Som teaches the tricks of the trade

The best actors are so good that their performances look effortless. But acting requires a lot of hard work as well as talent. Behind every good actor is a good acting coach. Natvara Hongsuwan (Som) is one of Thailand’s most respected acting coaches and an accomplished actress in her own right.

Som gave an award-winning performance in 2002’s coming-of-age film Girl Friend Sip See Sai Gam Lang Mok (Fourteen Girlfriends) before appearing in several TV dramas. Despite this, she still felt she needed to improve, so she went to the US to study at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre. Back in Thailand, Som has coached many famous actors and even some finalists on The Rapper Thailand.

S Weekly met up with the 29-year-old to talk about acting and the challenges of coaching.

You were an award-winning actress. Why did you want to study more about acting?

Som: I found it difficult to stay in character, which was frustrating. Acting shouldn’t be frustrating, it should be fun and liberating. I wanted to be able to act naturally, without overthinking it. So I felt I needed more training.

Is it true that playing bad characters affected your emotions?

Som: Yes. I was very young and I found it difficult to leave the negative elements of characters behind. Sometimes I played people who killed their friends or family members. And I had to play these characters for months. So I was constantly thinking dark thoughts. It left a lasting impression and I was often unhappy.

What advice do you have for actors who have similar experiences?

Som: I found meditation very helpful. And it’s important to understand that these emotions don’t last forever.

Why did you decide to study theatre?

Som: When I was at Chulalongkorn University, we watched A Doll’s House, a play by Henrik Ibsen. It was so powerful. I felt like I was there in the house with the characters. Theatre acting seemed more real than screen acting. I wanted to learn how to act through my emotions, not by pretending.

How did you get your scholarship for the Stella Adler Academy?

Som: Determination. I did my vocal warm-ups at 5 am and stayed in character all day. My instructors saw my dedication and I got the scholarship.

Do you prefer coaching or acting?

Som: I need to do both. If I couldn’t do one, I’d feel sad. I formed a theatre group called Kawee Tee Glong so that I’d always have the opportunity to act.

What obstacles do you face as an acting coach?

Som: I often have to win people over. When we first meet, some students form an opinion of me based on how I look. Usually, they think I’m too young. Another challenge is getting actors to bring out the required energy and emotion. That can be mentally tiring.

You say actors must connect with themselves before they connect with their characters. Why?

Som: Good acting should be honest. For example, the way an actor uses his voice can be important for a character. But it must come from within.

How about rappers?

Som: It’s very similar. Rappers will find a deeper and more powerful expression if it comes from the heart. Otherwise, they’re just reading lyrics to the audience and people won’t relate to the songs.

Can you tell us about your students?

Som: Non Chanon takes acting very seriously. He wants to be a better actor and always does his homework. Cheer Thikamporn really appreciates my coaching. I encourage all my students to meditate and that helps her a lot.