your chances of getting the role or delivering what the director wants. Remember, asking questions shows you’re engaged and willing to learn – you are not stupid for seeking clarity!

4.      Understand Your Character First:

Before diving into your lines, take the time to really understand your character. Think about their background, motivations, and relationships with other characters. What do they want? What are their fears? This deeper understanding will help you bring authenticity to your performance. Learning your lines can be daunting, but when you know who your character is at their core, it becomes easier to connect with the material. It allows you to make choices that resonate with the audience and enhances your confidence when stepping into the role.

When it comes to work like Shakespeare or any classical piece, I understand it can be tough to learn the lines because the language is not how we usually speak. But I find that if I really put myself in the character's shoes and try to understand why they talk the way they do, the words start to flow more naturally. I do understand that sometimes, in auditions, you don’t get a lot of character breakdowns, so this is where I think it’s important to make your own choices. The panel will not be upset with you for taking a risk as long as you can explain your reasoning. It shows that you are invested in the work. Even if it turns out to be the wrong choice, that’s okay - they can always redirect you.

5.       Lastly, Embrace Your Superpower:

Think of dyslexia as a superpower! It gives you a unique way of seeing and thinking about things that others might not. Instead of seeing it as a challenge, use it to your advantage in your acting. Your different perspective can lead to fresh and exciting interpretations of characters and scenes - making your performances really stand out!

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