What is hot seating in drama?

Hot seating is an improvisational technique used in drama where an actor takes on the role of a character and sits in a designated "hot seat" while other participants, usually an audience or fellow actors, ask them questions in character. This exercise encourages deeper exploration of the character's motivations, feelings, and backstory, allowing both the actor and the audience to gain insights into the character's perspective. It promotes engagement and helps develop a richer understanding of the role being portrayed.

In contrast, the other options describe different acting techniques. Acting out a scene involves performing a scripted or improvised piece of drama. Writing letters as characters can help actors delve into their character's thoughts and emotions, but it lacks the immediacy of interaction found in hot seating. Physically expressing thoughts relates to movement and body language in performance, not the direct questioning and character interaction central to hot seating.