Y’all, real talk. I see many actors playing scenes like they know there are three more pages waiting for them. Which turns them into “good scene partners.” Always giving their all but also “giving” with the knowledge that the scene will keep going. Because hey, the fight isn’t really over yet, right?

Wrong.

Your character doesn’t know that. They don’t know they’re in a “four-page scene.” They think the argument is happening right now and, when they win, it’s over. Done.

We go into situations expecting and hoping for the conflict to resolve itself as quickly as possible.

That’s why I’m always asking:

“Where should the scene end?”

Because when you expect it to end NOW... and it doesn’t... you’re instantly gifted with an obstacle. I say gifted because you weren’t expecting it. You were expecting to win. So now you’re forced to adapt, to scramble, to shift on the spot. You’re left with action and reaction. That’s where sparks fly. That’s when the scene feels alive.

This is why I talk about expectation more than objective. Objective is fine; it keeps you clear about what you’re fighting for. But expectation makes you believe the fight should be over already. And when it isn’t? That’s when the real fun begins.

When I ask people “where should the scene end,” a whole new perspective opens up. Sometimes (often) the scene should end after pretty much *any line or action.* Like... many, many times.

Honestly, the scene should end before it even starts. In a perfect world, the other character agrees with you instantly and poof... no problem, no conflict... no scene. But because they don’t, you’re already on an uphill climb the second you open your mouth.

So stop saving yourself for page three. Expect the win on page one or even earlier. And when you don’t get it? Buckle up. Go moment by moment. Stop being a good scene partner and win. That’s acting.