Most plays or movies have this part of the story written out for you, so be sure to practice and rehearse your dying scene. If you’re playing a prank, be sure to practice your dying scene before you do it in front of others. You’ll want it to look as natural as possible. Get a friend involved to give you some feedback as you practice. Some ways to fake a death would be a heart attack, getting shot, or being stabbed. Some of these methods will require another actor or friend. [1] X Research source
If possible, fall onto a soft surface. For example, if you are outside, fall onto the grass instead of the sidewalk. This way, you’re less likely to get injured.
Faking a heart attack might include clutching your chest, gasping for air, and falling to the ground. You should look as if you are scared and in pain. Faking getting shot might include you jolting your body as the fake bullets hit you, holding your hand over your injuries, and falling to the ground. You should look like you’re in excruciating pain, and give a painful yell or scream as you get shot. If you get shot in the body, you should stagger backwards before falling. If you get shot in the head, you should fall instantly, as you’d die immediately. If you want to make a dying statement, make it in a harsh, whispery voice. You’ll want to sound like you are in pain and struggling to talk and breathe. Keep the statement short. After you “die,” be sure that you land in a position that you’ll be able to stay completely still in. If you’re playing a prank, be aware of your situation. If you are seriously scaring people around you, consider waking up and telling them that it’s a joke.
Make sure to position your body in a way that looks dead instead of just asleep. Some ways to do this are to position your body in an unnatural way, bend your limbs so that they look broken, or twist your torso so that it looks like your back is broken. Practice lying different ways to see which death positions you are most comfortable for you. It’s important that you find a comfortable position, as you’ll have to hold it, possible for a long time, without moving. Lying completely still includes your face. Don’t smile, or make any other facial movements. Try to keep a blank look on your face. Leave your mouth open so that you’re able to breathe without opening and closing your mouth. [3] X Research source
If your body is stiff or tense, it will be much harder for you to stay completely still. Instead of tensing your muscles, relax your body completely. Visualize a calm, serene place, and allow your body and mind to sink into deep relaxation. [4] X Research source Practice meditating by giving yourself a few minutes of meditation time a day. Sit alone, in silence, and clear your mind. You can stop your mind from wandering by counting your breaths as you inhale and exhale. [5] X Research source If you have trouble lying still and not moving, try counting to meditate. If you focus your mind on something (like counting), you won’t feel as anxious, and your body will appear to be more relaxed.
You cannot blink when you are dead. Practice holding your eyes open without blinking before you actually perform in front of an audience. [6] X Research source
Holding your breath is a useful technique, because you will have no body movement at all. Most people can learn to hold their breath for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Practicing holding your breath for as long as possible, but do not hurt yourself. If you try holding your breath for too long, you may actually pass out. If you start to feel dizzy or light headed, stop holding your breath and resume breathing. [8] X Research source Some of the best exercises to practice holding your breath are swimming underwater and singing (holding out long notes). [9] X Research source
Take in the smallest amount of air possible – just enough for you to get by. Only take a deep breath right before you “die. " Taking a deep breath before your death scene will give you a good amount of stored air to use while you’re playing dead.
Focus only on your neck and throat. Pretend as if all of your air is coming from that area, and not from your chest or abdomen. When you practice this technique, hold your hand on your throat area to direct your focus. Once you’ve directed your focus, you should be able to see and feel a difference in your body movements while breathing. [10] X Research source
