Take the Actor Survey on How to Prepare for Historical Roles
Take the Actor Survey on How to Prepare for Historical Roles

Take the Actor Survey on How to Prepare for Historical Roles

🎭 New: For Actors In Biopics And Period Dramas

Whether you’re rising fast or decades into your career — this short survey is here to help you discover what you already know, and what still feels unclear.

Because piling on more historical facts isn’t what you need.
This survey is your first step toward a better kind of prep — one that shifts you from data to emotion, from overwhelm to meaningful insight.


Ask yourself:

  • What do you fear most about portraying someone from the past?
  • What emotion do you feel least prepared to express — because you’re not sure how it would’ve looked in that time?
  • What part of your character’s daily life still feels like a blur?
  • If your character could whisper one sentence before the first take — would you know what they’d say?

I designed this survey for actors who are under pressure to deliver emotional truth, fast — especially when the prep they’re handed is rushed, vague, or overwhelming. After watching brilliant performers struggle with over-researched roles and under-explained lives, I wanted to offer a sharper way to get clarity before it’s too late.

If we haven’t met: I’m Dr. Barbara — a historical consultant for actors, screenwriters and filmmakers. I help you prepare for biopics and historical roles using real archival sources, emotional research strategies, and scene-level details that bring the past to life without guesswork.


🗣 This Is Not A Quiz — It’s A Quiet Space To Reflect

✅ There are no wrong answers
✅ You don’t need to name the film, the role, or the historical figure
✅ Your answers remain private and won’t be shared

We’re building this together — to demystify historical role prep for every actor who’s ever felt overwhelmed, underprepared, or stuck with surface-level material.

If you want to leave an email address, then I’ll send you back your answers, and I’ll annotate them with helpful hints how you could improve your process. If it fits, I’ll send you a great resource, the link to a digital database, or a book recommendation. No pressure. Just a personal suggestion, if it fits.

👇 Start the Historical Prep Survey Now

A short survey to help actors reflect on emotional gaps in historical role prep, here with a group of 1900s ladies with hats.
The Deseronto Archives, CC0