Acting Right

Photo by Javad Esmaeili on Unsplash

 







I opened an email from the local community theater, promoting auditions for a two-person show. I’ve been connected to this theater for nearly 30 years, and last year I was cast as a lead for the first time ever. Unfortunately, like so many important events, the show was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’ve been wanting to get on the stage ever since.

Even as a child, I loved stories and playing pretend. Acting is a way to become a different person, with different experiences, values, and perspectives. There’s also the fun of getting into a character’s head, to understand their motivation or true feelings, and then creatively communicating those traits through facial expression, voice inflection, and body language.

Mathematically, the chance of being cast in a two-person show is not very good, especially since I’m not the most talented or experienced choice. I find joy in the audition process, reading as a character that I’ve just “met.”

An actor’s ability to develop an understanding of another person’s perspective can be a valuable tool in connecting with others and building relationships. Relationships require integrity, however. Acting like someone you’re not is best left on the stage. 




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