The Big 3: Unlocking Your Best Performance Through Objectives, Obstacles, and Tactics

If you’ve ever watched a performance that felt flat or lifeless, chances are the actor wasn’t fully engaging with what I call The Big 3: Objectives, Obstacles, and Tactics. These three elements are the key to creating a performance that is dynamic, believable, and filled with depth. They separate the great actors from the ones just going through the motions, and they are the foundation of my work as a professional actor, director, and teacher.

I’ve spent years in the theatre—on stage, behind the scenes, and in the classroom—and I can tell you with absolute certainty that when actors fully commit to their objectives, understand their obstacles, and employ a variety of tactics, their performances come alive. But here’s the secret: The Big 3 aren’t just tools for actors. They are powerful principles that can transform the way you approach your life, career, and personal growth.

So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to take a theatre class, let’s break down why mastering The Big 3 will not only make you a better actor but also give you invaluable skills that extend beyond the stage.

Objectives: What Do You Want?

At the core of any compelling performance is the character’s objective—what they want, their goal, their driving force. Every moment on stage (or in life) is motivated by an objective, whether it’s as simple as getting someone to listen or as complex as fighting for survival. Without a strong objective, a scene lacks urgency and purpose.

Think of some of the most iconic performances in theatre and film—Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire, Viola Davis in Fences, or Mark Rylance in Jerusalem. What makes them unforgettable? They have crystal-clear objectives. Their characters aren’t just reciting lines; they are pursuing something with relentless energy.

In her book Respect for Acting, Uta Hagen famously said, "If I’m being as honest as I can, if I’m pursuing what I want as strongly as I can, that is all I can do." That’s the essence of objectives—truthful, committed pursuit.

When you take a theatre course, you learn how to define your objectives in every scene and moment. This makes your acting more precise, specific, and alive. And here’s the kicker: when you get better at clarifying your objectives in acting, you start applying that same clarity in real life—whether it’s in job interviews, relationships, or personal goals.

Obstacles: What’s in Your Way?

If objectives are the fuel that drives your character forward, obstacles are the roadblocks that make the journey interesting. Conflict is the heart of drama—without it, there’s no story worth telling.

An obstacle can be anything: another person standing in your way, your own fears and doubts, physical barriers, societal norms—the list is endless. The tension between what your character wants and what’s preventing them from getting it is what creates compelling drama. If there’s no struggle, there’s no reason for the audience to invest.

A theatre course helps you see obstacles not as dead ends, but as opportunities to dig deeper into your character’s motivations. The best performances happen when an actor fully embraces their obstacles and allows them to shape their choices. And just like objectives, this lesson extends beyond acting. Learning to navigate obstacles in a scene teaches you resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that serve you well in everyday life.

Tactics: How Will You Get It?

Once you know what your character wants (objective) and what’s standing in their way (obstacle), the next question is: How are they going to get it? That’s where tactics come in.

Tactics are the different strategies a character employs to overcome obstacles and achieve their objective. A common mistake I see in beginner actors is playing just one note—saying a line the same way over and over again without variation. Real people, however, adjust their approach based on the situation. If you ask your friend for a favor and they say no, do you just give up? No! You might try persuasion, charm, guilt, bargaining, or even aggression—different tactics to achieve the same goal.

The key to a layered, dynamic performance is varying your tactics. In a theatre course, you’ll practice switching tactics on the fly, making your characters richer and more spontaneous. The bonus? You’ll start to notice how tactics influence your real-life interactions. You’ll become more aware of communication styles, negotiation techniques, and the power of adaptability—skills that are useful in everything from leadership roles to personal relationships.

Bringing It All Together: Creating Dimensional Characters

Actors who master The Big 3 create performances that feel authentic, engaging, and full of life. A character with a clear objective, real obstacles, and a variety of tactics feels human because they mirror real human experiences. This is what makes an audience lean in. This is what makes a performance unforgettable.

If you’re considering taking a theatre course but aren’t sure if it’s worth it, let me tell you: It’s one of the best investments you can make—not just for your acting skills but for your overall personal and professional growth. At The Actor’s Ink Studio, we focus on these core principles to help you unlock your potential, whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or refining your craft as a seasoned performer.

So, are you ready to take the leap? Let’s work together to bring depth, dimension, and authenticity to your performance—and maybe, just maybe, transform the way you approach life itself.

Join us at The Actor’s Ink Studio and start your journey today!